Korin gets up from the table and grabs a pitcher of wine. He fills a glass and drinks deeply.

"That stuffy old bastard is certainly not providing us with Shadow Lord slaying wages so I am content with gathering information.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 17):

Grudgebearer had listened closely to everyone, a simple blacksmith was all he was and nothing more.  Finishing of his plate of food and washing it down with a mug of water Grudgebearer uses his beard and back of hand to wipe the crumbs off and residue water.

“Well I for one am no leader, I think though that I will be accepting the offer.  The lad there be right, the gold ain’t much and this monster thing be a bigger problem.

Verna stood up from her place at the table. “Does anybody have issue with taking orders from a woman?”

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 22):

“I have no issue with women in charge, I was raised by my sister who was firm and fair.” Thracce answers

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 22):

"It is fine by me Lass, many of Dwarven women are fine commanders.  Merit over title is a clan motto."

Grudge sat back in his chair and relaxed, his shoulders losing there tenseness.  Burden of leadership was passed to another.  Great responsibility always meant less time at the forge to Grudgebearer and that was unacceptable.

"I have issues taking orders from anyone. Personally I see no need for a leader but admittedly I am inexperienced in such matters. Verna has bigger balls than most of us I would wager so if that means she calls the shots then I brook no objection."

Korin fishes around in his bag for his pipe and begins to load it up with tabac while waiting to see what happens next.

Still facing the window, listening to the responses of this small group of people who were quickly it seems becoming a party.

"I will heed the directions of Verna, as it seems we are potentially entering an area of war and I am unfamiliar in the total scope of that subject."

Thracce nods and smiles broadly as it seems the majority has spoken in favor of Verna. He takes a glass of wine raises it and offers a toast. "It seems you have the mandate of the majority Verna. To Verna!"

Verna waited to see if there were any objections before sitting down. She was in the company of beings she had not known very long and someone else present may have actual experience in commanding.

As long as there are no objections she speaks. "I will still rely on everyone to advise me with their particular skills and abilities."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sun 25 Feb 2018.

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 28):

"I need say no more as to my particular skills and abilities other then that they are extensive and will prove more then useful to this en-devour."

Thilo knew what he said would come across as arrogant and snide, the understanding of magic were beyond most in known world.  There were even magics that he knew were out there but would never have full understanding of them.

Thilo returned from the window to his seat and waited for others to potentially share.

In reply to Verna Hudson (msg # 28):

As Thilo finished and it seemed no one else was volunteering to speak up Grudgebearer thought it would be an alright time to throw out his abilities to contribute to the group.

"For those of yeh that don't know me yet, my name is Grudgebearer of the Blackforge  Clan. I am blacksmith, I know a little herbal medicine, a decent teamster and alright with a warhammer and shield.  I will be able to make minor repair's to anyone's armor while we are out there if need be, I would say that is about it."

With that Grudge waited to hear what anyone else had to say

Korin smirks at the hooded mages comments.

"You are all in on the dark and mysterious I see. My mother hired an old hedge wizard to tutor me in magic fundamentals. He would go on and on like that. Never would have a spell duel with me though. A amateur spell-flinger like myself should pose no threat to an actual mage. Perhaps sometime we can have a go."

Korin rubs the back of his hand across his baby smooth cheek as if in thought.

"I have trained in mysticism and martial combat at the Temple of the Shining Light in Lopan since I was six years old. I would spend two or three months there then at my families estate for a month or two until my father grew weary of me then back to the monks.
While I was home I participated in the family business of drug manufacturing and export.
I focused on botany, chemistry, poisons and the like. My specialty is the spear and the integration of my mystic abilities in combat applications. Honestly though I don't have much combat experience. I have only killed two people and that has been in the last month. Oh and six goblins if that counts."

There was an awkwardness in the room, though no one found that to be very shocking.  Everyone standing or sitting remained quiet in the room contemplating the task that was about to be theirs.  A group untested on the very borders of the Eastern Territory. The silence did not last though as the door opened and Itaz came back into the room followed by Harden who was carrying a plain wooden tray with sealed scrolls.  Itaz takes his his place back at the seat he had been in when he first came to the room, Harden takes a position just behind him.

"Well ladies and gentlemen, I trust that you have had adequate time to discuss the courses that you will take, whatever the choice we appreciate your time in coming to Hurst Lake and hearing us out.  It is just after mid day and those who have chosen to go, we wish to give you time to go back and collect your belongings and make arrangements if need be.  Please return by the time the sun is set, advanced arrangements have been prepared for your arrival at the out post and they are expecting the arrival of some party this evening.  It will give you a nights rest and a full day to get your bearings, King Cristofre has arranged also a scout to guide you to the border of his lands.  From there you will be on your own.  Mr Harden will escort you to the entrance gate and you may be about your business, I will not be here when you come back as other business requires my attention.  Mr. Harden will be helping you when those of you going get back, may the gods guide your path and may you all return safely."

Once you are all ready to leave Mr. Harden escorts you to the iron gate that you all entered into earlier.  He states that he will be waiting at the gate at the appointed time and after if you are late no one will be coming to the gate to anwser.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:44, Mon 05 Mar 2018.

"Lovely...wonderful. I have a few purchases to make prior to our adventure. No affairs to settle. May I assume when you said 1000 up front you meant now? or did you mean when we return later?" Thracce asks to clarify the point. He lays the magic pigeon device on the table in front of him.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 33):

"Those of you who have chosen to accept this charge will be given a thousand gold as an advance.  I assure you though that should you take this gold and run, past the gates of this city you will not make it."

Korin collects his gold but perceiving the remark from Itaz as a slight against his character he cannot help but reply in the arrogant tone he so easily slips into.

"I would not need to run I could simply teleport away. Given how spendthrift your organization seems to be I doubt you would expend any resources to come find me. Personally I consider an acceptance of a contract the same as giving my word. Which is solid. Rest assured we will run your errands for you."

Korin will make his way back to the inn to gather his belongings. He says in general to any of the others going with him,

"That guy reminds me of the grandfather I never wanted."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Fri 09 Mar 2018.

Verna accepts the gold, and has no plan to 'run' as the old man put it. With no need to buy things Verna makes her way back to the Tavern/Inn and decides to satisfy herself before getting some sleep.

Jalahada mulls over the choice of taking the gold and going on the errand which was bound to be dangerous. But because he needed the money, and this would get him far enough away from those who might be looking for him.

After taking his Gold, Jalahada goes and buys himself a good meal, and spends time in the bath house. There was no telling when he would be able to partake in such luxuries.

"Thank you very much." Thracce answers with a smile. He adds the money to his own. He wanted to make sure those that did not have any money had the chance to do so.

On the way out he will ask Thilo a few quiet questions
This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Sat 10 Mar 2018.

In reply to Korin Simmat (msg # 35):

At what could only be construed as incredibly disrespectful words from Korin, Harden makes motion to move towards Korin, only to have Itaz immediately freeze him with just a slight move of his hand.  Harden returns to his position, his eyes looking out the window, his lips moving but no sound can be heard.  Itaz looks to be pondering for a moment as if in thought.

"Mr. Korin Simmat I wish to imply to you a measure of understanding, should you wish to make more gold then perhaps you should return home and participate in your family's pharmaceutical business.  Perhaps your privileged life sheltered by your family and their life style has hampered some kind of understanding of true reality.
The offer was three thousand gold and the task should take not more then a month, most likely less although potentially dangerous.  You are making what would take a person of Lady Verna Hudson's skills three months to do in even more perilous situations.  You have been asked to go on an information gathering sortie and from what we already know cause this building has ears is that depending on what you find and Lady Hudson's call the party shall return.  You also have been told that whatever you find on this task shall be your's and the parties to keep and split, we wish no part of it only our fellow member back.  If you cannot see the vast value in that arrangement, then I would say that you are to young to be out and about in the world and should return to the nursing aprons of your mother.  I have more then afforded you my kindness, but do not so childishly insult this Order again.  With that Gentlemen and Ladies I bid you good day, safe travels and safe return."

Itaz stands in such a manner that it is clear that this introductory meeting was clearly over.

Korin will make his way back to the inn to gather his belongings, have a meal and a nap. He says in general to any of the others going with him,

"That guy reminds me of the grandfather I never wanted. He clearly undervalues me."

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 38):

Thilo also takes the money and although he hates to admit it, Korin is not all that far off on his assessment that Itaz's comment were in poor taste.  Although neither party knew each other very well, so mistrust was sure to abound on both sides.

Thilo takes his time and makes a purpose to stay beside Thracce and mulls over his question.

"Of all the texts that I have read, it only referenced that these Arch Fiends have a partial immunity to fire and ice and quick regenerative powers along with powerful naturally occurring magical abilities.  Mortal weapons can harm them though, as well as magics and powers of the mind.  As I said earlier though they can be beaten just great caution should be our prudence."

Thilo proceeds in silence his thoughts on what his course should be should such and enemy be encountered, although should any other questions be forth coming he would answer to the best of his abilities.

"do their lesser deevil or demon minions have the same weaknesses? " Thracce asks as they walk.

If we pass a church or a magic shop he will stop in to purchase a few items.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

In reply to Caspar Uhla Thracce (msg # 42):

Thilo pauses suddenly mid stride as Thracce was asking about the lesser deevils and demons something he had forgotten.  Both hands on his staff his rests his forehead against, pulling up everything that he had read and then it came to him looking to Thracce.

"I think it would be wise to have weapons that were edged or coated in silver or vials of holy water that can be poured on your weapons, even weapons made of bone would be wise.  I apologize for not mentioning it earlier."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:42, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

In reply to The Storyteller (msg # 43):

"Ah good to know a stop is in order then. I shouldn't want to risk not having what we need on the other end." he will make a stop or 2 to pick up a few things.