TownCrier/Faction Attraction/Raise Your Stout Krew

Wehnimer's Landing. For many, the frontier town remains the hub of the traveler. This small town has a diverse population of races, cultures, and creeds. Some pass by in their visits to the invoker, adorning themselves with blankets of magical protection. Others enjoy the heavily populated area of Town Square Central, where anything from drunken dwarves to Rooks protecting the town with their vigilant eyes from the shadows to even sentient wolves asking for donuts to consume. Of course, many pubs and eateries occupy the town, occupying their time at Helga's or lounging at Wayside Inn. As a result, one can find themselves lost, alone, and perhaps feeling a void of companionship. But one group in particular prides itself on inclusivity and its many numbers. Though their population is vast, it is one where people feel connected, united, and part of a large family the most heavily populated Meeting Hall Organization in Elanthia. This is Raise Your Stout Krew or RYSK for short.

Hosts and Members

The Notorious Julenne Shiningmoon the Incantress of the Eastern Harbor

She appears to be an Aelotoi

She is shorter than average. She appears to be extremely young. She has sparkling jade green eyes and fair skin. She has waist length, curly deep red hair with lighter streaks. She has a delicate face, a classical nose and dimpled cheeks. She has a pair of jade green wings decorated with an ecru nautilus shell ornament shot with silvery marbling on each.

She has a leaping dolphin tattoo on her arm, a simple vaalin ring threaded with a tiny ruby hibiscus in her left eyebrow, and a blue-backed dragonfly tattoo on her ankle.

Miniature silver dolphins spiral outward from her before fading away.

She is in good shape.

She is wearing an enruned platinum crown, a nacre-tipped dark faenor hairpin, a polished imflass aventail, a blue-streaked emerald trident symbol, a patinated silver locket, a mottled chestnut bazan duster with ink-whorled cuffs, a vibrant blue coral armband set with silver dolphins, a small rose, a copper stein insignia, a willow wood compass pin, an onyx black leather backpack with an intricate dolphin design, a pouch-lined harness with contrasting black and white crossed straps, a side-laced dark leather underbust corset, an ensigiled silk robe, a delicate vaalin wristchain centered with a small ruby charm, an ornate gold ring, a ornate veniom ring bearing a breaching dolphin crest, an onyx-inlaid red dreamstone ring, a carved onyx signet ring etched with a willow tree, a dolphin-motif diamond-inlaid knotwork platinum wedding ring, a lattice-woven suede corset belt affixed with a strap-bound ivory peony teacup, an archaic steel dodecahedron, a silver threaded pouch, a high-slit black leather skirt draped in mesh netting, a dark green baystone-inset anklet, and some thigh-high black leather boots.

Temaari the Incantress

She appears to be a Half-Elf from Ta'Faendryl

She is average height and has a balletic body. She appears to be young and untried. She has gold-flecked amber eyes, glossy vanilla full lips, and petal-soft, tanned skin. She has mid back-length, lush dark brown hair bound into a twisted infinity knot by some fanlike jet combs. She has a delicate face and well-groomed, thin dark eyebrows. She has an ombre lilac and violet glaze brushed onto her slim oval fingernails.

She is in good shape.

She is holding a thin mottled amber ring nestled in electrum in her right hand.

She is wearing a thin ebon silk choker set with a small dark crystal, an off-shoulder jacket of floor-length sheer black lace, a supple ebon bodysuit with dual columns of slender buckles, a delicate silver ring, a lustrous cloth-of-vaalin reticule, and some tissue-thin tulle ankle-boots inset with thin bare bronze branches.

Mistress Domshella Deathgryp the Reaver

She appears to be an Aelotoi

She is taller than average. She appears to be very young. She has jade green eyes and dark skin. She has chin length, tied back russet hair tousled into a textured bun that is barely restrained by an intricately woven circlet of heath asters and dual-winged bright teal damselflies. She has an oval face, a prominent nose and dimpled cheeks. She has a grey-banded silk V'tullian nightjar perched on her shoulder. She has a pair of pale green wings decorated with some fiery crimson blazestar trinkets backed with ebon marble.

She has a silver-chased rose gold stud in her left nostril, and a tiny white crystal skull in the upper ridge of her left ear.

She has a scar across her neck, old battle scars on her right arm, old battle scars on her left arm, old battle scars on her right leg, old battle scars on her left leg, old battle scars on her right hand, old battle scars on her left hand, an old battle scar across her chest, an old battle scar across her abdominal area, an old battle scar across her back, a black-and-blue right eye, a black-and-blue left eye, and a scar across her face.

She is wearing a black silk half-mask embroidered with a red dragonfly, some dragonfly-etched silver hairsticks, a snake-chained rose gold necklace beaded with prism-cut rose-incised rubies, a pewter-stitched dusty rose mabrinus toqua veined in dark mauve, a pair of black-tinted glasses, a glossy black wood coffin-shaped pack decorated in thorn-covered roses, a skull-printed black silk dress with hip-pinned bustled skirts, a fan-bustled ebon shot silk waist-cincher, some ebon rose lace stockings inset in leather-cut leaves, and a pair of rhinestone-studded sleek dancing shoes.

Anstara the Elementalist

He appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf

He is of a middling height and has a curvaceous figure. He appears to be youthful. He has gold-haloed lavender eyes and vibrant, dusky skin. He has short, silky raven black hair and a wide-brimmed lilac moire wizard hat pinned with a tiny brass clockwork spider preserved in amber worn at a rakish angle. He has a pointed nose and slightly downswept pointed ears. He has shimmering jewel-toned polish brushed onto his almond-shaped fingernails.

He has an inked horde of zombies wearing wizard hats on his neck, a thin golden-inked wand tattoo down the length of his forearm, a gold-inked intricate fire rune on his wrist, a rune-etched gold spike in his left eyebrow, a lustrous moonstone stud in the upper ridge of his left ear, a vaalin-swept rose gold half-ring in the middle of his nose, and a rune-etched moonstone ring in his lip.

He is in good shape.

He is holding a bottle of brown honey rum in his right hand.

He is wearing a window-winged moth cape of aeneous lotus silk, a tailored wine-dark flyrsilk jacket boasting a trio of moonstone buttons, an enruned drakar amulet set with a golden sunstone cabochon, a pink-cored cerulean opal arcrose pin caged in imflass, a cropped sable leather chest-wrap tightly cinched by a duo of buckles, a pair of marbinus casting gloves with sigils along the knuckles, an intricately woven belt of night-dark silk jacquard ribbons and gold-chased jewel-toned moths, some onyx black cordovan pants fastened with five ethereal moth buttons, and some sable kidskin ankle-boots buttoned with smoke-hazed labradorite stones.

Introduction

Normally, when I conduct these meetings for Faction Attraction, I encounter a few officers and some members, and the crowds are rather small and intimate. So, I was taken by surprise to see such a crowd. Of course, this was one of RYSK's nighty musters, but I was at a party even then. Ivory grins flooded my presence as the scent of ale and libations hung in the air. It's a unique atmosphere that only a few places can replicate.

Burnished wooden planks curve out to form the massive hall of the tavern's entrance, with rows of sturdy oaken posts rising to connect with a network of rafters above. Dozens of blackened oil lanterns hang from the ceiling, their light at times a haze behind wisps of smoke drifting in from the galley. In the center rests a huge cast-iron pot surrounded by countless tables and barrel chairs. A half-circle driftwood bar is nestled in the corner beneath a salt-stained crest. You also see a jocular snow spirit that is flying around, a slender brindle lion, an open archway leading to a wooden plank bridge, a wide wooden ramp and a large driftwood box.

Also here: Fahlo, Squire Legionnaire Aerinson, Master Fisher Aerocus, Miss Toxyrox, Manndril, Great Lord Samhail who is sitting, Jurist of Tail Annarosa who is sitting, High Lady Aevilir, Mistress Domshella, Lucraine, Craeguile who is sitting, Miss Evii, Lady Lyracellan, Mister Midgar, Lady Alexandrena, Snowhulbe who is sitting, Anstara who is kneeling, Temaari, Dexflex, Lord Vandryl, Monza, The Notorious Julenne who is sitting.

A drink did not take long to find its way into my hand.

Temaari offers Yardie a polished dark walnut board inlaid with a sinuous blue resin river. "Drinks for you, Mister Yardie."

On the dark walnut board you see a goblet of red-gold beer, a glass of iced plum wine, a shot of well aged whiskey, a bottle of brown honey rum and some freckled strawberry wine.

Toxyrox hugs you, and you wrap her in a warm embrace, and you detect the faint scent of the sea, salty yet subtle around her.

Julenne: Heyas folks! tonight we are being Interviewed by one of our own. Yardie.

Considering my taste in libations, I could never pass up a good rum. I remove a bottle of brown honey rum from on the dark walnut board, then embraced Toxyrox in a hug and she wrapped me in a warm embrace in return. Toxyrox is a fellow Faendryl, motivated to partake in the Trials as I did a few years ago. She is a ball of enthusiasm and energy, as most bards are, and her voice, while deadly, can be quite charming.

Toxyrox hugs Lucraine, who wraps her in a warm embrace.

Yardie: Thank you, Temaari. (correcting himself) Madame Temaari, rather.

Evii gazes with a bemused expression at you.

Vandryl leans on you, giving you a companionable grin, and you note the scent of charred mahogany dancing alongside the essence of sharpened steel around him.

Domshella: Wonder why that is.

Alexandrena winks at Midgar, tossing her head and striking a pose.

Snowhulbe (to Julenne): I wrote a poem for tonight.

Julenne: I am so glad ye all made it! In a few moments, I will pass it to Yardie.

Snowhuble's RYSKy Poem

I had occupied the Rusty Cutlass momentarily, eager to conduct my interview. I did not anticipate a poem, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Julenne (softly): But I guess Snow wants to sing for us.

I knew Snowhuble, but we rarely spoke. However, I did admire his bravery in performing in front of a crowd.

Snowhulbe: It's not a song really. But it is a nice poem to celebrate. Snowhulbe clears his throat.

"In Elanthia's heart where Wehnimer's Landing stands"
"A band of heroes, Raise Your Stout Krew takes hands."
"Citan and Julenne, their story begins,"
"Founders brave, with hearts full of wins."
"Through the winding streets of this quaint town,"
"RYSK's kindness is renowned, no bounds."
"Bounties to hunt or Profession to mend,"
"Seek not alone, for RYSK is your friend."
"From humble beginnings to two hundred strong,"
"A brotherhood where camaraderie belongs."
"In Elanthia's taprooms and Wehnimer's square,"
"Laughter and stories shared, a simple affair."
"So raise a tankard high, let the love flow,"
"With RYSK by your side, life aglow."

As he reaches the finale, they all shower Snowhuble with cheers, myself included.

"A force for good in this land of delight,"
"Raise Your Stout Krew, Elanthia's shining light."

Snowhulbe bows.

Julenne: Thanks brother.

Snowhulbe gives Julenne a warm buss on the lips. "Thank you for coming tonight." He wiped the sweat off his forehead.

An excellent performance that had the crowd cheering before he completed his song. It embodied what the masses spoke of regarding RYSK. Merriment, cheer, good times with good friends. A celebration in almost every moment. I found myself grinning at the prospect of an interview with such a gregarious group.

Kudos and Intros

Julenne: Any quick Kudos before I pass it over to Yardie? She glances around the room expectantly before continuing. Alright then, I will ask yall to keep distractions to a minimum please.

Samhail: Kudos to Alexandrena and Aerinson for coming through for me with the Rubies!! He tips his head back and empties a flagon of roasted vanilla mead down his gullet!

Julenne: "I am so glad ye all are here. Yardie, the floor is all yers. Share with us how ye wish to run yer interview. Julenne nods to you.

Temaari smiles at you.

A sudden commotion breaks out in the corner when two unruly dockworkers loudly push back their chairs and begin shouting and waving their fists. Someone from another table shouts at them and the fight is averted, and everyone returns to their seats. Julenne turns an inquisitive ear toward you.

Public speaking is not beneath me. I've been told I have the gift of gab. But such a crowd of familiar faces made it slightly nerve-wracking. While conducting interviews, I never witnessed so many people joining a group. And so I chose my words carefully, but not before the fight at the docks caught my attention.

Monza stares at Yardie.

Domshella gazes fondly at Yardie.

Julenne pokes Samaarkan in the ribs.

Yardie: The...fight...er...anyway. I am called Yardie. You all know me from RYSKy matters and other shenanigans. Today, I'm wearing my TownCrier hat and presenting another issue of Faction Attraction to the masses. The purpose is to spotlight the MHOs and CHEs of Elanthia. Monthly, I randomly select a group to showcase, as people may know of the groups but do not know the identity or the essence of the houses here.

Manndril turns to you and cheers!

As I felt my rhythm, Leafiara came into view along a wooden plank bridge and entered the tavern. The former Mayor, Councilor, and perhaps one of the faces of Wehnimer's Landing. She's a rather interesting sort -- cheerful, courageous, and charismatic, the personification of candy-coated chaos.

Yardie: This month, RYSK was selected, and this has you all here today. Usually I interview the officers, members, and whoever wishes to chime in regarding their affiliation with the group and what it means to them. Obviously since RYSK is probably the largest group in Elanthia, it is more than great to see so many people tonight.

Julenne nods to Yardie.