In reply to DM Pawn (msg # 18):

Ovo smiled grimly at the red-headed warrior. She was making a good point. Yet, death was not only the nature of their business but also the way of the world. Many shop-keepers, farmers, merchants, and craftsmen had also lost their lives during the war. Village after village was razed as well. To Ovo's eyes, the world was a dangerous place and there were no guarantees in this life. However, the gruff mercenary thought his chances were better than most with an axe in his hands.

When Eoni promised equal shares for everyone, the dwarf grumbled. The sound much like a growl deep within his throat. Finally, he shrugged and sighed.

"Equal shares Dame Daflin wishes n' equal shares it shall be. So speak up! Wot will it be? Aye or nay? Ye'll nay get ah better offer than that. So Fire-hair? Can we count upon yer blade?" Ovo eyed the woman. "We dwarfs have ah say'n... those who fear death invite it to visit. If this threat nay be dealt with, it shall find ye. Just like it did the good folk here in Drellin’s Ferry... in Dauth... in Prosser... e'en in Brindol. Face it now or it shall seek ye later. At least this way ye can earn ah coin or three."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sat 25 July 2020.

The pronouncement of providing equal shares for all and supplies eventually wins over four prospective retainers, including the red-haired woman.

The first, the brawny woman with short, frizzy fiery red hair, introduces herself as Laurenbeth. She is close to six feet tall and has the look and demeanor of an experienced sell-sword. As soon as she steps forward, three others immediately follow suit.

The second, is a wiry, leathery-skinned man whose ears are pierced with numerous earrings that jingle and jangle as he approaches. "Name's Lakshmi, but most folk call just call me Shmee," he says.

The third is a powerfuly built man with a pronounced scar that begins near his temple and ends at his lower lip. "Rogar," the man says in a deep baritone.

Thr fourth, a man reeking of alcohol and wearing ragged, dirty clothes presents himself with an exaggerated flourish. As he smiles, the party counts maybe three teeth in his mouth. He whispers something unintelligible and bows.

Laurenbeth cuts in, "That would be Grub. Don't let his dashing appearance fool you. That one is truly a diamond in the rough and you'd be lucky to have him in your company."

To this, Grub smiles, and Shmee and Rogar nod vigorously in approval.

Laurenbeth continues. "75 gold pieces, each, up front, to cover personal expenses. That, and equal shares and you have yourself a deal."
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Sat 25 July 2020.

"The seventy-five gold will be an advance on your equal share," Dame Daflin countered.  She wasn't the best at haggling, but she knew she shouldn't accept their first offer.

"And anyone that joins us will have the same deal," she added, laying a hand on the dwarf's shoulder and nodding to Elam.

She really didn't know how many coins she had.  It had been a while since she'd dumped out her haversack to see what was in there.

Laurenbeth purses her lips and nods. "That's fair. We accept," she says while striding forward to shake Eoni's hand.

Once complete, she says with a bit of mirth, "Now, let's go hunt us a Wyrmlord..."

Rogar shakes his head in disbelief, but says nothing otherwise.

The Sister shook the larger woman's hand.  The fire haired woman reminded her of Marklin for some reason.

Having added four more to their number, Eoni wondered if more would have joined if this deal had been offered earlier.  This was something she wasn't good at.

Ovo listened to the proceedings with a frown. The dwarf was happy enough to have the mercenaries joining them but the price seemed high. That, and what would keep these sell-swords from taking the money and disappearing once their pouch was filled. Dame Daflin's hand upon his shoulder caused the frown to retreat a tad but not disappear altogether. As the deal was struck Ovo shook his head but said nothing at first.

"Well met, Laurenbeth is it?" the dwarf queried. "I be Ovo Goldenshield. These men seem to be take'n ah shine to ye. Ye be their captain mayhaps?"

Ovo gave the redhead a wink "If so congrats to you! Yet, ye n' they should know Dame Daflin and Master Vaxfar be in charge. So ye n' they will be take'n orders from them."

Ovo hitched a thumb back to Dergan and nodded toward the mage "That lanky man who's beard be just passable, be Dergan and that mage-n-arms be Elam. We be happy to have ye!"

Turning to Eoni, the dwarf gave a bow "Ye can keep ah hold o' me seventy-five Dame Daflin. The supplies will be o'nugh fer me. Wot say ye now n' when do we leave?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Sat 25 July 2020.

Dergan can't resist a deep laugh when Ovo mentioned his beard.  Then again, Ovo made him laugh often, the grumpier that dwarf got, the funnier the things that came out of his mouth.  Still, he fed off the excitement in the room, he didn't really take all of it in, what was being negotiated.

"Honored to meet you, Mister Goldenshield," she says with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

"We are all free men and women, free to choose our own path, isn't that right my comrades?" she asks. This elicits verbal and physical gestures of agreement from her compatriots. "Just so happens, we like the path Dame Eoni has laid out and think we'll hitch our wagon to a star."

She blinks, slowly, after hearing the Dwarf's next statement and then flashes a smile for the benefit of her companions. "Thanks for the reminder, Mister Goldenshield."


The mercenary band exchanges pleasantries with one and all.

Though most of the mercenaries had lost interest after decimating the dessert table, Mayor Wiston, Lord Guidry, and the majority of locals looking for excitement were still about.

Walking up to the Brindol Lord, the Sister of Avandra bowed her head and tried to allay any guilt the man might have over abandoning them.

"It's not a hundred men, but we'll do what we can," she confided to him.  "I know your hands were tied the moment you left Brindol with your orders, but I did appreciate your support in gathering what we could."

Elam fidgeted impatiently while Eoni finished her negotiations. "Now that that's done with and we've some bodies, perhaps we should gather somewhere private and Sister Eoni can fill us in on everything she knows about our target?"</Aqua< He looked directly at Eoni. <Aqua>"Best to share everything so we can prepare properly."

Lord Guidry takes an awkward step backward as Eoni approaches and fumbles with a handful of dried figs he had been absent-mindedly nibbling.

He regards her with a curious look as he tries to puzzle out her angle and, not being able to quickly sort it out, fumbles a response. "Yes, well, yes. Of course." He regains some of his composure and resumes a more lordly demeanor.

"Lord Jarmaath and the Council send their warmest regards and were delighted to receive your correspondence. But with affairs being what they are of late, the Council simply cannot spare blood or treasure on, shall we say, pursuits of folly."

He then leans in and says in a conspiratorial tone, "I know you believe what you are doing is all to the good, and may the Gods bless your days for it." He makes a final suggestion that perhaps its time to come home, perhaps administer to the needy, or somesuch. Presumably, his counsel falls on deaf ears, but he wishes her well nonetheless.

Lastly, he delivers news that he is to escort the remnants of Lieutenant Untracht's detachment home.

Giving Lord Guidry a final nod of her head, the Dame collected her meager troop and headed back to the inn as the tattered one suggested.

"C'mon boys," Laurenbeth says to her companions. "Let's hear all about what we just signed up for..."

Laurenbeth

Rogar

Shmee

Grub

Ovo nodded to his own companions "We'd best be go'n as well lads. Tis all but done here. All save one thing."

Ovo walked up to the lord of Brindol with a baleful look "Me Laird Guidry? We'll be see'n one another again mark me words. Until that time remember these... the dark be too honest fer ah guilty man."

Ovo chuckled as he turned about to follow Dame Daflin out "If we should fail... ye might be know'n this word o' hobgoblin... isvaug... means I'm hungry."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Sun 26 July 2020.

Following their meeting at The Old Tollhouse, the adventurers adjourn to the Old Bridge Inn to secure lodging and begin making preparations for their expedition to The Fane of Tiamat.

The party sets up temporary headquarters in a private room and begins compiling lists, counting figures, sending runners, negotiating (and renegotiating) prices, and other mundane sundries associated with such an endeavor. The total cost proves to be quite a sum, but a bit of good fortune for the merchants of Drellin's Ferry. 850 gold in total!

The town is soon envigorated with talk of the adventurers' quest. Wagers are soon made on their prospects, with odds being about split either way. In any event, this bit of news is the most excitement the town has seen in some time.

OOC: We can assume it takes a couple of days to nail down all the logistics, during which you are free to do as you wish to pass the time. We can roleplay out as much or little as you like. I just need to know when you're ready to hit the road.

"It will take a week's hard march to reach our destination," Dame Daflin explained as she leaned over a weather stained map, mostly hand drawn.  "More than half over broken trails so we won't be able to use horses.  We'll use mules or donkeys to carry our supplies, whichever we can get.

"We'll need to avoid patrols as well as the denizens of the mountains themselves.  If the Wyrmlords discover our approach, our odds of success will plummet.

"If we encounter any of these patrols, none must be allowed to report back."

Elam studied the map closely. He was very studied man and hadn't survived as long as he had by relying on Lady Luck. Dangerous tasks required careful planning.

"I will be indebted to no man, or woman, Dame. I require no retainer and will pay for my own supplies." His words came out in harsh tones, but that was not his intent. He cleared his throat and continued in a more light-hearted, but still matter-of-fact tone. "In fact, I offer to purchase one of mules and provide for it myself. My book of arcane studies is quite heavy and the less burden on my weak frame, the better."

The warlock listened intently as Dame Daflin explained what she knew of the journey. He nodded in agreement with her as she laid out a general strategy for keeping their target unaware of their approach. "I appreciate you sharing what you know, but one as frail as myself cannot rely on the luck of Avandra to see me through such a dangerous journey. I have many spells at my disposal, but can only use so many each day. Knowing as much in advance will help me to use them when they would be most useful to our success."

He paused, lifted his goblet to his lips with a shaky hand. After a moment, he managed a sip of the wine and continued. "For example I can create us light in the darkness, but if a more stealthy approach is needed, lanterns are far more useful. And if ultimate stealth is necessary, I can cast a spell to make us invisible to most men. Likewise, I will keep some spells on hand that can prevent a quick retreat or escape of a patrols."  He took another shaky sip of wine and took a seat. "What can you tell us of the Wyrmlords themselves?" Elam breathed a large sigh of exhaustion and held his goblet while he listened to whatever intel the good Lady had to share.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Sun 26 July 2020.

Ovo listened to both Priestess and mage. As he studied the map, he frowned shaking his head "So, ah week just to arrive I see. Rough ground n' such to slow us all the more. Now then Dame Daflin, ye been there afore now I'm guess'n. Just wot sort o' patrols might we run into? How large n' how often might ye guess? We'll also need ah fallback position... be it a cave or ruin but some such as is defensible n' where we can rest. As Elam said, he'll need ah refuge mayhaps and we all may need ah place to heal. We be too far away to come back here to do so n' we may not make it too far being weak or wounded."

Ovo then turned to Eoni "I be sorry Dame for I be too poor to help ye with the supplies but I nay need much meself. If I can help ye in another way I will."

Ovo turned to Elam "Yer spells saved me arse more then once. If that book e'er gets too heavy just let me take for ye. I'll keep it safe I will."

"We know of two Wyrmlords that yet may live," Dame Daflin replied to the tattered man with a glance at her elven companion.  "One a goblin and the other I think was a female hobgoblin.  We saw the one riding a small dragon bigger than a horse.  The hobgoblin was versed in the arcane and we were nearly undone by it.

"There was another we met in the final Battle of Brindol, but we were able to finish that one.  There may be more we have not encountered.

"As to terrain," she continued, now addressing the dwarf, "there are some landmarks we can use to rally, but we'll have to point them out as we pass.  The mountains are like a maze and any map is close to useless at pointing them out.

"Their patrols are organized, but seem random.  Mostly hobgoblins, but they often have other creatures working with them.  The closer we get, the more patrols we may see."

Dergan has been enjoying what food is served, and a few drinks, not overmuch but enough to put him in  good spirits.

His helmet is sitting in front of him, and he's been rolling a set of dice up against it while everyone talks plans, and maps, and equipment.  He seems happily amused by the numbers on the dice.  Something in the conversation makes him stop, he stows his dice, takes up his drink and helm and walks around and pulls up a chair right next to Eoni.  He leans over and smiles at her.  Strong women are always attractive to the easterner.   He takes a sip of ale, and says,

"If we are trying not be noticed going to a worm's hole, why not look like worms?"

"What do you mean?" the Sister asked, curious as to what he'd meant.

Vaxfar welcomed the new members of the party.  He was glad that more had come forward as he knew they needed all the help they could get.  While he had made a name for himself (and that was important to him) he was realistic of the challenges ahead.  He was content to let Eoni take the lead with this group.  She was an able leader and assertive.  He was eager to set out on this new adventure.

Turning to Eoni “Sister Eoni, we should depart as soon as possible and delay no longer. It seems we have all the help we can reasonably muster and the supplies we need. Is there need of anything else?”  He also has a few private words with her ...[Private to Eoni Daflin: Do you have the funds we need to pay for the supplies and mercinaries?  ]

Dergan seems to panic a moment at the question.  But steadies himself after a few deep breathes, and a sip of ale.

"Well, if we look like a patrol of hobgobbers, and the like, who would notice our coming? Dumb idea,huh?"

The dwarf listened as all the others spoke, taking down the details in his head. Finally, he cleared his throat.

"So two Wrymlords but I would wager they now have three. Tis been three years I doubt they would leave that open. So most like this Hobgob mage be the leader. As it would be him most like to fill the top. If that be the case ye have faced him afore now. We best be find'n ah way to take him down methinks." The dwarf paused to think a bit. "If we be underground to find this Fane, then I proposed ah lead rope for us all. Wot I be mean'n is a piece long enough so the whole group can take hold. We'll have me in front n' Master Varfax in the back. That way we nay need light to travel. It would be slow going n' we may nay use it all the time but ah light source can be seen ah ways off. If these Hobgobs nay needs it. So they see us afore we see them. Ye said we will need to be stealthy."

He nodded at Varfax "I agree wi' him. No need to hang about if we be ready. I suggest just one more day. We'll be need'n healing magic methinks. We have Dame Daflin but I'd save her magic for more useful things. I have two potions o' heal'n meself. Does anybody have any? I say we pool them together, mayhaps under the Dame's control, n' the needy get them first. I be new to Drellin’s Ferry but ye others may know of someone local who deals in such. I have little gold meself but I'll wave me advance n' so said Elam. That be ah hundred n' fifty gold. Dergan? Ye fought for this place dur'n the war aye? Maybe they'd give ye ah discount for such. Aboot yer idea Dergan... I think it be ah grand one me lad. Mayhap we lure ah patrol to us... dwarfs make good bait aye? Then we waylay them n' take their armor. It their armor fits a few o' us well enough... we be Hobgobs!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:05, Mon 27 July 2020.

"Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves," Dame Daflin pointed out.  "We have a long way to go before we encounter our first patrol.  Then we can see whether enough of us could pass for hobgoblins to make a go of it.

"And I think we did get some rope with today's supplies, so we'll have that if a dark cave needs delving," she added thoughtfully, trying to remember what they'd packed up.

"There was someone in town that made healing draughts, if he's still around.  In the past, we've tried to spread them around the group to take charge when they're needed.  We can pick up a few more and I do have some already.

"THowever, my staff does allow me to extend my healing well beyond normal constraints every day," she amended.  "So the draughts should be used sparingly."

She'd never been keen on relying on those alchemical liqueurs.  Maybe she'd just get one more.

[Private to Vaxfar: OOC: The majority of her haversack's capacity is loose coins.  She'll be able to cover the supply bill.]