A Dark and Stormy Knight (Adventure 1)

[Tharkun]

Tharkun stood next to a large oak just a few paces off the road. He slowly and quite quietly unshouldered his short bow and nocked an arrow to the string. Almost thirty feet away an unsuspecting doe gently nibbled at small patch of grass, unknowingly awaiting its fast approaching death.

Tharkun loosed his arrow and watched as a breath later the missile struck home. The creature staggered for a moment, before laying down and bleeding out.

The rogue strode forward ready to collect his prize. The deer was rather large but Tharkun managed to shoulder the animal. After taking a moment to steady himself under the heavy weight, he started off toward the road.

He lay the slain doe down onto the ground, just off of the road. "Stay here," he said. Tharkun chuckled to himself at the comment. He then turned and walked into the trees to collect wood. He needed to build a fire and a roasting rack.

It did not take the rogue long to find the wood necessary and he got to work as soon as he got back to his dinner. Tharkun tied several long pieces of wood next to each other, forming two upside down V shapes, and connected these with a branch to form a makeshift spit.

He then got to work forming the fire. First the tinder, than larger sticks, finally larger logs. As the fire cracked and sparked, Tharkun began to skin the deer and prepare the carcass before roasting it.

Slowly but surely the skin peeled away from the muscle, leaving one big piece of deer skin and the remaining body to cook. He set the skin aside contemplating other plans than to just discard it. Tharkun began to slice large pieces of meat off of the body and then tied them onto the spit. A slight breeze blew past the fire at Tharkun and he caught the smell of the roasting meat.

I do hope someone will be traveling this road sooner rather than later. Traveling alone does hold many strong points, but many months of solitude can wear on the mind. Tharkun picked up and tossed the deer head, he was just talking too, into the forest beside him and started to clean the deer skin. Ahh yes, wear on the mind indeed.

[Elladen]

Elladen was walking upon a road carrying to deer, one on each shoulder, when he saw a human eating next to a fire. Hello there, I am Elladen you look like you could use some company may I join you and cook the deer I have killed? Elladen asked as he lay down the deer and sat down still keeping his guard up for at this point he trusted no one.

[Tharkun]

Tharkun looked up at the man, a puzzled look on his face Tharkun, well met. Elladan, may I inquire as to where the necessity was in slaying two deer? I can quite see you are a rather large man, a barbarian from the North if I'm not mistaken, but I shouldn't begin to believe you can consume both yourself.

Tharkun stuck his skinning knife in the ground, stood up and slowly put his hand on the hilt of his longsword. He loosened the blade in the scabbard, and moved his hand out to his side. The barbarian was easily half a foot taller then Tharkun and had plenty of muscle for two men. He was not intimidated, not many men could inspire such an emotion in the rogue, Tharkun just wanted to be ready if the barbarian charged. You strike me as a strange man Elladan. Not many people kill two deer, fewer yet carry them along the road. Though, you don't strike me as a man of evil intent. Come, sit next to the fire and warm your bones.

Tharkun reached over and took a piece of roasted meat off of the spit and threw it to Elladan. He took another piece down and replaced it with two more. He slowly began to eat the roast deer, wishing he had some kind of spices to add to it. Enjoy the fire and meat Elladan. As I said I don't believe you to be a man of evil but know one thing. Prove me wrong and it shall be the last thing you do. I don't take well to people trying to kill me and I like being proved wrong even less. Tharkun stared at Elladan intensely before calming and flashing a slight smile. How is the deer Barbarian?

[Elladen]

Elladen caught the peice of meat and began to it. Thats good but it could use a little something. Elladen said as he reached into his backpack pulled out a chest, opened it, pulled out a small jar and began sprinkling a barbarian spice on the meat then took a bite. Thats better Elladen said as he wiped his mouth and looked at Tharkun with a smile.

Dont you worry your pretty little head Tharkun im not evil and im not going to kill you unless you give me a reason to and trust me if i wanted to prove you wrong I could have the moment I saw you. Elladen said as laughed and took another bite of his meat then began looking threw his backpack for his skinning knife.

I like the fact that you have no fear and aren't intimidated I hate when people are intimidated by me its no fun. Elladen said as he finished his meat and took out the skinning knife and began to skin the deer he had killed. So tell me Tharkun what brings you way out here? Elladen asked as he riped meat off the deer and piled it next to him.

[Caim]

Caim was walking along the road when he saw two men sitting on the ground eating and talking. He began walking twards them the closer he got the more he noticed the intensity comming from the two men. I do hope these two are friendly. Caim said as he stoped about a foot away from the to men and said My good sirs allow me to introuduce myself. I am Caim and I was wondering if I may join you two.

Caim stood there inspecting the men he noticed one of the men was freakishly large he had to be a barbarian. Then he looked at the other man. He was smaller then the other one but seemed to be a little bit calmer and a bit more stealthier he had to be a rouge.

[Tharkun]

Alas Elladan, but what is anyone's reason? What draws a man away from cups of wine and plates of food, the safety of a castle and the warmth of a woman? Adventure. No matter how delicious the food or satisfying the woman is, there is nothing like slaughtering two dozen goblins because you stole there biggest diamond. Now the diamond may have been just bigger than a grain of rice, but to them it was huge

Tharkun looked down at a silver ring the small diamond was now set in and smiled. His smile vanished a moment later.

It would seem as though the gods got me back. Soon after that battle I lost both of the weapons I carried then. I had to buy this longsword but nothing will match those blades.

Tharkun looked off into nothingness, remembering fond memories with his blades. His eyes focused when he saw another new face approaching.

Caim is it? The names Tharkun, the overly large brute there goes by Elladan. Oh and yes, have a seat enjoy the fire.

Tharkun noticed the holy symbol hanging around Caim's neck. A paladin wandering around alone? Times are becoming stranger by the day he thought

So what brings a Paladin of St. Cuthbert out into the wilds alone I must wonder. This is, of course, assuming that is your holy symbol you wear around your neck.

Tharkun was not very religious, he never was. Though he knew of several paladins and there abilities to heal themselves and others. If this man was in fact an impostor, then he had more than a little skill with the sword he carried.

[Caim]

Caim sat down in front of the fire and began to answer Tharkun's question. Well Tharkun I am in search of a scroll you see but I do not know why. It might be because I had a dream one night about my parents and a great war and how I was to become king but something happened and I was banned and it felt like my mind was wiped clear of everything. I do not know if it really was a dream or it really happened but I have found many clues and its like I'm solving a puzzle and one of these clues had something to do with a scroll.

Caim stopped for a minute looked at Tharkun and Elladen then thought to himself Man why did I just tell them that?. Caim had never talked to any body about his life or the so called Dream he had he trusted no one before, but for some reason he felt he could trust Tharkun and Elladen.


So Elladen why are you all the way out here? This place is far from Barbarian territory. Caim said as he took a piece of meat and began eating it.

[Elladen]

Elladen finished ripping the meat off the dear and began roasting it. He cleaned off his knife and put it away. Well your right it is but is that a Problem? Elladen said as he glared at Caim.

Any way its a personal matter. Elladen said as he took his great axe off his back and put it down next to him.

Elladen began to think about his father and tribe and how he needed to find a cure and the person who poisoned his father.

The more Elladen thought about it the more enraged he became. Damn it! he said as he punched the ground and made a crack in it.

[Tortek]

As Tortek was walking he noticed some black smoke coming from a campfire. I hope that's not an orc camp. Tortek told himself as he reached back for his Great Axe. As the dwarf got closer and closer, he realized that there was a small group of men sitting in front of a campfire.

When he got there, he realized that the men were all different races and classes. Good morning to you warriors.

Tortek asked the rouge May I join your party? Tortek was hoping for a yes because he really didn't want to go on an adventure by himself. My name is Tortek, a dwarvin paladin, your's? Tortek sat down next to the fire and calmly waited for an answer.

[Tharkun]

Tharkun hadn't the slightest idea of what to do now. He was simply cooking himself dinner and there were now three other men around his fire, two of which were paladins. Tharkun didn't dislike the holy warriors, but they didn't exactly share his view points on acquiring items.

That sounds like plenty of good reason enough for me Caim. It appears you do know why you are searching. You must now ask yourself, do I really want to find said scroll and solve said puzzle. Are you so positive you want to find out what lies beyond that door?

Tharkun snapped his head around when the raging barbarian, Elladen suddenly punched the ground and screamed. His boot dagger was already in his hand.

What is the problem Elladan? I don't tolerate outbursts very well especially outbursts from barbarians and the only shouting I like to hear is that of someone who is missing a few shining objects.

Now dwarf paladin Tortek, my birth name is Tharkun though I go by many other guises none to be revealed here nor now.

My party? Now that's interesting. Tharkun thought over the idea while quietly studying the other three around the fire. Leading a group this strong could be very, profitable Tharkun stood up and looked at the other men.

Alas my fellow adventurers, the paladin brings forth a quite interesting, and I dare say profitable, conundrum lies in front of us. As Tortek has already accepted me as the leader of our little group here, I trust you both will also accept. Fair shares of the loot will be dealt of course. I must say we have more than enough power to drive the rabble found in these parts. This is all of course assuming neither of you are too . . . scared to follow a rogue into battle.

Tharkun knew Caim would accept anything that involved destroying evil, most paladins would. Elladen though, would probably challenge him for the leader position. Tharkun had yet made the decision whether he would fight for the position or just let the barbarian have it. He didn't doubt the barbarians skill in battle, just his tactics. Most barbarians like the ever so subtle raging, screaming charge usually drawing as much attention as possible. Tharkun stood with his hands on his hips awaiting answers from all.

[Tortek]

Thank you Tharkun, I think you'd make a very interesting leader.Tortek said as he looked over at the other men to see them returning the glare. Tortek thought of something to say, he'd know the barbarian would easily crush him. So he quickly changed the subject.

So, what is the problem, Elladen? asked Tortek as though he knew he couldn't think of any thing else to say.

Man, that barbarian is frightening.Tortek said to himself. And as much as he wanted to say out loud, he wouldn't dare.

Tortek thought about it for a while. Maybe I should at least try to command such a group.Then he took one glance at Tharkun, then he realized that the rouge was a guy with tricks down his sleeve, and by the his weapons were placed, it looked as tricks could come down his pant leg. Tortek shivered at the thought.

[Caim]

Caim returned the glare to Elladen and said Relax Elladen I was just trying to help but if your just gonna be a jerk about it then whatever let it eat away at you for all I care.


Man did I just say that? Caim thought to himself as he clenched his fist. Caim wasn't a very violent person and didnt like confrontation very much. He would always solve things without fighting if they could be solved that way but when he had to fight he did. He would be ready if Elladen wanted a fight.


Your right Tharkun, thank you and I have no problem who leads this party. Caim said as he stood up and put his hand out to shake Tharkun's hand.

[Elladen]

Elladen looked at Caim and a little smirk appeared on his face. Normally I would have beat your brains in for saying that but for some reason I kind of like you so I wont. Elladen said as he stood up, leaned on his axe and looked at Tharkun.

Tell you what Tharkun you can lead them but not me if I wanna do my own thing there will be no stopping me we clear? but hey I can be a team player from time to time. Elladen said as he stood straight up and stared at all three men then laughed.

Elladen strapped his great axe to his back, stretched and said Well boys where to first? Oh and Tharkun I know how rouges are when it comes to finding treasure so when you say we will split it evenly I believe you but I won't hold my breath you understand? Elladen looked at Tharkun not in a nasty way but in a way for Tharkun to know that he has the potential to gain Elladen's respect by proving himself.

[Tharkun]

Tharkun looked North up the road. A gust of wind blew from behind him, almost as a sign.

The road North will take us to the town of Winterhaven. I'm sure we could find some sort of mercenary job there, guard a merchant caravan to a bigger city where we can take part in all the bigger riches.

Tharkun took one more piece of deer off the fire before smothering the flames and tossing the carcass off the road. He started to walk down the road before turning around and looked at the other three adventurers

You all coming?