It has been a few short days since the King Regrub had recieved news of the incoming undead army, few of his messengers had survived the trail, and fewer still, lived to walk away from Zine's undead scouts, or his countless allies which have mobilised to hold all major trade routes to the South.

Instantly he sent out countless invites to warriors throughout the land, hoping for enough good men(and if necessary women) to heed his call. When only few arrived, he looked through his dungeons, searching for the vile and monstrous, hoping to find among them those who would barter their skills for the prospect of freedom.

However, by now, Zine had finally arrived, after quickly crushing Lamar's entire ground forces, and much of it's peacekeepers and guards. Finally the King was left wth little choice but to hold the walls, and ration what was left of resources, until the day came when help arrived, or Zine would fall.
[hr]

7th of Seed, 876 - approximately noon

Elden
Your arrival came a few days short of Zine's. An odd sight it was, when the gate guard, were confronted with two incoming wolves, with an odd green abomination riding upon one of them. Despite how desperately the little Bogun tried to explain, they raised their swords. Finally when you returned to human form, and showed your invite, they refused to listen, finally attacking you and throwing you into the castle dungeons, after stripping you of your belongings. Only the second wolf and the Bogun were left with you. Your wounds have healed since. The dungeon was deserted, apart from the occupant of the adjacent cell. A woman, human by the looks of her. She mostly stayed in the shadows. Today, a timid looking human guard, along with a second, much more brash and muscular one entered the dungeons, fully clad in chainmail, with swords and sheilds bearing Lamar's crest. They unlocked your cells after collecting the contents of a nearby crate.
"You are to come with us," said the larger of the two. He had a distasteful look on his face.

Tristan Olrac
You arrived a week or so before the siege. You were eloquently recieved and taken to see the King, who quickly arranged for your stay comfortably within the confines of the castle and spared no expense to ensure your comfort. Today, sometime near midday, a fully armored, palace guard, courteously knocked on your room door, before entering.
"The King kindly requests you presence mi'lord," said the guard, careful to avoid eye-contact.

Sigrun
You were caught by the local guard begging for gold, several feet away from the inn. They immediately had you arrested and unceremoniously thrown into prison, after being stripped of your equipment. A few days later, an invite was laid by a guard with your food tray. It has been a week since. The dungeon had always been deserted, apart from a few days ago, when an unconscious male dwarf was brought in, along with a wolf, an a odd small green creature. He awoke the next morning and glanced at you several times, but you paid little attention.Today, a timid looking human guard, along with a second, much more brash and muscular one entered the dungeons, fully clad in chainmail, with swords and sheilds bearing Lamar's crest. They unlocked your cells after collecting the contents of a nearby crate.
"You are to come with us," said the larger of the two. He had a distasteful look on his face.

Lathrop
After hearing of Lamar's trouble, you hurried on horse-back, arriving after several heart-stopping engagements with Zine's slow infantry. After being ushered into an antechamber of the throne room, you have been asked to wait for the King's audience. Inside was already another occupant, an armor-clad dwarf. A well dressed man, probably a King's aide, entered the antechamber several minutes later.
"Gentlemen, the King requests your presence, if you will, please follow me".

Charzak Haltor
A travelling smith, you happened to arrive a few days before the siege. After learning of the city's plight, you insisted on seeing the King immediately. You had been led into an antechamber of the throne room several hours ago. Another adventurer, by the looks of him, a human, was also ushered in, however, only a few minutes ago, and he looked terribly tired, like he had been riding for days. A well dressed man, probably a King's aide, entered the antechamber several minutes later.
"Gentlemen, the King requests your presence, if you will, please follow me".
[hr]
OOC: Introduce/describe yourselves further as you see fit, and proceed, again, as you see fit.

OOC:

ooc: Elden stands 3 feet tall, has green eyes, gray-green skin, and long, dark-green hair almost to the point of it being black. He has a short, well-trimmed beard also of the same dark-green color. He wears simple brown leather pants, with a green cotten shirt. His beard is in stark contrast to his hair which is full of twigs and leaves and such.

IC:

Elden walks quickly up to the gaurd, standing as tall as a 3' gnome can, and stares the man right in the eyes.

"AndwhyshouldIdothat?"

(OoC: While in prison, she'd try to make herself seem as crazy as possible. So, I'd imagine that's a disguise check. (Edit for clarification: By seem, I meant look. She would act crazy, too, of course, as in the case here, but those are considered disguise checks to act in character-- Which get a synergy bonus from bluff, mind you))

Sigrun's head perks up at the sound of keys. She stands slowly, as though she had just woken up, and steps into a better lit part of the cell.

Her appearance was a little disconcerting, to say the least. Her eyes were almost a blank red, with only two small black circles for pupils, giving a possessed look. Her hair, fairly long, jet black, and currently resembling a bird's nest, seemed like it hadn't been touched in weeks. She moved stiffly, as though she weren't used to her own body, and when she stood still, she looked like a puppet.

When the door is unlocked, she steps out. She holds up a dirtied hand and places it on the face of the chainmailled guard.

"You've come to let me out, eh?" She cackles. "I knew you would! I was just askin' fer some gold so that I coulds eat and the guards came and they LOCK ME UP! But yer a nice boy. You wouldn't keep a lady in a cramped place like this." She smiles widely, showing a pair of exceptionally large canines. "Thank you." She begins to walk away, cackling again.

Elden pokes his head out to watch her leave

"Certainlyfreindlyisin'tshe?"

Charzak stands at an astounding 4'7" with burnt red facial hair and amber eyes. His beard is a rich 2'3" in length, almost reaching his knees. The armor he wears, while obviously very well maintained, has clearly seen some hard battles. His shield, nearly as tall as he is, bears a similar resemblence. He bears a gruff but friendly face. His weapon of choice, plainly visible, is a large axe that gleams with constant care. He turns to the guard when addressed.

"Aye, I ben wond'rin when 'e was finally genna listen up. He dun got what 'e needs ta handle dem spooks out dere. Git on then, iff'n ya plan ta lead me to 'im."

Tristan stands at an average 5 feet 11 inches with black hair and black eyes. His face is angular and sharp, with a gaunt appearance stemming from the sunken eyes and sallow cheeks. He belies his ill appearance, though, by moving with a smooth swiftness. He has a black goatee that has been trimmed to a point. He is clothed in an elaborate crimson robe embroidered with a golden thread brocade, signifying him as a member of the Guild of Fire Mages. He carries with him only his pack and his ceremonial quarterstaff carved with ornamental runes. He stands up from the chair he was reading in and addresses the guard.

"Then the King shall have it. Please lead the way."

***UPDATED***

Lathrop, while only 5'2, was dressed as the pious man that he was. His hair pulled back into a long tail and his beard trimmed short and clean across his face. He had even taken time the time to adorn himself in the cleric vestments of Boccob, the pentagon with the eye of the all knowing emblazoned in gold on the black vestments. Even with his gloves on, anyone paying more than a casual glance would notice that both pinkies of the gloves seem to be hanging a little limp. As Lathrop rises from his seat he heads towards the door nodding his thanks to the messanger and flashing a smile and a passin prayer that Boccob would share his wisdom with the man. Upon entering the Kings chambers Lathrop lowers his gaze and announces himself waiting for the Kings permission before again raising his eyes.


"Greetings my Liege, I am the Priest Lathrop, Follower of the Archmage of the Deities and Lord Of all Magics, the Mighty Boccob. I have come offering the services of myself in the name of my lord should you require my paricular expertise."

Sigrun
The timid guard hurries up to you before you leave. "I'm sor..ry ma'm but, I have ta ess..cort ya to the King," he said, his words were coming out with difficulty and he was eyeing his sword, "Pleaa..se don't make me hurt ya."(OOC: Guard failed Sense Motive[Used Bluff instead of Diguise self, cause I think it's more appropriate]) He takes a position infront of you and leads you through the door. Behind you, the other guard had taken position behind the second prisoner. You are lead through multiple stone-walled hallways, illuminated only by torches, and then up multiple flights of stairs. You don't even recognize returning to ground level. Finally you are lead to a large wooden door, and ushered through by a third guard, also clad in armor. Inside, are several men, and a dwarf, who seemed to have been awaiting your arrival. A total of six guards now stand guard over you, with at least one more in the antechamber. One of the men seems to be wearing a religious crest. It seems familiar.
Knowledge(Religion): The man bears the insignia of Boccob

Elden
"The King demands it! Now I wouldn't know why the King would wanna meet with the likes of you, but that's how it is, now you will come quietly." The larger guard takes a position behinds you and gestures to the door. If you don't co-operate, he shoves you forwards slightly. You are lead through multiple stone-walled hallways, illuminated only by torches, and then up multiple flights of stairs. Finally you are lead to a large wooden door, and ushered through by a third guard, also clad in armor. Inside, are several men, and a dwarf, who seemed to have been awaiting your arrival. A total of six guards now stand guard over you, with at least one more in the antechamber. Your wolf companion follows suit, and growls every time the guard shoves you, with the Bogun riding atop it(OOC: until the second I stop rolling n20s on it's Ride check!), in silence.

Lathrop
You are lead into the King's chambers. The King himself, was present on the throne, but did not speak immediately he seemed to be waiting for someone. A few minutes later, a human with a staff enters, and is ushered in to stand next to you. Several more minutes later, two more people enter the room, a woman, by the looks of her anyway, and a dwarf. Both seem to be somewhat scarred and bruised. They were also accompanied by a wolf, on it's back a green creature of sorts.

Charzak
You are lead into the King's chambers. The King himself, was present on the throne, but did not speak immediately he seemed to be waiting for someone. A few minutes later, a human with a staff enters, and is ushered in to stand next to you. Several more minutes later, two more people enter the room, a woman, by the looks of her anyway, and a dwarf. Both seem to be somewhat scarred and bruised. They were also accompanied by a wolf, on it's back a green creature of sorts.

Tristan
You are lead through long, artfully adorned hallways, towards the King's chamber. Upon arriving there, a very short walk later, you are ushered in immediately. Other than the usual multitude of guards, there was a man and a dwarf standing in the centre of the room, opposite the occupied King's throne. The man, you notice, is wearing a relgious crest of sorts. The King doesn't speak immediately, he seems to be awaiting someone. A few minutes later, multiple more occupants fill the room, a beaten dwarf, a woman, or so she seemed and a wolf carrying an odd construct.
Knowledge(Religion): The man bears the insignia of Boccob!
Knowledge(Planes)/Spot: The woman is a Tiefling!
Knowledge(Arcana): The green constuct is a Bogun!

[hr]
EVERYONE

Finally the King seemed satisfied, he got up, and extended his arms, in preparation of making an address. Clad in a royal purple, white and red vestment, with rings and amulets adorning his hands and neck. He also wore an almost tacky gold crown upon his auburn hair, and he fondled his large beard in a manner unbecoming a King about to be defeated by legions of the undead.
"Now, as I understand it, you have all gathered here in an effort to, well, remove the uninvited guest. I also believe everything had been explained in the earlier address, but if you will indulge me, I have more to say on the matter," he took a more dramatic pose, as a tenor prepares to perform, "Only the Oracle holds the key to defeating the undead lord which threatens the gates, for to defeat such a creature, many a keys are needed, like parts to a large puzzle, all must be collected before the solution analyzed, (his tone suddenly dropped) or so she said in my sleep. Yes, for the Oracle had contacted me in my dreams before this crisis, and gave me three fair warnings. One, I shouldn't sleep with plants in the room, two, an undead army approaches, and three, I will never get lai...something I should not discuss at the moment. You will head through the royal tunnel leading out of the castle. It leads to the enchanting town of Browfield, to the north, where the army has yet to venture. I believe one of you had purchased a steed earlier. I'm afraid that one will have to stay at my stables here, but I've arranged for steeds to be available to all of you once you arrive."

"Now if there is nothing more to say."

He gestured to two of the guards, who immediately moved his throne sideways, revealing a wooden trapdoor. They opened that, and extended a rope ladder downwards.

The King gestured once more.

On the walk to the antechamber, Sigrun whispers to the timid guard. Her voice returns to normal, a smooth, calm, collected voice. Her movement seems noticably more natural. Without the bizzare posture, her height's easily discernable at about 5'5".

"You should know that I'm not actually a crazy, possessed, senile old hag, but rather, I'm a performing adventurer of sorts. I was jailed when I found myself getting a little too into one of my characters-- a beggar, which is normally not very noticable at all-- and found myself noticed by your fine fellows. But then I received this." Reaching into her coat, she pulls out a piece of paper bearing King Regub's seal. "It's an invitation to join him, leading me to think the entire sentence was a contrived mockery of the penal system intended to inconspiculously enlist me in a rather conspicuous way. Your King no doubt wants to hire me for my abilities of coercion, trickery, deceit, and all around politics, as I am rather lacking in every other area of adventuring, despite the fact that I am an adventurer, so it seemed only fitting that I give a proper demonstration which, hitherto, as a direct result of my incarceration, I've found exceedingly difficult to manage. However, without some of my equipment, which I assume you grabbed from the crate, I'll be far from my usual best, so in effort to make the best impression on the King-- Which I'm positive you would find beneficial to yourself to do-- I would kindly ask that you return a certain crimson ribbon to me. It's a keepsake of my family, and helps me to stay in character."

(OoC: Bluff about the Hat of Disguise, and diplomacy to get it back. Should she get it, she'll use to appear as a cleaned up version of herself.)

Reaching the antechamber, she looks around, scoffing.

"Guards, guards! Everywhere you look you see guards. You know, I think the lot of you would be doing quite a bit more for Lamar if you were on the front."

(OoC: Completely missed the part about Everyone. I only read my own.)

"Milord? There is something else to say, if I may. When your guards arrested me-- They did that rather roughly, mind you, but that's another subect entirely-- They took from me a few items. Most of it was common adventuring garbage; Curing potions, a disguise kit, my lute, things that are easily replaced. There were, however, three items of interest that, one way or another, have been lost from my person as a direct result of the persons which arrested me on behalf of the country of Lamar, which I am now supporting in a last ditch effort to save from complete and total annihilation, and I would see it most fit if those items were returned to me immediately. These items were a blood-stained dagger, a crimson ribbon, and a magical ring which protects its wearer."

(Bluff check about the ring. If Sigrun got the ribbon back from the first guard, then tack on an amulet of natural armor)

Turning his head towards Sigrun, the King, looks at her seeming puzzled.
"Ah one of the volunteers! I'm sorry lass, but I can't oblige ye, however, your gear and all your possessions are to be returned to ye, with royal apologies."

And with that, he points to one of the guards, who immediately walks forwards and hands both Sigrun and Elden a sack each.

Sigrun and Elden have retrieved their possessions..

Going through the sack, she first puts on the ribbon, then pulls out a blood-stained carving knife, looking over the blade. Satisfied that it wasn't cleaned, she puts it into a makeshift sheath and throws it back in the bag. She continues rummaging through it, and quickly gives up. Turning to the timid guard from earlier, she says, "Please investigate the guard that arrested me for the possibility of stealing from criminals."

(OoC: I figure, guards in fantasy are ALWAYS at least slightly corrupt unless they're the one that turns the entire system around, so the guard that arrested Sigrun must have stolen something sometime. She'll at least bust someone if she can't get what she wants.)

Shrugging, she closes her eyes for a moment, and her entire appearance begins to change. Her hair straightens, taking on a smooth and silky look, but remains tied in a queue. Her skin darkens slightly, from pale to fair. Her outfit, which appears to be a dirtied version of the latest noble trend, changes into gold and crimson robes. When she opens her eyes, they appear normal, healthy, and a dark brown color. In short, she completely rips off Tristan's look. She flashes him a grin, and her distinctive canines are gone. "You have to understand, I do my best when I'm not me."

(OoC again: That's enough spotlight hogging for now, since I think the character's well established enough.)

Sigrun turns to the cleric. "Boccob always did approve of learning about the unknown, didn't he? So, feel free to take the first step."

Charzak fidgets umcomfortably, eyeing the tunnel, before speaking up.

"Ach, 'ats this? I came ere ta offer me aid on the field 'a ba'tle. Not ta sneak off as a rat in the night. En dis here tunnel, it seems ta be old. Ye sure the propa work es ben done ta maintain it? En lastly, where be dis oracle? Ye've jes said to get outta ta castle, but not a lick 'a what ta do or where ta go. If'n ye canna give us a decent place ta start, I dunna see the point 'a looking fer dem keys."

OOC: Kudos on the accent (but not a lick 'a)

The Kings returns his eyes to Charzak, eyeing the odd dwarf. "A dwarf scared of a tunnel? Now that's something. Well, it's your pick my dear friend, in here, or out there." He points towards a nearby window, which had been covered earlier.

Looking outside, you see hordes, upon hordes of zombies, skeleton warriors, and other fiends your eyes can't distinguish. For now they seem to be inanimate, waiting for something to act upon. As you look out, you find one drop to the ground, as a single archer from a nearby battalion takes a shot. Within moments, the being was back on its feet, wandering aimlessly. The sky was getting dark, even in midday, the dark clouds originating from a point the back lines of the army.

"So what's your pick then warrior? I assure you the tunnel is well taken care of and lit, at least the part which I visit regularly. It has been recently restored for my use in case the undead ever come this far."

"As for the Oracle, worry not, she is quite the public personality and well known in the northern regions, anyone can lead you to her whereabouts. Indeed, if you merely follow the path leaving Browfield, you'll find her in no more than three days. However, reports indicate that Zine's allies have moved to capture her tower. You will have to free her first."

Tristan surveys his "comrades" with growing apprehension, sneering more than once, particularly at the thought of traveling with a tiefling.

Addressing the King.
"My Liege, am I to understand that I'm to seek out the Oracle with these... folks? I was expecting an army, and what I see before me amounts to little more than a brute-squad."

"And sir, I'm afraid, that is all I have to offer. Normally I'd send one as distinguished as yourself, with an escort of none other than the Royal guard, however all I have left are a handful of officers, most of the Palace guard and enough local guard to maintain the peace in the city. You have my deepest apologies, but things being what they are, you, and this is to all, will have to learn to depend on each others skills and abilities, and lucky we are, indeed, to have such a becoming group."