OCC: I have a specific plot in mind for this RP. There are just a couple things I want to address. First, I don't want any more than four people joining. It gets confusing for me when too many people join. I already have one spot reserved for Crazydragongirl. Second, this RP is mainly for humanoid characters (humans, elves, dwarvs, vampires, etc). I don't think dragons, gryphons etc would fit in very well.

IC: Located beyond the Boer Mountains, beyond the lands of Alagaesia, lay a rugged river valley. A rolling river ran through the heart of the valley. On one side of the river was a dense forest. On the opposite bank, standing defiantly against the rugged wilderness, was a collection of wooden buildings surrounded by a fifteen foot stone wall: Fort Trenton. The fort, not really much more than a trading post actually, was the only inhabited settlement for miles around. This was the home of Evan Garretson, the explorer, adventure, and sailor. During a recent expedition to some ancient Dwarven ruins in the mountains, Evan had found writing on a wall telling of an ancient artifact that would grant whoever found it one wish. However, it wouldn't be just any wish. It would be the one thing they desired more than anything in the world.

Presently, Evan sat at a desk inside the log cabin next to the trading post. he had copied the inscription found on the wall but part of it had been missing. The building had been in a state of disrepair and part of the inscription had long since worn away.

"This artifact could be worth investigating, especially if the Empire is after it." he said to himself.

Back when Evan was exploring the old ruins, he had encountered an armored brute wearing an imperial mark. The scum had pursued him but Evan managed to slip away through a narrow passage through which the armored behemoth could not follow.

Removing a book from a shelf located next to his table, Evan began flipping through the pages, hoping to find some information that could tell him the rest of the message.




Natagath used one of his melee blades to slash through a tree branch blocking his path.

"He can help me find it." he said to himself. "He'll help me get if even if I have to force him to do it. I can make reparations later if needed."

There is only one thing in this cruel world that Natagath truly wanted and that was to be reunited with his beloved dragon. Truthfully, he knew that he had to free himself from the suit in which he was trapped and completely free himself from Galbatorix's control before reuniting with his dragon, but perhaps he could find a way to manipulate the wish. He knew of Evan and his exploits and Natagath knew that this explorer could help him find what he was after. He had almost captured the man at the ruins but Evan had escaped.

Hopefully I won't have to use force. Maybe if I explain my predicament he will agree to help me.

Natagath could see the road up ahead and slashed through a few more branches and saplings until he finally stood at the edge of the woods, looking down the path toward Fort Trenton.

"I'd better wait until nightfall. I can't just stroll in there in broad daylight wearing this armor." he muttered to himself.

OCC: That's fine.

IC:
Evan nodded in reply to the boy's question and said, "Yes, I am Evansgard garretson. You can call me Evan though."

When the boy said that he had been sent here to find him and then mentioned a dragon, it sparked Evan's curiosity.

Evan nodded when the boy asked to come in. It was clear that he boy was upset about something.

"Wait here." Evan said, motioning to the table in the room.

He quickly fixed a cup of hot tea from the pot over the fire and added some mint leaves to it. "Here, this will calm your nerves. Now, tell me what the problem is. You were saying something about your dragon?"

This person was a Dragon Rider! The only other Dragon Rider Evan had known was his mother. This boy sounded like he needed help.

OCC: I thought you could only scry things you had already seen. Zalda has never met Evan or been to his house as far as I know.

IC:
Evan listened to Corido's story. Once Corido had finished, Evan said, "Blast it all! I knew someone else was after the artifact! I wonder if they have anything to do with this message I received."

Evan did not wish to drag this boy into the mess that probably awaited ahead but he knew of the bond between a rider and their dragon. he knew he couldn't talk Corido out of going so he decided to bring him along.

"I don't even know exactly what the artifact is but I have an idea of where we can find out more about it. There is an ancient Dwarven ceremonial site about 100 miles north of here that may hold the answer. I was preparing to go there and look for more information. I just need to pack some things and we can head out."

With that, Evan removed some food items from a cupboard and packed some food items into a saddle bag.


Natagath waited at the bend in the river. Hopefully Evansgard would be along shortly. He really wasn't looking forward to the idea of entering the fort wearing a set of imperial armor.

Looking at th eposition of the sun, Natagath muttered, "What is taking him so long?"

OCC: Curses! I just lost The Game!

IC:
Evan walked into the corral where he kept his bison and quickly saddled up Helios. Then he led the bison out of the corral. After attaching his gear to the saddle, Evan climbed onto Helios's back and urged the beast toward the fort's front gate.

After waiting for Corido to get a horse, Evan said to him, "We're going to follow the river to the north. We need to make a quick stop up ahead though because somebody wants me to meet them there."


With that, Evan urged Helios out through the front gate and toward the river. Thankfully they wouldn't have to cross the river. The depth and current would make such a feat quite difficult.

Riding a bison took some getting used to but Evan had adapted well. He found bison to be better suited for long travels than horses. Unfortunately they were also stubborn and hard to tame and eve then, their wild nature made them unpredictable. Helios was the only bison in the herd that Evan had successfully domesticated.

Evan could see the bend in the river up ahead.

Turning to Corido, he said, "Stay hidden. I don't know what this person wants but they could be trouble. If I need you I'll call you."

Evan cautiously rode on ahead toward the clearing by the river bank.

OCC: When Chuck Norris thinks about The Game, he WINS!

IC:

Evan cautiously entered into the clearing by the riverbank, looking for any sign of the person who had contacted him. Evan's crossbow was loaded and hung from a hook on the side of his saddle. All was quiet. The only sound was the wind rustling among the leaves in the trees. Then there was the sound of heavy footsteps and Evan looked to his right to see the same armored goon who had pursued him before, the imperial mark plainly visible on the shoulder plates and helmet. In a flash, Evan pulled his crossbow from the hook on the saddle and sprung the parts into place.

What do you want?" Evan demanded, his finger on the trigger.



"That will not do you any good." Natagath replied. "My armor is designed to deflect anything your crossbow can shoot. Now, we have business to discuss."

"I don't do business with the Empire, so Galbatorix I said he can piss off and die!"

Helios grunted uneasily as Natagath continued to approach.

Natagath spoke in the ancient language, which Evan understood, "I do not serve Galbatorix or the Empire. He branded me with his mark as a curse for my defiance against him!"

Looking at the stranger's grotesque appearence, Evan could only imagine what Galbatorix had done to him.

"So who are you and what is it that you want?"

"Just call em "Seven". I would rather keep my true identity a secret. As for what I want, I am sure you are familiar with that artifact by now. I have some information that you may find useful. By the way, tell your friend to come on out. I already know he is there."

"How do I know I can trust you?" Evan asked, eying the stranger suspiciously.



"If I was going to harm you, I would have done it already." Natagath said fluently in the Ancient Language.

OCC: Actually I'm playing The Anti-Game now. Every time I lose the game, I win The Anti-Game.

"Alright, let's here it then. What information do you have?" Evan asked, or rather demanded. He was in no mood for this and was eager to get on with the expedition. Now the adventurer had a bad feeling that this stranger would be tagging along.

"Very well." Natagath replied. "I know what the item in question is. It is a statue of some sort and it is located somewhere in the frozen north. Unfortunately I was unable to determine exactly where.

"I suppose you'll want something in exchange for this information." Evan said, still weary of the stranger.

"I have personal reasons for wanting to find this artifact. You can help me find it. Besides, you aren't the only one looking for the artifact. There is someone else. Someone far more powerful than you who seeks to use artifact for evil purposes. I can protect you. Since this artifact grants one wish to each person, all I ask is for on of those wishes. All I want is to be free from this suit of armor."


"Very well." Even said. "If you keep this other person off our backs I'll allow you to make a wish."