Open Chronicles Curse of the Crimson Star

[Te'leis]

"I'm here about the contract," you said - don't you remember?

All around, the voices of many others filled the air. Business at the Black Talon was bustling this evening, and there was little need to pay much mind to anyone trying to listen in to details. Even an elf's ear would be hard pressed to cut through the waves of drivel that obscured their voices.

"Oh," came an enthused reply, "well if you're coming to me, then no doubt you already know the details?"

"All except when and where we get paid."

"Ah, well, that I will explain later. But we'd better go, the others will be leaving shortly. You're just in time."

---

Whatever this land was, it had proven to be a strange place. Apparently the country was a war-zone, and quite frankly, it was easy to believe. You couldn't get very far without running into some kind of monster, or worse yet, a group of them. Occasionally you'd encounter a contingent of benevolent soldiers, content to simply see who you were, warn you of danger, and carry on their way. But none of this was really anything you hadn't seen before. At least, not until you reached the city.

Apparently it was somewhere in these ruins that the Crimson Star, the objective of this expedition, could be found. Exactly what it was seemed to be a little elusive, but it was described as a crystal, embroidered with precious metals and many jewels. It was also said to have some kind of magical power, and when found was to be handled with care. For most of those who had come, all of that was of little concern. Their primary focus was getting paid, the promised amount being a very hefty sum.

That was likely because of the place you were going... the air felt colder, just as soon as you passed through the broken gates...

---

Dozens of people made up the convoy that entered into the city, with several large wagons in tow. Sára'úri watched from the height of a tall tower, gauging those foolish enough to come to a place like this. Her people had warred in these lands for decades, and now these would be "explorers" thought it best to explore. But then again, she had to admit... it was her own curiosity that had brought her to this place, and fate would see her arrive just as these people had.

Still hidden, she shouted down at the caravan below, "halt! State your business in these lands!"

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen tucked his cloak a bit closer around himself as he slipped through the bustling crowd, one hand slipping beneath the cape to grace his fingers over the hilt of a dagger. Greed it seemed, was a powerful motivator, quite capable of moving large crowds with the whispers of a half promise. The Crimson Star, whatever it was, had garnered the attention of the Tenevi Order, and through that branch of the Vitae Alliance, his patrons had found cause to send their champion. The Zorren didn't know what exactly the star did, and he didn't ask. That the brothers wanted it was enough. By the shudder that ran down his spine, and the way his tail bushed up, the fur prickling to its ends, he hoped that their aim was to simply lock the damned thing into the vault.

His ears flicked at the feminine voice calling down to them, stopping the caravan in its tracks. Most simply looked up, diffusion of responsibility robbing the people of their voices. "We've been contracted to seek the Star. Who are you?" He gazed up from beneath his hood, golden eyes gleaming as he watched this apparent guardian. The city was a ruin. It had no watch to speak of, and his hand, still hidden beneath his cloak, fully wrapped around a dagger as he awaited the response. If she meant to stop them, things might become rather complicated, especially if she had backup.

Sára'úri