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From: [e-mail] (Rance Doory)
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Subject: STORY: The Tales of Dark Haven (Chapter 1)
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Date: 5 Jul 1995 08:48:12 -0400
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-------------------------- The Tales of Dark Haven ---------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-                                                                            -
- These stories are from an on-going E-mail campaign, and are currently      -
- maintained by Lance Dooly ([e-mail]).  New stories will be  -
- posted in rec.games.frp.archives and are available for anonymous FTP       -
- at tfnet.ils.unc.edu in /pub/dark.                                         -
-                                                                            -
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-------------------- Chapter 1: Our Arrival in the New Land ------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a quick list of who's playing that I made to jog my memory
until I get to know everyone.  Thought you might find it useful too...

Arlon (The Avenger) - Alert, observant, civic-minded male elf
Dithion Ulderan     - Amused man with a CLUB
Falrun Greenleaf    - Male elf with prominent swords
Kaeyar Starshine    - Rude, ugly, well-armed male elf
Keilan Forester     - Young, seasoned woodsman
Shadowdancer Shander "Shade" - Scarred Drow male; bard of Elistrae
Silver              - Calm woman with noble demeanor
Tarok Brewmeister   - Gruff dwarf with an axe and no beard
Tatiana Shadowfire  - Female human bard with owl familiar

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(DM:)
You guys are all broke, wanted or otherwise in BIG trouble. Your ways
led you to Waterdeep, and there a golden opportunity was handed to
you. A new continent has been discovered, inhabited only by savages
(as far as you know :) ).  Several trading companies, free cities and
countries have formed an alliance to collectively exploit this new
opportunity. However, they have trouble getting experienced people to
go, since most established people don't want to bother setting up shop
in some primitive booney. You guys, and others like you, fit the bill
exactly. You guys will be the third 'wave' of immigrants to go. A
small, primitive village is already started, and a garrison and a
Resident Mage (a mage, member of the guild, who is given a charter to
start a new guild-house and small library etc, funded by the guild)
are already there. Tales of mounds of gold, gems and the usual
bullshit about the unknown abound, and you can't resist. On the voyage
there, (about two months by boat) the group gets to know each other,
hangs out together, and decides to form a real adventuring company,
under license of the local lord.

During the boat ride ...

(Falrun:)
Judging from first appearances, I would tend to stay in the company of
Silver, Keilan, Tarok, and Tatiana as long as she didn't get to be too
annoying.

(Silver:)
When Silver first encounters Tuft, she becomes intensely interested in
Tuft and Tatiana.  She will talk to Tuft at some point, and ask
questions relevant to owls. What type of owl is Tuft ? I doubt that
Tuft is solitary, and is Tuft male or female ? The questions directed
at Tuft will be things such as how s/he became involved with Tatiana
in the first place, and how her/his hunting has progressed since, and
most of all how s/he is viewing this new land.

(From Tatiana & Tuft:)
OOC: Tufts Reaction on first meeting Silver on the ship
     I took some liberties with putting words in your mouth to start.

Silver walked up to Tatiana more interested in Tuft at first.  Tuft
was sitting on Tatiana's right shoulder and was rather an enormous
bird up close.  Tuft had large light brown framed eyes, whose head was
fully above Tatianas even when squatting.  Tatiana seemed able to hold
the weight of the bird with little problem.  Tuft's downy brown
feathers were well groomed and his ears would twitch to pick up new
sounds despite the fact that his eyes were closed at the moment.

"What a nice bird you have Tatiana" Silver said on her approach.

Tatiana smiled "Thank you but he's not mine really.  He's my
companion"

"It's a he then?  What's his name?"

"I call him Tuft, But he calls himself something I can't pronounce"

"You can talk with him?"

"Telepathic really, all he says his 'whoo' otherwise.  Sometimes he
lets out this screech when he's upset that makes you want to jump out
of your skin"

Silver addressed Tuft, who's eyes were still closed "You're a very
pretty bird Tuft.  May I call you Tuft too?"

Tuft opened his eyes with a large staring glance.  He cocked his head
which was difficult to interpret.  His left ear twitched forward
towards Silver with interest.  His gaze settled on the staff with the
carved wooden owl for a head.

"He wants to know about your pretty staff.  I think he likes you"

(Silver:)
Silver will wish to help ensure that Tuft gets a comfortable ride on
the ship.  In getting to know Tuft better, a relationship is sure to
spring up with Tatiana. The two of them should make a stunning pair
wherever they go. Silver is fairly impressed that Ana has taken an owl
as a familiar, and feels that Ana could well be a trustworthy
companion.

Although Silver realizes that Ana has no need of help in any of her
dealings with the other members of the group, nor really with any
strangers she may meet, she hopes that Ana would feel able to confide
in her if the need arises.  And if Ana feels that Tuft is in danger,
then Silver will be more than ready to help.

(Tatiana:)
OOC: Tatiana will talk politely with Silver, but will seem to be
     uncomfortable when it's just the two of them.  Only Silver (being
     a female) will notice that Tatiana seems to be putting on airs as
     it were, when she's with the guys.  Tatiana will get just as
     vulgar as the next guy and doesn't seem uncomfortable doing so.
     But it seems like she doesn't know how to behave around Silver?

(Silver:)
Silver will easily relax when talking on ship with Kaeyar and Keilan
about the forests and wild woods back home, and her eyes mist over
when she relates some of the more beautiful glades and the wonders she
has witnessed about the Grove she calls home.

(Tatiana:)
Tatiana listens intently to the wonders of the Forest as told by all
the elves.  She too has woodland experience but never like the way all
of you describe it.  Some how she's missed something.

OOC: Tatiana has lots of woodland experience so would join in the
     conversation with Keilan and Kaeyar.  She wasn't all that
     comfortable on ship but gets along well in either the out doors
     or indoors.  Underground I don't really know yet? :) Even the
     crude conversations she joined right in and you didn't feel
     uncomfortable with her.

In a private moment when Silver was scratching Tufts head, Tatiana
asks "So, do you have any brothers or sisters?"

(Silver:)
She will still feel reticent when talking about her childhood, and
when asked why she only goes by the single name Silver, will shrug the
question off - "It's how I feel comfortable".

Although never having played an instrument before, she asks Ana to try
to teach the flute while on the journey.

(Tatiana:)
"I'm still learning the flute and the drum, but I can teach you the
lute if you're interested."

(Silver:)
She will ask Tarok about his lack of beard, but will not press for an
explanation if he does not want to give one (as we all have things we
would rather not share).

(Arlon:)
Before I start I'll get a little more descriptive: Arlon is fair of
face but not exceptional, he appears thin and wiry in his robes and
slightly taller than the average elf.

Here is what I do to start.

The 3 people I am most interested in are:
Kaeyar ->  I also study the ancient tongues
Tatiana -> I have great interest in the ancient cultures and
           happenings myself.
Shadow ->  I am intrigued by the Dark elf and would like to know more
           about the Drow culture and cities.
The other thing is the elves that have some apathy for our wonderful
society, I will want to know why.


(Arlon:)
During the boat trip:
For the most part I would walk to the others cautiously - probably
from the sway of the boat.  I would push for information (especially
the elves who seemed to care not for me); but if I observed resistance
or the other being uncomfortable, I would back off.

"My interests are Ancient knowledge and ways, the unknown, a good
recipe for ale; but my love is the mystic art."

(Dithion:)
Dithion is, apparently, a silent and solitary sort.  He says little,
but listens and watches everyone and everything around him intently.

On board the ship, he would seldom engage in any long winded
conversations, but if had been approached would immediately take over
the conversation by asking question after question of the other
involved.

(Falrun:)
In response to Shade's inquiries to my background, Falrun says, "I
have spent some time roaming the countryside and finding employment as
a securities specialist.  I have spent time testing security systems
and recovering stolen goods.

"I decided to come to this new land to avoid any enemies that I have
made during my travels.  Hopefully no one will think that I am worth
chasing across the world, not that I couldn't handle them, it's just
that I need some time to relax so that I won't accidentally kill an
innocent bystander by mistake."

(Silver:)
[DM info only : I will "speak with animals" to Tuft if I get the
chance to do so alone with Tuft (or with only 'Ana close by).
"<Tuft>", (real owl-name inserted here) "You will obviously need to
exercise yourself properly tonight after so long aboard ship. May I
join your hunt just to watch and learn ? I will not encroach upon your
territory and will not hunt unless you permit me to do so, but I shall
join you in the form of one of your own kind." ]

(DM:)
Here is your first glimpse at a new world:

You all have been cooped up on this ship for WAY too long, and all of
you are on edge.  Tempers flare, even Silver is a slight bit irritated :)

Then suddenly you hear those golden words you have all been waiting
for sooo long. 'Land Ho!' Shouts the sailor who occupies the crow's
nest on the top of the mast. Immediately you all (and all other
emigrants, some fifty in all) rush to the forecastle of the ship to
get a look. You are all very disappointed, as you cannot see anything
yet. As time passes the crowd dwindles but some stay steadfast
looking, spying the western horizon.

(Dithion:)
The large man called Dithion heads below deck as soon as land is
sighted.  He is gone for about ten minutes when he comes back up.

No longer does he wear the simple brown robe, but is dressed in
leather breeches.  He wears a chain mail shirt, which hangs low over
his breeches.  Underneath the chain links you can make out a white
shirt.  His backpack is on again, and he says, "This is going to be
hot.  Hmmm, mayhaps when we get a room I will take this off, I didn't
think it would be so hot here...and it's been a while since I have
worn one of these suits."

(DM:)
After about an hour has passed, a burly gnome with sparkling green
eyes shouts loudly from atop the water barrel he had climbed to get a
better look with his short frame.  'Land! I can see it! Beautiful
green land! Ahh! The feel of solid ground under my feet!' Those around
him tug at his clothes and demand to get more detail.  The gnome just
shrugs them off and stares with wondrous eyes ahead of him, mouth
agape.

After another ten minutes or so passes, the first of you begin to spy
the thin green line denoting land ahead. Soon the entire ship is
buzzing and everybody stops by to get a look.  You hang around until
the entire western horizon is filled with a seemingly unending green
strip from north to south. Suddenly the Captain of the ship appears.
Throughout the voyage you have learned he is a man to respect, and who
brook no argument. When the captain reaches the forecastle, all the
buzzing comes to a grinding halt.  Without even bothering to look at
the approaching shore he shouts:

'What are you land rats starin at! Ye are keepin me men from doin
their jobs!  C'mon get goin! Go pack your stuff or something, don't
stand there gapin! We won't make landfall for another six hours or so.
Go make yourselves useful.  Everything has ta be straightened out
before we can unload this ship.  We will need all the help you poor
excuses of beings can give me!'

Muttering and grumbling (but not too loud) you all depart to pack your
stuff.  Being adventurers born, you only need little time to pack, and
quickly finish helping securing stuff, and rigging everything for easy
unloading. It is about two hours before expected landfall ere you can
get some rest and steal another glance at your new home. By now the
sun is already past high noon (land was spied in the early morning).
You can now make out large mountains farther inland, and the thin line
now clearly is divided in a white line for lush beaches, and the deep
green of the jungle. The ship seems to be steering for the only
landmark in sight. A large reddish outcropping of rock on the seabord.
When you remark on this to each other, a nearby sailor - a large
minotaur - overhears you, and speaks up.

'That there is Mindak's Rock. Da villuge is to tha north of the rock.
That is where y'uns'll be goin. They call it Dark Haven. Da only
civilized haven in da new, dark continent. Heh heh. They need more
bodies. Desperate uns like you all.' At this he grins a wicked smile.
When you inquire as to what he means, his grin becomes even nastier,
almost menacing. 'Oh, nuttin. You mean you fell for that bull about
riches and all that junk?  Hah. Fools. Sure, they bring pearls back of
colors ne'er seen before. The natives wear gold as if it were jus lyin
around there. But there are also the dire creatures, and da natives
are nun too pleased at our presence. Wait'll you run up against one of
them Black Knights, or one of those Demonic Deer. See how much you'll
like it then.  Hah. Or get bitten by one of those Blue Lightnin's.
Hah.  No cure known.  An agonizin death worse than any ever imagined
by da torturers of da Zhentarim.  Dey lost one out of every three in
battles with native war-parties and to diseases and creatures nun had
evur heard uf before. Sure, da second group brought clerics and mages
with them. Enough to make the settlers survive. But t'is tough out
there.  REAL tough.'

After that the sailor goes back to his work, and further questions are
ignored by the minotaur. While he was speaking, the coast slowly drew
near. You can make out a small wooden fort atop Mindak's Rock. You
notice now a small island in front of the village, with another fort
on it. You vaguely remember that that was the haven of the first
settlers who found the continent by accident after having been blown
WAY off course after an argument with an air elemental that had been
summoned to hasten the ship to its intended destination. It was called
Lion's Claw castle, after the ship whose shattered remains were
salvaged to build the fort. Lord Kael built it while his liege Lord
Talon Clasp took the surviving ships back to report on this discovery.

You draw even nearer, and some buildings can be made out. On the north
edge of town stands the 'Pentagon', the five sided tower magically
pulled out of the ground by the Mage Mendahl Wyvernspur, Resident Mage
of Dark Haven.  Also the small keep called Castle Talon Clasp, the
seat of government for this small community. Other buildings can be
seen, but you cannot figure their purposes or specifics. The flag of
Cormyr flies from Lion' Claw Castle, though you know that the
expedition is supported equally by Waterdeep, Cormyr, Sembia and Amn.
Most buildings are wooden, though a few seem to be built with regular,
grey stone. Where they got that you know not.

After some more time passes, the ship comes really close, and the
sails are being trimmed.  You can make out the wooden, rickety wharf,
and near the small island that shields the harbor you see an old mast
stick out of the waves.....  apparently not all ships make it in
safely. Those among you not used to sailing get a bit green in the
face and wild in the eyes. It appears your coming is as much awaited
by the town, as your arriving by you.

(DM:)
The wharf is filled with people of all kinds of races. At the
forefront stands a retinue of guards wearing colours of all the
different supporting cities. An imposing man with a large golden claw
on his tabard stands waiting in front of the troops.  He would be Lord
Talon Clasp.

Things become chaotic as people shout and yell, lines are thrown and
fastened, planks shoved to the ship. Sailors run about making sure the
ship 'parks' safely. When all of you are lining the railing, the burly
Lord speaks up to all of you.

'You are all welcome here, in our now frontier. Your skills will be
much needed. For more information on things that are to be done you
can visit the Citadel, where lists with jobs and rewards will be
posted. Until you have had time to build a house or have one built,
you can stay at 'The Commons'. Stay out of trouble. Inside the walls
laws are enforced harshly, outside you can pretty much do as you
please. It's a jungle out there (at this he grins widely), so caution
is advised. Come off board. You probably want to feel some solid
ground for a change.' (at this almost all aboard mutter loud
agreement).

At this the crowd parts to let all who want off board. there is some
pushing and shoving as everyone wants to be the first off, some even
jump into the water.

(Dithion:)
When the ship makes land (or docks, rather).  He steps off, nimbly
going down the gangplank as if he has done it a million times before.
Once on the dock, he calls up and says, "Now, be careful when you
first touch land, you might feel a wee bit disoriented not to be on
something that doesn't move."  He smiles, and adds, "I remember my
first time coming off a ship, it might have been less confusing if I
had been warned."

(Kaeyar)
Kaeyar nimbly and swiftly picked his way through the crowd, thankful
to be able to stand on something that didn't sway and rock beneath
him.

"Damnation!  Now it'll be another day or two before my legs realize
the earth isn't moving beneath them.  At least I'll be able to hold
down a whole meal, something made fresh," he mumbled.

(Tatiana:)
Through all the pushing and shoving Tatiana managed to step out from
the crowd and look graceful doing it.  She stepped across the wooden
plank and headed towards Lord Talon Clasp.

"Thank you kindly Lord Talon Clasp" her voice could be heard over the
excited murmuring of the crowd.  Tatiana's voice carried well and many
on the ship already knew it well. She had told many stories to keep
the ships passengers occupied and entertained on the long journey.
Even the roughest of men liked her because she could get down and
dirty and didn't mind the foul language they used.  Despite her good
looks she was like one of the guys when she wanted to be.  Now
however, she look like the proper lady as she addressed Lord Clasp.

"I'm sure we all will be able to contribute some to your efforts to
establish you ...  What do you call this town again?.  I can see I've
got a lot to learn about this new land of yours.  Where would one go,
to get more information about your little piece of civilization here?
And of course the dangers and hazards we should watch out for"

(Kaeyar:)
"Hey, you!  Can a body see the Citadel and the commons from here?"  he
called out to a human dock-worker; while talking with the man, he
watched Tatiana out of the corner of his eye, grinning at her
presumptuousness.

(DM/Lord Talon Clasp:)
Lord Talon Clasp bows gracefully to Tatiana.

(Tatiana:)
"Thank you again for your welcome kind sir!  Perhaps you might know of
some other means of residence beside the common rooms."  She smiles
and continues "Might there be a Tavern or something established yet to
relieve tensions of the jungle.  Not all of us wish to build a home
here or become permanent residents" She smiles again hoping the
comment wasn't taken the wrong way.

(DM/Lord Talon Clasp:)
"Welcome and well met milady. I think you and your grace have already
contributed much to my Dark Haven. You could stay the nights at the
Commons or Rhuleck's Farm, for information and rumormongers you might
want to check out Midnight's Run, our seaboard Tavern. As for not
planning on becoming permanent residents *at this he breaks out into
an unpleasant smile* where would you go?  This is the very edge of the
civilized Nations. There is not much to go onward to."

(Tatiana:)
A shadow crossed Lord Talons face briefly as somewhere up above a
large Owl crossed between him and the fading sun.  Tatiana knew it was
Tuft, her familiar, and felt Tuft's joy at being able to fly freely.
It would soon be night time and she could tell Tuft wanted to find
something besides ship rat to dine on.

(Dithion:)
When Lord Talon Clasp frowns at Tatiana, Dithion says, "We are here to
push the borders, Lord, not stay within them.  Here there are many
places to go on to, for those with the skill to do so."

(Tatiana:)
She issued a mental warning to the free-flying Tuft *Be careful, this
is a new land and not everything will be the same*

*A rabbit's a rabbit wherever you find it* Tuft thought back.  Tuft
was exceptionally bright for an Owl but was really only as smart a
typical three year old in most respects.

*Be careful none the less* she thought and let Tuft go prepare for a
hunt.  She'd get a good idea of what the world was like from Tuft
latter when he returned.



While Kaeyar, Tatiana and Dithion have reached dry land, the rest of
the party are still on board ....

(Falrun:)
Falrun gazed out at the city and sighed.  "Is being exiled to this mud
hole worth the price of my dignity?" he muttered.  With some
resignation he decided to make the best of the situation regardless of
what it cost him.  "One thing good about it', he thought, "is that I
can be free of this corrosive salt air."  Waiting for the mad rush off
the boat to finish, he picked up his pack and headed down the gang
plank with the rest of the companions as he brushed some lint from his
cloak.

(Silver:)
When the ship arrives, she too will wait calmly in the prow of the
ship until the mad dash for shore has calmed. She will walk with as
much grace as she can manage across the plank to shore. She will use
her staff to steady herself. The staff is a beautiful thing to behold
as well - it has the carving of an owl who is just about to take
flight at it's head. Her hood will, of course, be up.  This may make
her noticeable in the heat, but she will not draw back her hood until
she has been inside for a while.

(Keilan:)
As the ship docks and passengers rush to get to land, Keilan remains
at the rail surveying the chaos with a look of great peace.  Finally
he shoulders his pack and walks slowly down the gangplank letting most
of the crowd disperse from the docks.  He has enjoyed the trip much
more than he expected mainly due to the chance to converse with others
about his woodland travels.  Those who have spoken with him on this
topic will have likely observed that he truly has the mark of a master
woodsman.  It is his craft, his love, his dream.  He has spoken to
some about building a home in these strange forests already, though he
lacks the resources to do so.

(Arlon:)
On disembarking:
Well since the males of the group seem to be falling over themselves
trying to impress the ladies, this is how Arlon sees it - he is going
to wait his turn :-). "The air seems to be thick with hormone today,
as well as some other things that may be growing THICK at the moment!"

(Kaeyar:)
Kaeyar says, with a wink and a grin,  "Er, you refer to their skulls, do
you Arlon?"
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------------------------------- End of Chapter 1 -----------------------------
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--
*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*'``'*,..,*
Lance Dooly
[e-mail]                         "Not I," said the cat.
Physics/Chemistry/Philosophy   (PCP?!)