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OOC: https://forum.nogoblinsallowed.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=26224&p=670529#p670529



It's the first day of spring, it's a clear sunny day, trees and flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the last of the snow has melted away. The people of Saballi are doing their usual business, taking advantage of what little peace they can in these harsh times. In the middle of town, there is a broken stone fountain with various carts and stalls selling goods surrounding it. further the west of the stalls is "The Leaping Boar", a small tavern that's frequented by travelers looking to take a break from the long roads... Or are just looking for an excuse to brag and get drunk. City Hall lies to the North, and the school and library to the south. To the East is the docs, currently being flooded with fishermen eager to sell their catch and tell their tales on the high seas. The residential area surrounds the other structures to the North and west, and a gate leading out of town can be found at the far north and south east walls. Lastly, just to the North east are "The Snoring Wolf INN" and a temple dedicated to the worship of Yolnarii, The Goddess of Law and Order. Though the building has been seeing fewer and fewer villagers these days with reports of Hell Knight activity in a village farther North from Saballi, could fear be driving them away from their faith? Or is there a higher power at work here?

Make either a History check or an investigation check

Alan took in the atmosphere of slightly manic cheer of the town, typical of early spring in these trying times, as he started to gather his equipment.

"Where are you going?" Asked Leva, eyes still shining from the last tale he had told them. She was the youngest daughter of Habel, who was bringing his vegetables to the market. Alan had walked the last stretch of the way here with them and Leva's older sister Alba, and while Habel had generously offered to carry Alan's backpack on his small carriage and was happy to chat about the farm life, the man's mood cooled pretty quickly when his daughters showed interest in Alan - albeit for very different reasons.

"I'm meeting with a friend," Alan replied, "who told me there was an opportunity for me to do good around here."

"I'm coming with you!" Leva jumped down the carriage with enthusiasm. "Gonna be your... squire!" She seemed proud of remembering the word.

"I'm honored, Leva, but I'd prefer you didn't," Alan said in a kind but firm tone. "In days like these, kids like you should be playing with their friends... and helping their parents," he added under the duress of her father's glare.

The girl frowned. "But I want to be a hero like you!"

Alan winced minutely at the kids' words, but he recovered quickly. "There are more ways to be a hero than poking monsters with a spear," Alan explained carefully, his big earnest smile back in its place, "both the army and the wandering helpers like me need food, weapons, armor... clothes. Can you imagine me facing the Black Rapids' wolves in my underpants?"

Leva giggled. "The wolves would bite your butt!"

"Wiser words were never spoken," Alan replied with exaggerated solemnity, and glanced at the girl's father, who was smiling despite himself. "Warriors can't fight without many people to help them: smiths, tailors, innkeepers, farmers, merchants... wouldn't you say they are heroes of their own?"

The kid didn't look convinced. "But the monsters!"

"Fair enough," Alan conceded, "someone needs to be on the lookout for them. So I'll let you in a secret," he continued in a stage whisper. "If you want to learn how to protect people, you gotta start small. Practice with your family and your friends. Help them when they're in need, look after them and keep an ear out for trouble. Be the hero they need, when they need it. Every year, as you get better, you can add a bunch of people to look after, until you're ready to protect the whole town. Sounds good?"

Leva stared at her father and sister with an appraising look. "I can do that."

"Great! I'll sleep easier knowing that you'll be here to help even when I'm away," Alan said with a proud smile, and picked up his backpack. He then offered Habel his hand. "It has been a delight traveling with you, but I must be on my way. I wish you a good market's day and a safe return."

Habel seemed to consider Alan very seriously for a moment, then smiled back as he shook his hand. "Good luck on your adventures, Alan. Be sure to rest amidst all your heroics, understand?" He added with a chuckle.

"I'll do my best," Alan laughed after a moment's hesitation, and waved goodbye to the family. Now, where to find his contact... it had been at least a year since he last saw them. What was their name again?



[I couldn't resist writing a bit of an establishing piece for Alan, as he's not the kind of character I usually play. Sneaked in a tiny Undertale reference after reading that birds are singing and flowers are blooming... just so you know, this is the most overt my references are probably gonna be.

The setup post speaks of a contact calling us here for a job, so more detail on that could define our starting approach in Saballi.

I'm also not a fan of massive formatting, and despite being a Homestuck big bunches of colored text are not my favorite thing, so I'll only employ them if required.]

The tiefling who's identification read "Zanzilbar Dalcatta" strides into town.
Not a great town maybe, but it's near the front so there's bound to be action here.
I scan the crowds for the most adventurous-looking types this burg has to offer. The moment my eyes lock onto a likely prospect, I make a (very casual) beeline towards them, smoothing out my clothes as I do so.

Guessing that's investigation check? Int roll?

If it's Int that's at +1.

You recall reviving a Message from an indevidual by the name of "Dao", saying he had a job for you and others



You see a Silver Dragonborn in the crowd, he (like you) doesn't seem to be around from here



Make a history check

Catching sight of Aaarrrgh's character Kriv I spin on my heel midstride- This, this is what I'm looking for.
I clasp my hand on Kriv's shoulder, "Ahoy, good fellow. You look the fire-bellied sort. I'm looking to get together a group to stage daring exploits and garner fabulous wealth. How would you like to join on?"

[So History checks will be used to represent memory? Aight.]

After a moment of confused silence, Kriv responds.

"Oh, uh, hello. I'm already supposed to be seeing someone called Dao about a job. Also, no fire in my belly. Quite the opposite, really.

@Aaarrrgh / Kriv
"Well I will be glad to meet your employer then. Or, if luck should turn a certain way, to be your employer next. Works out that way quite often."
I offer my hand to the dragonborn with a flourish.
"I'm Zanzilbar Dalcatta if my reputation hasn't already preceded me, or if it did regardless. And you good sir?"

Kriv hesitantly takes Zanzilbar's hand.
"Kriv. And I'd like to meet him too. You wouldn't happen to know where to find him?"

If you recall... your Contact is a Saurian Cyborg, His name is Dao.

Siobhan dusted herself off as she entered town — a largely futile effort, as her travelling clothes had become caked in the grit of the roads and wilderness long ago. She kept her mask down but her arms uncovered, knowing from experience that was the best way to avoid unwanted attention while avoiding people’s revulsion. In the back of her mind, she could feel Haggard stampede about in the field she fashioned from her memories. She walked the streets slowly, taking in the scenery while trying to bring back muscle memory.

In many ways, this place hadn’t changed over the years. She had never known the town’s central fountain to flow, and it seemed no one cared enough to fix it. A pity, as the calming effects of water were known even to those irreverent to the forces of nature. Though remembering it by a slightly different name, she entered the Leaping Boar, hoping to ask about for her connection inside.

The Leaping Boar was filled with activity, and was mostly populated by humans and elves... With a few Dwarves and Dragonborn sprinkled in. Most in here seemed content, but a handful seemed slightly unhappy about the recent hell knight activity in the area.

But out of everyone, this individual seems the most out of place.

Analysis: New Region

Points of interest: Data repository (Library)
Immediate need: Secure shelter for necessary inactive time. Identify local conditions.

Action intended: Visit organic socialization site "Leaping Boar Tavern"

A mechanical humanoid approaches. Some of its body is concealed by a crude cloak, but its "Face", or what passes for a face, is clear, a somewhat ragged plate that only mimes the sense of a head-like outline with eyes.

You see much of the same, as well as a woman with tattoos