The weather did not hinder the natives, however. They had long since adapted to the cold and the ice and the snow, and their houses were built thick and strong, with steep roofs that nearly touched the ground. Inside, they were warm and cheerful, with fine bear and wyvern pelts on the walls, and heavily carved wooden support beams throughout the structure.
Nevä Jasvur, the Mayor of Yllfyrn, lived in one such house. A thin, balding man, with a narrow face and cold eyes, enjoyed the northern coastline, having lived there from the time of the Frost Wars. He had found a plump wife in the desolate land, and his children now grew amongst the fishermen and lumberjacks of Yllfyrn. However, in recent times, his small town had become plagued with a violent disease: Aeron, vile barbarians of the deep north. A tribe of the thieves and murderers had taken up residence in the forest, and they had begun to slay travelers and supply caravans on the way to Nevä's town.
So naturally, he did what every Meran governor did: hired mercenaries. The small country had become increasingly desperate for military power in recent years, fearing its powerful neighbors might snap up the speck of the land in their power-plays. With the rise of Dominism, that fear had grown to a terror, as the Arüvahm Empire expanded its borders daily. With the press for land and resources, Mera's weak military made it a prime candidate for 'assimilation' with a more powerful country. The oblivious monarchy, rather than examine the concept of a draft or begin investing in better armaments for its existing soldiers, chose instead to squander its treasury on an endless horde of hired swords.
Aron Varsin had been one of the thousands that had flocked to the call of easy gold. Meran governors paid by commission, and a good deal of them offered fifty percent up front, as well as a monthly wage for garrisons. Most hired soldiers realized that the frail country would fall soon, and they could turn on their previous employers and have all the riches they desired.
For now, however, Aron patiently listened with a half dozen other mercenaries. Their goal was simple: Assassinate the Aeron Chieftan in the area, and kill as many other barbarians as possible. They would receive a payment of fifty gold up front, and another five for every ear they brought back. The head of the chieftain would get them all seventy-five gold, as well as free services from the townsfolk.
***
Some ground guidelines:
- Remember that your character is only human.
- A good deal of enemies, especially elementals and such, are completely immune to certain magical attacks. Most common humans are also born with natural magical resistance, especially if they were not blessed with an element at birth.
- Teamwork is essential for taking down powerful enemies, especially "boss" enemies.
- Your character and their mount can die, especially at early levels. A PC is much less likely to die than a mount, however, and you can gain new steeds as the story progresses. Resurrection is possible, and you can be restored to life from powerful healers of Light, Shadow, and Spirit.
- Sidequests may become available at times that relate specifically to certain characters. I'll PM you if we get to a point where a sidequest is a viable option. You don't have to take it, they're just kinda cool.
OOC thread.
