Clear Across the Barrens
From Ardrana
At branches of the Red Dragon Inn all across Ardrana, fliers were distributed calling for volunteers to take part in a grand adventure. Those who responded met Marquire, a representative of the government of Imor. Through a crystal ball, he showed them the grandeur of the city, and then passed around a tablet to sign.
Those bold few who signed the tablet were brought through the RDI's transportation network to Imor, where they met Clive, the proprietor of the local establishment. He showed the individuals to the meeting room, where Marquire met with them, giving them each a device to wear on their wrist. A representative of the Imorian Bureau of Attunement, Dorella, explained to the group that the bands served both a translation device and a tracking device. They told the group a bit about the city, and some of the party -- especially Thorodin and Tripper Leebow -- expressed concern about what they saw as a rigid caste system. Things were not off to a good start.
Marquire then introduced the group to Sergeant Greenedge, the mission commander. Together, they told the assembled party that they would be cleaning out an abandoned underground passage that led from Imor to the city of Drev. At that point, Gregory Kelso, a military specialist, came into the room wheeling a cart with a covered cage on it. Inside the cage were two unusual-appearing creatures, and the party was asked to drive out or kill any normal pests, but to bring back any other unusual creatures such as these.
Again, the party became concerned, and believed that their questions were being evaded. Li-Jorus found himself asking some questions multiple times to get answers. The party wondered why the passage was only now being reopened, a question that was seemingly not answered to their satisfaction. Meanwhile, the aggressive sergeant grated on the nerves of several in attendance, and tensions rose. Tripper wanted more information about the creatures, and wanted to perform some kind of experiment on them, but he was denied permission to do so, which seemed to rankle the druid.
Eventually, Marquire called Greenedge out into the corridor, leaving the party alone with Kelso. He took this opportunity to explain that he had been with the group who discovered the creatures. As they were talking with him, Tripper began casting a spell, only to have his wrists grabbed by Kelso, preventing the action. Marquire returned shortly, and asked for a volunteer to serve as spokesperson for the party. SniffWind, having served as a herald previously, quickly put himself forward, and nobody else seemed to object.
Marquire returned after a lengthy absence and noted the tension among the group. He suggested that they all adjourn to the common room until Dorella’s return. When everyone had stowed their belongings in their rooms and gathered around the tables that had been pushed together, Marquire informed them that Sergeant Greenedge had been removed from the mission command role at his insistence. Marquire had requested that Sergeant Keeler be put in charge of the mission as he had a more laid back approach that would work better with the varied peoples in the group. There would be an opportunity to ask questions tomorrow evening during the mission briefing.
This seemed to ease tensions somewhat, but it was obvious the group wanted to get out and about. Marquire explained that they’d have to wait until Dorella came with the maps as she was the more experienced guide to the city. The group chatted among themselves for a little while longer and partook of the trays of fruit and pastries that had been provided.
Dorella returned, accompanied by a young lad carrying a large stack of parchment. The boy put the stack on the table and departed. Dorella explained the color-coding of the maps, and described the Tenser Transit System, which seemed to spark some interest among the group. Finally, she explained the tracking feature of the maps and the group was then allowed to explore Imor’s marketplace and its surroundings.
Several of the party got to experience the TTS first hand while others chose to casually stroll about. Kessa found her visit to the Imorian Commerce Center very stimulating, as she encountered Hermes Fountain as she entered the building. Dorella and SniffWind chatted as they glided down to the A&E Scribes. ShiffWind has his eye on one of the item sold there - the EverInk pen. Tripper Leebow had an engaging chat with Granny Rose when he visited her herb and spice booth. WildFire caught the tail end of a bow demonstration and made it a point to visit Archer's Corner to express his interest in the BowMate. Thorodin's day was full of frustration as he wanted a tour of Imor University and was told he'd have to arrange a tour tomorrow.
The group returned to the RDI in drips and drabs after 5:30 and discussed their varying exploits over dinner. Afterwards, Kessa, Thorodin, ShiffWind and Tripper decided to check out the gaming area and witness the BaffleBall game in action with the assistance of one of the other patrons - an off-duty military officer. Later, Tripper and one of the other military types, Tom, played a cordial game of darts. SniffWind created a poster for his talk tomorrow evening and "sold" his upcoming performance around the common room. Thorodin and SniffWind both chatted with a dark-haired, elven-looking woman named Kendra from Flohryllin Forest seated at another table. The highlight of the evening came when a message was delivered from Sergeant Keeler that postponed the mission briefing until the day after tomorrow...
This adventure is currently in progress. It has, at various times, involved the following characters: