The Four
Vluuraco.
A city located at the north west tip of the uncharted lands. A city overpopulated with inhabitants from the land of Doron. For many years sailing vessels have made the voyage to this city to bring items for trade, or to find exotic items from another land to bring back to Doron.
In the city is a large port decorated with ships from all over the known, and unknown world. As you enter the city there are no lack of options of things to browse. Stands of merchants, local watering holes, or brothels.
If you are of proper etiquette, then this would not be the place to travel to. Vulgar language, fighting, drunks, and prostitution litter the city. In the same breath, one could find a plethora of fun, and excitement if that serves your taste.
To the east of Vluuraco is a small village called Slego, and to the south, another small village named Cey. Both of these small villages serve as places to hide if you run into trouble in Vluuraco. To the north west of Vluuraco, is a smaller city, Sheegosa. Sheegosa is a pleasant, and sophisticated city. Separated by a bay, the difference of the two cities are night and day.
At a local brothel in Vluuraco we see fighting, and yelling. A typical day at this dark establishment. Although it can be quite rough at times it is a popular lay over for ship captains who have been at sea for some time. In a dark corner of this brothel we find 4 men.
Brayan, Hallam, Stockley, and Bromley sit at this table. These four gentlemen make up a group called, “The Four”. Each of them in their late thirties. They have made this uncharted land their new home. Having migrated from the lands of Doron some eighteen years ago, they have received the title of bandits from the locals.
They left Doron when Slavery was at its highest. Being supporters of King Rannulf back in their earlier time, they decided to leave Doron after the King embellished the use of slavery. They remember the time of freedom, and peaceful lands ruled by Rannulf. They wanted no part of what the King had created.
“Do you ever just want to get up, and punch one of these idiots?” Asks Hallam as he watches the fighting.
Brayan, leaning back in his chair, doesn’t even look over at Hallam. “Every time I open my eyes my friend.”
Bromley, and Stockley return to the table with another pitcher of ale. Now, ale in these lands has a more potent kick to it. The locals have the ability to engulf the ale with no issues, but if you’re new to it you might want to take your time.
“Alright boys. Here we go. A few more gallons for the taking,” Stockley says as he sets down the ale.
“I brought extra buckets for you Hallam.” Bromley laughs.
Hallam is embarrassed.
“Look, it was only one time. Sixteen years ago. When are we going to let this die?” He asks.
They all laugh except Hallam of course. He’s heard this joke a million times.
“So, what’s on our agenda today?” Asks Bromley.
“Not much. I think we are achieving quite a bit right here,” Says Brayan.
Brayan looks away from the group as they drink, and joke. He’s tired. Just in his mid-thirties, and he has traveled a lot. Doron is still his home. Going back would be something he would entertain. He and his friends left Doron right before the War of Hope. Returning wouldn’t be a bad idea since there is no more slavery.
His companions have appointed him leader of the group. He isn’t exactly fond of the role, but he accepts it. He trusts these men with his life. They have been through a lot over the last seventeen years. Traveling, fighting, and sailing. Basically they have been trying to find a home for all of those years.
They’re all within a year or two of each other in age. Hallam is the jester of the group. Very soft spoken, but always getting himself into situations that are comical that feed the rest of the group material to ridicule him on a regular basis.
Bromley is the warrior of the group. A large fellow standing at six feet nine inches. He carries a large sword hand crafted by the best smith in all of Doron. Pretty heavy compared to other weapons crafted. It was customized for him specifically based on his demands. It has seen its fair share of battles.
Stockley is the level headed one of this band of brothers. He likes to plan, strategize, and prepare for whatever they may be headed into. He too longs for home. Never mentioning to his brothers that he would like to return to Doron since slavery was eradicated many years ago. He feels they should all return.
These brothers met in FalkStone. All four of them banded together to start a bounty business. If someone stole something, or committed a crime, they were called upon to hunt this individual down, and bring them to justice. They were good at what they did. They haven’t done this in a long time. Now, they travel the north western tip of the uncharted land in search of adventure, and a place to settle down.
“I think we should decide where we are headed to next,” Stockley suggests. “We can’t hang out here in a brothel for the rest of our lives.”
Hallam and Bromley slowly turn to each other, and start to feel uncomfortable. This subject has been brought up before. It’s Stockley’s way of trying to let Brayan know it’s time to go back home. They know it, but never speak of it.
“And where would that be Stockley?” Brayan asks. “I can only assume you have an idea?”
Stockley nods as he pulls his chair up closer to the table.
“Yes. I’ve never said anything before, but, I think it’s time we returned to Doron. There hasn’t been slavery for 17 years. We can return to the lives we knew there.” Stockley says confidently. “Besides, I grow tired of these lands. We’ve been here for many years, and have never traveled south of Cey,” He adds.
Brayan continues to stare out at the people meandering about. He thinks the same as Stockley. Maybe it is time to return. What exactly are they doing here besides being hired mercenaries anyway? He sits up in his chair, takes a full swig of ale, then slams the cup down.
“Let’s vote,” He says.
Hallam, and Bromley slowly sit up. They’re not sure how to respond. Is he being serious, or is he being sarcastic?
“Seriously, let’s vote. He’s right. We need to figure out what we’re doing,” He admits.
The other three give each other a look. Not sure of what the outcome will be if they do decide it is time to return. Hallam, being the softer one, decides to step up, and be the first to vote.
“Aye. I vote to return to Doron.”
Bromley kicks him under the table. “My opinion is we could probably benefit from returning to the free lands. Return to FalkBorne, and reclaim our trade.”
Brayan nods. “Okay, and you Shockley? What do you think?”
Shockley looks at Hallam, and Bromley first, then at Brayan. “I agree.”
Brayan nods. “The ayes have it. Let’s go home boys. Back to the land of hope.”
He raises a mug, and waits for the toast. They all look at each other one more time with raised eyebrows, and raise their mugs to toast the decision to return home after seventeen long years. Back to FalkBorne.
Brayan sits back in his chair again, and feels relieved. He’s actually happy that someone else suggested it. He’s ready to return home. This land is dry, and dreadful. Now they must secure a new vessel to charter a trip to Doron. Back to hope.
