"I'm game"

Erdthar grunted.  "Let's go already, unless anyone has a better idea?"

Dundbar strokes his long red beard. ”Great! That’s grand news. Glad you’re aboard. Now, I will send word ahead of you to Jalanthar.” He summons another of his servants, and gives the servant word to send out a messenger.

”I will have you meet with Zornun, the Warty Magician. He will arrange supplies for you as well as a wagon if need be. You can use him as your point of contact in Jalanthar. He will be able to contact me if the need arises. He will also arrange room and board for you, if you can not provide your own way. He is not a hard man to find once in Jalanthar, he will make is presence know.

Well I suppose that settles it. Keep Zornun and I informed of your progress.

Good luck Lads! May Moradin stand by your side!”


OoC: you will be heading to Sundabar first. From there you have a choice: take a river boat down or walk/ride the rough mountain trails.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:28, Wed 11 Jan 2006.

Gimuld agrees and starts to prepare for departure. He makes sure all his gear is stoweed and that he has enough provisions and that his waterskin is full. When the time comes he is ready to move out.

I propose we should take the water way. It seems safer than over land. Course, I could be horribly wrong.

Milo perks up at the final decision to leave. " Lets go by water, walking just doesnt sound as nice>"he says picking up his pack and walking for the door.

"As much as I like the forest...water.  Safer and faster, at least usually."

Quindil's set for the voyage, but more keen on the adventure.  he's looking for as little time as possible in travel.

Looks over to Dundbar.

Do you have documentation for us? We will need this in writing. I don’t want any more foul ups like we have recently seen.


*Mental Communication to Erdthar and Pello*- Don’t take this wrong, I still want to filet his heart.

"Writing?  But then they'd expect us to read it..."  Erdthar whines.

Pello eyes Vespian, his eyebrows slowly rising, but then redirects his attention and pats Erdthar's shoulder.

"Don't worry big boy. I'll read it for you. Just remember to stay in your tent whenever there is company."

Renoart rubs his eyes before heading to bed. He is fatiqued after scribing the cure scrolls.

"I wonder if we'll be ready to move on tomorrow, and where we'll go for that matter. Dwarves are courteous folk, but their beds are like solid granite."

Dundbar strokes his red beard and puffs out his chest at Vespian’s query. ”Of course you’ll have papers. Harrumph.” He whispers in the ear of one of his scribes. The scribe scurries out of the room with some pep in his step.


A few moments later the scribe returns with a rolled piece of parchment along with writing utensils. Dundbar waste no time as he quickly begins to bellow out what he wishes his scribe to write upon the contract.

After about thirty minutes the document is complete and ready for signatures.


---------------------------------Contract----------------------------------
I Dunbar Gemaxe herby proclaim The Crazy Sons of a Gnoll as a legitimately sponsored mercenary company for the following task.

Objective: Find and return the lost Helm of Brattor’s Thrall.

Terms: Upon successful return of the artifact, each surviving member of the mercenary company known as The Crazy Son’s of a Gnoll will be rewarded with 1000gp each. Paid from the coffers of the Gem Axe Mining Co.

Any remaining loot found by said mercenary company is theirs to do as they see fit. We ask, but do not require that all dwarven artifacts be rightfully returned to their families’ heirs.

Supplies: 1000gp worth of expedition supplies. To be picked up in Jalanthar.

Contacts: Dunbar Gemaxe of Felbarr. Zornun The Warty Magician of Jalanthar.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


The mercenary company watches as Dundbar signs off on the contract. He then hands the pen around the room making sure that each member of the company signs his or her name or mark.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:05, Sat 14 Jan 2006.

6:00am 13th of Fading

The road down to Sundabar is, for the most part, a comfortable and secure route. Coming out of the citadel is a much-needed sight for most of the adventuring company. The early morning air is brisk as a slight breeze blows from the west; the sun is starting to peek above the surrounding mountaintops, filling the valley with an almost supernatural warmth. Your lungs sting slightly as the soot-infested air of the citadel is pushed out by the cool refreshing air of the valley.

Looks like this day’s ride to Sundabar will be a busy one. Many caravans prepare for their march south. Most of them empty, but a few seem to be carrying loads of ore with them, probably taking it to the forges in Sundabar. (The Sundabarian forges are far superior to those of Felbarr.)


OoC: It is nearly a three-day walk to Sundabar. The road is well traveled and patrolled. Shouldn’t have any problems traveling by day.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:22, Sat 14 Jan 2006.

The trip to Sundabar goes relatively uneventful. The weather was nice for most of the trip, with only occasional winds and very little precipitation. Some of the time was passed along with a merchant family heading south to Sundabar. A family of 5, Mother, Father, 2 older sons, and a young daughter, that helped pass the time with their musical entertainment. A few nice ballads they played during the night beside the campfire light and on the trails too.


8:00am 16th of Fading
Arriving at the northern gates on a bright sunny morning.

Gate traffic this day is horrendous as long lines form, awaiting access to the walled citadel. Caravans laden with goods pulled by teams of oxen, horses, or even mules arrive one after another, pushing their way forward to the front of the line. Teams of guards look on suspiciously, some upon the walls others walking the crowds and still others on guard right near the gates.

They let pass most traffic, but it seems a small commotion starts up in front of you a bit as the guards’ bar access to someone. The unknown man raises his voice and curses up a storm as the guards push him back away from the gates. It is not clear as to why they barred him access, but they stand their ground and continue to turn him away. If he is not careful, and keeps pushing his luck, he will end up in the clink.

Upon gaining access to the citadel, you see that the streets are just as crowded as the gates. Traffic from wagons, carts, and pedestrians crisscross the roads throughout town, causing jambs and slow downs in certain tight areas.

'Tis a long walk across town, the river porter’s will be found on the south end of the city just outside the gates. There you will find a small river port/dock that has been dug out near the rivers edge. A large stone keep sets on the river bank, it has a large lookout tower connected to a tall bridge that straddles the river, going across to a matching tower on the other side. Guards walk the towers and tall bridge, watching over the numerous riverboats readying to travel down stream.

Standing before the keep you see lots of ruff looking individuals, many of them tying off river boats so that they don’t float down stream, a few other men work hard at loading supplies onto a flat barge, and a few more stand around doing not much of anything. Curses fill the air as the river men work frantically to begin their day. Some of them seem to be behind in their task, as riverboats from up stream begin to stack up awaiting access to the docks.

A small man approaches you from the river; he is coming from a small boat that is tied off a bit down stream. He calls out as he comes closer. ”Hey Lads! Yer look’s like yer need’n a boat? Charlie Shanters the name. If you need ta get down river I’m yer man…” He trails off a bit as he mumbles about how good his boat is…. Although looking over at it, it barley looks to be sea worthy.


OoC: So, you guys make the next move.

Thoughts of sugared almonds in his head, Erdthar looks along the streets for Molly and her cart.

----------------------

As the group stands at the busy docks, the big half orc watches the work, and lifts his nose in disdain at the wreckage Shanters calls a vessel.  "Looks like a deathtrap to me - I don't swim so good."  he told the boatman, his gravely voice rumbling in a faintly threatening manner.

Pello quickly intervenes, "Oh, don't mind my friend here. What he really meant to say is that your fine vessel seems to be showing its years a bit."

Pello glances towards the boat in question, "I mean, what is the chances, in your humble opinion, that the trip would end at the bottom of the river instead of the end of it?"

Quindil leans over to chat with Milo.
In a quiet voice....
"We may want to walk, with a boat like that, eh?  Sailing may beat walking, but drowning doesn't sound so good to me"

Heh heh heh, yeah thats true Milo Chuckles at Quin's observation
"I guess I could always ride Ruff."he says looking down at Ruff who whines and walks off toward a something that smelled good back aways on the dock.

"Botheration, what a lot of talk! I thought you orc-bloods were supposed to be bold of heart? I'll take your river cab, Charlie, this heavy street traffic is enough to suffocate a man. I'm a burghers son, grown up mostly on his country estate, so I'm not used to the city life."

At that he hops aboard the river craft, trying to keep his balance.

"Hrmmm, not bad, I've lost a pound or two on that journey,...and so have you all...", he says looking at the group, "We shall all be light as a feather, and the craft won't feel a thing, lets onward."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Tue 17 Jan 2006.

Quindil says nothing, but secretly hopes the boat capsizes on Renoart, because it would be extremely amusing after his display of bravado.

"Oi, hold your horses holy man." Pello says as Renoart jumps aboard the boat, "I've got some unfinished business in this city, that I need to tend to before we leave."

He looks at Charlie, "And then we haven't even talked about the price."

"Actually I think Ive gained a few pounds" Milo says patting his belly.

Ooc: Sorry about the almonds. If you want to go back in the city we can. I assumed we wanted to get on to some fighting and killing, So I forwarded us through the city but if we want more rp, lets go back.

I am picking it up from the river here though.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

”Ahh... thast what I like ta see, a man with faith.” Gesturing to Renoart with a big toothy smile.

He puts out his arm; halting Renoart as he tries to board the boat. ”Now lad. Ye can’t just go come’n a board a man’s ship without being properly invited. Least I know yer not a vampire ehh?” He winks and laughs at his last statement, lowers his hand and then looks to the others.

”I know she don’t look like much. But she’s a fast one. And a sturdy one too. You can take yer chances on one a thar big en’s if ya want. Sitt’n ducks they are. Err you can take yer chance with me and me cutter. But I aint gunna stand fer ya mouth’n bout me ship. She’s well built and a quick on err toes, she’ll get ya thar and damn fast at that too.”

Looking a bit closer at the ship, it might not be as bad as what you first thought, but it does have a few patches in the hull, at least it looks that way from here. The boat is constructed of wood it is nearly 30’ long and about 10’ wide at its widest point. The front and back of the ship come up out of the water to a point on each end, allowing it to dash through the rapids. There is a small cabin in the center of the boat with the captain’s controls located on the cabin roof. A small center mast with one cross member sticks up over the cabin, it has a sail rolled and tied up tight around the top.

Charlie gives you a minute to think on it and then pushes onward.”If ye want passage it will be 50gold for the lot a ya. You won’t find a better deal. And I can guarantee well be there by high sun on the fourth day. If we’re late it’ll only be 25gold. And if yer willing ta pay 250gold, I’ll get ya there by morning, gotta leave now though.” He smiles and winks.

"Hmm.. that sounds alright." Pello says, looking closer at the boat "I guess my unfinished business can wait until later."

He turns to look at the rest of the group, "Waddaya say guys?"

"I like the idea of being a sitting duck.  Pirates could be a fun change from all those goblins."
Quindil turns to the boat.
"Ah well, I'm sure this'll do fine.
'

"Now it comes down to money, Charlie, I'm certain they'll acquiesce."

When Pello begins to consent, Renoart cheers him on.

"Thats the way, Pello,...I dont mind the patchwork either, I mean on the hull, whats a wizard for if not for mending leaky spots?", he adds as a joke, knowing full well Pello is a flaming destruction machine.