Episode 1: Welcome to Tanares

Tanares is world that has seen somethings. Powers rise and fall like most. For a long period of time the world was ruled by an Emperor, but as with all powers they eventually wane and fail. Now the Empire is in one small valley.

With the Empire failing the world went into a season of nationalism, each nation for themselves. As expected, this led to many great battles. This led to some battles threatening the world itself.

So the 5 Dragon aspects stepped in and declared that full-scale battles are to stop. Solve your petty problems another way.

And as these things tend to go, there were some that didn't believe the 5 Dragon aspects would do anything to stop a full scale war. But they did. What was once a thriving mage-ocracy is now a veritable wasteland. All structures, citizens, and really the land itself was utterly destroyed.

What rose out of that destruction was still nations and territories, but also the merchant class rose in power. And as conflicts arise a system of small-scale hero battles arose. Which lead to a rise in adventuring teams as well, as these colosseum style dispute resolutions turned into all day or multi day champion battles.

Today we find ourselves in the town of Northcross, ruled by Baron Thorgood for the Emperor. It is a bustling town in the old Empire, focused around commerce as this town is at the crossroads of the Emperor's Road and some of the larger minor roads. While this isn't a full city, it is a bustling town with a respectable level of services and goods.

It also has a local security company, ECS, and that's where we start our story. You see a grizzled older man pacing back and forth in front of a line of people. He's shaking his head and muttering to himself. He then clears his throat and starts talking "I am Captain Harkon. You lot have an opportunity before you. Tell me your names and what skills you may possibly possess."

First in the line we see a male Halfling, a bit on the heavy side, with a sword. "I'm Thaddeus and I'm good at demolishing sourdough and rye"

Next up we see a small female Halfling, a bit of mess in appearance and with a bow that's probably as tall as she is. "I'm Glitra and I like to make friend and have fun!"

Standing next to Glitra is a 6' tall female Half-Orc with an axe and some impressive scars. "Kenara. I kill things."

Continuing down the line we find a tall female Dwarf. "I'm Maermyl Whitebeard."

The next in line caused a little hesitation. You see a male human who keeps himself fairly covered. "Bedlam".

Practically vibrating in place next to Bedlam is another Dwarf. In an intense voice while gripping an axe "Biff! I too kill things"

And last in line, almost the opposite of Biff, we find a very calm Half-Elf. "I am Viktus and I heal."

Clearly not impressed with that line up, Captain Harkon continues "Well, not my first choice but we must honor this contract. You are not my first choice for this mission. ECS has a mission to escort a merchant and his goods out to a village and then escort the merchant back with his raw materials. Now, you're not members of ECS, but this is your chance to make an impression and possibly earn a way out of the hole of poverty. You will be paid 5 silver each now, and 1 gold each if you successfully perform this task. We will leave in 30 minutes." With that Captain Harkon proceeds to start paying the party.

Viktus though, clears his throat, and asks "Didn't you say that was 7 silver each?" After a bit of a stare-off Captain Harkon mutters a bit and states "ok 7 silver each but nothing more." He then pays us and states "30 minutes" and stomps off.

The gaggle either lounges about or goes to acquire some gear, though we're generally very poor so not very able to make any purchases at this time.

After the 30 minutes happens we all line back up, Captain Harkon barks out a series of orders. "The merchant and I will be in the front cart. Two of you per cart. One in the back. Go."

Kenara and Maermyl line up with the first cart, though on the way there Maermyl slips something into Kenara's water flask. No one noticed though, including Kenara. Glitra chirps "I'll work with you! What did you say your name was?" while indicating Viktus. So they're now together escorting the 2nd cart. This leaves Thaddeus and Bedlam with the 3rd cart since Biff volunteered to bring up the rear.

And the party, with the very reluctant Captain Harkon, and a merchant and his carts exit through the east gate.

What could possibly go wrong?