Kores had waved away Drakes invitation, he was quite flush with coin after having sold off his share of the takings and some of the eldritch scrolls that he had found in the ancient catacombs.

He received a princely sum from the librarians at the Temple of Brigantia for the scrolls and Ciaran the Goldsmith was acting as bank for the remainder of his gold.

He purchased a small shop in Castleside that had once been a jewellers and set about decking out the rear of the place with desks, parchment, ink and as many old scrolls as he could pick up for his studies.

And there he stayed, he was in quite a bit of pain still from his burn scars though the staff kept others from seeing it and the loss of his arm slowed him more than he liked.

Most of the time the slat at the front of the store read Closed, but sometimes....just sometimes....it would say Open...and that is when he made a little extra coin...to further his studies.

Colm bought the upper storey of a new building near North Gate and banked the majority of his takings with Ciaran ( with a small discretion fee) and set about investing the rest in a small but effective group of listeners and watchers throughout the city.

He did not go outdoors without some form of disguise, even if just a hooded cloak....but he gathered information on Kilnded and had barkeeps and prostitutes bring him tales of gold or fortune brought in by Borderers, Sheriffsmen and the like.

He kept tabs on his companions, as they all still carried his emblem on them....but his mind was occupied with logistics and plans and he had little time for other pursuits.

Brannon clearly has mixed feelings about being back in Glissom. He left the city to get away from Temple politics, and now he finds himself headed straight back into it. With a secret that he must not let slip, to boot. In the other hand, the comforts of the city are welcome after his travails in the wild, and at least here there is no fear that every step may be your last...

He returns to the Temple, and sets about documenting his discovery of the Lost Legion. His only reference to the rest of the party in his document is to having "hired sellswords" to help him. Partly to avoid difficult questions... though, if he is honest, largely to ensure that he gets the credit.

He copies out his sketches, and brings what artefacts the others will spare as proof that he has found an ancient stronghold of Those Who Walk in Shadow. Now that there is no immediate danger, he rues leaving that banner.

Brannon unrolled the items, now rewashed and carefully cleaned, that he and Colm had taken from the dead Selentines and presented them to his peers.

He is careful to catch up on Temple gossip, but otherwise maintains his aloof disinterest in anything contemporary. When the word comes, Brannon makes his excuses and slips quietly away to the meeting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:30, Thu 14 Sept 2017.

He did not have to wait long. A soft rap sounds on the panel door and Drake looks up in anticipation. Lowering his mug, he gets up and moves silently to the door. Opening it a crack, he peers outward cautiously and sees Brannon waiting patiently outside. Eyes narrowed against the glare of the afternoon sun, he takes a moment to survey the street. Seeing that it is still as empty as before, he opens the door wider, nods at his friend, and waves him inside.

"You're on time Brannon." Picking up a clean mug, Drake pours a generous draught of ale and sets it down before his friend. Sitting back down, he looks casually at the Librarian. "Dann should be on his way. And perhaps...just perhaps...Lann may decide to show up too. That's about it." Drake shrugs.

His gaze turns the slightest shade more intense. "What news from the Temple?"

In reply to GM (msg # 5):

Lann thanks Dann for the introductions and spends the day lounging and enjoying himself while restoring his health.

Following that, he attempts to seek out the librarians to provide insight into the artefacts he found on the travels.

Brannons findings in regards to both the Lost Legion and the ancient stronghold made quite the impression and he found himself taken aside for numerous chats by older jurists, bards and druids at the temple.

OOC: Brannon now enjoys a higher status at the Temple of Brigantia and among the Druids, Bards and Jurists who dwell and work there. Brannon and anyone with him dealing with Temple Officials is at +1 Renown Level.

Dann hesitates for some time, but finally decides to go for the meeting of the 'fellowship'. When he reaches the table where Brannon and Hadrik are seated, he seats down and spends some time silent. Hearing Hadrik talk about king Conn makes him raise an eyebrow. "You are seriously contemplating the idea of joining the king of reavers, warrior? " he asks, half suspicious and half curious.

"Good of you to join us." Drake gives his friend a friendly nod. He gets up to pour the borderer a mug of ale, waving for him to be seated.

In-between swigs of ale, the three men update each other on news each has heard. From the scholars and practitioners of elemental powers in the Temple of Brigantia, to the raiding plans of King Conn and the riever kingdoms in the north, and the comings and goings of the black market and the underworld in Glissom and the nearby environs.


Drake glances thoughtfully at the Borderer. "Are you? Indeed what are your thoughts?"

EDIT: Added a hook for GM to advance our story. Through Lann maybe? :)

Drake smiles and leans back after a moment's silence. "It appears we men are suited to places and deeds more dangerous and more rewarding." He reaches over to pat a heavy-looking sack on the table, eliciting a vague sound which is a cross between the jingle of coins and the clatter of something metallic. "When Lann arrives, we have booty to split. And perhaps he will bring news of a more interesting variety..."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

Lanns enquiries into the heritage of the dark sickle shaped blade are answered by a rather cranky old bard at the temple. He turns it over a few times, narrows his eyes and consults some scrolls, then disappears for almost half an hour.

When he returns he looks quite cross, " Now you just take this away with you and go back to your cattle raiding and sheep-buggering or whatever you borderer lads get up to these days.  We'll not have that here. Its not dangerous mind, so don't fret but it was made by those who walk a dark path and for what fell purpose I cannot say...but its a good blade...materially speaking....just not for here. Take it away."

When Lann hesitates he turns back, " It is a blade carried by those that follow Gulro..", his eyes flick about and he says a short blessing from the Hearthmother. "...even you lads know they aren....uh, weren't...good folk."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:56, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

In reply to GM (msg # 16):

'Ah thank you. So do you think it's enchanted? I can't read the magick surrounding it when I was studying it by magical means. And I supposed you mean I gotta hide it when walking around?', Lann asks the old story teller.

Ooc: is it possible to coat the weapon with silver to make it look clean?

Lann tries to find a temple to see if they can tell if the weapon is blessed or cursed, discretely of course.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

" Enchanted? Examining it with magics? Yer not a Druid....don't suppose yer one of these dark folk yerself?", he fixed Lann with a look.

" Nay, yer don't look mean enough for that. Mountain witch? Or the like...."

" A good clean and polish will get the stains off. As to any hidden power it was not revealed to me or the....others....who examined it. Though I dare say if its as old as I ken, theres a dweomer upon it to keep away rust and tarnish and the like."

OOC: Uh, Lann is already at the Temple of Brigantia. The old bard would have told him if it was cursed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

In reply to GM (msg # 18):

'Thank you for your valuable insights,' Lann says respectfully.

Ooc: is the blade magical in the magical sense after Lann has been using it? Does it count as a shortsword or?
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:27, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

OOC: If I understand, It counts as a magical blade for enemies that require a magical blade to injure but it doesn't confer any intrinsic bonuses. So not +1 or +2.  It counts as a sword.

In reply to GM (msg # 20):

Finding out the sword's worth, Lann heads to the abandoned building to join the companions.

Ooc: as good as my weapon lol.
Can I go n hunt a bear or something to kill to get do? Lol
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:38, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

Dann looks in Hadrik's face for some time, hesitant to answer. After a few seconds, seeing that he probably was not serious, he decides to empty his mug and engage in small talks instead.

OOC - it's not an Inn Toirneach. But an abandoned building in a deserted part of the city. :) Hope this helps towards our rp.

The panel door closes quietly behind him as Toirneach walks in and joins his companions at the table.

"We were waiting for you Toirneach." Drake gives a friendly nod to the newcomer, gesturing him towards an empty chair. He stands up and pours a mug full of ale, which he sets down in front of his friend.

Without further ado, Drake picks up the heavy-looking sack and empties its contents on to the table. Glittering coins of gold and silver fall out into a pile. Some roll about the table in lazy circles until they are gathered up and swept into the pile.

Eyes glittering in the reflected light of the lantern nearby, Drake looks up at his friends with a flourish.

"3600 florins. The grand outcome of our foray into the caves of darkness and icy death..."

He smiles and says nothing for awhile, allowing a moment for his friends to gape and marvel alittle at the fortune on the table. As soon as he sees anyone begin reaching out to touch the coins, he continues.

"...divided into 6 shares - Dann, Toirneach, Brannon, Kores, Colm...and Lute, Jon, myself will together take one share."

Carefully watching each man for disagreement, Drake quickly moves on to the value of each share, and the associated why's and how's of it all. In very short order, the treasure is divided and each person picks up his share of it. They further agree that Brannon will deliver Colm's share, and Toirneach Kores' share, with a message from the Fellowship wishing each man well in his pursuits.

OOC - Details of the share can be found in msg #705 of the OOC thread. I've already had Drake begin spending his share and preparing for the upcoming adventure.

Ok I'm done here. Don't need to rush GM, but we are ready when you are. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 10:53, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

In reply to Drake Taubron (msg # 23):

"A good haul I must say my brothers! With a few more trips we would have earned enough to feed our descendants for ten generations. I wish we have some lasses and drink to enjoy with,'Lann drawls.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:57, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

"600 Florins." Brannon whistles. "And my name is made in the Temple, at least for now. No one has ever carried so much detail on the Selentines before. As to other news, though, there is little exciting. Kilnded maintains his hold. His lickspittles do well, those less enamoured of him keep their heads down. The question is, gentlemen: what now? Are you for throwing your lot in with the Hearth Father?"

In reply to Brannon Darrow (msg # 25):

With little more than raised eyebrows and shrugs in answer to his query Brannon decided to take Colms share of the treasury to him.

He mounted the stairs and knocked on the door, and was told gruffly to enter.

Colm chuckled at the offered monies and stowed them in a bound iron chest beside him, to Brannons eyes the chest already contained a great deal of silver.

" My friend, I may have need of you...and the others I suppose...my ancestral lands have been gifted to Clan Hewell but many of the folks that dwell there are still loyal to Clan Cernach."

" I would have you deliver this missive to one Blaine Lyssen, who dwells in the Dell of Lalliwick on my families old lands in the mountains north of the Erewon border."

" Its wild land, but there are herds and villages and trails to find your way."

" Are you willing? Shall we say 100 florins to be shared amongst them, it shouldn't be much of a dangerous journey."

In reply to Toirneach Lann (msg # 24):

Saying that, Lann informs the companions that he will be bringing Kore's share of the loot to him and will be back shortly.

Lann heads over to Kores 'shop' and knocks on the Closed shingle.

He sees lamp light through the window and pushes the door which swings open easily.

Entering and heading through he finds Kores hunched over a table with 6 lamps arranged about him and a wickedly sharp knife clenched in his fist.

" Lann.  What? Money, place it over there."

As Lann placed it down he noted that Kores seemed to be disecting a young pig with a badly malformed head....from a certain angle it resembled an eerily human like face....

" Are you still here? Go, I'm busy."

In reply to GM (msg # 28):

Clearing his throat. Lann responds."Yeah, we are all busy people with little time to laze around. Anyway the Hearth father or something reqires us to deliver something. Perhaps you can join us when you are done with ur rituals?'

Saying that Lann glances at the armchair hoping that Kores would allow him to sit while he busies himself.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:11, Tue 19 Sept 2017.

Deleted...
This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Tue 19 Sept 2017.

" Not likely.  Theres evidence of demonic influence here...I haven't got time for your foolishness. Get out."

Brannon takes the missive, and tucks it into his pack, making a point of not reading it. "Aye, I'm willing. For the others... who can say? I'll ask them. The money is little enough... but perhaps that is as good a test as any of loyalty. Good luck, Hearth Father. I will return when the message is delivered, along with any answer, or not at all."

He takes his leave, and makes his way back to the others, to explain their charge and Colm's offer. "I, for one, will go. I've heard tell of Selentine ruins out in the Pagans. I will make the excuse of an expedition to follow up on recent finds. The rest of you may join or not, as you see fit: the money is slight, but we are about a greater business here... let us refresh our supplies tomorrow, and depart at dawn the day after, to make the best of the light..."