A Man of White and Gold

A figure rides into Tanamerah, he enters the gates on a magnificent steed. He wears a white and gold cloak and gives the air of nobility. He hitches his steed and pulls back this hood. Red hair flows from this slender man with pointed features, almost elf like.

Hmm, so this is the once great capital of the Empire.

He walks around taking in the sites. He speaks to the Town Crier and gets the recent happenings of what is going on. He hears about the Lost Boy and of the helping folk who assisted a local merchant. The figure seems quite pleased. He reads the board in town to see what else he can find out of the locals, but nothing much is there. He notices the somewhat decrypted building there, with a torn red flags out front and a broken sign with a horse on it. He enters. The smell of dirt fills the air but he notices that this once was a majestic Inn for the rich.

This place has a lot of potential I would say. Yes, yes this will do nicely.

The man leaves in search of the Town Crier.

Excuse me kind sir. Who would I speak to about buying some property?

The Crier points, Over there, the old High Council building. They should be able to answer your questions.

Thank you, and here, for your help. He gives the man a small bag.

The Crier looks inside and his eyes widen, W, W, Well thank you!

The figure enters the building and speaks to the assistant at the desk.
Greetings and Well Met. *he bows*
Welcome to Tanamerah, how can I help you.
I am an investor of sorts. I have traveled long and far to see the once great city of Tanamerah, the capital of the Empire. I think it is time someone helps and restores this city to its original glory.

The assistant hangs on every word, as if under some type of spell. Even the guards who are there are entranced by this figure in white and gold.

Fate shines on this city this day, because I am that someone. I would like to start with purchasing that building out there, the one with the Red Flags and the Broken down sign.

Oh? The old Inn of the Comfortable Saddle?

Yes, that seems like a fitting name.

He reaches in his bag and pulls out 15 bars of gold, stamped with a sign of a dragon, and places them on the desk.

The guards gasp and the assistant stands in awe.

I assume this will cover the costs and hopefully there will be enough left over to hire some people to clean up the interior and exterior?

The assistant stutters Ye, ye, yes that should not be a problem.

The man smiles.

The assistant pulls out a long document and starts to fill it out. She looks up ... Who should I make the deed to?

Arhim Nocdane.

She takes the papers and has him sign, she then goes to a back room and returns shortly with a seal of sale on the papers and hands them to the man.

He looks deep in her eyes and says, Well now that this business transaction is concluded, he takes a step back and bows gracefully. I am Arhim the Faithful, would you care to join me for dinner this evening?

The assistant blushes and even if she wanted to she would not be able to, she is far too entranced by his beauty to disagree.

W-w-well yes, I would love to.

Arhim inspects the Inn.
Well this is coming along nicely. This place has cleaned up very well, its amazing what a few pounds of gold can do for a place. Yes, I have many ideas for this place.

He leaves the Inn and walks around Tanamerah. He sees a bald headed man with tattoos wearing orangeish garb.

Excuse me sir, I am Arhim Nocdane.

Yes?

You looking for employment?

What do you have in mind?

Care to be my recruiter? I need someone to scope out the locals and find some that would be worthy of doing some adventuring for me and other odd jobs. Tosses the man a sack of gold.

His eyes widen, Well, gee, thats sounds pretty easy. So you are looking to start an Adventuring Society?

Tosses the man another bag of gold, holds his hands in the air, like he was squaring off a sign. Oh, I like it. I think I will use that ... The Tanamerah Adventure Society. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it?

Whatever you say Bub Smiles with a deceptively fiendish smile, as if he has something up his sleeve.

Now be off with you friend, and find me some members for this society. Turns to walkaway.

Don't you even want to know my name?

Turns around. No, not really.

It's Jeraka .... his voice trails off noticing that the man before him vanished.

Well, whatever then, Ill start in the bar and see what kind of people are hanging out in there and maybe spend my newly earned coin.

I haven't done any actual recruiting, but I have my eye on a few likely choices.

Oh? Please do tell.

Well, I was hanging around the Traverler's Rest, checking out the locals patrons when I over heard a conversation this worker from the the Office of Waste Management was having with them. To make a long boring story short, 3 of the patrons offered to help for no to little reward, other then self satisfaction.


Oh? Interesting. Did you get their names by chance?


Yes, the guy from the Waste Management was nice enough to give it to me. Alrik, Millie and Sam, Sam Peterson.

Very good, anything else?

Yes, another man I met, his name is Linariel. He claims to be Knight Protector of Tanamerah.

Excellent, thank you. Tosses a sack of coin his way.

Guess I will need to pay the rest a visit then.

Oh, you startled me, didn't know you were there.

And you disappoint me, so lets say we are even.

What?

You angered the dwarf and the Thorson's Heir.

You saw that?

Says nothing.

Then I guess I don't need to give you their names.

Says nothing but tosses a sack of coin.

Jeraka goes on this way.

Arhim Strokes his beard and thinks to himself. Young Thorson will need some assistance restoring his family's lands back to their former glory. They were worthy lands, he should be rewarded. I know this city is in no form to lend a hand. Maybe this will be the first task for my little society. Brina and Linariel, I will have to keep a closer eye on these Knight Protectors, they may prove to be useful at some point. The dwarf Goirin, good to find favor with the stout folk, they are strong willed and reliable allies. Raydrick, yes, a mercenary is his calling from what I can see *chuckles* and he has a nice coat. My lovely Shana, so bothered she is by the world and the recklessness of others. Her knowledge in lore and her persistence shall be a useful addition to the society.

Well there is much to plan and do. The grand opening will be here sooner then I think. The construction needs to be done, timing is key.

Standing and watching the construction take place in his Inn, Arhim thinks to himself ...

The construction is moving a long nicely, it will not be long before it is complete! I got to watch for myself some of the potentials that Jeraka had mentioned. They faired well against the lizardfolk, but could have done better, they will learn. Linariel seems to be a strong soul, I will have much for him to do. This Strowolf and Calandra, both are gifted born leaders, they will prove most useful in the days to come. I am also enjoying this game of chase with Anah's kin, she is as beautiful as her but a bit more reserved. I wonder if she will be as much fun; I'm sure she will be. Now, I think it is time for a little test of the potentials, time to see what they can accomplish as a group. So far they have managed to overcome the tests I have provided thus so far, I wonder how they will fair with this final test I will toss their way, Shana should enjoy this one.

Arhim leaves the construction crew to carry on their work and retired to his private quarters.

Stands looking around the room. Yes, I am pleased with how this turned out; I think everyone will have a bit of fun. Hopefully in the first month or so I will be able to reclaim that of which I spent on the construction. Well it is now finished and the employees have been hired, all that's left to do is to have the city inspector come in and do their walk through to get their blessings. Now, onto getting things rolling with my final test for the potentials.

Well the city inspectors gave me the OK, everything is up to their liking. The grand opening will be soon! On another note, my final test for the potentials have been set. South West of the City will be the place where they will take on this final task, those worthy, will be my special quests for the opening. It will be a grand time!

Arhim smiles at himself, as he grooms his beautiful red flowing hair.

Jeraka enters the Inn of the Comfortable Stable and sees Arhim lurking in the doorway.

Sir, they were or standing around the road that goes to the Tanamerah coast.

And did you anger anyone this time?

Jeraka frowns knowing that his employer has not forgotten about that mistake he had made.

No sir, I was going to start a conversation when an Iron Golem started to attack, I became ill and ran right here.

Arhim looks upon Jeraka with doubtful eyes, he says something and waves his hands in the air.

Thank you, I feel much better.

Jeraka leaves the room.

On my way it is then, we shall see how they are doing.

Arhim leaves his Inn and heads West. As he enters the outskirts of Tanamerah, he sees a sea of bodies, ranging from townsfolk and gurads. He waves a hand in the air, says a few words and the dead are living again. He randomly goes to the folk and apologizes and explains that it was necessary, that this was a test for those who would be worthy of great deads to come, maybe the protectors of their lands. Everyone looks on as if in a trance as he speaks these words. Is it his beauty that mesmerizes the common man or is it the sack of gold they each receive. To the South he goes.

Arhim watches in the shadows as his minor creations fall to those around him. They are all wrapped up in what is going on that they do not see that he is standing there. Arhim heads towards the sea, out of the line of the battle that rages on.

Well my, my, more then I anticipated.

The man of gold and white reaches to cliff, where he looks on to his guardians. He then proceeds down the sandy path. He pulls a key from his pocket and places his sack on the beach. He opens the chest and pulls a few items from his sack and places them in the chest and then locks the chest. He starts back up the sandy slope.

That should do it, all accounted for.

He reaches the top where the group has now manged their way to. Arhim taps one of the large iron creatures and it then heads down the path, it now stands patrol over the chest. Arhim strokes his beard, Looks like this is going to be a while. He enters the outskirts of Tanamerah, says something to the food vendor, she smiles, and he is gone on his way.

The food vendor looks at a couple of scrolls, "So all I need to do is read from the this parchment and the dead are brought back to life?".

Arhim enters his private quaters ..."Calandra was there, they will do just fine. Her father would be so proud if he knew what his daughter really does." He rolls over and starts a light snore.

Arhim watches over as the bar gets stocked, fresh cards unwrapped and placed at the tables. The wheels are oiled, the slot machines have one final check over. He takes a seat in front of the bar as he eyes is waitstaff, and twirls his beard, and thinks to himself.

The finishing touches, tonight should be a lot of fun. I find it odd, some of the talk but I will think nothing of it. The steps were necessary to see who would be of skill to help this city get back on its feet, to make it great once again as it was in the almost forgotten times. The greed is running in their veins, the quest for power blinds them. All will fall apart if they continue down this path. They have already angered the lizardfolk with their unwarranted attacks, other then for personal gain and self wealth. The gobins are just as angry. I fear that more is yet to come, more boxes will become open; I just hope they can take care of those things they have brought to be. I already am seeing them turn on each other. The little wizard left his dwarven comrade to be taken by the orcs, he would be dead now if it wasnt for the fact I was keeping tabs. They disturb the dark evil that lives deep in the forests, ravage the hunting grounds of the barbarian clans, just so they can all keep the wealth themselves.

Well enough, I can only do so much to steer them in the right direction. I see that it may come down to just a few or which was discovered so far. New people keep coming and going, I think it is time to start seeing what other potential comes to this great city. There is much more to be done, very much more. One step at a ...

Excuse me sir, we are short 1 case of whiskey from the order.

He looks up ...

What?

The whiskey sir, we are short a case.

Oh. Send someone to the Crows Nest, purchase a case of whiskey from them, though pay for two and let them know they have 3000 in house credits.

As you wish.

He gets up from the couch and begins to make his rounds to each of the gaming stations. He then leaves the casino and goes up the stairs.

A very successful night. Though I did not get to speak to all of them, I did get to speak with those that matter most, minus Calandra and Linariel. They have agreed to be part of the Society, I presented things in such a way that even the strong willed Strowolf could not say no. I have rallied the Society to assist Strowolf to get back what is his birth right. This little endeavor will prove to be a quick win that we must have to buy even more trust of the Council of the Republic, there are still those who are not moved by coin a lone, though they are far and few between. The Guardians of Asguard, will become the Guardians of the Western Borders. Then to fortify the Western side all the way to the coast will be the next endeavor. This Justan Krown person, is from the West side, a hero amongst the vile scum that lives their. One of the self appointed Knight Protectors of Tanamerah. I will have Linariel and the lovely Brina reach out to him to have him join us. I have seen him once in battle, and he faired miserably against the orc of the deep wood, I had to save him as well as that dwarf, but again, he brings hopes to those and he seems like he is a leader. I will place my faith in that he will come to reputation when the time is right.

He looks up.

Well hello ladies, dont you look tempting.

Arhim disrobes himself ...

The lights are out in the private room up top of the Inn of the Comfortable Saddle, but the festivities are just beginning.

Arhim thinks to himself as he sits twirling his beard as he awaits to be seen.

What a battle it was, Strowolf well deserves what he gets. A Blessed Day for those who assisted the Thorson's in taking back at what was theirs. I heard of these Trees of Life but did not realize that one was on his hands until I paid a visit. Strowolf was paid a visit by a Celestial Unicorn, oh what a magnificent creature, such mysterious power they posses. Other things have came to light this day as well. I have heard rumors that he awoke after his 100 yr sleep, I see that this is true. I will have to keep an eye on him. Dontails' followers seem to be on a rise, they will need to have an eye kept on them; it could be worse, at least none of the followers of Shawkenesis have surfaced.

Master Nocdane, the council awaits you.

He smiles at the assistant and enters the the chambers ...

Ah Councilman Ravenshold and the respectable members of the council. I would like to discuss the recent accomplishments of the Thorson Family. I believe it is in the best interests of the Republic to ...

The doors to the assembly shut.

Arhim tends to his casino, mingling with his patrons. A man dressed in blue enters and politely interrupts him.

Excuse me, Mr. Nocdane?

Yes?

Hello, my name is Justan Krown, I am here about the expedition?

Arhim smiles, reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a card, Very good, bring this to the bar and we will see if anyone else shows up.

Justan nods and approaches redems the card at the bar. He is given a glass of wine and some credits to go spend on the tables. When Justan finished playing at the tables, he has himself a seat, where he sits and watches the other patrons and nobles mingling and gambling. Arhim appears sitting next to him.

So, you are Justan Krown, I have heard some great things about you. It is a pleasure.

Justan blushes slightly, Nice to meet you finally sir. So what is this about the expedition.

Oh, never mind that, no one else showed so I will postpone it. Come, come walk and talk with me. So I hear you are from the West side of Tanamerah?

Slightly embarrassed, Yes that I am.

The two of them walk and talk about mostly Justan's childhood and life in the Westside. The poor and the hopeless fill the West. Arhim is appalled at the conditions of the city especially the filthy and smelly Flophouse, where vagrants and undesirables seem to gather. They go back to the Inn of the Comfortable Saddle and go up to Arhim's private quarters. Arhim offers Justan a glass of brandy.

Fate has brought you to me Justan, to show me what should be my next endeavor. Arhim smiles and then they continue to trade stories of their adventurers. After a few hours, they both see how late it is and say good night to each other.

Arhim sits staring at the fireplace, Yes, this must be the next thing I do. The people on the west side seem to have been neglected and seem to lack hope. I will approach the council and see what they think about tearing down that stink infested flophouse over there, and I will build a Temple and Hostel. Not dedicated to any one God, but a place where all are welcome to worship, a place to bring hope to those that have none. Yes, yes, tis a grand idea!

Arhim dampens the fire and blows out the candles as he retires to his room.

Arhim opens the envelope he was given, it is an invitation to meet with the council. Arhim raises his brow as he folds the paper and places it back in it's envelope. He grabs some things and leaves the Inn. Arhim darts across town and enters market.


Frabo my dear man, I have a task for you. My presence has been requested by the council. I need for you to make me a suit worthy for this encounter, something outlandishly formal. He smiles as he places a sack of coin in front of the tailor.

The doors to the council chambers opens, Arhim walks in.

Oh what honor do I owe to have my presence requested by the Council of the Republic.

The faces on the council members look solemn, one of the members begin to speak.

It has been brought to our attention that you plan on overthrowing the Council of the Republic and crown yourself King as you restore the Tanamerah Empire.

Arhim looks blankly and then begins to laugh hysterically. He wipes tears from his eyes and sees the unmoved facial expressions on the council members and he begins to laugh again. After a moment or two of this he regains his composer ...

Arthur, such an outlandish accusation. I think there is some misunderstood notions that may have been taken the wrong way by those who are paranoid. I have no intentions of restoring the Empire, my ambitions are to restore Tanamerah to its former glory of that of the Tanamerah from the times of the Empire. I can see where the other could have been construed. As far as my becoming King

Arhim begins to laugh again

I do not believe that Fate holds that path for me, but one never knows how Lady Fate will shine. Though I have no desires to be King. Far too much hoopla for me, rather stuffy I think. Not to mention having to look over my shoulder to see who is out to get me? I will leave the paranoia and politics to the politicians, I am just an instrument of Fate, just a Faithful Cleric.

Arthur Ravneshold looks to a Justicar who was standing in the shadows.

What he says is true Councilman Ravenshold.

The expressions on the council members go from concerned to blank.

Any other concerns that I need to address Arthur?

Councilman Ravenshold looks around the table at the other members. No, there are not.

Well then, since I have all of your attention, I would like to make another proposition. I was taking in the lovely sights when I wandered over to the West Side. All I have to say is EWWWW. Now, what do you all think about tearing down that horrible flophouse and erecting a house of worship and hostel?

The conversation continues on from there as the council members latch on to every word that Arhim says.

Arhim storms out of the council room. What nonsense! This council is corrupt, they do not care about anyone but themselves and securing there own power as the mages did before. Such a dumb law of theirs that no temple will be established in the City of Tanamerah. To think that some of the members believe that it may have been the fall of the Empire, because the gods were displeased with them. How does that logic work? You would think if that was the case they would want a temple to please the gods. Well, off to survey around the area then, the poor of the West Side still need some assistance which I see now is not going to come from the council.

Arhim walks through the Western Outskirts of Tanamerah. He knocks on a door and a simple man comes an answers the door ...

Yes? Is there something I can help you with?

Arhim pulls out a quill and a long parchment, Hello good sir, my name Arhim Nocdane of the Inn of the Comfortable Saddle. I am petitioning for the building of a non denominational house of worship, hostel and soup kitchen for the unfortunate. Can I count on your signature?

Well sure! Ever since the Wolfclan has left to go back to the Thorson's land, we all out here have been rather worried, the republic seems to not care of our on goings out here and we have had many the odd attacks by goblins and other foul creatures.

He signs the paper.

I thank you.

Arhim knocks on the next door, a women answers ....

Hello my mLady, my name is Arhim Nocdane ....

Hello my dear.

*blushes*Hello Mr. Nocdane. The council is ready to see you.

Arhim enters the council chambers.

Hello most honored and noble councilmen. Here is the signed petition by all of the residents of the outskirts all the way down to the Southern Coast ... and they are all in agreement that a hostel, soup kitchen and house of worship is needed. *slides the paper across the table* Upon your approval, *slides a larger piece of paper across the table* these are the designs I would like to submit for the Hostel. Since this is outside of the city proper, I would like to hire my own independent contractors for the building.

The council seems perplexed by this notion.

Most of the men are from the West side of town and the outskirts. You know, make jobs, stimulate your economy.

The council's expression show rejoice as they think of this grand and noble idea.

Well that is all I have to say, good day all. I will anxiously await your decision.

Arhim enters his private chambers and removes his blood stained armor. He rings a bell and a man appears.

Oh dear what happened my lord?

*chuckles* Nothing but a few orcs.

I will get it cleaned right away.

Thank you ever so much.

After cleaning himself up a bit and dressing, Arhim heads down the stairs.

Where is Jeraka?

He said he had some personal matters to attend to.

Oh, well please tell him to come see me when he arrives.

Arhim enters the casino.

Kneeling before his fireplace; mesmerized by the chaos before him, the flickering of flame

Num For has been liberated. Upon his return, he will be crowned King of Fort Hope. I now know there are enough of them to help release you from your prison my Lord.

He stands and walks to the door and opens

Come in and have a seat. I will be leaving in a few days, there are things I need to tend to elsewhere.

Oh? Is everything alright?

What? Yes. I will need for you to manage things while I am gone.

Sure, not a problem.

Well it better not be a problem.

How long will you be gone for?

What? A while. motions towards the door

Well have a good trip or whatever you are doing.

And another thing Jeraka, don't go off and do anything that is going to get yourself killed.

Jeraka smirks

Arhim approaches the gates of Tanamerah on his steed

*smiles* Jers, so good to see you it has been a long time!

He hands the reigns to Jers to tend to and then provides a few coin for the trouble. He enters the Saddle and his staff seems a bit more happy to see him then normal. He is informed that Jeraka is presumed dead. He climbs the stairs to the private area and sits and stares at the fire.

Tis a shame, good help is so hard to find these days. He stares as if he is waiting a response.
I know what it is I need to do now.

Arhim gets up and goes to his office where he pulls out a large peice black parchment, almost board like quality. He then frantically mixes different color inks togethers and starts to draw on the parchment. A breeze flows from his hand and he then whips off the parchement and runs down the stairs to outside where he stakes it down. A black sign with scarlet lettering reads ...

HELP WANTED, PLEASE INQUIRE WITHIN

As Tatiana arrives back at the Comfortable Saddle, she sees the sign by it's front door. She grins and bends down, pulling the sign up. She tucks the sign under her arm and enters the inn. With purpose in her step, she climbs the stairs to the top floor. She knocks on the door and awaits an answer.

But Sire it is no use.

I don't care *Raises a brow and incinerates him"

Sir are you not being a bit rash?

*Angry Brow* My patience have grown thin, gather a group now or next time I wont be so merciful!

They all leave, he bows to the chaos of the flame,

" My Lord, you will be free, you will be free"