Chapter 1, Assemble the Party : Installment 1, Our Story Begins

The streets of the market quarter were absolute chaos in the noon hour, the air muddled by the cacophony of shop keeps calling out their deals and specials, squabbles over prices between merchants and purchasers, and an uncountable amount of private conversations all happening at once. Prince Arryn Ulakian III inhaled deeply, relishing the strange mixture of fish, sweets, roasts, and a hundred other scents lost in their intermingling. Dressed as an acolyte of Xonos, god of the mind, he was garbed in a pale blue robe of wool, which easily allowed him to hide his royal station, though not his devotions. He wore his hood up despite the spring heat in order to hide his identity, which no citizen of the capital would fail to recognize. He was the only boy of eighteen who had the jet black hair of the Ulakian's, so dark that some said it leeched the light from around the royal family's heads.

"My prince," said his ranger companion, "I'm not sure some peasant tavern is the best place to gather adventurers to investigate your lord father's inquiries." His companion was his guard Xenaphia, an Elven warrior who had served the royal family for four generations. She stood at his height, just below six feet, and as well was garbed in the robes of an acolyte though she did not possess the psionic talents that Arryn did. She bore the robes to hide her true nature, her enchanted quiver housing all of the necessities of an archer, the longsword she carried just in case. Xenaphia's hood was also up, to hide her tell tale red ponytail which hung down to her ankles, much more uncommon than the Elven ears which accompanied it.

"You worry too much," the prince replied with a voice more wondrous than authoritative. "Haven't you read the histories? All of the greatest adventuring parties had their beginnings with a random gathering of adventurers assembled in a tavern. What better place to diversify our talents than with those who have experienced the world, slain an ogre or two, and are willing to risk life and limb for the good of the kingdom. Let's not forget that whatever we journey to face has proven more formidable than an entire regiment of the royal army to handle. We need more than sword and spear Xenaphia, we need experience."

"Whatever you say, my prince" Xenaphia said, rolling her eyes. Arryn had been going on about the fabled adventuring parties of the old world since he was a boy, yearning for the day when he might set out on his own quest for glory, riches, and to save the world. The problem was that Brittania had been mostly devoid of a need for adventurers ever since the great war. Peace and prosperity had reigned for almost a thousand years, with the reign of the Ulakian lineage continuing for almost as long. The corruption that existed across the sea upon the mainland may have made life their an unending chaos, but the island of Brittania was a Utopia for the human race and most others who lived upon the island nation.

The tavern was towards the end of the market district, situated along the Nag river which flowed across the entire north of Brittania and emptied itself into the sea at the port on the other side of the city. A monstrous building standing three stories, stretching the entire width of a city block, "The Dragon's Fire" was a testament to the success of those who had experienced it's hospitality. The stark adamantite that the building was made from was a testament to the destructive tendencies of those how had abused that hospitality. Even being made of one of the hardest metals known to the kingdom, their were gashes and dents all along exterior of the first floor, and one eye catching burn mark alongside one of the third story windows, paneless to avoid what inevitably would have to be replaced. In fact the entire building was devoid of ornamentation, simply a shell meant to contain the chaotic individuals within.

"Shall we?" the prince inquired, not waiting for a response, simply heading towards the metal door. "I suppose we shall" Xenaphia replied, tailing him. As they approached, the door swung open and a seven foot tall half-orc wearing a loincloth and carrying a massive warhammer larger than he was stomped his way out and past them without so much as a glance down. "I told you this would be the place!" the prince said, as they stepped into "The Dragon's Fire."

It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the difference in lighting. The room was lit by a multitude of fire's which did nothing to fight off the chill of the massive space. There were three massive adamantite tables in the middle of the room, easily capable of seating a hundred people a piece and meant for those adventurers who didn't care who they sat amongst, or who could overhear. The table jutted directly from the floor and was clearly welded down, as were the benches that lined each side of them.There was a bar to the left of the building, , easily capable of holding fifty with a similar set up to the table, except only bordered on one side by a bench, and which was separated by two double doors that led to the kitchens that were separated from the rest of the tavern. Stairs up to the second floor occupied the space opposite the entrance, wide enough to allow multiple lanes of foot traffic, which kept a steady pace day and night. The right side of the tavern held no windows, unlike the other parts of the tavern, and had smaller tables and alcoves where smaller parties could gather to discuss more personal matters. The side of the building which housed the entrance featured a stage where performers could try to earn coin for their craft, and a few rows of benches where patrons could sit and watch the entertainment.

"By Gnosxia," the prince exclaimed, "this is way bigger than I thought it would be. Where do we even begin?" Xenaphia looked around and shrugged her shoulders. "This is your plan, my prince. What do you think we most need to aid our party?"

Now is where you come in. Look to the sidebar for a poll where you can vote who the Prince should try to recruit into the party. Note that only one person will be recruited here and it is the only opportunity the prince will have to recruit one of these types into the Jovial Brittanians, so make sure you pick who you think will help the party most!

Unsurprisingly, all characters featured in the Jovial Brittanians are original creations as is the story and world, so all rights to them fall to me. Please ask before using anything from the Jovial Brittanians, and definitely don't take ideas that don't belong to you.