Open The Bannered Mare Tavern

[Gemini Sierra]

((character card))
[Whiterun Stables]

The lone figure climbed down from the carriage, stretched out his legs and retrieved his duffle bag. He thanked the driver for the pleasant ride and converstaion from Solitude. As he headed up to the gates of the city he could see Dragonreach in the distance over the wall. It was an imposing structure but not nearly so as the ones in the Imperial City. Approaching the gate, he pulls from his satchel a letter and anticipating the guards move to block his entrance, handed the letter to the guard. "What's this? The cities closed to visitor on account of the dragon attacks."
"Just read the letter," he said with a smirk.
Not having encountered that before the guard hesitated and then opened the letter. He stood there reading it, looking at the Breton that presented it and back to the letter again. After a moment the guard snapped to attention and saluted the newcomer. "Right this way sire, didn't mean to hold you up sire, the Jarl will be wanting to see this as soon as possible." Returning the letter to the Breton the guard opened the gates of the city and stood back out of the way. After the gates had been closed the other guard looked over at his companion and said "What in Oblivion was that all about?". "That was a Knight of the Emperor here to deliver a message to the Jarl." replied the guard. "That old guy? No way. You were had! I can't believe you fell for that old joke. Wait until the boss finds out, you'll be mucking out the stables for the rest of your tour." The other guard laughed so a hard he practiacally had tears. "But he had the royal seal and everything! I tell you it was the real deal!" He stepped back to his side of the gate as the other guard shook his head laughing some more "Sure sure!"

Just inside the gate the Tristane Copperhart listened to the other guards, smiled and tucked the "letter" back into his satchel as he walked up to the Bannered Mare to rent a room for the night.

After entering the Bannered Mare he closed the door behind him and immediately noticed a flyer on the wall next to the door. "Recruiting", it said, for something called "Traveler's Call." The Breton stared at the flyer a moment and then shook his head and muttered, "The Bards College must be putting on a new show." Walking over to the bar, he dropped his duffle on the floor at the foot of a bar stool and sat down. Leaning heavily on the bar and not waiting for the barmaid to ask said, "I'll have a meat and some stew." He then dropped a small coin purse on the bar with a 'thump'. The barmaid looked at him, the coin purse and back to him again before saying, "sure thing".

 

[TheDemon2495]

A tall, and dark furred khajiit with light armor and a quiet step known as Demon walks into Whiterun around 7 in the afternoon,

Darn Guards, gotta waste some coin to even get in here, and lie to them and say that I was here for the Jarl.
He walks around for a while, looking for a place to stay, eventually he finds a tavern, The Bannered Mare. He walks inside to find a few people in the inn. A guy of the sneaky sort in the corner, a Breton at the Bar. Demon walks over to the back, and sits down at a table away from the one in light armor. He takes a look at him and then sits then orders some food.
Hey Barmaid, do you know who that man is over there?
No I don't but he doesn't seem too nice. I asked him if he wanted something, but he didn't listen.
Thank you, here, this is for your trouble.
He presses two Septims into her hand and she walks away. He looks over at the man and says
Are you the sneaky sort, one that can kill quickly and quietly? You might be one that I am looking for, if you want the coin and loot. I am Ri'Demon, but you may call me Demon.
He waits and hopes for the man to say that he is.

 

[Kiam of Morrowind]

Kiam glances over at Demon nonchalantly "Yes I kill effectively and quietly, as for loot and coin that's why I've came to skyrim. I've been waiting for a companion I'm loyal to my friends and need someone I can trust in my adventures. He shifts his gaze to Demon studying him trying to figure out if he can trust this strange khajiit.

 

[TheDemon2495]

"Yes I kill effectively and quietly, as for loot and coin that's why I've came to skyrim. I've been waiting for a companion I'm loyal to my friends and need someone I can trust in my adventures.
Demon takes a second glance at the man,
What is your name? I am glad that I have found another one that shares my interest in the art of Stealth, before I have seen people who just wanted to charge in attacking everything in sight. That's plan 'C' though.
He buys a mead for him and the other man
I do not usually drink, but today is good.
He flashes a smile quickly

Do not worry, you can trust me, many Khajiit are not trusted because of theft and Skooma, Some tales are true,
Demon shrugs
Some are not. I was looking for a companion myself, I am good with help. Albeit, a little more truthful than most, I generally tell people what I take of the situation. I was also looking for a way to get into the Dark Brotherhood, do you know one? I have had contracts on me, but I haven't been able to trace them back to where they came from.
He walks over to the mans table and thinks to himself,
I really hope this works out, I don't want another call to the guards.
Demon sits down, and takes another sip of the mead.

 

[RangerChad]

[After hours of watching the buisy life of the travelers visiting the end, I let up on my ability that allows me to sink under the radar and hardly be noticeable even though I am in plain site. I employ this ability to evade altercations because I have given up on fighting everything that looks at me for challenge. Feeling as though these people mean me no harm I let them notice me, if they want. I sit in the north eastern cornor of the inn drinking just good old water watching the curious people and how they go about their lives. I have a mix of steel and dwarven armor on. I have two swords, daedric sword on my left and a steel sword on the right. My bow hangs on my back next to my quiver of arrows held in a special pouch I made into the armor. However I continue to not interact with them, none of them would want me around anyway.]

 

[Sn'eek the Khajiit]

(OOC: Character Sheet http://skyrimforum.com/threads/skyrim-freeform-rp-post-your-character-card.4020/page-9#post-94978)

The journey had been long from the province of Cyrodil, though eventful to say the very least. Having travelled from the Imperial City in the heart of of the province, venturing north towards his intended goal. His first way lay, the hold of Bruma, cold to his relatively thin fur, a product of Elsweyr's tropical climate. It was here he had heard of Whiterun, yet his intentions had always been to cross the border into Skyrim, simply a room for the night at the Jarell View inn and a few sold ebony and glass bow's in exchange for more ebony, moonstone and malachite ingots at the Hammer and Axe, which of course left a little profit of coin in his pocket. He did however ensure he visited the statue of the champion of Cyrodil, the history of such things and the related conspiracies regarding the fabled elder scrolls were of much interest to him. The hold itself even more then two hundred years on from the Oblivion crisis was still much recovering from it's effects, even though no living man was involved, the stories are still fresh from being passed on, Sn'eek often whilst waiting for sleep to take him, hearing the tales of the great defense of Bruma it had now come to be known.

The next morning and he was heading out, his pack strapped to his back with the remaining bows he had for sale, plus the ingots in which he had acquired, heading for the border high in the Jarell mountains, coming across Helgen, still in a state of disrepair. Slow furred footsteps padded through the desolate village, voices heard from the ruined buildings causing him, with cat like reflex, heading into the shadows with silent footfall. A few moments later the cause was spotted, bandits seemingly taken a hold of the once proud village, deciding the best course of action would be to leave them be, his presence in Skyrim at least should not be known for the time being. The walk itself to Whiterun was not to long, passing through Riverwood Sn'eek could not help but admire the scenery around, a vast change from Elsweyr and even Cyrodil, the grassy hills and tropical forests replaced with frost covered tundra, mountain ranges and snow cover. Seeing the snow caused Sn'eek to shake within his fur, only furthering his resolve to reach Whiterun by nightfall.

The gaurds were still understandably nervous upon his entering, with the recent conflict between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials culminating, the remnents themselves not dying out as of yet, and of course the Thalmor eagerly awaiting for each force to reach it's lowest before striking, the thieves guild increased presence and the Dark Brotherhood associated with the Emperors death, outsiders were considered a threat, him being a Khajiit he felt this more.

"What is your business Khajiit?" The guard demanded in his authoritive tone. The other standing the opposite side of the gate, noticed in the corner of the Khajiit's eyes to having his hand upon a steel sword, his thoughts considering the poor choice, yet still lethal.

"This one merely wishes to trade with the Nord people, Sn'eek needs rest before he ventures into the harsh climes of this land." Sn'eek, dressed in the usual fine robe he wore, black with the gold trimming and gold belt which allowed the robe to close, a custom slit at the back to his waist to allow his tail free movement, imperative to allow him to keep his strength in agility. Bowing his head in respect to the guards, though they were still cautious of his intentions.

"We know your kind here Khajiit, not many venture from the caravans. We will be watching you, keep your hands out of others pockets." The Khajiit, through experience of keeping his cover of a tradesman managed to hold back his smirk, bowing his head once again allowing the top of his hood to shadow his face, hiding it from the guards.

"This one wishes to make an honest living, the reputation of my brothers seems a challenge to overcome, yes?" He did not expect a response, merely an attempt at misdirection, walking forward to push open the gates as the guards thought upon what he had said. A short walk past the blacksmith Warmaidens, noting it for future reference.

Pushing open the doors to the Bannared Mare, the sounds of conversation striking his attuned ears, discerning little bits from each of those around. He was shocked to see so many Khajiit's in Skyrim, no doubt word from the caravans had reached the province and the reputation of coin to be earned has been spread. He did not however acknowledge anyone within the tavern, walking up to the bar and taking a seat, placing his pack by his feet in front he waited for the barmaid to address him.

"This one wishes to rent a room if you would be so kind, and also request a choice to what drinks this one may purchase?" Sn'eek's voice almost whispered towards the women making her way towards him, giving him a curious glance not used to anyone asking for anything but mead.

"Ten gold for the room, feel free to warm yourself by the fire. We have mead on the menu if you would like a drink, and a selection of broths and meats if you would like something to eat." The Khajiit turned his nose up at the mention of mead, not liking any drink which effects his frame of mind, not even liking moon sugar which was uncommon for his kind. He waved off the drinks placing ten gold coins upon the counter for the room and a few extra for some broth which he had not paid attention to what was in it. He had found early on in his journey in order to keep up his disguise, he needs to act like he belongs with a caravan despite being independent. The broth was quickly served and placed in front of him, wooden bowl and spoon so commonly seen.

"This one would like to thank you for your hospitality." A short nod in her direction before picking up the wooden spoon and taking a short sip, almost wanting to spit it back out but managing (barely) to keep it down. He had arrived in Skyrim, a hold which is famous throughout the province, he can now begin his intentions, surely someone must know of the Thieves guild which he had heard had such a large reputation here. He stayed quiet, taking gentle sips, listening to the conversations around for any indication of information he could use.

 

[FlickerWick]

My character card

I haven't creatively written anything for a whole now, so bear with me!

"Wake up, we're here!" said the carriage driver, before tapping a sleeping Alphonse on the shoulder in order to bring him back around. Begrudgingly, he straightened up, let out a mighty yawn and reached into his pocket.

"Here you go." he mumbled, before dropping a handful of gold coins into the driver's hand.

"1, 2, 3, 4...how many coins is this, exactly? It's far more than the fare." asked the driver, with an inquisitive look on his face.

"There should be 80 septims or so there. Treat yourself to an ice cold mead next time you get the chance!" replied Alphonse, before thanking him, heartily shaking his hand and jumping off the back of the carriage.

"Good day to you friend." exclaimed the driver, before riding off down the rickety road. Alphonse could hear a chirpy whistling tune gradually fading into the distance.

"This is it." Al thought to himself, as he gazed across the vast tundra to his left. Shades of orange began to creep into the distant horizon. He knew it was time to find a place to stay. A deep breath was taken before he proceeded to walk up the stone pathway towards the city's majestic wooden gates. As he reached for the handle, the guard's arm reached across to stop him.

"Halt. City's closed, there are dragons about!" the guard barked. Not wanting to get involved in a treacherous political battlefield, Al decided to not mention his experiences at Helgen and reached into his pocket once more.

"Here, this should do it." he murmured, before slipping some more septims into the guard's hand.

"Welcome to Whiterun, citizen." replied the guard. His tone was a lot lighter this time. The guard unlocked the gate and Alphonse walked on in.

As the great gates shut behind him, he paused to take in the atmosphere. Smokey chimneys. A colour drenched sky. People chatting away. This sure made a difference to Helgen's grim scenes. Al headed strait for the Inn, which was conveniently located straight ahead of him. The Inn was located amongst a few market stalls and shops. The streets were bustling with busy people, tieing up loose ends before the sun sank and the day came to a close. He walked up the wooden steps before opening the door. It might've only been around 7pm, yet the inn was already beginning to fill up - there were at least 20 people in there. The air was filled with the sounds of music and rambling drunkards. Al walked straight to the counter and sat down, before removing his backpack and dropping it next to his feet. It made a rather quiet thud and a small cloud of dust wafted up.

"It's after a long day that a good drink can really be appreciated." said Al, jokingly.

"Ycu can say that again. What are you after?" replied the barmaid.

"A room and a bottle of mead, if you would." responded Al.

"That'll be 24 septims." she smiled. He gave her the money and then retreated to the balcony of his room, which overlooked the roaring firepit.

He left his bag on his bed before sitting down once again on one of the two chairs on the balcony.

"What a day!" he thought to himself, before devouring the mead faster than the black dragon's flames devoured Helgen. He proceed to mull the today's events over whilst soaking up the atmosphere and listening to the clamour that came from below.

 

[ryguy90]

Vercindrix of the Ariago Tribe walked into the Branded Mare excited, nervous, and overwhelmed by this strange city. She was use to the strong holds, cave halls, villages, and war camps of the Forsworn, not this massive thing of stone and wood, filled with some many new sights and sounds. But she wasn't here on vacation, she had a duty to perform, not gawk at the sights as would a country bumpkin. So Verc did her best to hide her fear and excitement from the other customers and made her way to the back were her contact was waiting.

After a minuet of scanning the room she sees him in the back, wearing an expensive green robe with a fur lining around the neck while enjoying a mug of ale. Verc tried to get over there as inauspiciously as possible, but then he spots her and begins to wave her down and even calling to her "Hey Verc, over here!"

Now with her cheeks burning red, Verc scuttled over to his table as quickly as she could without running.

"That wasn't very stealthy, Uncle Olfrid." Commented the Forsworn warrior as she sats down. "Now everyone is looking at us."

"And a strange woman trying to sneak across the tavern to sit with one of the most important men in Skyrim isn't going to draw attention?" Responded the patron of the Battle-Born Clan. "The way you were going at would have made it look like I was ether meeting a streetwalker or an Imperial spy. Ether of which would be difficult to explain to Bergitte. Now people know that you're just my niece coming to see her favorite uncle. So remember the spy that gets caught is the spy acting like a spy."

"Fine." Says Verc who was still uncomftiblh with how her uncle was handling the meeting, but she continued with the conversation. "So what is this job I..."

"I haven't seen you for over a year and you want to get straight to business?" Olfrid interrupted quickly. " We can talk about that later, right now I want to know what's happening with the rest of my family. Like how are your husband and daughter doing and what is my brother up to these days?"

"Dahi is doing good, he's been making jewery to help fund the war effort, Sameria can't wait to meet her legendary great uncle again, and father is still the finest farmer in the Reach."

"Don't call me Sameria's great uncle. Makes me feel old."

"You aren't old uncle, your aging." Teased Verc while Olfrid replied with a laugh before saying. "But speaking of making things I was wondering when that payment for that last supply shipment was going to come?"

"Sorry uncle Olfric but no one told me anything about you sending supplies. I'm sure someone else from... our group will come by with your pay shortly."

Olfrid felt like slapping himself when Vercindrix had almost blurted that she was with the Forsworn, but kept it together and instead responded by saying. "Well, don't worry about it. It is only money and we both know I have plenty of that. Now on to business."

"Good, I am more than ready to go and do this thing."

"Well sorry to burst your bubble, but the finish I was asked to give you is going to be a difficult one. This isn't simply ambushing some bandits or Storm Cloaks out in the country side, but something that will require more skill and secrecy. So before I give it to you, I want you to take sometime to learn about the outside world as well as form a team to accomplish this task."

"Fine." Said Verc who was more than a little annoyed at this interuption. "So what do you want me to do?"

"Take on some odd jobs with local adventures. Build a team, explore some old ruins,and kill a few monsters."

"Just like you, father, and mother use to do, until dad took an arrow to the knee."

"Exactly. Now I know you don't trust sell swords but most of them are decent people and it would do you good to get some experience with dealing with people outside the army before I give you this mission."

"Fine." Said Verc, giving into her uncle's demand.

"Good, now go and talk to bartender and if that doesn't work then talk to me and I'll see what work I can find."

 

[thezapper2009]

Jakr-Ker, who had managed to put some coin in his satchel, by working on the Battle-Born farm, was sitting
On a corner, watching the ambient arround him, he found this nigth most interesting
He was ready to make his announcement, the finest people he had ever seen were there,
So he climbed on to a table and announced:
I am Jakr-Ker, son of Jakr-Dar, and i have comedy here to inform all adventurers that there will be a wagon leaving for Falkareath tomorrowat first ligth, if you accompany me I promise a nice shack to sleep (hunters rest), and all the leather you make in the nice forrest. I will also supply you with bows and arrows for hunting.

He say back down as every soul in the tavern was swarming him with questions, and pleas to join the adventure

 

[TheDovakhiin]

(Hope you don't mind me joining in after a few pages) He opens the door behind some black leather armour,and a hood...you can tell by his tan skin he is a imperial with amazing black hair,and very strange eyes...

 

[Petma]

OOC: Should I link the char-description or whatever? Also, hope u don't mind me joining!

Aaron woke up to the banging on the door.
''Blue-Eye! It's 8 o'clock, you asked me to wake you up?'' the woman said.
''Thank you, Hulda, I'll be right out'' Aaron answered, and jawned.
The Bannered Mare's inn-keeper had always been nice to him. They had known eachother for a long time.
He stood up, and put on his clothes. He then proceeded to put on the heavy armour ha had hid under the bed. He then walked through the door, and down the stairs. As he walked by the counter, he threw a small pouch of gold to Hulda, and walked out the main door leading out to the market area.
''What should I do today?'' He thought to himself as he sat down on the ground outside Belethor's.

 

[Gemini Sierra]

[[OOC:
This area is freeform... or more to point... a fine place to introduce your character and show off your storytelling style. So... WELCOME!
Also, it is not required to link your Character Card to the story, but it's can't hurt. I do it... in one of two ways, a link that says "character card" or I link the characters name to the card... either way or neither is up to you. PERSONALLY... I think a link to the card is a good idea so as others don't have to hunt for it. I post mine in two places, a blog entry (it's all I use it for at the moment) and in the character card thread]]

 

[iTRY]

As dawn was fast approaching, Xidane got down from his trusty friend Shadowmare at the Whiterun Stables...

"Only the finest stables this side of Helgen!" said a man sitting in a chair next to the stables "What can I do ya' for?"

Ha! Helgen...thought Xidane, remembering what took place the previous day; "How much?" Xidane spoke quietly nodding towards Shadowmare...

"Not no more than ten gold I'd dare say for a fine mount such as yours." said the man as he rose from his chair and approached Xidane with his hand outstretched "Name's Skulvar, Skulvar Sable-Hilt."

Ignoring the man's hand, Xidane retrieved a twenty-piece gold coin from the pouch at his side...at this action, Skulvar was drawn to a shiny curved dagger glowing with a red hue sheathed next to the stranger's coin purse...

"Thanks." said Xidane, flipping the coin to the man while never making eye-contact as he turned back to Shadowmare "Play nice my dear old friend." Xidane said softly as he stroked the horses neck and proceeded to the city gates, leaving Skulvar curious and awe-struck...

Xidane was tired and sore from the previous day's events and was eager to find a nice hot meal and a warm bed. He knew just where to find what he needed seeing as this wasn't his first visit to the Hold. He proceeded into town towards The Bannered Mare...

 

[Hermaeus_Mora]

Belwas the Bull entered the bannered mare. It was cold outside, very cold. Belwas hated cold, it made his skin stick to his armor and you could hardly use a sword against it. He ordered some mead, sat down in a chair and got a whetstone out of his pocket. He started sharpening his cherished Orcish Greatsword, while looking around. He needed some companions, Belwas had figured that out when he first entered Skyrim 2 weeks ago. Skyrim was a harsh province.

Ooc: looking for some companions.

 

[iTRY]

Apon entering The Bannered Mare, Xidane quickly took-in his surroundings...a habit-like reflex he had become aware of over recent years. Nothing unusual...the common mercenaries who gather to spend what little gold they've earned on cheap ale and soiled women or sit around the fire sharing war-stories, the local residents who spend more time at the pub than their own homes, and every once in awhile a local hero of sorts catching up on some r&r before their next "great adventure"...

"Xidane, is that you?!" came an excited female voice from across the room. Following the voice, Xidane located a woman cleaning tankards behind the bar, and apon noticing who it was he quickly approached. "By the Nine, it is you!" the woman exclaimed as he came closer...

"Nice to see you too Hulda." teased Xidane as he took a seat on one of the bar-stools at the counter...

"What in the name of Talos brings you back to Whiterun?" asked Hulda as she began preparing Xidane a drink "It's been what, four years this Hearthfire?" she said as she handed him a tankard of thick foamy ale...

Xidane thought about this for a moment as he accepted the drink offered to him..."Four years the 8th of Hearthfire if my memory serves me correctly." replied Xidane as he took a drink from the tankard "The summoning day of Nocturnal to be exact." he said before taking another well-needed drink "But needless to say, I'm just passing through my friend." he finished as he slid the empty tankard back towards Hulda and nodded...

"Well it's good to see the Divines have kept you in one piece!" Hulda said with a laugh as she took the tankard from the bar and began refilling it "The conflict between the Legion and the Stormcloaks has reached dreadful heights and sprouted civil war since we last spoke." she continued as she returned the now full tankard to Xidane...

Aware of all the eyes piercing him like bandit's arrows since he had walked through the door, Xidane began to feel uncomfortable and was once again reminded how badly he wanted a private room and some much-needed rest...

 

[Hermaeus_Mora]

Belwas notices the man in the armor of Nocturnal, and waves him over to his own table, putting the whetstone back in his pocket, and sheathing his greatsword over his back.

 

[iTRY]

After visiting with Hulda for a few more minutes and purchasing a room for ten gold, Xidane bid his old friend farewell and started to gather his things to leave when he noticed a well-built Redguard motioning him over to where he was seated in a chair sharpening an orchish greatsword with a whetstone...

This better be good...Xidane thought to himself as he rose from the bar and was struck once again with an overwhelming feeling of exhaustion "This seat taken?" asked Xidane as he approached the man, nodding to the empty chair opposite him...

 

[Hermaeus_Mora]

"Come sit with me for a second. You look tired. Have you been fighting your way here perhaps? If such is the case, i could help you. Judging by your armor, you are the sneaky type, right? Well, my main tactic is to run up screaming. A good combination when fighting. What do you say?"

 

[iTRY]

Xidane took a seat in the empty chair with a slight nod to Belwas...

"I mean no disrespect m'lord, it's just that us Men of the Shadows never seem to play well with others." Xidane spoke with a sarcastic tone "But being in my current situation, it wouldn't hurt to have an extra pair of eyes on my travels." this time Xidane spoke with a calm voice as he glanced around the room.

The previous night Xidane had barely escaped with his life after resting his neck on the Headsman's Block for being a suspected horse thief and spy for the Stormcloaks of all other things, but now was not the time to go into details. If he was lucky, news from Helgen hadn't reached these parts yet.

"Perhaps we can continue this conversation later this evening after I've had some rest. What do you say?" at this Xidane rose from his chair to leave...

 

[Hermaeus_Mora]

"All right. I'll be waiting." Belwas was suspicious about the man the innkeep had called 'Xidane', but he was the only one who looked lie he could fight.