Noticing the dwarf who gave them all a lift back to the inn go and sit down with the Verna and Korin gave Thilo pause.  None knew Thilo's trouble's but the kindness of these people were intriguing.  Thilo sits observing the trio at their table all the while fiddling with his metal tankard of water, it's metallic taste not really to his liking although the water was very fresh.  Perhaps it was allies like those three that he would need to get his vengeance.

The elf who had put on some little show was intriguing also, it was magic he knew, but in all his studies and books he had read he had not heard of the like.  It would know doubt be an interesting conversation.  And he also was sitting with another elf, both already in conversation although if he didn't know any better they had just met.

How was it that these people could so flawlessly interact with one another after such a short amount of time in one another's presence.  Well like many things in the scholarly world after observation came investigation.  It was time to just that, Thilo stands from his table and walks to the same table that the wagon dwarf had just sat down at.

"My name is Thilo Brighthand, I have been on the isle of Y-oda at the Library of Bletherad for the last four years and company is not something I usually participated in.  May I sit and partake of your company and learn of your travels.  It would seem as of last night you are no strangers to the dangers of the wild."

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 156):

"No I did not come through the port, but if you need someone to get on a particular ship to see if your sister is onboard I can certainly do that tonight."

In reply to Jalahada Kirith (msg # 159)

"Thank you, i appreciate the offer. I had originally thought when i caught up to it again, I would watch it to see if they offload any of the artifacts they stole. Several large ornate chests, two marble sculptures, half a dozen large paintings, so far I've not seen nor have the people i"ve paid to keep watch have seen the items come off the ship."" Thracce looks troubled, he glances at the heavily cloaked figure.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:18, Fri 01 Sept 2017.

Korin blinks a couple times and a slight blush of color spots his pale cheeks.

"Well... whichever city I am in it seems like most others. Smells of shit and misery. When I depart it I will be all the happier. For the nonce it is good place to blend in and figure out what comes next."

Korin pulls out a nice looking meersham pipe and fills the bowl with tabac from a small leather pouch. Looking up at the newcomer as he lights his pipe he blows rich smelling smoke out of the corner of his mouth and says,

"I was raised on a small island with no population other than my family and a large number of slaves. I spent the last three years in a remote monastery with an eclectic group of reclusive monks. So you can say that company is not something I frequently participate in myself. But I am always up for new experiences so I have no opposition to you joining our table... Thilo was it?"

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 160):

Jalahada needed money, so he offered his services, well the very basic services he could provide. "Well then, for a few of 1000 gold I will board the ship and see if I can see any of your artifacts, or sister."

In reply to Jalahada Kirith (msg # 162):

Thracce considers the offer for a few moments, "There are many ifs to consider. The ship should be arriving today. If it does and if it is in a location we can access, if there is a safe escape route available. I would consider something like this. There are a few complications  that I did not mention before." He looks around the room "This is not the place to speak of them. I will offer you 100 gold as a gesture of kinship Orono. More if a possibilty exists to retrieve her. "

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 163):

"I don't gold as an offer of kinship. I will take the gold as a retainer and will make myself available if the ship arrives today or tonight."

In reply to Jalahada Kirith (msg # 164):

Thracce smiles, "A fair accommodation." he slides a single 100gp coin across the table. "I am called Thracce. I'm told the ships come in on high tide which is two hours hench."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Tue 05 Sept 2017.

In reply to Korin Simmat (msg # 161):

As you continue your casual conversation with the Dwarf Grudgebearer, the robed man named Thilo and a side glance to the elf who was eating snakes, your minds eye slips into the ether and gazes upon them all.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Mon 04 Sept 2017.

In reply to Korin Simmat (msg # 161):

Giving all three people a polite node, Thilo grabs a chair from a near by unoccupied table and proceeds to place it and  sit down at the table with Verna, Korin and Grudgebearer.

Thilo waits for a server to come by and when one does will ask for some hot water and honey also paying for a round of drinks for the table.  When it arrives he will ceremoniously prepare tea for himself, pulling out a small pouch of herbs from within one of the pockets in his robe.

"I have studied much of the world, only the ones near the edge fit your description, do you hail from the Floerny Island Chain on one of those isle's, or perhaps Phi or Lopan although clearly those are inland?  I have been to most seeking for knowledge and wisdom and found them all to be of interest. And milady may I say you are very proficient in matters of combat, Captain Gualterius said as much, you may find a job offer from him I am sure.  Also Master Dwarf I would thank you for the offer of your cart this day, walking on the hard cobble streets can be taxing.  What would your trade be Master Dwarf?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Wed 06 Sept 2017.

In reply to Thilo Brighthand (msg # 167):

The man with the hooded robe was intriguing, he had sat quietly on the wagon ride back only saying so much as to accept the lift to the inn and when he had got there left almost more quietly.  Now he approached boldly but never enough so far as to see his face.  Grudge takes his mug of ale and takes a heavy pull of it all the while his eye's peering over at the hooded man.  Grudgebearer stops and looks in his mug and realize's he may have been staring to long, he motions to an server for a pitcher of ale.  Filling up his mug and offering the pitcher to any who would take it.

"Good Sir, I am Master Artisan Blacksmith who hails from the Halls of Clan Blackforge, I specialize in arms and armor from cloth to iron.  I will boast that I could equip the lot of this fine tavern with the finest of arms and armors given the time and resources.  I have been traveling these last twenty years perfecting my trade and helping those that be need helping, especially near the disputed zone.  And you my cloaked friend, what made one who is seeking knowledge and wisdom leave the isle of Y-oda for tavern tale tells that ya could live a ten life times and not read a hundredth of the books that they have."

Grudge leaned back his chair creaking slightly as his dwarf mass with light armor tested it's limits.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 165):

"So we have two hours.....I would invite you to my room but you don't seem to be the type to share a bed with a male." If the effeminate Elf sexuality was in question before, now it is not. "Alas, we let us have a few drinks and a meal to pass the time." Jalahada waves over a serving wrench (too bad it wasn't a male) and orders two of the nights readily made meals, an ale for himself, and whatever drink Casper desires. He pays with the same 100gp piece Casper just gave him.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Thu 07 Sept 2017.

In reply to Thilo Brighthand (msg # 167):

Verna listened to everyone's story and briefly remembered that her family once owned a stunted hobgoblin slave called Y-oda when she was a small child. When addressed by Thilo she replies. "I have no interest in working for Captain Gualterius as it would keep me here in town."

Korin seems to visibly relax and takes the offered pitcher and refills his tankard with a nod of thanks. He takes on last long pull on his pipe before emptying the bowl by tapping it on the underside of the table.  The young mans eyes narrow almost imperceptibly and he says,

"Officially my families taxes go to Lopan while most of the bribes are sent to the Western Empire.  Our island is one of the larger barrier islands in the inland sea. It is not much to look at but has great soil for growing poppies and the like. I would love to see the Great Library myself. One of the monks from the Temple of the Eternal Sun told a story about a young boy that when he slept his consciousness would leave his body and could absorb information from books or scrolls near him. After a week at Bletherad his ability was discovered and they banned him for life. Probably a horse shit story yet it makes me think they probably have so many secrets hidden in that place."

Korin realizes he started to ramble and shrugs taking a few healthy gulps of ale. His smooth pale cheeks are already flush from the alcohol. When Verna says her piece about Gaulterius and not wanting to be stuck in the city he nods enthusiastically.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Thu 07 Sept 2017.

In reply to Jalahada Kirith (msg # 169):

Caspar blushes slightly and chuckles. "It took more than 50 years to master my magical discipline. It drained me of any carnal desires years ago. Thank you though."

"I've just eaten. Green mamba while a bit boney, is very filling. Tea please, cream and sugar." he says to the server.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:32, Sat 16 Sept 2017.

In reply to Grudgebearer (msg # 168):

Typical dwarven response, even thousand's of years later they could not help but boast about themselves, but boast they could for even now they crafted the finest arms and the sturdiest structures in all of Palladium.

"Forgive me Master dwarf, for I am ashamed that I have not heard of the dwarven halls of Blackforge.  Perhaps one day I should travel by it and make it's acquaintance, for surely it is a mighty place if it has not fallen these thousands of years." 

A Dwarven stronghold was a rare thing no doubt, especially a small one to survive so long even if hidden.

Thilo turns his attention to Korin who also shares, openly, these were indeed good people.  Although Thilo's face could not be seen it was clear Korin had his attention.

Verna's reply was also not shocking nor abrasive, well not in the least to Thilo.

"It was a mere compliment, the Captain when we arrived did not immediately jump in with his men.  Granted it looked as if it was over."

Thilo waved his hand in a dismissive gesture as he made his comment.

"From what I have gathered from observation the Master Dwarf here is traveling home, but does the job offer from The Circle of the Scroll bring you two here?"

Through hooded eyes Thilo looks to Verna and Korin.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Mon 11 Sept 2017.

In reply to Thilo Brighthand (msg # 173):

Grudgebearer's visibly purse's his lips which can be seen though his beard when Thilo did not recognize the name of his Dwarven Clan home.  The dwarvern hall's used to be known far and wide, but now like the elve's they faded into history.  Thilo's mention of maybe being willing to visit although unlikely did bring a proud grin to Grudge's face.

"Aye that you would visit although we have not just met, it would do you good, for no greater halls and forges are there then if you were to visit Acoroc or the mountain halls of Northolme.  In fact the halls of Northolme I will sadly admit are slightly better and they have without a doubt the greatest craftsman in all of Palladium.  The Hex they call them now those are Master Smith's my good friends a finer blade you will never see in your life, I would take one of those over any legendary rune weapon and get a fine Alchemist to enchant it oh that would be a thing of beauty."

Grudgebearer notice's that as he was speaking he had raised his tankard of ale mid way to his mouth before he had gone off on a tirade about the Hex smith's.  Quickly giving his head a shake he quaffs his back pours another for himself and for anyone else who's cup looks half empty.

In reply to Grudgebearer (msg # 174):

As Grudgebearer offers the pitcher of ale to everyone Thilo raises his tea, cradled in both hands indicating that he is in no need of any and takes a sip of the steaming brew.  It's herbal scent lost in the smell of the food and hearth and lightly perspiring bodies.

"Although I appreciate the offer of an ale shared between new acquaintance's Master Dwarf, I will have to decline and just partake of my herbal tea."

Grudgebearer roars out a gregarious laugh, lifts his mug of ale to Thilo and salutes him.

"Tea, you must be one of those pointy eared, tree hugging fancy pants under those ratty robes of yours."

Grudgebearer downs another full pint and then fills his mug again from the pitcher on the table. An ever so slight hue of red peeking over his beard hair on his cheeks.

Korin has had three tankards of ale in rapid succession and it is starting to show slightly in his speech and demeanor.

"I do not even know what the Circle of the Scroll is but if they have a job worth doing I currently find myself without one."

The young man belches into his closed fist and then motions to a serving girl for a refill.

"Personally I am on the run from a band of mercenary scum who call themselves the Bright Blades. They are none to bright but they can use their blades. They ambushed a group of companions I was travelling with and killed everyone but me. I escaped managing to kill one and caused grievous injuries to some of the others. They trailed me for a solid week but I managed to kill or lame all their horses one night. Ever since I have been running like Mephisto was on my tail but I have not had any sign of pursuit in over three weeks."

When his tankard has been refilled Korin starts to sip on it instead of taking large gulps as he had been. When Grudgebearer makes the Elf comment Koring raises an eyebrow.

"So what is the deal with the deep cowl are you hideous or soemthing?"

In reply to Korin Simmat (msg # 177):

Thilo waves his hand in a polite but dismissive gesture at Korin's and Grudgebearer's comments about his robes.

"I am very introverted and like to be warm so I stay bundled up and replacing robes all the time is such a chore.  But as for The Circle of the Scroll, they are looking for those who are familiar with adventuring.  The details are vague as they are wanting skilled adventure's which from last nights exhibition, I am sure you two will no doubt qualify."

Thilo looks to Verna and Korin, turning his head it shifts slightly to Grudgebearer.

"As for you Master Dwarf, as you say, you travel for home. I would say though that with your years on the roads that you also might be interested in hearing what they have to say.  They wish adventures to be at a Mansion known as Lake Hurst.  It is quite close to here which is why I choose this particular Inn.  A simple traveling scholar I am, though not to unfamiliar with traveling and adventure, perhaps you would care to join me on the morrow and see what it is they are asking."

Thilo took another sip of his tea and places it down on the table.  Reaching into the arm of his right sleeve he pulls out a fairly long church warden tobacco pipe, that is made of an ebony wood.  From his other sleeve pulling out a small bag of tobacco, pack of matches and a pipe tamper.  AS with his tea, Thilo prepares his pipe ceremoniously and lights it taking a long draw and letting the smoke out gently.

In reply to Thilo Brighthand (msg # 178):

Grudgebearer arches an eye brow heavily at the robed mans reply,  his mug of ale clasped firmly in hand, the froth spilling over slightly. Thilo`s follow up that there maybe work in town was intriguing, the funds were a bit low as Grudgebearer had been paying a little more gold lately with Nexxi tagging along as a lot inns and other places squeezed more gold out of him.  A quizzical look was on his face as it was clear he was pondering something.

"Aye, I just might be taggin along with you to this Lake Hurst, my missing traveling companion made gold a little harder to hang on to and I could use a little more in my coffers.  Not that means I don't have gold to go around, I will buy us another round."

Grudgebearer orders another for the table and another serving of food, better eat something more if he was thinking of adventuring.

As the night wears on at the Faded Flame, citizens come and go for dinner and a couple drinks and then are on their way. Some fellow guests as far as you can tell turn in early and head to there perspective rooms, staff members can be seen bringing food to some guests rooms and returning with plates.  Even if not closely observing it is obvious that the Inn's keeper Mr Borsok has this place humming with high efficiency.  He stops by every now and then to see how everyone is fairing and then is on his way belting order's to his staff.  At around nine thirty you hear faint rapid bells far in the distance for about five minutes but then they stop, anyone observing the inn will notice that Borsok stops at this sound and speaks to one of the young lads who has been coming out of the kitchen to collect the dirty dishes.  Borsok takes the plate tray from him and the boy runs off only to come back an hour later and head right to the back.
The rest of the night the conversation is light and nonchalant each telling each other some of the milder adventures you have all had.  None of it uninteresting just none of it substantial, just enough to learn that each one of you is capable in his own right.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 180):

Thracce speaks of his journey from the Wastes along the coast, in pursuit of the ship and men that raided their home, taking his sister and the collection of elven relics his family had collected from the Wastes. He had traveled with a band of entertainers, clowns, sword swallowers', acrobats and mystics. He is a fair swordsman, and wields a rare form of magic.
It is evident that he has some mental abilities, using them to track his sister here.


Before the two hours have passed and before heading down to the docks with Jalahada, Thracce will remove his sisters scarf from his bag and focuses his mind upon it. 

His eyes glaze over and he begins to mutter to himself. After a few moments he settles, first smiling then looks worried. "She is no longer on the ship...where..where is she now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:32, Sat 23 Sept 2017.

The evening wears on and everyone starts to spread their drinks out a little more as tomorrow work will need to be done and no need for a hang over.  Really only the guests of the inn are left also and most have headed to bed, seeing as conversation has lapsed even you adventurers each in turn end up going to your rooms and sleeping the night away.

Come morning when you all head downstairs, a staff member hands you a folded piece of paper with a red seal on it of a mansion, above the seal is a stamp reading Order of the Scroll. Inside it reads

Dear Sir or Madam(depending on your sex)

We have sent this formal request to you as it has come to our attention that as you read this letter you are presently in the city of Wisdom.  We request that you come at your earliest convenience this day as we have need of your services.