The Four Treasures

This is going to be a Fantasy Quest RPG. Standard rules: no team killing. Normally God Moding is strictly forbidden. However, if you have an idea that involves divine beings that can advance the story, let me know, and well make an exception. Inactive characters turn into non-playable characters (NPCs). Once some more bios are posted, we'll make a plot and get started. This is an exercise in writing cooperatively and in creativity, so have fun!

Name: Thaden Mad'lar
Species: Gryphon
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Eyes: Yellow
Height: 5'3" (larger when on hind legs)
Feather Color: Brown
Weapons: Steel claws and some metal spheres (the latter being a projectile)
Magic: Air Magic is the principle specialty. It aids him in aerial manuvers and he also uses it to launch metallic spheres at his opponents. He also knows a little fire magic, but only enough to light some kindling. Also has a truth sense, a characteristic in all gryphons.
Background: Thaden is a scout from an eyrie of gryphons in the local forest. He heard of a quest and decided to join it to avoid some of the local gryphon leaders, who he was in trouble with. While he isn't annoying pompous featherbrains, he enjoys studying the characters of others. His training as a scout has made him very perceptive.

Full Name: Valin Norovir

Gender: male

Age: 458 (looks about 19...its the elvish equivalent)

Birthplace: the elven stronghold of Tor Arcana

Father's Name: ? (somebody help me with these)

Mother's Name: ? (somebody help me please?)

Race: Elf (mixed High elf with Grey(mountain) Elf

Eye Color: Green

Height: 6 feet

Occupation: Jack of all trades. Elven noble, adventurer, assasin, sell-sword
Class Type: Warrior/Assasin minor spell caster
Appearance:

Clothing: Usually wears black and grey cloth tunics with a simple (by elven standards, thus, still somewhat intricate) black cloak with a hood over the tunics. Under his tunics, he wears Elven mail armor.
Weapon(s): two daggers, bow, long sword of elven forge, poison

Spells: as an elf, he has the innate ability to control basic elemental magics without any formal trianing. His preferred element is fire

Special Skills:nightvision, exceptional swordsmanship and horsemanship, also survival in adverse conditions (i.e. long expeditions into the forest)

Natural Abilities: ability to control basic elemental magic, nightvision

Brief History:Valin was the first born and only born son of one of the last of the great elven families. When he was very young, his father and mother were murdered by a band of usurpers who wished the title that his father held, and that he was to inherit (his father was a lesser-noble). His nanny quickly took the babe out of the home where his parents were murdered, and took him to live with his uncle, who raised him. He taught him the ways of the sword, and the forest, as well as many other things. He taught him the truth of his parent's death, and what his inheritance was, and that when the time was right, he must take revenge.
He has a tendency to be a smartass, and a womanizer, and enjoys the drink, but not to the point where it (completely) overwhelms him. He is freindly with the people in town, and talks with them, but that is about it. He has a small group of dedicated freinds that he is often seen with, but other than that, not many "Freinds". His enemies typically don't last very long

Alignment:true neutral

Full Name: Seraph Belfast

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Birthplace: Bloodfire Keep, in the barrens of the Bloodplains.

Father's Name: Lord Dmitri Belfast

Mother's Name: Lady Mali Belfast

Race: Human

Eye Color: Blue, Black when angered or spellcasting.

Height: 6'3"

Occupation: Noble

Class Type: Templar

Appearance: Physcially imposing, despite average size. His whole demeanor radiates power, both physical and mental. He wears his black hair cropped close to his skull, and his goateee trimmed with pbsessive/compulsive care.

Clothing:
--Crimson hued plate armor (family heirloom, no apparent magical properties)
--Medium Shield emblazoned with the Blood Moon (family heriloom, minor magic aura can be detected)

Weapon(s):
--Longsword (family heirloom, no evident magical properties)
--Dagger (self-crafted, average quality)

Spells: none (see natural abilities)

Special Skills: Proficient swordsman, novice strategist.

Natural Abilities:
--Vampiric Grasp: By laying hands on a living thing, Seraph can drain minimal life force from it, transferring its very life essence into his body, healing wounds. Usable only on creatures of Chaotic alignment, or chaotic in action.

Brief History: Born in the Bloodfire Keep, Seraph learned from a young age that he was different from other boys. He had an affinity for blood, the sight of it invigorated him. He knew he was a born warrior. He was taught the ways of the sword by his father, former Avatar of Retribution and Templar of the same god. Upon reaching his 18th birthday, he was cast out of the keep and forced to wander the barren wasteland surrounding his oasis home. If he survived, he would be granted the power of the Avatar. If he died during the journey, it wasn't meant to be. By sheer willpower, he made it out of the wastelands and into the nearest town. He collapsed at the border of the two countries, his arm falling over the boundary and onto green grass. In the blackness of his mind, he was visited by the God of Retribution. He was granted the power of the Bloodmoon, though he's not sure what that means.

Alignment: True Neutral--he is his own law.

Any other features, pets, or comments: Natural powers and spells grow with experience.

Full Name: Alexanta Trent

Gender:Male

Age:25

Birthplace:Sulthara Elven Strong Hold

Father's Name:Adam Trent

Mother's Name:Willow Trent

Race:Half Elf

Eye Color:Blue

Height:6.5

Occupation:Paladin of Lathander

Class Type:Paladin

Appearance:He has short scruffy black hair, handsome feature, and a black moustche, he has quite long ears, and some elven features on his face.

Clothing:A blood Red Cloak with an Elven cloak pin he wears Intricate platemail, his two gautlets which have an elven sign of the forest.

Weapon(s): Bastard Sword a small dagger and a crossbow.

Spells:Healing abilities

Special Skills:Master at sword fighting

Natural Abilities:His Elven blood put him into more focus with nature, so most Animal trust him.

Brief History:Alexanta was born in Sulthara an Elven Stronghold. His Mother was an Elf while his Father was a human they fell in love when he rescued her from a evil Socerer. Alexanta grew up with the Elves learning to trust nature, but when his Mother died. They banished him and his father Alexanta was aged 15 then. His father wanted Alexanta to still grow up with a good education so he asked the King to make Alexanta a Knight, the King agreed on one condition the Father must give something, since Alex was a half breed he gave up his job and put his life saving into The Church of lathander.Alexanta was so good he was soon made a Paladin at the age of 22. He then joined the Temple of Lathander and learned new skills such as healing and sword fighting.

Lawful Good

Phoenix could you edit your character's bio? Gods and Demi-Gods of any kind are invincible characters. Invincible characters are one form of godmoding, which is prohibited.

(About time we started this isn't it?)

~Thaden Mad'lar~

I waited in the room with one man and two elves. The circumstances were odd, even for this dark time. The exact reason for the gathering was a mystery. I examined the others, hoping for a hint at our task.

The man was definitely dangerous. Crimson was a big color for this guy, his shield had a crimson moon crest, which was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place it. He was of a tall build and his character radiated power and traces of humility. His hair was strictly cut, making him a professional. Most likely a religious fanatic, but still dangerous.

The closest elf to me was of a more scruffy appearance. His gray and black tunics smelled of alcohol. Underneath, he saw the bulge of a sword, or a large knife. He could only be a merc. I'd definitely have to keep an eye on him. He glanced at me, which made me focus on the last person.

The final character was a little more difficult to place. His appearance was much different from the other two. His hair was scruffy, he also had a black moustache. He was the tallest of the group. His weapons were also odd, a crossbow hung by his side, along with a sheathed sword. Most elves preferred longbows, he was probably a half breed. He probably had a dagger hidden under his red cloak.

A religious fanatic, a merc, a half breed, and a gryphon. What sort of job would call for all these skills? A curtin fluttered open as another man walked out.

Alexanta Trent:

I looked at everyone and relized i was the only halfbreed, what the heck was the King planning for me. He had said if i managed this i would be rewarded with a spell to completly turn me into an elf or to human, but did i not know what i was getting myself into, their was a Griffin an elf who smelled faintly of alcohol and a noble who looked stronger than he acted. I pulled out my necklace it had no magical properties, but i kept it.
It was a Lapis Luzili on top of tiny intircate oak leaves. I slipped my necklace back on and saw a new arrival.

Seraph Belfast

I stepped into the room, not knowing what to expect.

The most surprising occupant of the room was the Griffin that stood proudly off to the side, his head held high. I met its fierce gaze for a moment and nodded, respecting the magnificent creature. It took me a moment to realize there were others in the room. The merc to my right reeked of chaos. His clothes were disshevelled, his beard unkempt, and an alcoholic stench radiating from his body. I ignored any other details about the man, having little interest in a man that took so little pride in his appearance.

I loked at the half-breed with keen interest. How had a half elf risen to the rank of Paladin? His father, perhaps? Maybe he had friends in high places? However he got there, He certainly looked the part; fine plate armor (of human construct, not elf, I noted), a longsword sheathed in an elaborate scabbard, and elven gauntlets, which seemed rather out of place next to his man-made armor.

I reached up and brushed a finger along the edge of my shield strapped to my back, finding comfort in the magical protection it offered.

Then I broke the silence.

"Does anyone know why we're here?" I asked, glimpsing into each man's eyes in turn. My gaze paused on the griffin, and once more I marvelled at the beast.

Valin Norovir:

There were four of us at the table. Myself, a half-blood Paladin, not that I have any problem with half-bloods, mind you, its just, I found it odd. Normally people of elven decent don't make it to paladin in the Human realm, and visa versa. There was also a very large human, who exuded nobility and pompousness, as well as other things. And then, there was the Griffin. Griffins were almost hunted to extinction by the human beasts earlier in this era, so you can imagine my chagrin when one was sitting with me in a human pub. He was a beautiful specimen of the race, and was as proud and noble as they come, which is good as Griffins are known for such features.

I bowed to the Griffin courteously, to acknowledge that while I may currently be a sell-sword merc, and borederline ruffian, I am still of the proud, noble, Eldar race and as such, have the proper knowledge base and classical manners necessary to function in society.

I eyed the crimson-clad pompous-looking human noble with suspicion. I never trusted human nobles, and I most likely never will. As I watched him, my hand silently slipped to my belt and held the hilt of my dagger, just in case.

I spoke in Elven to the half-blood Paladin, "I dont trust this hairy barbarian in the least. It would be wise if you were on your guard, as well"

When the Human noble asked if anyone knew why we were here, I responded in my normal fashion, "To enjoy fine food and fine spirits...why else?" as I lifted my goblet of fireale to my mouth and drank.

Seraph

I chuckled at the mercenary's joke, pulling up a chair of my own to his table. Pouring myself a goblet of ale, I clapped a fist to my chest in salute.

"I am Seraph Belfast, Templar of the Crimson Throne. Who might you be, good sirs?" I asked, opening the conversation to all.

~Thaden Mad'lar~

"I am Thaden Ma'lar of the Forest Eyrie." I waited as the other two introduced themselves.

"Have any of you seen our mysterious employer? I would like to know more about him before he joins us." A flash of interest went on each of their faces. I frowned, this meant that none of the others had actually met him.

At that moment, the bartender approached us.
"Begging your pardons sirs, but a gentleman asked that I give you this. He apologized for being unable to meet you face to face, but he hopes you understand."
"Is that all?" I asked.
"Yes sir," he said, dropping four packages and a letter on the table.
"Thank you," Alexanta said. I grabbed the letter and opened it with a quick flick of my talons.
"What does it say?" Valin asked?
"My dear friends. Do not regret not meeting me, for we have met before, long ago. Everyone of you has some sort of past connection with me. All of you have done some great injustice to me, but let's not bother with the past. I have taken the liberty of righting the wrong that was done to me. Please accept these gifts as a token of my triumph," I read aloud.

I grabbed my package and ripped it open. I froze and then took it out. It was a gryphon feather, partially covered in blood. It wasn't the blood that made me freeze, I had seen combat. It was the feather pattern. Only one gryphon had that pattern in my Eyrie. Her feather pattern was just like the one in my talons. A small piece of paper was tied to the feather.
"Finders keepers, losers weapers!"
My feathers bristled and my talons trembled with rage. A similar reaction was spreading around the table. Seraphs eyes had turned a deep black. I flung myself away from the table and leaped on the bartender in one swift moment.
"Who was it!" I grabbed him by the throat with my talons and pinned him against the wall, "Who told you to deliver this?" I held the feather in front of him. The other three joined me with equal anger.
"I don't know!" the bartender said.
"What did he look like! SPEAK!" Seraph shouted.
"He was in a cloak, I didn't get a good look at his face."
"If you're lying-" Vallin said, his hand was on his knife.
"He's not," I cut him off. "I'd know if he was." I released the bartender and put the feather in my pocket. The entire bar was silent.

(Grif, I'd appreciate it if you didn't make my character out to be someone who he isn't. Making a few lines of dialogue here or there is fine, but my character is more cool and guarded-at least at first-than you are making him out to be. Thanks)

Valin Norovir:

We each opened our "gifts" and we each had similar reactions. That first of sadness, then of supreme anger. The Griffin had already pinned the bartender to the wall, and this Seraph Belfast character had joined him before I actually examined my "gift". It was a torn peice of tunic. Blue, with gold and silver inlay in the design of stylized waves. It was bloody, as well. Also in the package was a very small, lightweight throwing dagger made out of seasilver. I tightly clenched my fist. Whoever had done this, had killed my uncle, who had raised me since my parents' murder. Immediately, my hand reached for my sword, but my mind stayed my hand. I thought back to what my uncle had told me, all those years ago, "Pointless anger and emotion are tools for our enemy to use against us. Do not be absent of emotion, but guard it carefully" and so, instead I just chuckled, gradually getting loud enough for all involved to hear.

"What are you laughing about, fool?" Belfast asked, incredulously.

"Put the human down, noble griffin," I said, using the Elven term for noble griffin. "He knows not who did this. This is not some vagabond. This is the work of a skilled assasin or other weapon for hire, at the payroll of one, or more, powerful and influencial individuals. This is not his fault"

"Now, come sit back at the table, take a drink, and let me introduce my self, and tell you how I came to be who I am"
As they sat down, I could tell that my tone of voice was convincing enough to be believed, but not too forceful to be seen as a command. This was a good thing. As soon as ale had been poured, I began.
"My name is Valin Norovir, of Tor Anroc. My father and mother, were the Lord and Lady of Tor Anroc, the second strongest Elven stronghold in this land. Their power was second only to the King of the Eldarian. I was born 458 years ago, which in Human terms, would make me about 19 years old. When I was about a week and a half old, a band of lesser nobles and their goons, intent on usurping my parents' throne and power, broke into our keep, and murdered my father and mother. While I obviously was too young to remember this, I have heard stories about it. First they barged into my parents' bedchamber, demanding their abdication. My father, being proud and noble refused, and told my mother to take me and flee. He then grabbed his sword, and proceeded to defend our home and title. Unfortunately, he did not succeed. After killing my father, they hunted down my mother, who had not yet reached me, and cut her down in cold blood. The housetaker, Arimovir, wrapped me in cloths and speeded me away to my uncles home where he raised me as a son. He taught me the ways of statehood and diplomacy, the ways of magic, and of nature, and of science, medicines, healing, and poisons. But most importantly, he taught me the ways of battle. He told me who I was, and what my history and rights were. And, I have sworn a vow to retake my birthright. And now, whoever is responsible for these acts has killed my uncle as well. We must find out who is behind these atrocities, and then I shall have my vengeance"
I said all this calmly, and on the last sentence, my mouth turned into a sinister grin, and I could hear my voice turn icy.

(Sorry, it seemed like it would be something a merc would say. Gotta remember this guy is an elf. )

~Thaden Ma'lar~

I was only half listening to the elf. My attention was diverted. I had only been with her a week, an entire week! How could he have known? This gnawed at me more than anything else. The enemy was cunning. This event was the creation of years, not of a mere month that assassins used. I listened to the rest of the stories. If I was to understand my enemy, I'd have to understand his relation to these people.

I opened my gift and saw my Father bloody blade it was his blood. "Who gave you this this is my Father sword, he who gave up his freedom to give me a chance to earn a living." "
I load my crossbow, "okay tell me what this person looked like or you'll regret it"
All of us were now on the bar keep when I heard a voice "it not him you want to harm it's me, yes i did these things, but for a greater purpose kill me if you want, but you'll threnten the way this world is."
Everyone turned round.

I slowly walked away from the barkeep, embarassed by my rash actions. I slipped my dagger back into its sheath, and strode back over to the table, where my own box lay.

Inside lay the eyes of my father.

The pure black orbs were unmistakable. The bastard had cut out my father's eyes. Whoever he was. I left the box where it was, having no desire to look at the grizzly trophies our mysterious nemesis had sent me.

"Killed my father," I muttered to the others. I looked to Valin and Ma'Lar for a response from them, then to the Half Breed, who had yet to open his own package.