Spectrum's Comments: One of the things that surprised me when it came to Bordlerlands was the number of new players I got, as in players who never played in any of my games before. They ended up being the majority of the PC's here. That and the number of unusual PC's as well. Let's met some of them!
Borderlands #1
Your journey is over!
It has been years since you started out on your career as an adventure. The adventures were simple at first. Mostly around your home town. Your courage and skill grew until those simple adventures offer no challenge.
Forced on by the prospect of greater challenges and by legends and rumors amassed in your career, you travel to Elcadan, the town on the edge of the Borderlands.
You've been traveling along a paved road called the High Road. For the last few days it's led you through the forest and past villages.
At last the forest parts and you can see the town of Elcadan up ahead. Most of the buildings you can see are wooden, but a huge stone tower dwarves all other buildings in town.
Among the first thing you see in town is the High Road Inn. At last, a place to rest, to relieve your parched throat and to have a meal.
Those with mounts can secure them in the stable next to the Inn.
The High Road Inn is three stories high, built of polished stone. Passing through the ornately carved doors, you enter into a cool, softly lit common room.
The proprietor, Galtman by name, welcomes you to the High Road Inn.
"How may we be of service today?"
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 04/22/93 S#: 405379
Welcome to Borderlands!
You've just arrived in Elcadan and are seeking rest at the High Road Inn.
This will serve to introduce all the players to each other.
What you do from here is totally up to you!
Form groups if you so desire.
I will need current spell lists from all spell casters.
Also, since not all the other players may be your friends, you may wish to do things by E-Mail. This is true for ANYTHING that you don't want anyone else to know.
Good luck! :)
Spectrum's Comments: The above served as the introduction to almost every new character in the game.
SUBJ: Arrival (R) FROM: Kitterina 04/22/93 S#: 447364
::walks into inn and up to proprietor::
"Hello, my name is Kitterina Lightfoot. what do you have for rooms in this inn?"
Spectrum's Comments: Kitterina is a female halfling who is a fighter/thief.
SUBJ: Victor (R) FROM: GM Shifty 04/22/93 S#: 408587
In walks a man dressed like a moderately well-off merchant. He stands 5'8" and weighs about 160#. He has olive skin, straight black hair, and brown eyes.
Walking up to the bar, he says, "Good day, Signore. I too was hoping to find a room here. And perhaps a good meal with a nice bottle of wine?"
Spectrum's Comments: GM Shifty should be familiar as he portrays Padraig over in the Frontier. Unlike the majority of characters, Victor transfered in from another game. Victor is a Necromancer and I have no idea what's up with the accent.
SUBJ: Entering FROM: GM Feral 04/22/93 S#: 458068
from the warmth outside, the figure pulls back the cowl of his red robes, letting long red hair flow back below his shoulders. He scans the room with ice blue eyes, and upon seeing the innkeeper, and hearing his welcome, walks towards him.
He has a small frame, standing under 6' tall. He is a little under muscled, some would say. Seemingly frail, but walking with an air of confidence.
"Greetings Galtman. You may call me Anton. I wish to inquire as to availability of a room in your fine establishment. Preferably, some quiet space, with adequate reading light."
After negotiating a room with Galtman, Anton will take his meal downstairs in the common room, his cowl down, so that he may see others, and that they may see him. He eats at a corner table, large enough to hold more than one person, and sits to one side, seemingly to invite company, while he casually scans through a small book.
Spectrum's Comments: Anton is a straight mage.
SUBJ: Update (R) FROM: GM Mad 04/23/93 S#: 438112
The High Road Inn has several types of rooms available.
The best rooms in the Inn are the Lavish Rooms. These run 5 gp/night. These rooms come with a feather bed, desk, table, chairs, a private closet and a lockable trunk.
Private rooms are the next best. These run 3 gp/night and have a feather bed, desk, table and chairs.
Double Rooms run 2 gp/night. These rooms have 2 beds, a desk and chairs.
Common rooms are the last type. These only cost 1 gp/night. It is basically a room full of beds. You get a footlocker. There is no privacy.
Victor will learn that good dinner runs about a gold piece. Galtman recommends a bottle of Arabellan Dry wine. That will run another 3 gold for the whole bottle.
Galtman will also recommend a private room to Anton. :)
SUBJ: Greetings FROM: Kitterina 04/23/93 S#: 450244
Twinkling sea green eyes lighting with curiosity, Kitterina walks over to Anton her sandy-blond hair bouncing in a tail above her head as she skips over to the table.
"Hello, my name is Kitterina Lightfoot."
She extends her small hand as if inviting him to take it.
"What brings you to this inn?"
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 04/23/93 S#: 432381
'Gods, my feet hurt!'
Not used to all that walking! ;D
The door to the inn opens once more and a very attractive woman walks in. Argent stands only 5'3", and may weight 100 lbs. Her eyes are dark brown and her hair is brown and curly.
Argent wears a fine looking dress that is very low cut. She has several pieces of jewelry on. There's a quarterstaff in her hand and a leather backpack finishes her attire.
I'm surprised to see a familiar face in the common room.
'Victor! Small world isn't it? Sure am glad to be out of that jungle! So, what's new with you?'
I'll order dinner and a glass of wine. I'll also take a lavish room and pay for 3 nights.
::keeps eyes open for any attractive men:: ;D
Spectrum's Comments: Yes, Argent turned up here too! She does indeed get around and has met Victor before. Here's how all that transpired. Argent started out in the Sword of Doom game that later merged with the Frontier. Argent departed that game when they merged and was in limbo for a time. Then she transfered into another game on Q run by a different GM. In that game, Argent met Victor. That game folded quickly and later on Shifty transfered Victor into Borderlands and so they met again.
SUBJ: Nightshadow (R) FROM: Nghtshadow 04/23/93 S#: 395660
A small cloaked and hooded figure enters the Inn brushing off road dust and looks around.
She sees a woman roughly her own size, sporting several pieces of jewelry and makes a mental note to perhaps visit the woman's room some time and relieve her of her jewelry.
She then pulls back the hood of her cloak as she walks up to the bar, revealing her elven features.
"My name is Nightshadow. I would like one of your best rooms for a least a week. I would also like a bath drawn, as well as a large bowl of your choicest fruits and a skin or bottle of Feywine."
Nightshadow is an attractive Grey Elven Maid standing 5'3", and weighs 96 lbs. Her eyes are amber and she has waist length silver hair (though most of it is hidden under her hooded cloak at the moment). She has a 1" scar on the tip of her right ear.
Spectrum's Comments: Nightshadow is a mage/thief.
SUBJ: Anton (R) FROM: GM Feral 04/23/93 S#: 410424
Looks at the female before him. (I'm assuming Kitterina is a halfling?)
(Anton is a human. Charisma score of 17)
"I have journeyed to this place on business. At the moment, I am awaiting a guide into the Broken Lands."
Anton takes note of Argent's figure for a moment, noting her revealing dress. His attention then shifts to the elven maiden as she enters, and then back to Kitterina.
"And what would bring you here?"
Anton motions for her to sit on the other side of the table, and makes sure that he still has all his belongings, knowing the reputation of halflings for "liberating" things.
SUBJ: Jordane FROM: Kromagnus 04/23/93 S#: 454565
A human with strikingly good features enters the bar and surveys the room. He stands about 6'3 and is clad in plate mail armor and a black cloak. The worn scabbard at his side gives testament to the fact that the bastard sword within has received much use. As he strides across the room the shield strapped across his back clanks noisily against his armor. Turning to face the bar, the last rays of the sun glimmer off of the holy symbol displayed prominently from the necklace around his neck. It is in the shape of a lightning bolt and shines as if freshly polished. Weary from the long days ride, he unshoulders his backpack and sits at the bar.
"Greetings sir! My name is Jordane Sebastian and I am in need of lodging and stabling for my horse. Also, a nice meal wouldn't be bad either."
After paying for these services he then asks the barkeep, "What are the current events in this fair city of yours? I hear tale it is quite an interesting town." ::smiles::
Spectrum's Comments: Jordane is a Paladin.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 04/24/93 S#: 401329
::giggles:: Just try it Nightshadow!! ;D
Argent enjoys the attention she gets from the men. :D
Noticing the cute, but kinda skinny man talking to the halfling, she'll wink when she knows he is looking. ;D
Argent definitely notices when Jordane comes it.
'Wow! Wonder who he is?' ;D
SUBJ: Gilana Stonehand FROM: Schar 04/24/93 S#: 434892
The door to the Inn opens once more and a short and stocky figure in plate mail walks. No doubt to anyone that it is a dwarf! ;D
The dwarf tops out a 4'3" with the armors helm on. The dwarf carries a shield with the emblem of a fist made of stone on it. A war hammer hangs from a loop on the belt.
The helm is removed and many are surprised to find a clean shaven dwarf with brown hair. Upon a second look, you relax that it's a girl dwarf! :D
Her skin is a ruddy reddish-brown color.
"I am Gilana Stonehand, hammer for hire! Come to me if you are seeking a warrior for hire!"
That said, Gilana finds a table, orders a beer and a meal and eats away, ignoring any odd looks she may get.
Hi everyone! :D
Anyone need a merc? ;D
Spectrum's Comments: Gilana is yet another member of the Stonehand clan. She's a fighter.
SUBJ: Anton FROM: GM Feral 04/25/93 S#: 403228
takes note of the dwarven female bearing the hammer, and reminds himself to later speak to her if his scout pans out.
Rising from the table, "Excuse me for just a moment. I see the Inn is filling for the eve, and I wish to secure my room before the good ones are gone."
Anton arranges with Galtman for a Private room, asking to be put away from other people if at all possible. He will secure the room at this point for 3 days. He will go up, give the room a cursory glance, and then return to the table with Kitterina.
"Now, you were about to say?" He smiles, as he leans back slightly, and prepares to listen to her.
SUBJ: Victor (R) FROM: GM Shifty 04/25/93 S#: 404357
Victor walks over and takes Argent's hand. Pressing it to his lips, he says, "Signorina Argent, a most pleasant surprise. It is indeed good to be out of the jungle and into a more civilized locale. As to my business, what other business could one in our line of work possibly have? The accumulation of wealth and power."
"I was just about to eat. Would you care to dine with me?"
Victor will tell the inn keeper that he will want one of his best rooms for at least a week. He'll order the fine meal with the wine suggested.
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 04/28/93 S#: 396559
'Sounds good to me, Victor. Until tomorrow.' :D
I'll go rest for the night. Any intruders will find a Lightning Bolt shoved up their nose! ;D
SUBJ: Maroshe (R) FROM: Roxell 04/25/93 S#: 429251
A tall, Blond-haired woman meanders slowly into the Inn. She is dressed in a woodland outfit--long brown cape, leather body suit, everything except the feathered hat. However, most people in the inn are probably less interested in her, and more interested on her two companions. One is a medium sized red owl that is perched on her shoulder, the other is a humongous badger that is waddling along behind her.
At the desk, she asks quietly for a room, and smiles at the innkeeper's suspicious look. "Don't worry, their well trained. The won't tear up your quarters."
Upon seeing all the people talking in the center of the room, she walks up smiling and introduces herself. "Hi. Maroshe is the name. What's new around here?"
Spectrum's Comments: Now you might think that Maroshe is either a druidess or a ranger, but you'd be wrong. She's a bard with the mietsersinger kit from the Bard's Handbook.
SUBJ: Jordane FROM: Kromagnus 04/26/93 S#: 414550
Jordane halts for a moment from eating his dinner and admires the tall blond entering the room. "Greetings m' lady. My name is Jordane. Those two must be very interesting traveling companions! Would you care to join me for dinner?" ::pulls chair from table and gestures for the woman to sit:: "I am new in town and in search of a companion to go on a scouting mission into the Broken Lands." In a hushed tone, "I hear tale there is great evil in those corrupted lands. If this is true, it must be stamped out before it threatens the sanctity of this town and its fair people."
SUBJ: Sir Harshaw (Jubal) (R) FROM: FatalCharm 04/26/93 S#: 452603
Jubal is relieved to see the city appear before him as he bounces along the trail. "Ah, Elcadan at last!" he mutters to his faithful steed as he pats it on the neck. As he enters the city gates, he hops down from the horse and leads him through the streets to cool him down, for the journey has been long and the sweat has turned to foam on the poor steeds coat.
As he reaches the Inn, he ties the horse up outside. Then the door opens and those inside see a hulking man enter. He is 6'6" tall and made of muscle. Diagonally across his back is huge Bastard Sword with the handle sticking up over his right shoulder. Slung over his left shoulder is a Long Bow. But curiously, the man wears no armor. In fact over his wilderness clothing, he wears a long grey robe with silver symbols embroidered on it, fastened at the neck.
He goes to the Innkeeper and introduces himself, scarcely noticing the crowd, as he is tired. "Greetings. My name is Sir Harshaw. Perhaps you have heard of me?" The man pauses almost as if he expects the man to recognize him, but shows no emotion when the man doesn't and simply continues. "But please, call me Jubal."
After inquiring on prices, Jubal asks for one of the best rooms. He pays for a week in advance, with the understanding that if he leaves before then, he can get a refund for the difference. Then he tips the innkeeper a couple extra gold pieces if he will have one of his help take his horse to the stable and make sure it is fed and properly groomed.
Before they take the horse, Jubal goes out and unloads all his bags and backpack and carries them in to the Inn. He appears to have all his life's belongings with him, but he doesn't even seem to notice the weight, and when he carries them up to his room, he almost seems to float up the stairs! ;>
Shortly he returns to the common room where he decides to sit right up at the bar where he can chat with the Keeper. Although hungry enough to eat a horse, he decides not to shock his system by overdoing it and orders a pitcher of weak ale and a light meal, perhaps some potatoes and a small slab of meat.
As he eats, he chats with the Keeper. He inquires as to whether there is any kind of Vault or other protected storage facilities in town in case he decides to store some of his goods. Also, he wants to know who he should contact in regards to get information on the local real estate. "Never know, I might decide to settle here. Not as young as I used to be ya know." The keeper just smiles, wishing inside that HE should be so healthy as this man.
(Oops, forgot to include that Jubal has long black hair down to the bottom of his shoulder blades. At present he has a couple days growth of stubble on his face. But most striking, though somewhat horrifying, if only because it makes him so "different" is that he has one blue eye and one green eye.)
Jubal also asks the Barkeep directions through the city to the Various Guilds, visibly relieved that there is no thieves guild.
Eventually, the Keeper goes off to continue waiting on the others, and Jubal sits and continues drinking his ale. With the crowd in here, "this most be a popular local gathering place", he thinks, and he should be able to pick up some good local gossip.
Doesn't take long though to realize that most of these people are checking in to rooms themselves and are all new to town themselves. Adventures maybe? Now his curiosity is really up as he keeps to himself, simply watching and listening to what is going on around him. Seems to be a friendly bunch so far. That is good, he is too tired for trouble tonight.
Spectrum's Comments: Jubal is a Transmuter with the Militant Mage kit.
SUBJ: Argent (R) FROM: Enchantres 04/27/93 S#: 496440
Argent blushes pettily when Victor kisses her hand.
'You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar. I'd love to join you for dinner.'
Once seated and eating the talk moves to our mutual skills. I only look away when the dwarf woman enters and puts her hammer out for hire. Then when the woman with the weird pets comes in.
'Yes, it is good to be out of that simply hideous jungle. Like, you said, I'm here to improve my skills and pick up what magic and treasures that I can find. From the tales that I've heard, this region should provide much that we desire. Have you heard any good rumors? I have one that sounds promising.'
After dinner, I'll retire fer the evening and set up defenses as per me E-Mail. ;D
Next morning, I want to go and check out this mage guild I've heard about.
'You want to come with me, Victor?'
SUBJ: Conversation (R) FROM: Kitterina 04/27/93 S#: 465601
Kitterina Lightfoot turns to Anton as he comes back to the table.
"I've come to this Inn to find some excitement and someone to hang around with. There are a lot of interesting things around here, but i was getting bored exploring it all by myself. I hope I can find someone interesting who is doing something fun that I can be a part of."
SUBJ: Victor (R) FROM: GM Shifty 04/27/93 S#: 476042
"Yes, I have heard a few interesting things about this region as well. We should compare notes."
"The Mage Guild was also on my agenda tomorrow. Shall we meet for breakfast at 9?"
SUBJ: Brana Fever (R) FROM: Gh0stRider 04/26/93 S#: 479388
Riding tiredly up to the High Road Inn, Brana scans the street carefully as she dismounts...
Shaking first one leg, then the other, she stretches with a groan, muscles popping... the Leather of her Armor creaks in protest...
Looking over the facade of the High Road, she tugs at the hilt of her Long Sword to adjust her harness... then unites her gear from the animal's back, &, with a final stroke of the beast's nose, enters... sliding her Bow over her shoulder...
Stopping just inside the door, she steps aside for a moment to let her fatigued Brown eyes adjust to the more comfortable light level... glad that soon night comes...
Scanning the room quickly & unobtrusively, she notes, with some slight surprise, the predominance of female clientele... even... a Dwarf...
It looks to be a fairly full house...
Unconsciously, she fiddles with one dangling strap of her headband containing her short, Black, unruly curly hair, as she rubs one knee-high riding boot toe against the leg of her leather britches...
She looks & feels a mess...
Finally, with a smile, the plain looking, non-descript woman hoists her gear & strides up to the counter...
"Hail to you, also, Innkeeper...
"What're the chances for a room for a few days?... say 3... & a place for my mount in your stable?...
Listening as Galtman describes the accommodations, Brana will select a Private Room & ask that extra grain be given to her horse... after a thorough grooming...
She'll also inquire as to getting her Tack cleaned & conditioned, as well as a Laundering for her trail stained clothes...
"A Bath is my greatest need at the moment, as you can plainly see, Master Galtman, even before a meal... which I surely desire most desperately...
"What arrangements can be made for that?...
After hearing Galtman out, she will accept whatever terms, paying in full in advance... then she once more casually turn & look over the occupants of the common room from this angle...
She mentally makes a note to set an Alarm on her gear as she marks the 'look' of at least two of the travelers... the Halfling & the Elf... & thoughtfully wonders if there is any significance in the congregation of so many apparent practitioners of the Art here at this particular time...
As she heads for the stairs, she determines to hit the Market... CrossTown she thinks they call it here... on the morrow to pick up a few things...
There's no real rush, of course, as she is uncommitted to anyone or anything... but one can never tell when something 'interesting' will turn up...
She's heard certain... rumors... of fabled Elcadan...
As soon as she is presentable, she will return to sit in the common room & observe the interplay between those present...
Spectrum's Comments: Brana is a Fighter/Mage/Thief combination.
SUBJ: Anton (R) FROM: GM Feral 04/27/93 S#: 472225
"Well, it is certainly nice to make your acquaintance, Kitterina. but for now, I must bid you good eve. I've an early start tomorrow."
Anton finishes his farewells, and goes to his room for the evening.
SUBJ: Nightshadow (R) FROM: Nghtshadow 04/27/93 S#: 474980
Shadow thinks about haggling over the price as others enter and decides not to make a scene so she pays the full price the proprietor asks, knowing she can always recover her losses.
"Oh, I have a horse outside that needs stabled while I am here, could you take care of it, and make sure he is groomed and fed as well. He is the black and roan." she says.
Then takes the fruit and Feywine up to her room. She comes back downstairs and goes outside to get her sword, bow & quiver.
Shadow comes back in and glares at the Dwarf. She starts to say something but hears the Proprietor say that her bath is ready and decides it can wait till later.
"I see you let anyone in here. Thank you!" says Shadow and retires to her room for the evening.
The next morning, Shadow goes out to look over the town and see if there is a Thieves Guild and what type of Guard force they have.
SUBJ: Jordane FROM: Kromagnus 04/28/93 S#: 495849
"Well Maroshe, as it was I that extended the invitation it is only fitting that I treat." ::smiles:: "These creatures you speak of sound quite disturbing. Perhaps I can postpone my scouting expedition for a later date, as it seems there are more pressing matters within the swamps. I must warn you however, I've never been too fond of swamps."
Jordane finishes his meal and relaxes back in the chair while watching the other inn patrons retire to their rooms. "Tomorrow will be a busy day. I must visit the church tomorrow as well as the provisionor to stock on supplies we may need in the swamps. Perhaps we should both get some sleep. By the way, have you gotten a room yet? Perhaps we could share a double." ::in a hushed tone::
"Besides some of the inn's patrons sound a bit on the shady side.."
::smirks::
Spectrum's Comments: There's much that happened behind the scenes in Borderlands in private mails and online chats. You do get the feeling in reading these that some characters had decided to hook up into their own little groups well before hand, which is fine. Although at times you feel like you're missing something in these posts.