Zorian listens to though stas out of his friends conversation. Going down would be a good thing indeed. Down there there would be a lot of evil to slay and thats just what Zorian needs.


"I think most important is that we bring enough torches water and food with us and maybe some chalk to mark the way? It certaily sounds intresting to go down there my friend."

Khidrath smiled, the others seemed like opportunists like him "I have chalk, ration trails for a tenday and a full waterskin. I also have some healing potions (5), an antitoxin plus some silk rope (100 feet). I could use a grabbling hook; perhaps you can help me Durnan?”

"A hook I have, but only 8 day rations. I shall buy some more then." Borin says loudly.

"But will tenday rations be enough? how long does one travel down there? i heard it is rather big."

The door thumped open again, and a man strode in.  Clearly, this one was here to use the back room as well.  He wore heavy banded mail, with the sunburst of Lathander at his throat.  A silvery mace hung at his belt, and a wavy black ponytail fell over the obviously burdened pack that rode on his back.  In fact, the pack itself looked like it might be too much for some men to haul with ease, nevermind the addition of the armor.

Seeing the trio gathered around Durnan, he made his way to the tavernkeeper as well.  With a nod to the older man, he spoke, addressing his words to the adventurers. "The Morninglord's light shine on you all.  Durnan had told me that if I kept coming in I'd soon find a group of heroes looking for whatever the depths hold.  I need hardy companions, for only a fool dares the deepest dungeon alone.  In my turn, I'm skilled as a healer, and you can see that the Morninglord smiles on me, which has its own benefits.  Will you let me join you?

Eagerly, intently, he looked from face to face.

"No you be talking," Borin says. "You just be the healer ye are and I'll clear da path of vermin. As long as they take care of da wizards and traps." He indicates the others. "You may call me Borin." He says to all in general.

Malik grinned. "And I forgot to give you my own name.  My parents gave me Malik, and that's mostly what I'm called.  Some at the temple have added the nickname Sundancer..."  With a wink he finished up, "I'm not quite sure why."

"I'll gladly do what I can to patch you up, Borin, or any of the rest that walk into the depths alongside us."

Glancing at the others, he continued, "And what would you gentlemen be called?"  He stopped suddenly and looked chagrinned, "Forgive me, I just burst in in the middle.  What was it you were talking about?"

Khidrath greets the newcomer "I’m Khidrath I will try to take care of the traps before they take care of us." he laughs, before he continues "No worries, we where just discussing what sort of equipment we have at our disposal and if there is things we are going to need?!" he recites his things again.

"Aye, here is  da gold for 8 days of rations. I better be safe den sorry. No rats fer me to feast on." Borin says with a loud laugh as he purchases the rations.

As Durnan sends one of the staff to acquire the additional supplies, the tenor in the taproom abruptly changes.  Where the patrons had been quietly listening in and taking note of the assemblage, the confirmation that this group is, indeed, going into the depths brings about a round of sudden applause and cheering.  Before anyone at the table can react, someone has shouted an order and the group finds themselves the recipients of a round of drinks.  People begin crowding around, cheering the incumbent delvers on and urging them to heroic exploits, and trying to garner promises of a retelling of any dramatic tales therein.
   In the background, people also begin placing wagers on whether or not the explorers will return, how long it will take, how many will come back, and in what condition.  It serves as a subtly grim undertone to the impromptu party.

[OOC: Any supplies you want out of the Player's Handbook will be available, either immediately on-hand or brought in from the nearby Aurora's Emporium, at the list price.  Don't worry about playing out said purchases; just let me know what you get, and edit your character sheets accordingly.  Once you're ready, just pay Durnan the obligatory 1 gp, and you'll begin.]

Zorian smiles and extends his hand to the two unfamiliar ones to shake their hand in the ritual of learning to know each other talking loud enough that those in the inn hear his name and his intentions.

"The name is Zorian Argerios Porquan and i am delighted to travel to he unknown depths to slaughter the evil down there with you.".

In a softer tone he talks to the servant that is getting supplies.

"could you get me 4 waterskins and 20 day rations? and is there a way for my mount to get inside of this Dungeon or is there a place i can stable it."

Malik nodded at the introductions, "Khidrath, Zorian, well met!  I'm sure there'll be stories told about us here in the future."

Spotting the loudest gambler of the 'nobody will return' camp, Malik called out, "And I'll wager five suns that all four of us make it back.  If the Morninglord frowns on me and I'm wrong, you can come down after me and get them!"

"I'll tell the great tales from below...as long as you provide me with this fine dwarven brew when I return," Borins deep rumbling voice projects over all as he raises his tankard and war axe far over head. He then drains the tankard, leaving a large foamy smile on his face.

He also pays for 12 more days rations and the gold piece for entrance. "Here be me coin fer going down...and I'll be back laden down wif stories and treasure when I return."

When he got a moment where he could speak to Durnan quietly, he paid his gold coin for going into the depths, and asked "Can you hold these five suns for me?  If I'm not back in a month, pay it to the gambler for me.  Even dead I'd not have it said I stood up a bet."

Durnan takes the first coin, but not the others, from Malik.  "Sorry, lad, but there's rules on that; you can't bet on your own fate.  You'll be doing enough of that down below, and the survivors tend to make more than enough profit.  Let them wager -- for every one that bets you won't return, there'll be three that think otherwise."

[Last chance for supplies.  Be sure and update your sheets with your last-minute purchases; I will not be doing it for you.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:37, Wed 30 Aug 2006.

Zorian smiles and gives the man his goldpiece.

"One moment then i wil lbe getting my gear and get some goot stabling for my loyal mount."

With that he walks outside only to return a few minutes later carrying a large backpackand a satisfied smile on his face.

Malik bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, sir.  I didn't know.  At your convenience then, I think we're ready to go."

OOC: No last minute purchase for me.  Ready when you are, chief! ;-)

Khidrath pays Durnan his gold piece, wondering if he somehow could have gained more information, that most likely could prove very useful below – ‘Ahh-well I guess we’ll have to improvise …’ he thinks to himself.

As Borin rises from his chair he hefts a heavy shield with spikes and says "I be ready to descend and start my adventures for these good folks here. Mind ye all...I'll be coming back thristy." He laughs as he looks around and waits to go down.

Trinity strolls past Mother Tathlorn's House with a disapproving frown on her way to the Yawning Portal.  Her instructions had been simple and no questions had been allowed.  You will know your task when your destination has been reached.  Simple indeed, yet it filled her with intense anticipation.  Arriving at the tavern, Trinity pushed through the entryway and glanced about the bar.  "I seek Durnan.  Where might I find him?"

Several of the patrons point toward the reinforced door in the back.  One of them, a heavily-scarred half-orc, says, "He's taking a group down the well right now.  If you're goin', time to get off the pot."  His comment is followed by several laughs.

Trinity nods to the man and rushes towards the backdoor.

One of Durnan's assistants is coiling up the heavy silk rope when Trinity barges in.  Everyone in the room tenses at the sudden entrance, but quickly relaxes.  The old man looks her over and says, "My guess is you're tryin' to catch up with the guys that just went down.  I don't remember you, so let me explain the rules.  I'll be brief.
   "You pay a gold piece -- I don't care where it's from -- to go down the well.  When you come back up, you pay another gold or go back down.  That's the main thing you need to remember."  He snaps his fingers at the helper who shrugs and begins uncoiling the rope.  "If you got any questions, speak up.  Otherwise, you might want to get moving -- the others seemed pretty eager to explore."

Trinity offers the man a softly dazzling smile and nods acceptance of his rules.  "No questions, good sir.  Just haste, if you mean to say that joining a group down there is possbile."  She places a gold piece firmly within Durnan's palm and  surprisingly gives his shoulder a gentle squeeze.  "A prayer for success would be most welcome."

Once upon a time in a land far, far, away...

Joachim the Nightlurker was destined to become a king, but the people never believed it would happen, and so it was deemed the aristocratic warrior would embark on a journey into Undermountain with the hopes of returning with the respect and admiration of the people he hopes to one day lead.

But such quests are not without their peril, and only time will tell if the young warrior is well prepared for his journey...



....

Joachim subconsciencely flinched.  His shoulders rolled forward and he let out a small sigh after saying a silent prayer to both Oghma and Tymora.  He never liked to assume, so instead he hoped.  He hoped a lot of things, but mostly, he just hoped he'd not be minced meat as soon as he stepped on the other side of the portal...


OOC - DM, I'd be about a day ahead of the party I think, but the first level sounds fine to me, don't want to overdo it right now.