In reply to Gannor (msg # 7):

The handsome dwarf nods distractedly and mutters a few words of prayer as the barmaid comes with drinks. When she sets his before him, he produces a cut lilly in full bloom. She accepts the gift with a gasp and a shy giggle and promises to come check on the party again soon.
Guthrir turns back to Gannor and accepts the pouch of tobacco. He pulls out his own pipe, packs it, and lights up, then draws on it and sighs appreciatively.
"Oh, aye, that's good stuff." He takes another long drag and holds it with his eyes closed for a moment before his face turns serious. "A have no fixed engagements here. A need to poke me head in at the temple, say hullo; but after that Ah'm free as a baird. Yer little 'weathered home' sounds delightful, if ye'll hae me, an' A'd be happy te do some adventurin' wi' a fellow lover a' nature."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 8):

Gannor nods an affirmative and says. " In the morning we can visit the city council buildings . In the city clerks area, just outside her office , proclaimations and work needed is posted. Maybe even the rumored dragon will need to be handled. One can only hope." In the time being we can retire to the small abode or we can wait here and see if any rumors or offerings for adventure are given."

[Roll a D20 , if you decide on rumors and some night adventuring.  Tell me your roll total. You my adjust as per the rules set]

In reply to Gannor (msg # 9):

Rolled a 7.

Guthrir bellows a deep, hearty laugh. "Are ye daft? 'Ts ferr too early ta be tinkin' about bed now. A got three more ales comin' afore ahm through, an' a wee boonie lassie te charm, beside." He surveys the room for a moment before the barmaid starts toward him, but he just shakes his head at her and winks. "Dinnae fesh yerself aboot nae rumors," he continues to his new friends. "If there be rumors here, they'll be flowin' like the taps in the back afore the third round a' drinks hits our bladders. A been in enough bar rooms te ken a talkative crowd when A see one."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 10):

Gannor nods and orders another round of ale for the table. Kristoph stands up saying," I will be heading upstairs to a wash room. Now that I have coin I am going to clean up and buy a fresh set of clothes. Don't eat all the food or drink all the ale until I get back."

Gannor rolled a 2 so he doesn't hear any rumors for the first half and hour. After an hour he rolled a 14, thats a success. On how many, he rolled a 4 on a D6. So four rumors are overheard.

Tavern Rumor
#1 There is a magic pool that grants eternal youth somewhere to the North in the Dragon Spine Mountains.

#2 The old castle on the small island on the river south of the city is ruled by some form of undead

#3 A secret coup among some of the council members of the city plan to move against the city rulers.

#4 a huge dragon has been seen in the skies near the mountain range. Sheep farmers claim it has been eating their sheep.

With each rumor and tavern tale Gannor between puffs of smoke from his pipe, perks his ears hoping to catch more tidbits.

What also catches his interest is a game of darts that has gone from peer play to boisterous gambling and laughter. Gannor fingers the silver coins in his pouch his eyes going to the game, to his pouch and back again.

In reply to Gannor (msg # 11):

Guthrir has been distracted by the 'wee bonnie lass', Merelda, a short blonde with a pixie cut, a sweet disposition, the hips of a goddess, and the face of an angel. His attentions are not without benefit, though, as they keep the refills prompt and the food service even prompter.
In a room full of loud, drunken people, good service is worth twice Merelda's weight in platinum.
After the fourth round of drinks, even Guthrir's dwarven constitution is ringing under the influence of cheap ale, but the druid's voice and his hand are still steady. He's been pacing himself.
In a low voice, he confides to Gannor, "Merelda says she got a second cousin or some such runs errands fer one a' the council members involved in that coup. She also says Denova, the cook and a mighty half-orc woman aside, haes family that tends sheep out t'ward the mountains. Says they've lost a few ta that wyrm." He grins. "The lass may look like a shepherdess, but she haes a sharp mind and keen ears. Ah'd bet there be some elf in her family."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:02, Wed 02 Aug 2017.

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 12):

Gannor smiles. The first broad smile of his the whole night. " This sounds like a lead(s). I wonder which we should check on first? Politics of this lands people are foreign and unknown to me. I am learning but I do not know the ins and outs as is said. As for the dragon,...his smile grows wider,... I have never seen this lands thunder lizards before. I hear they are impressive!"
He sets his broadsword on the table and begins to sharpen it with a wet stone. "This is a good blade," he says idly. Guthrir notices it is of elven make. With elven script and runes on it and made of silver to boot. The script and runes are of the elven court of the nearby Dalelands. "I will go on any quest you choose. Provided we purchase  horses before we leave."

In reply to Gannor (msg # 13):

Guthrir can't hide a wince. "Och, horses, aye. Ta be sure." He downs the contents of his cup in a single gulp. "Ah s'pose we're off ta see a half-orc, then. You think we should have a blether the night, 'r wait till th'morra? She may be disinclined ta converse wi' us, given the crowd."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 14):

"At the first light seems right to me. It would be unfortunate to disquiet the mistress." Gannor says. "Till then let us find a shop that provides some late night items , useful to adventurers. Something for healing ,and warding. perhaps even something to give men the strength of many."

In reply to Gannor (msg # 15):

Guthrir makes a roguish grin. "Why don't you go ahead. Ah kin pick up a standard kit in the mornin'. Merelda's shift is nearly over, and Ah promised to show 'er some a' me knicknacks from around the Sword Coast. She's always wanted ta see Waterdeep, she says."
He raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Dinnae worry, Ah'll hae me own bed fer tha night, but Ah'll be ready ta go in tha mornin'. Ah'll meet ya at... shall we say, the town gate?"

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 16):

Gannor nods and leaves the table. Before he leaves he says he will be purchasing his own horse to be ready in the morning. He steps out into the night. Leaving the Green Dragon inn behind.


The next morning Gannor is at the city gates adjusting the straps on the saddle and lead on his horse. He purchased a Palomino and is waiting his turn to be checked by the local gate guard before leaving. The main gate is more of a wooden fort entrance. The massive beams and fortifications, cobbled together into and around the ruins of the old city gate. The gate guard a motley collection of  sell swords and city deputies, distinguishable from the mercs by their hastenly sewn uniforms of green and grey. The most Notable are a pair of tall warriors. Neither mercenaries or guardsmen. They have the look of fierce adventurers themselves. Giant northmen with full blonde beards and horned helmets. They shout out orders in in tongue Gannor can not identify but clearly orders to keep their fellows in line. Checking his belongings one last time. He secures again the few magical items he bought the previous night. He cast a look over to the side of town his small house is. He plucks the last two silver coins he has in his possession. He paid a local carpenter 3 silvers to repair the roof on his home. As it is likely he will be gone for some time and the leaking roof would become a problem of even greater cost once the spring rains begin in earnest. He looks over to the gate again to see a pair of Zhents from the nearby Citadel of the Raven riding out the gate. Catching a bit of familiar movement out the corner of his eye he turns and sees Guthrir's approach.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:55, Sat 05 Aug 2017.

In reply to Gannor (msg # 17):

Guthrir is in a good mood as he walks up to the gate with his pack draped over one shoulder, shield strapped to his back, and axe hanging from his belt. A pony walks beside him without a bridle--obedient, if a little nervous. When he spies Gannor, the dwarf strides over purposefully, the pony right at his heels.
"Reedy ta go?"

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 18):

Gannor nods and they make their way to the front gate. [Make a D20 roll to recognize the two blonde warriors]
While one of the warriors leans on a massive axe (at least a meter and a half in length. The other walks over to Gannor and Guthrir.
" Cost to leave the city is one silver piece . This is by order of the council of Phlan. Reentry into the city is the same. The tax will stay in effect till the council sees fit." says the tall muscled warrior. " No exceptions and no returns of said silver. So what will it be?" He eyes the duo .

Gannor reaches into his pouch and pulls out one of his last two silver pieces. The blonde warrior collects his coin and produces a leather bound book. "Sign here." he says passing a quill to Gannor. Gannor takes the book stops a moment looks at the writing and scrawling on the page. He finds a place and marks a large X on the sheet of parchment. The warrior grunts and hands the book to Guthrir.

In reply to Gannor (msg # 19):

Rolled an 18. 18+2, if it's a Perception check. 18+1, if it's Knowledge.

Guthrir takes the pen and eyes the man critically. "A silver piece, eh? 'Ts one thing fer us adventurin' types, but how kin ye expect ta squeeze a farmer fer a silver coin ever' time he comes ta town to sell his goods?" He turns to Gannon conversationally. "Ah expect the council'll find their markets're less busy, ya think?" He turns back to the gate guard. "'Ave they started settin' up their carts outside the walls yet? 'At's gonna draw bandits, ye know. Ya might be wantin' ta increase yer patrols outside the walls."
He makes his mark and returns the pen with a flourish. "Just sayin'. Somethin' ya might wanna think abou'."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 20):

Guthrir frowns suddenly and looks around. "Actually," he asks the gate guards, "'Ave either of you gents seen a lovely 'alf-orc lady wi' red hair? Denova was supposed ta meet us 'ere, but I don't see her yet." He turns to Gannon apologetically. "We all stayed after hours drinkin', an' Denova said she was plannin' ta go up ta see 'er uncle this week anyway. She offered ta take us." He grinned. "Trust me, she's a bonnie lass. Ye'll like 'er."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 20):

It was a perception check. Success! You recognize the tall warrior as Brunnor. One of the head trainers at one of the training halls in town. He and his brother Trevel train fighting men different styles in combat.

"No orc half breed here, we have seen. At least not since this mornings shift at sixth crow this morn."
" The old tower down the road is guarding the way in the main gate. By the Red Plumes from Hillsfar," he pauses to spit on the ground at disgust to the Red Plumes. " They keep an eye on the surrounding area,we" he jabs a thumb at his chest. "keep an eye on them." "The council hired many mercs as it has no standing army as of yet. About the silver, its only vagabonds , and drifters,..the adventuring type that get charged this tax. The council figures adventures always have coin to spare. As for farmers and their ilk,....well its either a few coppers or a levy against a percentage of there wares. Potatos or  a fat calf will suffice as good as silver. Just be sure to have a silver bit when you come looking to get back in. Or its the unsettled areas for you." With that the gate opens and Gannor and Guthrir ride out. Guthrir hears Gannor mumble under his breathe about these rude  folk and their love of money. He turns to Guthrir. " Which way shall we go?" he asks. Looking overhead he adds. "Looks like rain. Hopefully just rain this time , without the rain ,ice mix."
[Roll another perception check to notice something in the distance along the forest tree line.]

In reply to Gannor (msg # 22):

Rolled 19+2. Knowing this dice roller, it'll probably start giving me 1s once we get into combat. lol :)

Guthrir clicks at his pony to slow down and shifts in his saddle a little precariously, using his hands to pivot. "Ah'm a little worried aboot the lass. Let's go slow fer a while, see if she catches up. Dragons always bring bandits and oother scavengers in their wake. Ah'd hate fer her ta run inte trouble on her own." He shrugs. "An' fer that matter, her spear'd help us, no less, if it came te a fight."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 23):

Gannor nods and says. "A strong spear would be most welcome in a fight. It has good defense and attack uses." "Tell me more of this orc female. Has she lived in the area all her life? Or is she like me and newcomer?"

Guthrir notices a movement in the distance, just past the tree line where the forest gets a bit thicker. Due to the gloom of the day, even this edge tree line is cast in murky darkness just a few scant paces into the forest proper. He recognizes the outline and jaunty but quick movements as those belonging to a goblin.

In reply to Gannor (msg # 22):

Traveling with pack over shoulder, Florric traveled along the road to town. The halfling monk 's padded feet beating their way along the traveler's road as he walked. A hand idly adjusting his spiked leather armor, which was lightly dyed a dark shade of purple. His mask he wore, a half face covering cloth, a similar shade. The mask was embellished with his mark, a design of his own making, a thunderbolt overlaid with a footprint made in paint.

Having made the journey inland, he had traveled from the coast, seeking a name for himself. He'd tried his hand with another group of adventurers, only to feel he had come short. With what he had earned with them, he spent on his travels inward, in the seeking his glory.

"I do hope this is the right way to town. Already crisscrossed paths twice now, and got lost in the bush once," He spoke mumbling to himself.

In reply to Florric Thunderfoot (msg # 25):

You hear, the sound of leather armor creaking on the sides of the trail. Your senses on alert. You snap back from your thoughts as you look around. The thoughts and stories of bandits and highwaymen come rushing to your mind.

[Make a perception check to see if you catch sight of anyone or anything along the trail]

In reply to Gannor (msg # 24):

Guthrir instructs in a low voice, "Watch the trees ahead. Ah think Ah saw a goblin scurryin' aboot up there." Then he loudly carries on. "She's lovely. Has the reflexes an' strength of a giant cat. 'Ave you seen the 'alfling knife jugglers at the fairs? Denova kin match wits wi' any of 'em. She 'ad five knives in the air last night, an' that was after a pint of ale." He snorts and shakes his head. "Girl's a wonder."

In reply to Guthrir (msg # 27):

Gannor slightly narrows his eyes as the only indication of Guthrir's warning. He shifts a little in his saddle never once looking at the tree line. He pulls a small clump of sweet treat for his horse from inside his vest and while doing so unstraps a trio of throwing daggers in their bandolier under his vest.

" Does she have a family or other kin in the area?" he asks Pulling his horse a little away from Guthrir's and towards the forest side edge of the trail. "I have only seen half orcs a couple of times. Once when I traveled with a convoy of skiffs across the Moonsea. Their as strong as three men. The other time was when I journeyed from the edges of Zakahara to the neighboring nation. Kalla was her name. Not as brutish as some of her kin. She was an exotic beauty. I promised to send some of my wealth to her. Even though she married a warlord of her people just shortly after I departed." He shakes his head a wiry grin on his face. During his rambling he loosened the snap on his quiver making it look like an offhand idle movement.


[make another perception check at take advantage on a dual D20 roll(s)]

In reply to Gannor (msg # 26):

Eyes scan the side of the road, dropping his pack at his feet behind him in case of trouble, balling his fists. "I'm sure I heard something." He murmured as his eyes scanned.

Rolled 15 using 1d20 ((15)).

In reply to Florric Thunderfoot (msg # 2)

You see a scruffy looking human in old leathers heading in your direction. " Indeed there is little man." says the beraggeled  man, placing one hand on his short sword. "We are a,......welcoming committee. It seems your pack is a bit heavy,.....perhaps I or my companions can relive you of some of its weight?" When he finishes speaking you see seven goblins in piece meal armor rise up out of the bush. Their gibbering going silent as the human bandit raises a hand. The forest and trail seem to have gone silent the  only sounds are the fat drops of rain and the excited breathing of the bandit and his cohorts.

In reply to Gannor (msg # 30):

His eyes did not betray him as he counted his stalkers, goblins... His eyes drifted to the man approaching, "Well it is a tad heavy, mostly camping gear and tools. I'm a tad light on coin, couldn't afford the horse!" He steps to the side of his pack, "Would you fellas mind if I got something out of there though? It's not a weapon or anything valuable. I'll let you see it, if you wonder if it's valuable or not... Not like I'm going to try anything stupid.. There are 8 of you."

In reply to Gannor (msg # 28):

Eh, not so much. Rolled a 6 this time.

"Talked aboot her uncle a wee bit, too. Her mother's brother, an' a guid man. He took 'er in when 'er ma passed, bless 'er. Didnae care nothin' aboot 'er da's blood. Treated 'er like his own daughter."
Meanwhile, he looses the snap on his axe and grabs the corded bundle of vines from his belt. He leaves his shield on his back for now.