Here Lies the Jewels

The barman looks up to Law as he steps through the door and points a finger at a group gathered around a table. They talk in hushed tones, some with fingers intertwined in front of their faces and looking depressed. Those that aren't in this mental state of mind show anxiety or distaste toward the decisions being made by the most forceful of the group - a burly man with a large, red beard. He slams his fist on the table, sending the cutlery flying. He jerks his head around and sees you. With a grunt, he gestures for you to come over to the table.

The burly man with the red beard introduces himself.
"My name is Victor." He grins savagely, revealing a missing tooth, his gums blooded where it used to be. "I know who you two are. I sent the messenger. Poor chap, he had to die from exhaustion didn't he? Let me introduce you to the rest of the team."
He waves his hand around, encompassing the rest of those sitting at the table. They nod as their names are said. A thin man with a full set of armour and his helmet on the table in front of him is called Feros. A dwarf at the far side is known as Torum.

"You're here because I made it so. Did you hear about the dragon? Did you see it?" Victor asks, walking over and placing his hand on Law's shoulder. "If so, you must know what it symbolises. Feros and Torum have been speaking to me. They know more than I, but they are happy to tell you the story too, if you are willing to join them on the journey." He looked slowly over to Markus as he spoke.

"I assume you want to hear about the dragon before moving on. Very well." The red-beareded man spoke, a hand stroking his beard. He then sat down next to Markus, taking a swig of his drink before belching and speaking, much to the disgust of Feros.
"The dragon symbolises a new era. They haven't been seen for many years. That they should be seen how disquiets us. They were thought to only be myths or legends, but the mere presence of them shatters the very illusion of myth."

Taking a break with another swig of drink, he then continued.

"Their wings spread wide and covered the land like an eclipse. The sun was blotted out. They vanished. Within days, we had reports from all of the villages and cities that they had seen the very same sight. Only the Kings of the land could decide what was to happen, and so one of the Kings - his identity is confidential, mind - sought us out to investigate. Alas, age has gotten to me, despite my past of barbary. I sent messengers to stalk a few, choose and bring them here. You are my chosen ones. I have heard of you."
His story complete, albeit with a few details missing, Victor leans back on his chair.
"You forgot the part about us." Feros raised an eyebrow.
"Oh yes!" Victor slammed his hand on the table, sending his mug flying. He caught it by the handle with his other hand with little to no effort before taking another swig and chucking it over his shoulder where it smashed on the floor. "These people have been seeking out rumours, investigating them and noting them. It turns out that there are some secret locations, known to only a few, where heroes are destined to go. That's all I'm willing to tell until you join the team."

Victor smiles at your agreement to join. He sits down at his respective chair, casting his eyes over the group. Torum stands, tossing his axe onto the table where it knocks over and smashes a glass chalice. The innkeeper winces and Torum raises a hand in apology. He then rests his hands on a part of the table which is free of glass and speaks.

"We have entered the 6th Aalm. There were not one, but four dragons. Each of the four flew over one of the villages each. Which one you saw is irrelevant. What it means is they were fleeing from somethin'. That somethin' must have been strong enough to spook them. I now show you something I have hidden for years." He reaches into his cloak and pulls out a worn map, spreading it across the table.

"This is a map of Zendir, our land. It has been rumoured that once the dragons walk again, an eternal war will break out, unless what caused the dragons to fly is snuffed out. This can only be done with the combining of four items that formed an ancient legend. The Dragon Knight Armour."
There are collective gasps around the table but these gasps are quickly shut up by Victor's gaze. The dwarf continues.
"I heard it from a shaman in a little village out of town. I didn't believe her. She died. She is of no further relevance to us, but she left me this. This is our clue."
He holds up the map for the table to see. Around it are four red small crosses and one large cross.
"The dungeons of The Dragon Knight."

Not amused by the immaturity of Greldor, Victor then proceeded to answer his question in the hope that it would calm down his hyperactivity.
"Indeed, Dragon Knight Armour is made from the shredded scales of dragons. The scales do not last forever, not even on one of these mighty beasts. What better use for it than for man, for war and bloodshed? Only those who can wield the armour can bring about what is prophesied to be the Old Age, or an end to war. As the Dragons have returned, so has the location of the Dragon Burial sites. This can only mean war is going to happen. It's not funny."

The crowd silenced, Victor then rolls up the map, handing it to who will be the party leader.
"Good luck on your journey. I'd take the time to buy some supplies and rest up before you leave."

"I've copied the map." Torum smiles. He pulls out one of his many rolled-up copies from his robe and hands it to Greldor. It's not quite as neatly kept as the original, but it will do for finding your way around. "Good luck. Whatever you do from this point on, and who you go with is up to you."
The skinny warrior - Feros - abruptly stands up.
"And take me with you, if you need to." He speaks quickly, taking his helmet from the table and putting it on where it locks into place with a satisfying click. Through his visor, you can just make out his fierce eyes. What part does he play in all of this?