Player details: I'm a 40yo long-time gamer who enjoys a variety of eccletic games, of which I am pleased to include Minecraft (although I have my partner to thank for actually introducing me to its gameplay side
. I generally play in survival mode, although have assisted her with several creative builds in the past. I work best in group building situations, and am very good at following instructions or a lead/idea (and figuring out the remainder of the details as things go.) Not really experienced at all with redstone at this time.
My character's intentions are, in the short term, to establish himself in the Mercurian Empire plying his trade, with a more long-term aim at actually setting up a guild and guild hall here.
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The sound of his pick swiftly hammering against stone droned in his ears, even as the lightning crashed nearby. It was a risk working this intently – especially considering the silent ones that crawled in the night – but he had little choice. The rock in front of him was the last obstacle before he'd be free. Free of the past. Free of the problems.
He could feel the handle wavering and knew his tool wouldn't last much longer. With a driven ambition, he swung as fast as he could, praying that his luck would hold – and, for once, it did. The pickaxe shattered with its last blow, crumbling into pieces at his feet and taking the remnants of the wall with it. The hole was just wide enough for him to pass through and the rain was clearly visible on the other side. Still, it was better than staying here. A new world, in its own way…
Turning around to gather his items, the wayward traveler's heart skipped a beat as he saw the green pillar approaching him silently. It barely had time to emit a hiss before he'd flung himself backwards through the opening, landing hard on the ground several meters below and taking off at a full run. His limbs were tired from the work, but adrenaline was the world's best lubricant in a panic. He didn't stop for many minutes, until the pounding in his chest overpowered the pounding of the rain. Exhausted, he looked back with trepidation; thankfully, whatever pursuit there had been was over and he found himself alone again. While the wild was still dark and deadly, at least he was no longer trapped in a cave. Outside, he could see his surroundings, he could get his bearings, and he had more paths open to him that he could count.
Despite his clothes being soaked to the skin, the traveler smiled as if under the brightest sun on the most beautiful of days. He looked around, taking in trees, flora, fauna – a standard forest, by any normal description. But in his mind, it was a canvas, filled with potential.
A short time later, he happened upon a small town, heading straight for the inn. The tavernkeeper, surprised to see anyone out in this miserable weather, welcomed him and set up a chair by the fire. As the stranger warmed himself, enjoying a draught of mead, the owner decided to break the ice. "So… what brings you 'round these parts?"
"Well, for starters, they aren't other parts," was the reply, with a sly smile and a small laugh. "What brings me here is here… a chance to wander hither and yon, charting unknown glades, untouched vistas, undeveloped lands."
"My word, sir, but those are some fancy words there. S'almost like a secret language," chortled the barman
"Your land has a language, and more secrets than you know…" he said, with a wistful sigh.
"Well, that may be so, and I may not know what life was like where you came from – but here, you need the nobles' permissions to do things like that. You can't just go off willy-nilly crossin' borders and pokin' around; that's liable to get you killed or emprisoned. S'not a violent folk, here, but we still respect each other's lands. You'd best be startin' by talkin' to those in charge. No one's goin' to pay you to just walk around though."
"'Just walk around'? Dear sir, do you know all the treasures that this place might have? BAH! Of course you don't. Remaining here, in your place of business. But I could show them to you! I could show them to all of you...." his voice trailed off as his gaze once again drifted out the window.
Checking his pockets, the foreigner found he had managed to retain some of the gold from his possessions. With little else in his pockets, however, that wouldn't last long. "Barman... I wish to send dispatches to the leaders of these lands. I would do good by your Empire's people; if that means aligning myself with someone, then so be it."
"The scouts are only by every once in a while, and they charge, whether it be a letter or a parcel," drawled the host.
Dropping a nugget on the table, he nodded, "I understand. That should cover some of it for you, I trust. And may I have a quill and some parchement, if you please? I need to get drafting!" The yellow nub quickly disappeared as the tavern keeper smiled and nodded. Returning swiftly with a pen, paper and fresh ink, he left the stranger alone.
Flexing his hands, the newcomer began to write several copies of the same letter with enthusiastic glee, each word having its own flourish as he went:
"Dear Finest Lords and Ladies,
I find myself here, this day, offering up my services and myself to your employ, and beseech you to hear my tale. My name is Horatio Vulkani. I am an experienced cartographer and wordsmith who hails from lands far to the south. I have recently found my talents no longer required where I am from, through no fault of my own. When word reached me of your lands, however, I felt the time was right for a change. I made every effort to arrive here as directly as possible and have dreamt of the possibilities your land may possess.
I seek a sponsor to assist me with re-establishing myself here. I am a highly skilled mapmaker with a sharply trained eye for details and potential. Were we to come to an agreement, I would be willing to map out your lands and provide you with any charts that are drafted as well as journal sketches and specific locations of any interesting or unique areas that I came across in my travels.
I am also quite adept at eloqution and writing. While not my primary strength, if you require assistance with any lore-related matters, my services would also be available for hire. Do not assume, however, that my hands are soft; for I have hardened them enough over the years with building passages and shelters against both the elements and dangers of the world. I have made my own paths in this world and they have lead me now to you. I look forward to showing you the hidden wonders that your terra firma possesses.
I put myself at your disposal. Should you have any enquiries to make as to my credentials, please send them to the inn of Edhevrand, where I shall be staying for the time being washing dishes to pay my way.
Sincerely,
Horatio"
00|00 of the Cycle of the Phoenix
The inn of Edhevrand
Pyrencia
