The Golden Trumpet is run by a family of Elves, one of the main adventurers inn's in Lotan city.

Apprentice Bruga washed up the dishes while his master, Wrodan Nimblefingers—dwarven locksmith—relaxed with his pipe. It's a good evening for a walk, Wrodan said let's stroll to The Golden Trumpet. On the way Wrodan observed You're seeming restless lately, Bruga. The apprentice made no reply. Wrodan went on ummh...youth...I remember Oh, and I'm buying. That last did elicit a smile.

One in the common room, the locksmith took his customary seat by the fire while Bruga wandered over to the bulletin board.

  It  had been a few days  since Kree left the Village. It was the Bursting point  of a few days of arguing and disagreement between Kree, His  father  and His  Uncle. The Elder brother Fri  just shook his head. Fri was in mind of defense rather then Offense, and he  and Kree often butted heads when it  came  time  to hunt  slavers  or bandits , orcs...or whatever  was haunting the  area  around thier village.

  Kree's  Father, Krell. Gave Up, wished his  son Luck, and let himgo...the  elf was a good 500 yards  away from the Village  when his Uncle  stepped onto the path...You are more  then a bit Headstrong. You get that from your Mother..I am thinking... his  smile was a bit sad as he spoke,  Take  this...it  will serve you better then  the one you carry now. I will take yours...it was mine, and your Grandfather's  before  me..gods only know how many foes it brought  down...I will look forward to adding your Kills to the totem, when you return...

  TAking  the Blackwood  bow, Kree handed over his own. He had  seen Inthail use  the bow, and was in awe that he held it in his  hands,  Thank you..Uncle..I...I will try to add to its glory...

  Inthail gave his nephew a hug, Go now...make the RAzorhawk clan proud...and bear no ill will to your father, or brother. They have to think of the Village...its  the yonger  siblings...such as us..that make  the foe atone  for thier evil..aye.?"

 Smiling, Kree nodded, Inthail  face hardened just a bit  as he added,Make them pay for the death of my sister...your Mother. And seek your sister if you are able...The  rest of  the Hunters will seek the same...

  two days   of running the forest, brought the elf  to The Golden Trumpet. He was a bit tired  and fancied  a hot meal. All his trails ran cold, he needed to think on what to do now. Walking into to the Inn, he looked for a seat by the fire, But  the Dwarven Locksmith already had it. He motioned to the server  girl who smiled at her, he took a seat at a smaller table  near the fire, but not close enough to bother  the dwarf.

The dwarf looked over at the travel-worn elf and beckoned. I don't bite, lad he said...leastways not now. I've had me supper. Have the chair by me nearer the fire. Bruga there won't mind...he'll want to hear where you've been.

When (if) the elf seated himself, the dwarf stuck out a hand. I'm Wrodan Nimblefingers, locksmith. He pointed at a halfling who's turning away from the bulletin board. That's Bruga Honeygatherer. We'll want to hear where you've been, if you care to tell. What'll you have to drink with your meal? It's been a good day; I'm buyin'. Bruga reached the table and held out his hand.

 Kree looked up and smiled  his half-smile,  I will..indeed..take  you up on that. has been a bit of a trek, with little  to show  for my efforts...

 Taking the Dwarf's hand, the strong grip reminded him of a friend, who had joined the village after being freed from slavers,  I am Kree...Quickshadow. Son of Krell, of the Razorhawk Clan..I have travel  the past few days, looking  for spore of  slavers, or bandits..or both. I have taken up the Black Hunt...we were raided a few tendays ago.

  Looking up at the server he says,Elven Gold  if you have it..if nay?  A harvest wine...if still nay? something wet!  he grins  as he  shakes his head looking over at the halfling  and then to Bruga once more,Not much seen...most of  my trails  ran cold..did find one slaver who died  of one of the clan's  arrows, but ti was not my Kill..I staked him to a Tree, so others will find him.

  he sighs  a bit,Right now..i mean to relax, and then see if i may aid against any troubles  around the area, at very least, until i can find a slaver or  bandit again..The Raid  was a slap int he face of  our Village..I needs regain some of our pride.

Wrodan growls. Bad business, enslaving. Kill and take the life once. Enslave and take life every day. Bruga nods his agreement and then asks Uh, Master Quickshadow, this "Black Hunt." What is it...I mean, something simply more than trying to bring justice to evildoers?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 23 Nov 2010.

 he nods  as the server brings his bowl of  stew and  a glass of drink. he smiles  at her as she  sidles  away,In my Village, we have Hunters...can be anyone...any walk of life, they just Hunt those who would endanger our lands, or our people...in this case , Slavers..we hunt  down, destroy slaver caravans, and any who aid them.  Many a time those we save  settle into our  village, to carry on the task. This raid...was a retailation...Many folk were killed, babes, youngfolk..defenseless ...women..who would not leave thier broken babes...and people..like my Mother  who fought to the death, to save others...

  Quiet for  a bit he starts  again,..The Black Hunt...Volunteers..13..who will seek out those who have  wronged us, make them pay...deal with them..as they do with others...no remorse..no quarter..no mercy...we fight  fire  with fire.."

 Taking  an eager spoonfull of  stew, he finishes  it  and adds  with a dark chuckle,That is..the good ones  do..Me?  I have  yet to find  any targets as of yet...but  i will....by the LAdies of Luck, both dark  and Light, and By the HUntress...i will...

  Leaning back in his seat , he  takes a sip of the drink  and looks at the Dwarf, Forgive me, I mean not, to be so dark...the Rage is  still a bit fresh...and the lack of atonement makes me  a tad  short of manners....

Those slavers are stupid...or something more is involved. Wrodan suggested. Can't enslave dead people.

Bruga looked at Kree with respect tinged with caution. ...so you have to keep looking and bringing retribution all your life, all the time. I mean, can you do other things now and then?

   Kree waited until he finished  another bite, shaking his head  as he turned to Bruga,  These  slavers wanted blood..if they could  take some elves...which they managed to do...all the better. My Cousin..Ivy..His  mate-to-be...and her child...They...tried to drag them away..the babe squealed  and hollared..causing  more then a few arrows to come in direction of those slavers who were trying to take them..the bash the child against a tree....

  his fist held  the spoon very tightly..his  knuckles turning white,  The lady refused to leave  the dying child..so the slaver bladed her..then and there...taking off as some of  our folks approached...Ivy..My cousin..was distraught as we reached her..we came late into the Village...

 he tooks  a deep breath, and tried to smile, We  are to Hunt  for a year...seeking  the slavers if  we are able...if nay..we are to  find..slay..any such folk we find, Bandits... orcs..anyone..anything..trying to harm  the  good folk, who cannot aid themselves.  his  smile grew  wider,..I can do whatever  i wish, Good Bruga..i just need to fulfill my vow...if  a group of  BAndits would  come in...and hold the place up...I would  hunt them down as best i was able, however..slavers...slavers  are the prime targets.

  Pointing to the post board, Kree asks  the HAlfling,did you notice  any thing of  import, or perhaps  was to earn coin? I could use a bit  of coin, and  am willing  to use my skills to earn it....
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Wed 24 Nov 2010.

Bruga said I'm saddened by the loss your village has experienced. Brings it more to home when somebody tells it personally.

He thought for a few moments. You'll be wanting opportunities to deliver justice. One notice reads Able bodies for a Caravan escort, caravan is a 2 day trip between Lotan and Cabain. See Logan Astar at the bar for more info.

I've seen three wanted posters:

Lozak Grim reward 500g crime: murder
Gregory Trask reward 50g crime: theft
Molak the strange reward 1000g  crime: murder and illegal experimentation...this one might be the most interesting, and the most dangerous.

Wrodan interjects My brother Thodron's in Cabain, , Bruga. You could carry one of the locks I invented to him. I'll get along in the meantime.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #10):

Taken to want go out and see the world now that she has finished her acolyte duties and not be stuck in her small village doing busy business work, Clair takes her aunts advise to go and spread the work of Tymora for as she states one night at diner: all adventurers will want and or need Tymora's followers services but be weary she ways, of all travelers for some are shady and not trustworthy.  Lady luck will open paths and doors where you go and only chance and good fortune will keep your path enlightened.  Your father just grunts at this while your mother smiles but gives your aunt a warning glance.  Your decision to go forth and spread Tymora's work and good fortune to others has you the talk of the table and all 11 of your brothers and sisters spout out advise or encouragement wishing they could go to.  As you prepare to walk out the door to start your adventure loaded to the gills with gear your father surprises you with a quick embrace for good fortune and a safe return and as he pulls away, you realize as the door closes behind you that your dad has left in your hands one of his own adventuring items from his younger days. A sigh escapes and grinning, she thinks the ring slipped on like it was meant to be on her finger.  A good sign from Tymora, this will be a good day ... looking up, the sky starts to darken, hmph well a wet one at best.

Clair, following the map he Aunt gave her, heads to the Golden Trumpet, where her aunt tells her others like her will be there looking to go adventure, laughs have fun my dear Clair.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Wed 24 Nov 2010.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #10):

As the conversation in the inn continues, the front doors open and in shyly walks a small female child no, upon further investigation a female 1/2ling who is not a child for the floor boards squeak and the definite clang of metal resounds under the cloak as she walks in a step or two and closes the door behind her.  She turns and looks up with a bright cheerful smile and says in a quiet but firm voice, may the good fortunes of Tymora shine on one who can direct me to someone looking for help or is hiring out for an honest days work.  Looks over the assembled audience and acknowledges them but grins at Bruga and walks up to him, high my name is Clair, Clair Brandywhine.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:11, Wed 24 Nov 2010.

  He  nods, ..Indeed...a caravan task could earn us  a few coins, and, for the most part, we have little to do but watch over  the people...however..with the RAid, not  that long  ago, its hard to  tell where the stragglers  from the  Slavers  went.

    Those wanted posters...we may wish to take them with us, incase we  run into such folk through luck..ill or good..

  At That Moment the  Tymorian halfling walks  up to the table speaking to Bruga. After  his answer to her, Kree  rises  and pushes  his  chair to her, and reaches  over for another, that he sits on backwards, to allow her access to the table, Well met, Follower of   The LAdy. Good Tymora...and..her sister... watch over me..Ill luck to my foes, and good luck to me  and mine..or aleast that is  the way it is supposed to work..I also give a nod to the Huntress as well...

While Bruga's eyes are open and jaw loose, Kree takes up the conversation...which causes Bruga's head to oscillate between Kree's face and Clair's hand. Meanwhile, the dwarf almost muffles a chortle. Finaly (as it seems to Bruga), the hand takes precedence. He rises as he takes the female halfling's hand in his right hand. With the left he pulls out a chair even as Kree does, seemingly having forgotten to let the left hand know what the right hand is doing.

Then he minds his manners and retrieves his resolution. Well met, Claire Brandywhine, priestess of Tymora. I'm Bruga Honeyfinder and these gentlepersons are....his voice trails off. He withdraws his right hand, which—by its brief squeeze—would prefer to stay connected and gestures toward the chair. Will you be seated? Ah...this is may master Wroden Nimblefingers, locksmith, and this traveler is Kree Quickshadow, an elf whose village has been wronged and who is intent on decreasing evil.

(I'll leave it to Clair to thread her way through Kree's an my post.)

Bruga sits down and responds to Kree's first comments after his glance toward Wrodan sees his kindly master's nod. The halfling's nervousness disappears. I've heard elves are slow to decide. not so with you, and I'm flattered by your thinking I would be a fit companion. Clair, in case you're wondering, the bulleting board over there list some jobs. Other jobs are posted at the Adventurer's Guild and Barracks. Master Wrodan gives me leve to go on this caravan that's seeking caravan escorts; he has an somethign for me to take to his cousin in Cabain...that's a tow-day trip. Then—I'm impressed—he suggested taking three wanted posters. One never knows....

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #14):

With a sheepish smile, while still holding Bruga's hand, her eyes go wide, why Bruga, that is you.  My oh my you have grown, grins, it has been too long with a small childish blush.  Then almost reluctantly lets his hands go as as Bruga moves off Clair surprisingly has a hard time deciding which chair to accept but finally accepts the one closer to Kree and as she sits down Clair lightly laughs upon hearing the elf's name, Kree, what strangers we are as I remember your few visits to my humble church with your family as I was but a wee young acolyte.  My even you I did not recognize all dressed up and ready to go forth.  Turns to Wroden, ha, you I realized to quickly after my shock whore off with these two childhood friends.  You have not looked better, Bruga has not spoiled you with his apprentice work I see. sighs, I am glad Tymora has fated us all to meet this day and even with an interesting first chuckles adventure posted.  What good luck this is.   Then looks to Kree, with a face now showing concern, a raid you were talking about and those wanted posted?  What is this all about?

  The elf  smiles  softly,  Slavers. They Raided our Village not, but 3 tendays ago. My Cousin Ivy's MAte-to-be..and his child  were killed, as  was my Mother..a few others..and a few taken as well..My sister. Lista...if you remember?  I have  yet to look at the posters, But i think them not , to be any  of the RAiders...less they have had  other transgressions in the past...

 With a Jerk of his head to Bruga he says, Good  Bruga has  noted a Carabvan needs some sword arms or such...guardians..let us  say...normally easy coin to get, though the slavers that scattered, may have turned to bandits, if  they lost, or failed to get any ...goods...from our  village

 My suggestion, is to take  the posters, on the chance we  find  any of them in our travels. we can take thier heads to whom ever wishes to  pay us for it....if nay...just to rid  the realms  of such scum, may be payment  enough...May Tymora and Beshaba  aid us...and  the Huntress guide us...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #16):

Kree, I am sadden by this ill tidings, may Tymora guide us.  Snicker, this is a good idea to take those posters with us, maybe lady luck will bring your foes out along with any of those ill we find and we can ride the world of a few rotten apples and maybe make some coin.  She then looks serious, I will pray tonight for a good turn at the wheel of chance for your family.   Meekly smiles, anyone have a spare drink to lend a poor thirsty gal?

  Kree waves to the server  Girl, who  once more  smiles  at the Elf,Please...A bottle of  wine for us...so that the Lady  and the  rest of us may slack our thirst and keep the conversation well oiled... he rgins.

 The  server  frowns  when Kree mentions "the Lady"  and gives Clair a cross frown. However the frown goes away quickly  as she  returns  , when Kree pays for the Bottle, as his right hand  hands her the cin for the bottle, his  left  hand slips a silver into her her Bodice...she  sways  happily away...Kree looks at the others,what...she...she is a friend..of  sorts...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #18):

Clair just smiles at the act and Kree's quick guilty response to the looks he has gotten from those at the table.  With a intense look back the way the serving girl left, Sure, I will remember to play a game or two of chance later with the young serving gal to maybe gain back that Lucky coin for you. ha, taking a long swallow of the wine, ah hit's the spot, my thanks Kree.  Now, how do you suppose we get in touch with the caravan master and pass as worthy guards.   Looks worried, I hope we do not have to ride horses, they are rather high off the ground.

  Kree thought  for  a moment,  Most of the riders  are scouts who ride on ahead. depending on what they carry, they may want folks  riding next to the driver...however...we only have a day or two Journey. I suspect they will need  flankers   and  rear guard....I am most certain, he  will not  pay as top coin, as  we are not seasoned battle folk...but he  will pay us...and  we should all profit from it...

  He stands  for a moment,I will ask  at the Bar...perhaps we will get pointed in the right direction...  as he stands,  he takes  a step then retruns, puts down his glas, and picks up his bow, he winks  at the others, when one goes to see someone for a job, those with the Job, need to see what they wish...

  As he reaches the Bar, (( the server girl makes certain to stand  a little closer)) he asks what news  they might have  about  caravan guards, as he  and his comrades are of interest, if  the job is there available
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Thu 25 Nov 2010.

Bruga looks after Kree, coniers a moment, excues himslelf; and, after the serving girl replies, he asks (if necessary) for Master Astar.

The girl a nice young elvish lass nods and points Bruga towards what at best Bruga could describe as a battered man at the bar. It looks as though Logan Astar has seen his share of fights and either come off with the worst of it, or squeeked out hard earned wins.

When Bruga approaches Logan regards him quietly and before letting the halfing speak he says "20 gold each way per person, half for each direction paid ahead. You will have to know we have had a couple of Goblin attacks, but generally the route is a quiet one."

In reply to GM (msg #22):

As Clair unconsciously rubs her cloaks button while hearing the pay, and the terms for the pay she then asks, Sir Astar, what are the accommodations for traveling needed by those accepting and positions/marching order on the caravan for those accepting.   She is holding a good firm upfront face but underneath she is nervous about her first gig.

  Kree  smiles  at the  sever girl as the halflings  speak with Logan. If they are like this  all the time?  I will not have need to speak to folks...

  as his  wont, his eyes  drift around  the  tavern to see whom  else  is there..if any regulars  he might have seen...but more importantly, the ones  who look like strangers...he studies any such folk, looking at thier boots, and  weapons they might have...just in case they were stragglers  of the Raid.

Nickoli entered the Golden Trumpet, smiling and seemingly at peace with his life. He always felt that way after his afternoon prayers, it was that time when he truly felt close to Heironeous. Brushing his thick curly hair back from his face, he looked about the bustling room to see if there was anybody that he reconigzed.

  Kree's eyes went  to the door  and noted Nickoli's entrance, his quick look at the halfling talkig to the caravan fellow, He Waved his  hand  to catch Nickoli's attaention and wave him over.

Senuviel enters the Tavern. He's slender but tall for an elf but kinda muscular. He dresses only his common clothes, but a nicely crafted long sword can be seen sheathed in a well decorated scabbard on his back. He looks at everyone in the tavern as if counting the people there. The elf then sits on a table by the window and waits for the waitress to come.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #26):

Smiling at seeing a friendly face, Nickoli waved and moved through the seats fairly gracefully, taking an open chair at the table with Kree. Dressed in sturdy clothes, a short sword strapped to his hip and a symbol of Heironious around his neck, he was a walking sign for the holy order.

Extending his hand, Nick smiled again at Kree and those around the table. "Well met friends, I was hoping to be in good company today. What brings you to the trumpet? The food, wine or perhaps some bawdry song? I was sent here by my bishop to as he put it...try my diplomacy and find a quest worthy of my time and the good of the order. Not sure what about the Trumpet makes me think I will find it here, but I'll defer my judgement to those higher."

  The  elf Nods to Nickoli  as he  takes his  hand in a warrior's grip,well met...Bruga and Clair are seeking a job  for us with yon caravan leader...I am thinking, he will see us  with them, and accept us  as Guards...two day trip..should be  somewhat easy coin...

  his  eyes focus  on the  othe  fellow that entered, and waves him over  as well, ..that fellow looks   a bit familar, the three of us, and the pair  of  halflings ought to make  The caravan master a bit more at ease, and let some coin flow into  our pockets  as well...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #29):

Nick laughed at the mention of more coin.  "I could use more coin, I think we all could it seems. Kree...how have you been? My studies and training at the temple has seemed to occupy much of my time as of late. I did however pass my first series of tests a few months back and was moved from initiate to 3rd ranked. A big jump for me, but its a result of lots of book studying and swinging of the sword. The bishop tells me that if I go on several missions and earn some renown and show the true faith of Heironeous that I should be able to take the tests of valor for 2nd rank."

Looking about Nick spots Bruga and Clair over talking to another person. Not wanting to intrude on their conversation, Nick's eyes move over to the newcomer and then widen in suprise. "Thats...thats Senuvial!! I havent seen him in a while either. Ill go get him so he can join us at the table..be right back."

Moving over to Senuvial's table, Nick smiled and gave the elf a warm hello. "Well met friend!! Come on over to our table..theres plenty of room, unless you want to sit alone, then forgive my intrusion."

In reply to Nickoli Grundecci (msg #30):

Clair while awaiting Sir Astars reply looks back to see how her companions are faring and to signal she is still waiting on an answer when her eye brighten at the site of more of her old fellow friends and companions grouping at the table.   Encouraged by the newest arrivals, Clair turns back to Astar and quietly says, if you feel a little uncomfortable about assigning my few companions and me the guard duty job, well I have indicating to her table now a better compliment of companions to work as guard duty for I am sure of it.  Smiling that we would make a stronger statement in protecting your caravan.

Astar regards Clair and says "I will feed you and we sleep on the side of the roads. You decide your marching orders, usually it is 2 in front, 2 in back, and one aboard."

In reply to GM (msg #32):

With a smile, oh thank you I will tell my companions and meet you in the morning ah, that is when the caravan leaves.  Oh is there anything special we need for this trip you could advise us on?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:05, Sat 27 Nov 2010.

A private word, Clair...if you'll excuse us for a couple of moments Bruga says, lookin gthoughtful rather than upset.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #34):

Clair smiles and excuses herself, and goes to talk with Bruga, sheepishly smiling, yes, um did I do something incorrectly or do you have a better Idea?

  The  elf nods,..Been hunting   of late..that is  about  it..Go, see if the  lad  wishes to join us...that should make the Caracan fellow more then happy, and feel more then safe  with such a group  as we seem to be forming..."

  As Nickoli  goes  to speak to the other eld, Kree  Gives a practiced half-wave to Clair  as she looks  over, knowing  the caravan fellow  will see thier "group"  and hopes he  will take  them. Coin was slow  to come  for  folks Like him,  any chance to grab pay, rather the spoils, was a good thing.

Astar will tell them to meet him here at dawn.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #36):

Nick returns to Kree's table shortly after he left. "Im guessing he will join us. What is the hunting like? Still short on game like last year or have they regrown their population?"

   Kree nods  and gives a Half-wave to the other  elf. He smiles a bit  as he turns to  Nickoli, The  bigger game  are coming back , as we keep the strangers  from our wood. sometimes we had to draw blood to do so. We have  been harvesting less, so that there are more for the winter...small game is  ample, rabbits  squirrel and such, and fowl are abundant as well...seems  the human Hubnters mainly focus on the bigger things.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #39):

"You know Kree...Ive never been hunting. With my father being a mage and my life living in the temple learning to use my sword and faith...I guess there was never much time for things like hunting for food. Take me sometime if you dont mind a greenhorn tagging along."

  he  nods, using  the hand  that holds  his glass of wine to point  towards  the Halflings  and the Caravan Master,  They say the  trip is  but  two  days there, and  two days back...if  we do not  find  something, or  we take a path that leads us  into the forests  and such? I will be well pleases to teach you...

  Nudging him a bit he  smiles his  half-smile,Besides...if am able  to teach you enough  woodcraft, so you do not  sound  like some  dwarf walking through a stone  road?  It  may save  us  from surpise...

    Some  folks, Hunt the Game...looking  for the trophy to hang in the home, or at an inn someplace...they forget. The Huntress has put  those creatures there to serve a purpose...and  the  sisters of Luck, they put  thier hand into the Hunt  as well...the think is...not  to Hunt to kill when you hunt  game...You Hunt  for food...they serve  thier purpose...now..Hunting banits  and  slavers...that is when you hunt for the kill.....

After the conference with Clair, Bruga approaches Astar. Thank you for your patience. Let's say all these three (pointing to Kree Quickshadow,  Nickoli Grundecci, and  Senuviel Alantir), Clair and me. Clair and I, especially Clair, could ride and mostly rest during the day. At night we would take double watches. That way we wouldn't slow the caravan down, and the others would be even more alert.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Mon 29 Nov 2010.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #41):

Nick laughed and nodded his head at Kree. "I imagine that I would sound like a dwarf on a rocky road with all my gear on..Ive not spent much time in the woods actually so anything you can teach me about woodlore and survival would be benefical. I dont understand what the allure of mounting the heads to the walls...esp when it simply is an ego stroker. Now hunting for food, making use of the animal and giving what you can to those that could use it..I understand. I do not however understand slavers..oppression of others for material or money..stripping away something so precious as ones own ability to choose and work to support their family..I will glaldy walk with their corpses to my back."

Glancing over at the two talking to Astar, he spoke again:

"It appears that some agreement is being reached. What is the opportunity?"

Bruga walks over to the others, explains the offer, gets and reactions, and—if everything's agreed to—will signal a happy acceptance to Astar.

He then leaves with Wrodan to do some work and to buy or ready what he'll take.
---
He shows up early the next morning.

Finally Senuviel approaches the group, the elf greets everyone politely as he speaks Hail! It's nice to be back to my hometown after some years off. I understand you're securing a caravan. Well, I'd like to stay around and enjoy the village a little while but I'm in  need of some extra money. You guys know how expensive wizardry equipment is. So, is there a place for another swordarm in your group? The elf waits for na answer from the group.

Bruga looks to Astar, who nods (agreement, not beginning to nap).

  Looking up at the other  elf  with a nod  and a smile, and gestures to the bottle on the table, Aye, we  guard  the Caravan, supposed to be twodays out, two days back, if i heard right..we...um..already counted  you in..had you not accpeted, I would have mentioned that you might have a lady waitin somewhere.... He  tries to be deadpan, but  chuckles   and pushes  an empty Glass towards Senuviel.

  To Nickoli he adds,when we get the chance to step the woods, Keep in mind items  you may need for your craft. Our  elders used to say, nothing  beat  fresh spell-tools, that you find yourself.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #47):

Clair rejoins the group excited about their first mission/adventure together.  Smiles and asks, well er I think one of us needs to ride on the wagon ans the rest spread out - who would like to ride on the wagon? Anything you guys think we need to get special?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Tue 30 Nov 2010.

  Nay...no wagon  for  me Good lady, I will walk the trail ahead...or serve  as rear guard, depending  on what  the others wish to do...but i should  be one or the other, to put  my skills to use..aye?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #49):

Yes yes yes, please let us all pick where we wish to be.  If you want me to ride in the wagon so be it, I would probably slow everyone down anyhow walking along.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Tue 30 Nov 2010.

In reply to Clair Brandywhine (msg #50):

"Id rather not ride in the wagon mind you. If I am able to bring my horse, then I will take her along..if not then I too will walk..if my walking doesnt cause Kree to moan and groan about dwarves walking on the road."

Nick winked at Kree but tried to keep a straight face for Clair, failing terribly, he ended up smiling and laughing.

 Kree  looked thoughtful as he fought  back another chuckle,Nay, my friend...if the goblins  think  some dwarves  are trotting up the road..we  will make easy money!

Senuviel grabs the bottle and fills in his mug. Aye. I´ll make you fellows company. I believe it´s time to put my sword and magic at test. Smiles the elf.What is our strategy?

  with a shrug he nods to the wagoneer,...One  of us in the front  and the back, the rest around  the wagon...if it comes to a battle, those  with the wagon  defend it, while  we  close in from the flanks, and fight our  way back to the others...

 Looking thoughtful for a moment he says..a bit slowly, when it  comes to a fight...i fight to win..to make  more of the dead, they they make of us...I give to  quarter to  evil folks..evil things..thier die was cast when they stood on that side of the line...I just figured i would mention that, in case someone  feels sorry for the creatures  who attack  us...

Astar grumbles "If you have a horse bring it, but should your strategies lead to us getting attacked you will not get any further pay."

In reply to GM (msg #55):

Sounds fare, I will be happy to take the wagon seat.

  well then...we are  ready to go...as much as we are going to be..save  any last minute  supplies?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #57):

Got my spell components, extra food, back pack, pouch rope, oil flask, weapons, blanket, torch, armor, holy symbol, dice, cards, spare cloths, spending money, do I need an umbrella or rain coat :)

  the  elf  chuckles,Good Clair, one cannot be ready for everything, and to do so would slow you down, and make you an easy target for foes...best to take a few things, you can always aquire things  as we move.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #59):

I think just the necessities is all I have.  Not much else.  I will pray for Lady luck to be on our side with the wind at our backs as we travel.

  Kree grew  a bit  quiet and asked Clair,  As an elf..we worship the Huntress...as for mY calling, I have taken Tymora as my main goddess, however..I must give a non to Beshaba as well...From Lady Luckanswers our pleas for good luck...and if done right, Beshaba answers please  for bad luck unpon out  foes...I hope you do not have much issue  with that?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #61):

Smiling, none at all , we all choose are fates and paths as we see fit, I have no problems with it and I am sure neither does lady luck.  Worry not my friends.

In reply to Clair Brandywhine (msg #62):

Nickoli smiled widely at Clair and nodded. "I worry not..Heironeous looks over me and in turn the company I keep. I wish he would pay my bills some of the time, but he blesses me in other ways far more beneficial. Where are we going to meet? I will need to go gather my items and inform the temple of my mission."

I also need to equip myself, although I've just arrived from a long journey, I also need to setup some stuff at home. See you in the morrow fellows.

Saying that Senuviel leaves the inn.

In reply to Nickoli Grundecci (msg #63):

Well all should meet back here at dawn so gather your things and make your plans and say your good by's to those you need to.

OOC - Does Clair live locally or need to get a room???
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Sat 04 Dec 2010.

As the General meeting place for the party, the party waits together at the Inn with Alvair, the Priests will both come back with the information that it will cost 100 gold to get the neccessary healing done on Alvair.

Gosric looks sulky but determined.  "I am not paying my money for healing that guy.  HE helped chain me up!!"  He sits down on a bench in the Inn, his face clearly showing his unhappiness.  He wants to end the slave trade, but fears he may have to spend his own money to do it, and on a slaver of all people.

When it's private: We could go to my master, Wrodan Nimblefingers, for advice. He's honest and knowledgeable, and can keep his counsel.

Bruga approaches one of the servers. Astar left our group unexpectedly. We're not sure where he went, or why, or when he'll be returning. I'm wondering who will post jobs if he stays absent.

\[What does Bruga (or the others) know about the the family who runs the inn?]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:54, Wed 02 Feb 2011.

Astar didn't run the Inn he was merely a regular and job poster, the Inn is run by an Elven family the daughter Ezalie is currently running the tavern/inn.

In reply to GM (msg #69):

Goseric, I was not volunteering our coin but for Alvair to earn his coin honestly with us so he could get himself healed.  We made the initial arrangements for him, now it is up to him, that is if he has really turned over a new leaf.  Looking at Alvair for his reaction

Private to Bruga when available, yes we could talk to you master some on this.

Gosric lets out a sigh of relief; he hadn't even considered that Alvair could get work.  "I'll go talk to my parish and see if Alvair can get some work."

Gosric leaves for his church, hoping to find something useful for Alvair to do to earn the healing.

  Kree turns  to Bruga, My friend?  This  is no slight on you...but becareful the questions  you ask of your  master...it  could  very well be, he  is on the payroll as well...those magics  did not get there by themselves....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #72):

Clair smiles after Gosric goes, that may work well for you Alvair.

True, Kree has a point Bruga, best be careful and word things carefully.

I agree with Kree. We have to be doubly careful now. Remember that Astar is free yet, he might have warned his high rankers, which means there must be some sort of call on our heads. We must study carefully every single step we do from now on. Says the warrior/mage in a somber and cold tone.

Burga is close to being offended. You'll have to trust somebody, and my master has always been fair and kind, and he has instructed me well...and it wouldn't be just me talking, but all of us.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #75):

Ah my friend Bruga, I would think you would be very cautious and we think just to be careful for now as to what information you know about as you talk to people not only your master but anyone.  If you want us all to meet with your master then we should do it soon, maybe we can skirt the question about Astar being a slaver and ask instead if he knows where Aster would have gone off to since he left us mid way and see how he reacts to it, we can work our way to the slave part as we tell about our travel and his disappearance.  I would hedge that he would want his student and friends to work this situation out to build character i mean I see him not involved but I also know one bad roll of the dice can be made by a bump not seen on the table.

  Kree shakes his head slowly. The  events of the  near past having chnaged his view of trust,....I trust..those here. Those who have fought by me and know me for who i am. Your  master could be  one of three things...he could be part of the ring, to  get coin for his research...he could not know he is helping, thus mindless to the fact, but helping them anyway...or...he knows what is going on, but cannot summon the efforts  to do something about it. These are dangerous times, My friend. Look at this fellow? His words  taken from him, so he cannot hurt thier operation...gods  know how many guards , such as us..heve fell..either in death, or taken into slaver themselves..My people have suffered  from slvers more then most races...we have learned that some folks have a price, and will shrug off such things, if thier  price is met. Should you Master   be of good heart?  Then we have a Valuable allie...if he is not, then...we must handle that as well...

Khorden had followed along as he didn't really have other options in mind.  He was out to make a name for himself and to build up a grubstake, neither of which was enhanced by his brief stint as one of Astar's caravan guards.

He takes a pull on his mug of ale and wipes his mouth with the back of his off hand.  "What be ye thinkin'?" he asks of the others, wanting to get a good read on who wants to do what.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #78):

Well, we can talk to Bruga's master but we will need to get Alvair talking again first to see what more he will tell.  Plus we need to scout out that barn the slavers used and see what we can find before the trail gets cold.

Let's set up Alvair, I think Gosric went to arrange things for him then when Gosric get's back we can scout out the barn and tomorrow we can talk to Bruga's master.

  once more  the lef  nods,Just keep in mind, we do not know where he went..every minute  we delay, helps him cover his footsteps..."

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #80):

Clair looks at Alvair, When Gosric get's back and as we get you healed up think about what you will need to say add do to help our cause.  Absently pets Snare, if you wish not to help any further, well, so be it.

Kree, how far away is this barn?

  The BArn i speak of , is in Cobain.... his voice nor tone hides his disgust,..it is towards the end of  the street we entered there...but..now  we are here...and until we  reach the place again? The slaves  will have  either been packed off...of  killed...Slvers  have  dumped  dead bodies  at The Hunters, to try to  stop us  from killing  off slavers...But our decree is  clear...slaves are all but  written off, if we  can kill the slavers  that  have taken them...any we save...are bonus.

  He sighs  a bit  a  he  drinks  deep from a mug of  wine, then refills it,...we should  have  went there first...Unless the Henchmen there are ledft on thier own? The Slavers  has  probably packed them off and left..or did  away  with the slaves  as excess baggage....the only thing  we might be  able to do now, Is  go to Cobain, find out  who all there has thier hands  in the slaver pie...and start burning  and killing...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #82):

OOC - Oh man, I really got that one mesed up, I thought we were heading back to the barn and where Kree scoped out the slaves.  Man, bummer on being confused.  oh well got to play what we posted :)

Clair will sigh, Oh shoot, me an my direction sense, my bad Kree.  Well, we can talk to Bruga's master, maybe get some other contacts who have dealt with Astar.

She digs into her purse .. I mean pouches for some coin  to help contribute to paying done Alvairs healing.  Is 50 gp enogh ... or do I need to contribute more (see OOC post - not sure if it needs to be here).

  Kree reaches inside his tunic, and pulls out a pouch. He opens the strings  and  counts out 50 gold  coins. He slides them over to Clair,Ordinarily, i would not post coin like this, for  a slaver..nor  any stranger...but i know, that if you turn false on this...I will get  way more the 50 gold out of your body, before  the gods  take , what is left to the 9 hells...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #84):

Clair accepts Kree's coin and will go with Gosric to get Alvair healed.  Does anyone want to come along?

A few hours later Alvair will return with Clair and Gosric the healing went well and Alvair leads you to the start point here in Lotan it is a small warehouse in the dock area. There are no slaves here but on one of the tables you find a map. Alvair will tell you all he knows is that Iron Hold is a dark dwarf hold, but for the right coin they will let anyone pass no matter their cargo. Alvair will also lead you to the back of the warehouse and open a crate in the crate you find:


200g
150s
50c

2 Flasks of an unindentified substance, 1 flask greek fire, and a case (12) Holy water.

Alvair will explain that Astar always carries holy water fearing the undead.

Khorden had been a bit too slow to pass over coin before Clair and Gosric left with Alvair.  He sits and scowls over hoisting a few mugs at the turn of events, but joins the others to the warehouse.

Finding the coinage in the crate, Khorden speaks up.  "Clair, Gosric an' Kree take ye share fer healin' Alvair.  We can split up the rest."

Bruga counsels I don't think it would be a good idea to go after Astar right away. I think he knows Kree's heart burns within him, so hi sguard will be up. Let's undertake another job first.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #88):

Good thought Khorden, the 100 gp from the wharehouse will be split back to Kree and Clair 50 each then Bruga can keep your offered coin and that leaves us 100 gp and 150 sp n 50 cp.  2 Flasks of an unindentified substance, 1 flask greek fire, and a case (12) Holy water.

Clair suggests giving the 50 cp to Alvair so he has money to start his new life with and not have to go into that trade or other unrespectful trades.

The 100 gp, maybe we can get the two flasks of unidentified substances identified.  Heck lets each take a flask of holy water - we can sell the other two flasks to help pay for the identify's if need be.

I think we can let Alvair go since he has helped us plus on his word he does not continue in his old trade but start a new better life.  Maybe find work within Goseric or my church or even with your master Bruga?

I think at least for a while the trade through here will be off, one small set back for em.  hhmm, maybe Bruga, maybe we need to be stronger to take on Astar since he has more powerful friends.

 Kree nods his thanks  as he takes the coin,  I sugest we  keep all the holy water. we each have one, Clair  and Gosric keep the extras, since they are more intune  with the gods then most of us...Perhaps  Bruga's  MAster  will identify the potions  for free...especially if he knows  what cause we are now bent on?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #90):

Ah yes, I will have no problems hanging on to an extra holy water as I think so will Gosric.

We can try to see what Bruga's master can do for us, remember we were going slow with him to make sure we do not involve him beyond what he wants to do plus you wanted to be cautious in our approach for the less that know the better I think for us.

Then shall we see to Bruga's master?

Kree nods,...I have to assume that  Bryga's Master will aid  us if he is honest...if he has his hands dirty, then we should be  able to tell from his reactions..we need  not  tell him where  we found  the items...if he knows? then he is suspect. besides, this  will test the MAster's love  for his student, and tell us where  we stand  with him, for future referance....if he is  involved with the slavers..then he too, must pay.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #92):

Clair hands out the coin to the group each get
16 gp  Khorden get 42 gp (see OOC posting why)
25 sp
3 cp
1 flask holy water (Gosric n Clair get 2)

Clair will keep the odd change in a separate pouch as group treasure to be divied as needed/appropriate.

Who wishes to carry the extra flask of oil set up for throwing and the two unidentified flasks?



Bruga shall we see you master tonight or wait till morning?

  Kree looks  at each of them and says,  something  we needs, bring  attention to . Since  we are to work together..anything that can make the group stronger, more dangerous, better...should be put into the hands of that person who will be able to use that item the best...when we recover weapons, or items  and such from bodies  or stashes  of our foes, we place the items, and such into those hands  who might use them the best...other  items  we can sell and  either keep in party funds, or dish out...I say this now, as to set aright, anything that may come  down the  line  in the future. The betterment of the group is of most import.

Gosric takes his portion, including the second vial of holy water.  He was hesitant about adventuring, but after witnessing these capable friends free him, he thought maybe this was the way to fulfill his church's demands; alongside these heroes, he might just survive it.

"I'm ready to follow you guys.  Are we waiting for Bruga's master?"

Bruga replies I suggest tonight. I get it that you all are hot to follow up on this slavery business, but I'll suggest it again: I think we should do something else first. I feel we need to exercise our talents more, and I'd prefer to have a chance to lull the slavers into thinking we're getting on with our lives rther than going after the trade. I suggest we try this one:

Seeking able adventurers to collect a small list of material components. See Grand Wizard Osk at the Wizards tower. Will pay well.

If we please him, he may be a valuable ally.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:55, Mon 07 Feb 2011.

"Oooooooh, will pay well.  I like that one.  And gathering material components doesn't sound too hard.  I with you, Bruga."

Khorden continues to drain his mug of ale.  "And what of the rest o' us?  We gonna go bash some slavers or ain't we?"

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #98):

hhmm, Kree, powerful wizard, needs components, Astar had powerful spell cast on him to use, maybe just maybe we could work the slaver trade route from around a knuckle curve ball.  Hence if the wizard is up an up we could work that to our advantage if we do well and of course if he is not we may find out and be one more up on this sticky business.   Now I want to bash slavers head in to and stop this racket but just maybe we can work some angles and get a better position on things.  I feel we are just gathering together our strengths as a group and some extra hands of cards at the practice table may do us all good.  Let's see this wizard and his spell components and raise him a slavers trade,  ha.

We can see Bruga's master tonight and tell him that we are worried about Astar after we were attacked, he disappeared.  Not an out an out lie, just twisted the wording/meanings.  We can see what the master says, maybe get clues to his wear abouts.  We can finger in there not getting the last cut of our mission- maybe get connected to another.

Or just go burn down the barn as a warning?

..Burning the barn, is just a start...Burning  any business or  homes of those  who hhave aided the slavers..is what we must do. They have ruined lives..ended lives..I have  no compassion  for our  foes, or thier families. To benefit from slavers, is to be  a slaver...even if by proxy. he stands up  and tkes  a couple steps   and then  returns to the table,The more dead  Slavers, and  slaver helpers..and slaver customers there  are..the less eager people  will be to take up the trades...or...to buy the goods.

  He held  up a finger,...when  folks are taken...three things  happen..the  fight and struggle as they will not bend to the  will of the  slavers...those  folks  are either killed, or  sent to mines and quarries, or arenas...second..they become resigned..do thier  labors for fear of dead to themsleves or thier  families...and last? They become trustees..the bow and scrape for thier new masters, and turn  on the other  slaves...those types die along side thier masters.

  a half-smile to Clair as he adds,...as  a rule, Huntersnever let the slavers use  the slaves  as shields..if they die  they die..as long  as we end that slaver, or that camp...but  the traitors, are targeted  as much as the slavers, because they have become, what has hurt thier  neighbors....so...we go to Bruga's Master and see..both if he is clean..and  if he might aid us...then we take up the job of gathering  for this  MAge...one was understad this....Mage's can gather most things themselves...unless...of course..it is too dangerous..then they send fools  like us... he grins

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #100):

So be it we can play the fool part.  Let's go if it is good Bruga to your masters then.

Snic, wizards and spell components, ha a good ol' holy symbol does the trick every time, sigh.

Alair, not sure but it may be best to travel to a place that dos not know your past to much unless you wish to go home to your family.  I trust you be keep to your word and not get involved again and may be just maybe keep others free from slavery some how.

Khorden listens to Clair and Kree, finding them somewhat at odds in his own mind.  Kree seems to be on a blood hunt, no tolerance and Khorden could certainly see the reasoning there.  Clair's approach was likely to have a better shot at the head of the slavery serpent, but held the danger of fouling ones hands in the process.

Khorden finds his own thoughts hovering somewhere between.  "I'll slay slavers, no problems there, though I'll not butcher everyone who's been touched by slavery, or carries the yoke of slavery.  If a man's coin is gotten through slavery yet his woman or son knows not his business, then I'll not slaughter them...."

He turns to Clair, "And I'll not dabble in slavery if that is the price to topple those who practice it."

"But my sword is near at hand and is willing to drink deep of the blood of slavers."

 Kree nods,..there is an tactic, My father, and  other  Rangers  and druids would use when a fire in the forest  was out of hand...a path was clared, or a trench dug...then..another fire  was lit...the two fires  would  meet...and the treat to the rest of the forest was done...I...The Hunters...we are the fire that fights  the fire. I do not expect those who have nay, been touched, or seen the aftermath of a slaver raid to understand...so..I do not agrue those who will , nay, take the steps  i will....I just want to make sure..that slavery ends...and, that we make slavery..something that none wish to take up...when death is the reward for slavery...then perhaps...fewer will hasten to pick up the trade.

Families, Kree? We just were more than kind to a slaver's henchman...and would you brain a slaver's baby?

If we're agreed, let's go see my master at his locksmith's shop.
---
After greetings and any introductions, Bruga answers his master's questions. I completed your errand. As for the rest, well, it was strange...I was injured at one time and unconscious another, so Clair can tell you about it better than I can.

Senuviel returns to the inn after everyone else has left to see Bruga's master. The elf had been away since their arrival in Lotan and now he sits pensively in a dark corner at the inn, just sipping his beloved mead.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #98):

"Um, you could come with us?  We'll make our way to the slaver's pen soon enough, I promise you.  Besides, no use splitting up.  Maybe you could use my healing skills, huh?"  Gosric hoped the dwarf would come along; he looked like he liked a good fight, and Gosric was more than happy to let him indulge that desire.  If it meant the priest had to stay out of the battle and just heal as needed; well, we all have our place.

Khorden wipes at his beard and turns to Gosric.  "Aye, that I will lad." he says simply.  He waves to the bar wench and asks for another tankard of ale.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #107):

Clair greets Bruga's master with her usual smile and grace (Ok laugh now) Master, We set out escorting Astar's wagon ... she will go into the first part of the trek leaving out Kree's findings but adding in about the unknown cargo that she thought sounded loose bouncing around and not packed right or was something alive in nature, though she never figured it out, adding Astar was short on occasions plus adds his disappearance at he goblin raid and returning in time with food he forgot after the raid, so forth and so forth, meeting up with Khorden and having our other comrade leave off ...  Goes into abstract detail about on the way back getting into another bit of trouble at night (not sure what happen, one minute Kree needed help with his gear while scouting then being attacked by bandits of some sort) losing Astar in the confusion and having the wagon blown up, Lady luck had the group far enough away, adds in about finding Gosric and another fellow Alvair in the evening mix (not sided with the bandits) and snare (who she absently continues to pet through the evenings meetings obvious her new found pet) making it back alive but with the loss of the wagon and Astar.  She is concerned about Astar's ware abouts, reporting the wagon lost and the trouble on the road.  She gets one of those female weak moments about being way to much in one day and will need to pray and meditate at some time still.  sheepishly looks to the group, did I forget anything I did get all flustered in the end trying to tell this tale.    She does go on then will stop and pet Snare acting as petting is comfort for her.

The  elf  studies  the fellow  to get what reactions  he may have, judging  for himself, how much this fellow  might know..one  way or the other...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:25, Thu 10 Feb 2011.

Bruga keeps his mouth shut but his admiring eyes on upon Clair.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #110):

Clair continues to pet Snare, smiles sheepishly at Bruga and then looks around at the rest of the group and finally looks to Bruga's master for a reaction any reaction.

Khorden sticks to the wall near the door, leaning against it.  He loudly cracks his knuckles and a faint scowl seems to have settled upon his features.

Bruga's master will highly suggest against going to Iron Hold, saying that "Those dwarves are not exactly a friendly bunch." He will continue by telling you that very few have survived and if astar has aligned with them it is unlikely the party would survive there.

  Kree shakes his head,..then...we  must satified to kill of  some random slavers, and ruin the businesses of those who aid them....they should not be allowed to continue thus...not  with out something to suggest to them, that slavery will shortem thier life.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #114):

What good master sir, do you propose we do about Aster and the Dwarves.

"The dwarves, nothing for now, to many and to dangerous. Astar however will have to eventually return here to Lotan if he wishes to continue his slaving business, this is the only port in the Kingdom. Likely, some will be brought in via ship." The master will excuse himself having business to attend to and all but warn you again about going after the sdwarves. "You must remember they are a whole race, not just a random soul here and there."

"So, when do we get in touch with the mage to find out about what he needs?"  Gosric wasn't going to comment on avoiding the dwarves.  He was happy that the party seemed to be trying not to get killed right away, so he'd rather change the subject than give anyone reason to object.

Khorden gives a snort.  "If some of me people be takin' up slavery, then I'm happy t' be settin' 'em straight, but don't be damnin' all o' th' Dwarves a'cause some of 'em be turnin' rotten."

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #118):

with a graceous curtsy
My thanks for your wisdom Bruga's Master, we shall council that amoung ourselves but be warned about Aster and slavery in these parts - we shall also be looking to settle this slavery issue somehow, someway maybe not today.

Ah my freind Khorden, not everyone is bad.  I do not lay blame to a whole race or clan of peaple.  Just a few individuals and such.   
Looks to the rest
Yes,let's see what the mage wants , shall we?

  Kree  nods  to Khorden,...if  i understand it? These  dwarves are to you...as  drow are to me...Twisted by the life undergound and the evil that  seems to thrive there...there is none here  who frowns  on Dwarves...one of My brothers-in-blood is a dwarf. he still helps keep the Village  safe.

Bruga bows to his master. Thank you for all you've done for me and for the wise counsel. As to the future...I don't know. He leaves with Clair.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #121):

Well Bruga, that went well, with a smile.  Now these two unidentifable flasks of liquid, I wonder if my fellow clergy can decipher what this stuff is.  Care to join me and see? hold up the two flasks.

turns to the group We can meet up tomorrow morning and decide if helping the Mage is our next adventure to help build up our strength. Shrugs, should we all get rooms in this inn for the night so we are able to watch out for one an other?

  The  elf  nods a bit  as the  leve  the Master's place,...Inquire about healing while you are there. A flask or  two  would be grnd, if the price does not break us.

  I think i will sit on the porch of  the  Inn while you folks  are gone, watch the people  about and see who comes  and goes...

Bruga's eyes brighten. Of course.

As you think best is what he says to Kree.

Gosric yawns and stretches.  "Well, I'm going to find a comfy bed.  I've haven't had a decent bed in....god, who knows how long?"  Realization hit him then; he wouldn't have a decent bed for some time to come.  Letting out a quiet, plaintive groan, the chubby priest pays for a room and makes his way up.

Senuviel still waits his comrades in arms inside the inn. He slowloy sips his mead and watch the people come and go.

In reply to Senuviel Alantir (msg #126):

Clair takes Bruga with her toward her church but upon seeing the Goval's Alchemy shop along the way decides, Bruga, let's check in here first, maybe just maybe we can get a fair price to ID these Shrugs, you never know, maybe you can help haggle a price?

Bruga nods and starts to open the door, but pauses. While I can but haggle, you can charm with your winning ways. Then he opens the door so Clair may enter.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #128):

lol, true, we shall see what jovial mood Goval is in.  Smiling that girlish smile as she walks in

Khorden follows Kree towards the inn, seeing little point of sticking around.  Instead of stopping at the porch though, he'll move on inside and see what's what, maybe hoist a mug of ale or two.

The next morning, Gosric comes down and orders some breakfast.  Waiting for whoever wakes up next, he carefully cleans under his fingernails.  If he can't wash his hair, at least he can have clean fingernails.  Whenever someone joins him for breakfast, he'll say his hellos and then bring up the new quest.

"Well, should we make our way over to Osk's tower?

Bruga comes in as the others are finishing their breakfasts.

To the server: No, thanks, I've eaten.

To the group:
 1. Briefs them on what happened with Goval if Clailr already hasn't
 2. Is ready to go to Osk's Tower

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #132):

OOC - one step ahead in posts but no problem

Clair returns that night happy but in thought, will gather the remaining group and while eating a small diner gives to them Bruga and her encounter at Govals alchemy - I.E. the 10 gp spent to id the potion of Healing and (in a low voice only for those ears) poison. she has the healing and Bruga the other.  He went to stay the night at his masters and will be joining in the morning.


Clair will before she comes down, do her morning prayers (spells same - Bless, Fairy Fire and Command), wash up, fret about cleaner cloths, give snare a brushing and pampering, suite up in her gear, pack her things and heads down stairs with Snare for a bite to eat an see who is up.

Yes, we can try Osk's tower next.

When Bruga and Clair enter, he finds her arm remains linked with his. His body stiffens but then relaxes, and he smiles. With all courtesy, he hands her into a chair, seats himself, and says What now?

Khorden was glad to see Bruga and Clair join them, hoping they could shed some light on what they'd found.  "Well now, it's time to get a bite t' eat and hoist a few tankards."  Putting word to action, Khorden lifts a roasted joint of something and takes a bite, washing it down with a pull on his mug of ale.

Senuviel smiles when he sees the halfling entering the Inn, he sips his mead and eats some bread with deer meet. The elf waves at his friends as his says: Come fellow halflings, let's have something to drink and eat, aye! Today we rest and then wait for the news. By the way, where's the ranger?

  walking into the Tavern, the elf  spies the others, and settles down neat them,I have some folks looking into the Gypsie thing. I must return to them , in the morning.

That's most interesting news. I hope they can figure it out. Are you going with them back to the swamp? Asks the warrior/mage.

I will wait until i hear what the information is. then we shall see...

A tray overflowing with eggs, bacon, waffles sausage, milk, the juice of the orange fruit, an assortment of tropical fruits and a delicious assortment of baked pastries and treats announces the presence of Gosric. Clearly the nights sleep had done him good, he appeared, in fact, to be a new man.

"Please, let us eat before we discuss business, enjoying the good things in life is the key to a rich, full life you."

The overweight, but cheerful cleric of Waukeen smiles at all, while tearing into a moist sticky bun smelling of cinnamon.

"Besides, the tavern owner has a family to feed you know..."

Should anyone foolishly think the tray was for sharing, he briskly but in good humor slaps their hand away. "Get you own!"

Bruga leans back and devotes himself to counting Gosric's imbibes and swallows: 0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 2-6...discovering a pattern here, folks. 2-7....

Pleased by the attention, Gostric the gastric picks up his pace, while wigging his furry eyebrows in delight.

The night passes without incident and in the morning before the party can leave for the temples they will find a messenger from each temple awaiting them in the common room. The messenger will present Kree and Clair a message. Very interestingly they say basically the same thing.

Clair's:

The Lady tells us it would be unlucky to meddle in the affairs of the Gypsies.


Kree's:

Besheba tells us that it would be unwise to disturb the gypsies.

That is actually the complete message each of you recieve, so now what?

first off Gostric finishes breakfast... Priorities people.

As to the gypsies, Gostric in no fan as they pervert the good name of merchants and they avoid a square deal like the plague.

  Kree leaves 10 gold  for the Maid's Temple and thanks them  for thier efforst.

  The  Maid's handmaiden says it  would be unwise to mess with the Gypsies. This tropubles me, for the Gypsies  are much like the elves, as for thier  love  of the greenwood, and thier travels. Biut  If Our Lady, and Her sister agree on this?  It would be folly to step forward.

"Have you considered yargleburpmunchchew?"

The not quite yet Full One wipes his mouth off on a silk napkin, and tried again.

"Have you considered that these missives might be fake? The few gypsies that know how to write are experts at forgery, more often then not. Perhaps we should take these messages (belch) 'scuse me, these messages back to their respective homes, and double check."

Senuviel sips a bit of his herbal tea, and breaks his silence: So, what do we do now? As far as I can discern here, we get not many options do we? No meddling with the gypsies say the churches, the swamp's been investigated by the higher ranks of the city, what's left for us?  I don't feel like going on components hunting for some absent minded wizard. Have I missed anything? It is obvious for the rest of the party that the warrior/wizard is annoyed and in a bad mood.

In reply to Senuviel Alantir (msg #147):

Smiles and shakes her head at the large plate Goseric just finished off turns to the group after she got her message, So we have the same story, it would seem we are best to heed the warning and continue onto other stuff.  sighs, yes this hunting spell components is tiresome so I say best we get what we have plus his hut back to the mage, give him an ear full on what we found out in this area chuckles to see if he has any tidbits on it and see what else is available for us if nothing comes of it.

Still gnawing on the roasted joint and taking pulls on his mug, none the less finds the prists gluttony bothersome.  Still, that's of no import at the moment.  "We don't have to follow the suggestions o' the churches."

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #149):

True Khorden, but ....

Bruga pauses. I think it good to see our employer and deliver what little we have, and find out if he has any more information for us. Also, we should thank him for the shelter. And we have new about the creature we fled from. I dislike the idea of quitting on the task...bad for one's reputation.

Kroden, suppose you are about to flip a coin on a bet. Then you are told that you will lose if the coin comes up heads and you will lose if it comes up tails. Unless you are veryk good at tossing a coin so it lands and stays on its edge, I think you had best back away from the bet.

  Kree shakes his head,any6 other god, i would agree. But if  do not heed the sisters, yoou mess with luck, right now they are happy with me, I would like to keep it that way. You lose luck? You lose it all...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #152):

Well, we can go give the mage what we have and let him know of what we found out there, the drake and gypsies per as to why we do not have everything yet, so we would not be quitting (save our rep) since he may be interested in that info now instead of later.  Then we can go back to finding the rest of the items for him.

Yes, we have been on a good roll with lady luck so why chance it :)

Khordan shrugs.  "If ye be trustin' the ones tellin' ye that boths heads an' tails be losin', then I agree with ye.  The question is, do ye trust th' words o' ye gods?"  If Khordan had been told such by a Dwarven priest, he'd certainly pay heed, but the others hadn't seemed fully ready to take the words they'd received.

Licking his fingers clean, Gostric takes a mouthful of ale and shakes his head.

"You know, Tum-Tum," he says to his stomach, "I feel these others do not appreciate our council."

He looks at Brandywhine, making sure he has eye-contact, then repeats himself. "Be there any chance these documents warning us away from gypsies could be forgeries? I have yet to see them, but they seem very similar in content, which seems a mite bit peculiar to me."

The great efforts made to protect the 'skeletons' in the forest seemed rather overwrought, and dramatic. The more he thinks about it, the more he wants to poke and prod at the 'scab' that was their camp in his mind.

"Though I agree, as renderers of service, we should also discuss matters with our primary customer."

 the  elf  was more then a little  put off at the finger licking. He passed it off as a Human curse,There was no documrnts  from my end, they counciled, and  told me  whatthier findings  were

This message was deleted by the player at 06:23, Mon 15 Aug 2011.

"If no one knows, friend Kree, doesn't it seem likely that the answer is in the knowin'?"

Gosric busses his own plates, stretches, pats his buddy Tum-Tum, and lets loose with a deeply satisfied sigh...

"My compliments to the house, that was truly splendid. Surely I will share the name of this fine establishment far and wide," he boasts in full voice. Then he lower his voice to a more sociable level, he continues. "Let us discuss this while we walk, I need to work off some of my morning repast, and a morning constitutional really helps my digestion."

He figures a twenty percent tip, and hands the coin to the serving wench. "I hate leaving the coin on the table. Cynical of me, true, but there you have me..."

He gives her a charismatic smile, and heads for the door.

In reply to Gosric the Full (msg #158):

The two messages were signed by our respectful priests, and well, Goseric, you may consult with your god on this matter to, maybe you can squeeze it in before lunch snickers.  smiles innocently Ah no really, I think if I was a higher up I would not waist much checking out my newbies/lower followers findings other then a quick check of some kind.  Probably some form of Augury on our actions or theirs about it.

watches Goseric the Full head outside Lets go ahead and visit our mage employer and go from there.  I have my feelings about this situation but let's do a wee bit more research first.

  Kree rises and  shifts his bow off his shoulder,we have not been overly Lucky, picking jobs, as  of late..

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #160):

True, though My lady works in mysterious ways and well, we make our own out of each step we take.  Smiles, things can only get better lol

"To th' mage then...."  the comment sounds more like a statement than a question and Khorden tosses the joint on the table and downs the last of his mug noisily.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Tue 16 Aug 2011.

Bruga makes a fake grab for the joint.

OOC:  Point of clarification, I had Khorden gnawing on a roasted joint as in:

Joint - one of the large portions into which a section of meat is divided by a butcher, as the shoulder or leg, especially as served at table.

Khorden's a smoker of course, but he limits it to tobacco.  ;)

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #164):

eww a stinky Dwarf lol

To the mage.  We will turn in what we got and let him know about the drake and gypsies to see where we go from there.   Information is better sometimes then spell components.

"Knowledge is always better then spells, little one," Gostric says with fond glance over his vast expanse into the face of his fellow holy-roller.

He takes a deep breath, and looks to the sky to judge the weather. Fair or foul, he will pontificate on his speculations as if his deity was the source of all such aspects of reality, then glance about.

"Which way?"

Bruga goes with the group. And the group is going?

In reply to Gosric the Full (msg #166):

Sighing, this way Goseric, to the mages place. Looks to the rest, I think we should go in our standard marching order, Kree up front, Senuviel rear guard and the rest of us in the middle spread out some - just in case - remember we also have slavers to watch for.

OOC - if nothing else is to happen or no one wants to role play to the mage place - I say we scoot forward in time to the mages place and get an audience and explain what we got, what we have seen and as to why we are back without the rest and get a reading from our mage employer on the stuff we found and if he has any better ideas or things for us to do further.

i.e. Got some stuff, found fire drake, cave collapsed, saw skeleton gypsies surrounded by a magical salt line, saw skeletons out in the swamp too but came back to report our findings thinking this info was worthy of our delay in getting the rest of the stuff and possibly venture of avenues for us or him to pursue. - sound good.

In character, I have one small detour, to follow. Out of character, I would like to learn why the GM hinted that if we return to the mage he would take away the bag and the hut. I am hoping I misunderstand, but I would like to be sure.

If it turns out we are going to the mage, Gostric does the following.

---

As the mages abode comes into view, Gostric requests a brief pause.

"My apologies, but the God of all things that travel has informed me that my ale has reached the end of it's journey."

Wandering over to a nearby alley (but not so far that you lose sight of him) the Full One hitches up his attire, and with a loud satisfied sound, waters the lilies in the lane.


"My favorite weight loss method... shall we proceed?" He bows to the others letting them pass, except for Senuviel, whom he favors with a polite nod as he falls into his place in the line, just ahead of the stalwart rear-guard.

Senuviel walks silently in the back of the line. The elf just nods at Gosric as the cleric takes his place in line again. Senuviel keeps his senses keen, his hood covering his head dropping a shadow over his face giving the elf a most sinister appearance, he walks with his bow in hands with folded arms as if the warrior/mage was hugging his own weapon.

Khorden quickly averts his gaze from the priest's lily watering, muttering under his breath.

A good night of celebrating and regaling the party feels all the better for it but now must decide what to do next.

In reply to GM (msg #172):

once settle in the room Clair ponders what Bruga told them and will just get her dice out for a game to pass the time and calm her down and think.  While petting Snare, Looks to Bruga, game of dice to pass the time thinking o what you said and learned.

(Oops. Let's say Bruga rolled dice in the inn.)

Khorden is making good use of a mug of ale and munches on a trencher of roast meat.  "Me, I be all fer goin' back an' looking at that door again."  He wasn't sure what ears might be about, so he clumsily attempts to be discrete.

Senuviel having some deer meat in a stew and mead speaks, lowly. I don't know whether visiting the door is a good idea. Obviously someone doesn't want us there. I guess our best shot now would be returning to the gypsies and help them.

  while drinking  some wine, and eating  bread and fruit, Kree makes a though-provoked  comment,what...if we used the dagger, to break the lines of salt? Its powerful enough to  let people pass? it  sould be able to break the line...it  would not need to be , much of a break..any break, should end the spell?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #177):

Clair sighs, looks at the rolls Bruga rolled, no, you seem to have a knack there hhmm remind me to sacrifice these dice and buy a new pair.  chuckles, this will be costly to one with a grin.  Well, you Bruga have the upper hand though I do not recall any betting just dicing so gigles shall we start again :)

Clair lets the rest talk out there thoughts but leans in and whispers near the end of the conversations while picking up the dice from Bruga's last throw - Not to tempt fate or push our luck but yes, we should pursue the line tomorrow.




21:46, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 11 using 2d6. roll 9.
21:46, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 6 using 2d6. roll 8.
21:46, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 8 using 2d6. roll 7.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 3 using 2d6. roll 6.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 9 using 2d6. roll 5.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 4 using 2d6. roll 4.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 6 using 2d6. roll 3.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 3 using 2d6. roll 2.
21:45, Today: Clair Brandywhine rolled 8 using 2d6. roll 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:49, Sat 08 Oct 2011.

Senuviel chews some more of his stew and sips a bit of mead, he then comments on Kree's suggestion: As I understand, the dagger allows its possessor to pass through the salt line, as far as I can fathom it. Well, that's an idea: we could use it to free the gypsies one by one without the need of breaking the circle, although I think the gypsies would like to have all their gear with them.

In reply to Senuviel Alantir (msg #179):

Looks about, well guys I think it is time we head up fr some rest whispers while collecting her dice "and plan in private - who knows who is eaves dropping"  OOC no PMs this time LOL.

She will collect her dice and indicate for the group to head up to the room(s)

Bruga follows...and why not?

  Kree waves them off, as if he wishes to finish his food.  while seeming engrossed in that task, his eyes study those, who might be   'too inetrested' in the group's  leaving. Then he follows after they have  went to the rooms.

Kree will see no one in the Inn acts even somewhat interested in the partys actions.

Once he  catches up with the others he says,did not see anyone  who seemed inetrested in us, However, if they were aware i was watching....at this point  would should be safe  here..at very least.

 Looking at the holyfolk he asks,what did the  watch have to say?

Leaving the trencher behind but keeping his mug of ale, careful not to slosh it about and waste the elixir, Khorden follows the others up to the room.  After all, he could finish his dinner later.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #185):

Once together, OK, we are dealing with very powerful magic, the magical portals on the door (s), the salt line.  if this is not the work of the slaves, then what ill intentions is it for??

You can see a relieved flush on Clair's face now that Bruga is near her side and safe.  Though she still pets Snare and keeps Snare between her and Bruga.

  The  elf  will go to the window, and sit near it ( if no window, he will stay by the door).It is plain to see, the wharehouse  was once   a place for the slavers to use. I am thinking that the  large rats were meant to take  us out, or at least some of us. Sinc e we could not get into the  other  wharehouse, and our  round frined got poisoned, I am thinking , they do not  want anyone in there. With no real guards, once must think, the place has dark business going on inside.

Senuviel sits on a chair and leans his back against the wall, he sips his mead slowly as he speaks. You see....I think we should change our line of action a bit and try to free those poor gypsies, there may be a reason for them to be trapped that way. And I think we should do that behind the curtains. And then gather as much information we can from those gypsies. What do you think?

In reply to Senuviel Alantir (msg #188):

hhmm, Senuviel do you want to try to cross the salt line or try that shivers magical portal attached to that door?

Looks about, if we can brake say a holding area or some other factions goings on and save those helpless Gypsies that would put a dent in whomevers plans they are, slavers or other not nice people.

  If that dagger  will work on the salt line, we need  merely to slice it open, the smallest breech in the slat line should negate the magic, the wider the gap, i would have to say, the faster it falls...I should think would could  cut it fromour side, or...cross the line, and cut it from thier side, but  he who weilds it, ned to keep it in hand.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #190):

Interesting thought.  I too thought of the line and how to break it. That may work, but who would volunteer to try it?  It could be perilous.  We could think of spells to aid us/help us with this though I am not very powerful, yet.

We don't need to break the line, we just need to keep passing the dagger one by one. Says Senuviel calmly. There's no need to take high risks now. Remember that there are powerful spells guarding that area.

As talk turns to the dagger, Khorden draws it forth and studies it.  "I'll be willing t' hazard th' salt line, though I'm tempted t' be tryin' in from wit'in th' salt line by goin' t' yonder door than stumpin' back through th' swamp."

  Kree nods  his head  in thought, then adds to his Dwarven comrade, " That would be fine, if we...indeed...know, that everyone who passes through, goes to the camp. Thus far? we  only have  one for one?

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #194):

Plus, they said they could not see out so you may not know where the rest of the group is if one goes in that way?  Oh, and remember the other side door had a glyph magic seal on it too.  Further more, they are guarding that area so maybe Bruga was sent back to warn us or hope we would not come back?


First try is someone pass through the salt line with the dagger, then try passing the dagger to get everyone through then reverse it so we can get out the way we went in then finally get everybody out?  Though I am game for the door, I think.

I am thinking, whomever has the dagger, tries to cut the slatline from this side...it almost had to be laid, from this side. Since it needs the dagger to cross? If that fails? then the wileder can cross over, and try to cut the line form the other side...at all time, the person with the dagger, must hold onto it.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #196):

OK< who is going to cut the line?

I'll pray for spells tonight that ma help.

Khorden has volunteered...if he thinks  better of it? I will do it.

Khorden nods, "Aye, I'm willing t' cut the line.  I be wantin' t' cut it more'n just cross over though.  I'm lookin' t' put an end t' the cursed place, not just rescue them as is trapped inside."

 Agreed...we can set the free, and perhaps they will take up thier own cause, and visit some justice, on they, who locked them there....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #200):

Yes, good.  Though let's stop by the harbor masters place an tell him we will return his keys now or later as we have to visit some old friends to help us with your rat problem some.  Say we were stymied yesterday and it got really late and we needed to regroup as to why we did not return yesterday.  This should also give us a clue as how he reacts to if he is knowledgeable of those wharehouses and what we encountered.

Aye...would be a bit..surprsied, I am thinking.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #202):

Yes, better to read him then.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #202):

I guess, well we bed down for the night - no Bruga, your own bed - with teasing eyes.

I will cast my last CLW on whomever is wounded looks to needs it then we will prepare our spells and get a good night rest (heal up 1 hp too) looks about WITH watches set for the night shrugs no chancing it now and move out in the morning without our two and hope the harbor master may have word on there fate with the watch (OOC yes playing that till we bump into them outside the inn, assumed) Then go to the salt line.

OOC - Do I need to roll the CLW??  Is anyone hurt??

 Kree will rest by the window or door, depending onwhich one  senuviel wants.

Senuviel stretches his arms and yawns. Well, I feel tired. I'll get the bed by the window. Saying this, the elf removes his boots, washes his hands and face and lays on the bed with a long sigh. Ahh! I was missing a nice warm, soft bed. Good night friends.

Senuviel stretches his arms and yawns. Well, I feel tired. I'll get the bed by the window. Saying this, the elf removes his boots, washes his hands and face and lays on the bed with a long sigh. Ahh! I was missing a nice warm, soft bed. Good night friends.

Bruga brugas...and with that mystery, one sees him the next morning.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #208):

Clair takes extra care to commune and pray to her goddess before bedtime and then in the morning.  Picks an area to sleep against one wall and cuddles up with Snare next to her.

Khorden is happy to take whatever watch shift no one else seems to want and then he seeks his own pallet.  It was a bit too long and a bit to narrow for the Dwarf, but that's what comes from living around humans.

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #210):

OOC - hello out there, everyone alive and well.  Just waiting for the next DM post about morning.

OOC: Yup! I'm here! \o

yep

Bruga, seeing that activities are at a standstill, returns to the locksmith's shop lest idle hands lead to mischief.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg #214):

Oh good grief, there goes Bruga.   

Hear and waiting

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #216):

Cool, just two missing from roll call and the GM.   Yea, we kinda need the GM :)

In reply to Khorden Stonegrip (msg #216):

Clair lets those with her, Kree, Bruga Khorden and Senuviel know that she is going to return these wharehouse keys, telling the harbor master that we ran into trouble with that one wharehouse and we had to regroup and could not get back to return the keys till now.  He might need to check out that wharhouse as someone is enjoying rent free use of it.  Then I will leave and go to the salt line.  Any who ants to join me good, else we meet at the edge of town toward the salt line.

  Kree nods, I will go, who knows, some one might give  me  a reason the lower the population, in this town...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #219):

Clair gives a shortened chuckle knowing Krees feeling lately.  Pets Snare, and looks to the rest.

The following takes place in both locations To Gosric and Keneally as well as well as the rest of the party in the Golden trumpet.

A couple of uniformed noticed immediately as the kings personal gaurd burst into the main rooms of the inn and draw blades pointing them at the party.

"You are coming with us."

The party (being of good alignment) goes along with the kings gaurds and is brought to the very Castle of Lotan.

----Castle

  Krer points tot eh door  for someone to watch and Listen, as he begins to search for other ways out.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg #222):

Kree, did you post to the wrong thread?

Anyone searching post your rolls, anyone listening post your rolls.  Go back to the other Thread, The Castle of Lotan please.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:27, Mon 23 Jan 2012.

sure looks like...sorry

Groddam sat, at the table a mug, of ale and some food, in front, of him. He looked around wondering what would his next move would be, or where the other were. He knew sooner, or later those he knew would be here, or so he hoped.

Groddam would see a tall elf walk into the inn, the elf walks up to the innkeeper and Groddam witnesses the exchange of gold between the two before the innkeeper leads the elf off into the Inn. For some reason the elf looks familiar to Groddam as if he'd seen his face before. But he can't quite place it.

Groddam watches the Elf and a nagging thought keeps digging, into his mind that he should know him, but he just keeps scratching his chin trying to remember.

Groddam may think he has seen a drawing of the man somewhere like a sketch... but the only places where you see sketches of people are wanted posters.

Groddam gets up and heads off, in the direction they went. He tried to remember what the poster had said, but just could not.

He spots the wanted poster

WP: Wanted: Gephrekian Tallbow: -Classified- 1000g

Groddam smiles as he sees the poster and started his search. for the Elf.

Groddam may think better of trying to find someone worth 1000G by himself especially for someone with "Classified" for the reason. But however he can keep an eye, there are only two ways out of this inn, out the front door and through the kitchen. He knows he is wanted he is more likely to go out the back from now on. He searches the inn however and does not find the man the Innkeeper has hidden him well.

Groddam goes back to the table he was setting at and gets comfortable to keep an eye, on the entrance knowing full and well that he will more than likely not see the Elf using it. He hopes the others get here soon.

Maki enters the inn, dusting off some of the sand that attached itself on the boots from the long hike. He finally made it back from Cabain where he had to investigate on some rumors. He walked up to the bar, and layed his backpack on the floor.

He turned around, to check where any employe was, when his gaze stopped on somehow familiar face.

"Groddam? Well here's someone i haven't seen in ages! How are you?" He picks up his backpack, and moves closer to the dwarf.

Groddam looked, in the direction, of the voice a grin crossing his face. "Maki, by me beard! Ya long legged, ugly bugger what brings ya here?" He stands and clasps the mans forearm and pats him, on the chest. "I be good now set yuself."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Sun 16 Dec 2012.

"Eh." Maki waves his hand in front of him, then sits on the chair next to Groddam "I've been running some errands for the Temple. On the last one i had to investigate an appearance of a Lich near Cabain. It turned out the vilagers were spooked by nothing more then a scarecrow. What were you up to?"

Groddam nodded and then laughed. "Dhat be just like yas long legger ta be afraid a scarecrow. As fer what I be doin ere. I be trackin a Elf dhat be wanted." He told him the last part quietly.

Maki nodded. He noticed the waitress and called her over. After he ordered something to eat he said. "So you're in the bounty hunter business. Not bad. There's always lots of criminals out there to catch."

Groddam nodded. "Be keepin yas voice down bout dhat." He looked around to see, if anyone was listening.

"Sorry about that, but i don't think you need to worry, i can't detect any evil inside here." Maki said, with a bit lower voice.

He seemed to concentrate, as he slowly turned his head around the inn.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Maki uses his Detect Evil ability to scan the room he's in.

---

Maki detects no evil but his friends burst into the inn Senuviel blade drawn... there are gasps of surprise and many weapons being drawn in reponse.


Actions?

Senuviel and Kree will realize that this is the Inn and not an enemy stronghold.

  Kree draws back his bow, the arrow  appearing as he touches the string...but his eyes  dart left and right,..Now...what the 9 hells  is going on?

Senuviel looks confused, he sheathes his sword and hangs his shield on his shoulder. Don't tell me we've traveled in time again, or we're under illusions again. Look! There's one of those dwarves we've met in the dungeons, Axehand or something is his name, hadn't he fallen in battle last time we were with him? let's approach and question him, see if he's able to uncover anything. THe elf then turns to Bruga. Keep your eyes open and you daggers at hand, dear Bruga, yes?

  Kree lowers the bow, placing the arrow in his quvier, He makes certain to look around  as he nods to Senuviel to make his way towards the....missing...dwarf.

  The eyes of the eyes   scan the room as they move forward, his hand  ready to draw a Blade if needs be...

Groddam looked shocked when he recognized the voice. He looks to see Kree drawing a bow and pointing it their way. He begins to laugh loudly, at the Elves words.

"By me beard, it be good ta see yas, but yas pointy eared nutter be I look fallen?" He got up shaking his head and moved towards them. He then stops and motions them to the table, with Maki.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Wed 19 Dec 2012.

With the weapons going away everyone in the Inn returns to their business as if unimpressed.

 As Groddam gets  closer, Kree says...his eyes   still scanning about,..it is good to see you walking about....but...how in the  9 hells did you get here?...Or..for a better Qusetion, How int he 9 hells did we get here!

Groddam looked at him confused. "What yas be talkin bout?" He motioned them closer and spoke to them, in a quiet voice. "Yas see dat waned bill. Da Elf be here. Be waitin fer im ta come out. Be good coin fer im. As fer da stuff yas be talkin bout be talked laer."

Senuviel waves his hand at the dwarf's words. Calm down fellow Groddam. Astar's time will come, that I promise you but we're still confused on what's going on... The elf looks around the room as if searching for someone. There are still some things to be settled, only after that I'll be willing to discuss this bill on the slaver's head. So, shall we have a seat and have our questions answered, yes?

Groddam shakes his head. "Be naw knowin what yas be talkin about. Be waitin ere fer yas all."

Bruga keeps his eyes open, except for blinks, and hands on daggers. This impresses nobody, which perhaps is just as well. He also keeps his ears open.

"So who are this friends of yours?" Maki asked Groddam. He could tell they are not evil, but their entrance left much to be desired.
His hand still rested on the hilt of his weapon, as they came closer.

Senuviel eyes the newcomer head to toes as he speaks. I'm Senuviel Alantir, warrior and mage and those are my fellow comrades in arms, my fellow elf here is called Kree a hunter and archer of  deadly skill, the little fellow here is Bruga Honeyfinder, locksmith, honey finder although he hasn't found any lately and dagger virtuoso. The dwarf, Groddam, well, it seems you're already acquainted, aren't you? Senuviel look goes from the dwarf to the newcomer. Now, warrior, who might you be?

Maki wasn't used to introduce himself with rank name and his skills, but since Senuviel introduced everyone like that, he found it best, if he does so himself as well.

"My name is Maki and i'm a knight of Palor." He said and stood up. He removed his hand from the hilt of his weapon and offered it to Senuviel.

"What's up with that entrance? You guys never saw an inn before?"

Senuviel shakes hands with Maki but at the same time he casts a worried glance at Bruga and Kree as the Knight speaks his title. Nice to meet you, Maki. Yes, we've seen inns before, the thing is that last time we were here something was...uh...different. You say you're a Knight of Pelor, I hope you're not, forgive my harsh words, a stubborn fanatic who prefers to rely solely on his god and jeorpadize all his comrades health by neglecting previous planning and strategy. Says Senuviel with a grim look in his eyes.

Maki feels slightly offended at those words.
"I understand well enough, that evil can't be rotted out in a day. And my god knows well how much power and stength he should grant to one person. If someone starts relying too much on it, he might even be stripped of it. So yeah, i understand the importance of a good strategy."

Senuviel smiles. He looks at his comrades then looks back at Maki and speaks as he walks towards a table. I needed to say that lad, since me and my comrades here had a bit of a ...hmmm... disagreement with one of your ranks, a human girlie called Jacodi or something like that and a rotund cleric whose name I simply forgot hence he didn't deserve being remembered. They were obtuse, half-blinded people who wanted to speak to the enemy while they shot their arrows at us.  And they accused us of crimes we never committed, and they took sides with our enemies, my friend Kree here can give you more details if you wish. Saying so, the elf sits and stretches his legs, he then calls the waitress and asks for some food and a mug of mead.

Bruga decides that eating is a good idea and seats himself after muscling a halfling-special chair to the table. Stew and beer, please is his order.

I'm Bruga Honeyfinder, until recently a locksmith's assistant. From then on, I seem to have been a sometimes handy-halfling who often wonders what is going on. So I stick by those who stick by me.

Maki inspects the party, when Senuviel mentions an ocusation and crime in one sentance.

"I wouldn't mind hearing more about what happened. And i understand what you mean now. Don't worry. If i sense evil i will do anything i can to eliminate it, not talk it out."


OOC: Ok, i know paladins can detect evil at will and need just to concentrate. But do people being judged notice this? Because right now Maki is suspecious of the group.

A PC's take:

I Googled, and it seems they can't. However, an observant person who knows the detector is a Paladin might observe some sigh of concentration. To do so, the observer probably would need ot see the Paladin's face clearly.

  Kree asked  for Elevn wine, and whatever  was  a special today. As he sat, trying to  angle his seat so he could watch the Door. His pack and Qivier set by his feet, the Bow  resting against his leg, on his left side, where a Hawk'sheaded hilt of his Longsword peeked out.

 ..I will be  Blunt, Good Maki...for it is of  some import, on trusting your  comrades. he  stops as his wine  his placed  before him, he slips a coin into the  waotress's Bodice with a smile of thanks.

 ..The Holy warriors...as with most....no offense to you..but  it is ...what it  is....were of greater help to the foe, then to us. As much in the fact, as they scurried  off, calling the town guard  as we sought to seek out the Evil we were hunting.

  ..because of thier selfishness, our  friend and our dog, where taken into custody..and  the King, or  at elast someone seeming to be him, sent us on some wild quest....the quest that lead us to this door, though....in fact..we were no where near here...

  ...The fight  we fight, is  with  a Slaver...to fight slavers..you must treat them , as they treat those they capture....sometimes...  he looks at Senuviel then back to Maki,..most times....you must bend things to  win..tyhey use the law..they use Clerics and  Holy warriors  against the very people who would aid them....

  ..The Good  Sisters, Tymora  and  Beshaba smiled on us...The  rotund Cleric  died  in the  Dungeons...a fitting reward for  turning on his comrades..I know not, what happened to the Lady...and  care not  as well....when you turn on your comrades, for something  that clearly hinders  success..then..you are following the wrong god...

As they talk Groddam will see the elf 'Gephrekian Tallbow' from the wanted poster bowing deeply to the Innkeeper thanking him for allowing him to stay. He then makes his way to the doors and out into the streets.

Groddam shakes his head watching the Elf walk out the door. "Yas flappin yas lips oer nutin. Maki be good. Now da Elf be out da door. Yas be lettin da coin walk an da slaer go."

 Kree watches the  elf  leave, when Groddam speaks up, he says...let us go after him then....

Groddam shook his head. "I be dhinkin e be stayin ere. We be findin is room put sum, in dhere an grab im."

Senuviel blinks his eyes as if he had woken up from a dream. The warrior/mage rests his hand on Kree's shoulder as he says I understand we shouldn't sit around while slavers do their dark job elsewhere but there's one last puzzle to be solved and this involves the lives of our friends Clair and Snare. I suggest we take this chance we've gotten of being brought back to the inn and try to find out what fate has reserved for them.

Maki look deep into Kree's eyes. "The Slaver is using clerics and paladins to do their bidding?" He shakes his head. "Most would prefer to die, then to serve someone evil. There must be some kind of magic involved here."

He pauses, as he watches the others in the group. "You have to allow me to go with you and investigate this. I sware by The shimmering one's name, if what you say is true i shall not raise my sword against any you. Should that happen... then i am doomed as well."

Bruge looks over at Maki. Easy, steady there, big fellow. We'll get along.

  Kree  settles back  down and nods  at Senuviel's  words,..aye...you have the right of  it then...

 Groddam? have you seen Clair  and  Snare?


  LAstly he looks at Maki, a slight  smile on his face,..they use no magics  i know of...simply, they use the Paladin's own teachings  against them..we hunted the foul folk at the Docks...where they had  trading going on...however..the Cleric and the Holy warrior did not  wish us to break in...rather..they wanted  us to get permission from the Dockmaster.....as nice  as that sounds...if  folks are trading  slaves  and other such good....the Dock master..and  officals  are all in the  same tub....so?..If they use  law   against us, we  use....unlaw..against them...Evil does not fear good, because good  will allow them to continue on...Evil fears  evil..thus..we  strike at them with thier own brand of  steel...

Groddam looked at Kree thinking, for a moment and simply shook his head.

  With Groddam shaking his head, Kree tilts his  own,..then we must think? Where would they be..anyone  know the date of this day?

"Well if a good person breaks the law, for a good cause, then i quess i can look away a bit. But they still need to attone for it."
Maki said, apperantly still deep in his thoughts.

Changing position on his chair and taking another sip of his mead, Senuviel speaks.Now, see the kind of predicament we have with us, holy warrior? We've been cheated, beaten up, betrayed by holy people, mocked by the so called rulers of this city; we've been forcedly sent apparently to a fruitless errand and two of our dearest members are kept captive by the so-called powers of Cabain. See our predicament here holy one? While the normal folk go on their own mind numbing business, we here fight to free these people from the hands of an elvish traitor and slaver and at the same time we have to find a way to go and challenge our own government in order to free our two captive friends. How are we supposed to act under the law when law itself is being used to protect evil doers commit their foul acts of slavery! We are on our own. We have only ourselves to trust. Saying this, the warrior/mage changes his gaze to Kree and Bruga. I know you both want to thrust your blades at someone's guts, to make them pay for all the pain they've inflicted on us but see....we've been given a new chance. We can focus on trying to find and rescue Clair and Snare, now since we apparently have no random errands to keep us busy, aye, I say we start our own investigation under the cover Senuviel's gaze shifts towards Maki and try to collect information on who our enemies really are. If the king's an impostor, who he really is: a doppleganger? someone else disguised? or is the king's mind being controlled by a powerful source of magic? I heard there are creatures underground that have the power to control minds but it's just legend lore and speculation. What say you?

 Taking a drink from his  wine, then tastying the food, as if  testing it for something, He  answers,..you are right on both counts...we needs  seek our  friends...then we need  bring  down those who are responsible  for all this...including..the slaver....if  any of those who follow this get in our  way...then...we whittle down the forces  against us.


  he smiles  at MAki and holds his  drink up as a salute, then takes a longer  sip,..Atonement comes in getting the job down....My punishiment  will be, if  we fail. The Sisters  have  taught me Good Luck can come to your aid, and Ill luck can hamper your foes....most folk tend  , not to gift the Darker  sister anycredit..but she has  aided us...almost  as much as the Sister of good..

 So...since the three of us  just arrived, from gods-know-where....tell us  what you have in way of understanding...we can add to that  what we know from the ....meeting...with his lordship..and can plan from there...aye?

As the day wanes to Dusk the party has not yet seen the return of the Elf from the wanted poster. Their rooms are ready and dinner is served.

Waiting eagerly for his dinner, Senuviel relaxes and finishes his mead. I guess we could enjoy some so deserved rest and plan everything better tomorrow morning when our minds will be not as confused or excited as they are now. We should plan very carefully from now on. The lives of Clair and Snare depend on us.

Bruga nods his agreement while filling up. Then he nods, as in sleepy.

"I'll get a room here as well. Been hiking most of the day anyways. In the morning i can help you find Clair and Snare." Maki said, although he still wasn't sure who those two were. The task sounded noble enough, to offer his help.

Groddam looked, at everyone a bit confused. "Oy, be we lettin da Elf go dhen?"

Senuviel asks for another mug of mead and then looks at Groddam. No fellow dwarf, we won't let the elf go. We just have more important matters to focus our energy on. Chasing the slavers is paramount, but knowing the fate of our friends is even more important at the moment. I hope you understand, aye?

Groddam shrugged and nodded.

In reply to Senuviel Alantir (msg # 280):

From the Kitchen you hear a mighty commotion, the squeal of the cook and the voices of children, many children.  Then you hear the not so pitter patter of many feet, small feet to be exact - you look toward the kitchen but at first you see nothing then the kitchen door swings open and yet you see nothing though now you hear distinct children voices, giggles and such then as you look, you see flashes of little children rush through out the inn and back into the kitchen - 1/2 ling children, about a dozen or so.  From the Kitchen you deffinatly hear a familure female voice, loud but not yelling, calm and not shouting - Children, now, hear this instant form a line, this behavior is for the play grounds not the place whose generous hospitality has given you food.  Any who is not lined up, with clean hands and feet, will not be able to scratch the good luck pup on the ear before bed time one last time.

The kitchen goes deathly quiet, a few giggles and chuckles then nothing.

A brief moment later, Clair and a little disheveled but basking in the glory of the event Snare stroll into the main area of the inn.  Clair looks a little warn but healthy.  Looks about and spies the group sitting at the table.  Grins wide and rushes over to the group - snare in tow.

Stopping short of the group, So leave me to fend off the way word children of the slavers while you all go out and have all the fun clearing up the mess we left about with the authorities at the port and warehouse's.  Did the guards understand the fires?  What where you all doing?  Did you check on the Gypsies while I was being a mother Hubbard?

They told me you would be hear, I did not believe them but since this was the last day the children would be in town - sighs, I got them all adopted back at my village - poor children, looks keenly at the group - So ......
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Tue 25 Dec 2012.

  Kree watches  Clair  for a bit. He tries to stop the slight  smile from Growing. He holds his hand  out  for Snare....well..we killed some folk....I enjoyed that...but..did not kill enough of them...wound  up wondering about on a fools  errand..and  ended up here..just a bit  ago...

Bruga looks around and from face to face muttering Stick with friends, stick with friends....

Maki stands up. "Hello, my name is Maki. I take it you're are familiar with this group?" He says, unshure who the person is.

..i will allow our Lady friend to introduce herself, i will only say, that she was the one  they held agianst us, to do thier bidding, when we were charged ..falsely... looking at his  firneds  he adds,..next time..we burn the whole of the docvks  down, that way we would be sure to get those we seek, as well as any who help them...

Quite suddenly into the inn bursts a dwarf dressed head to toe in red,
He seems quite jolly so there is nothing to fear or dread,
He moves table to table handing out small wrapped gifts,
Stopping any arguements or tiffs,
He finishes his rounds,
and out the door he bounds.
Shouting as he goes,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!" and he disppears with a glow.



Each party members gift contains:

1 fruitcake
6 chocolate chip cookies
5 gold pieces

Snare got a bone :)

Senuviel let his emotions go. Smiling widely he rushes to Clair and bear hugs her, lifting the halfling from the ground. The elf then taps and plays a bit with Snare, giving the dog some remnants of his dinner.Clair! How happy I am to see you sound and safe! And Snare! Come sit with us lady cleric and tell us your tales, what have you been doing while we were in our fool's errand?

Maki carefully tries the fruitcake. "Yeah i would love to hear you're side of the story as well." He said. "I wasn't even aware Snare is a dog. But i'm very glad that they have found you."

Bruga asesses the fruitcake to judge if it will serve as a missile. He stows the cookies and the coin as possile bribes.

In reply to Bruga Honeyfinder (msg # 290):

After genuinely hugging all back.  Maki, oh you have grown.  You have filled nicely and wear your stature in fine steed.  It has been a long time, but I can save that part for later.

So, real quickly, I got somewhat ushered out of the meeting room as the king needed my hand with some orphan 1/2 ling children that appeared at he castle that day claiming they were from some ill repute house run by slavers in the seedy side of town and they did not know how they got where they were but the king wanted me to take care of them and foster them back to my villiage people since they, the "small folk" would be best to take care of them.  I spent days pulling them back into reality from there past lives and matching up foster parents.  By the grace of my god lady luck she smiled down on me helping me to complete my task.   I was told you all were on a quest as such to try to find this ill repute house but once I came back, I only got word that you had been last seen at this inn and I could not get anything more out of the kings retainer so I rushed over with Snare, pets snare lovingly, to find you all.  So here i am.

looks about, might be best if we get a room or two to continue our story telling.  Looks at the fruit cake, yea Bruga might be good for the sling :)

Did you guys get rooms yet?

Groddam nods. "Aye upstairs."

..we have not yet secured  rooms...we just arrived.....now?..where is  the  House  at?..and  are there slavers  running it? he  said this  as he drank, and looked around the room once more.

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 293):

Clair looks down at the floor then up at Kree, with a tear in her eye, I tried everything I knew to get the information from the children.  My high priest also tried but alas, without harming the children further we could not gain that information.  I do know that the organization is entrenched here in town with supports of all sorts but there strength has weakened.

All I knew what to do once the children where secure was to find you all.  I do know that the children should be safe and lead a normal life as best as possible under the foster care.

Now, we need to get rooms then too.

  Kree's  fingers  tap on the table  as he takes  another  drink, his eyes   seem to stare off into  the distance, and he smiles  slightly,..well...we know where the House...is NOT....and...i am betting..there are a few people at the docks , that could p[oint us in the right direction...gods,,.By Tymora  and Beshaba's  bouncing breasts!...if would feel real good  about now to make a few slavers  vanish  from these  realms....

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 295):

Yes Kree it would but I think we need a good nights rest before we start out. with a questiioned look on her face Clair quietly says Do you think it is safe to stay here.

 The elf  tilts his ehad for a moment  as he  swallows the next sip,Safe?....Not in the Least...9 hells, we three came from some place  else  and  end up in this  Inn....but..Good Lady...Tymora  loves those who take  the chance..Beshaba uses her  charms against those who seek harm to those who pay her homage....of us here? I am the Only one who started out  as a Hunter ....they made the mistake of using all of us...they also made the mistake, of  trying to threaten us...I said...in that conclave..there would be a reckoning, when this is  done...I am thinking...time is neigh...for an accounting....

A butterfly or well it appears to be one flits into the room and lands rather uncermoniously on Groddams nose, he realizes then that this is paper and not a butterfly at all.

Groddam swats at the thing knocking it to the table. "What be goin on ere?" He grabs at it to see what it is.

Maki looks at Clair and says "Get a room next to mine. If anything should happen during the night just yell and i'll come running."

Senuviel looks at the dwarf. What's that Groddam? Where did it come from?  The elf suddenly stands up and rushes to the closest window in order to see if he gets any clue of the sender.

 As his  friend hits the Paper, Kree's  left hand goes to his bow, His  eyes  scan the room and entrance to see what is going on.....

The paper falls harmlessly to the and unfolds itself into a note that reads "This is exactly the sort of that no one ever believes. If you are curious meet me aboard the Monarchs Grace at the docks. This message will self destruct in 10 seconds. GT" as promised 10 seconds later the note bursts into flame and is gone.

Upon returning to the table, Senuviel takes a glance at the paper and reads what he can after it bursts into flames. The docks, uh. This gets rather interesting, don't you think, Kree? After all the fuss we went through we're still being watched, apparently. And there's always someone who is a step ahead of us. He looks at his friends.So, when are we supposed to visit this vessel?

Groddam just looked blankly at everyone there. "Yas canane be serious."He just looked, at the paper going up, in flames shaking his head.

  Looking at the last of the ashes, he says   without looking up,..one thing...we cannot be soft in this. After  our last trip to the docks, when the holy warriors  turned on us, and ..we had to deal with the slavers...we must consider everyone...and i mean...everyone...a foe, until they prove elsewise....that means..putting them down, if needs be...

Groddam was still looking at the pile of ash. "By me beard, what be goin on ere?"

Seems as though at least one word is missing, and who's GT?

Groddam slams his fist down, on the table. "WHAT BE GOIN ON ERE!" He looks at those here.

"Whoa, easy Groddam." The paladin tries to calm his friend. "Are the slavers aware that you persued them? If so this could be a trap. But it could also be someone with more knowladge, trying to do the right thing. He pounders something for a few moments then speaks again: "I'd like to check this lead."

  Kree smiles  a bit at Groddam, then turns to Maki,..our first job, we escorted a wagon..turns out the wagon was a slaver  wagon, we did not  complete the  journey, and  we had a bit of a fight...One of our friends  was in that wagon.....we met...briefly...before he ran away. The Slaver  we seek...though, the truth be told, i enjoy the death of any slaver, or slaver  friend, this one, would just provide more pleasure...

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 311):

Following the conversation after the paper burns up, Clair looks around to see if anyone else in the inn has decided to see what is up with our crazy group.  sighs,

Calls Snare to her, Snare, here boy Looks to the group, well, time we go see what is up, and turns and walks out of the inn calling over her shoulder anyone coming?

Senuviel checks his bow and his arrows, fasten his sword belt around his chest, gets his gear and gives Kree a smile. Time for some payback, eh?

  Shucking on his pack and quiver, he tightens down  the straps  and twirls his  bow,Aye...any who are in our  way....

Groddam gave a slight growl grabbing his axe. "Aint likin bein made ta look like a fool. Dhere be someone out dhere who be gettin hurt by me sweetie."

Bruga, equipped but not messing with weapons while on the public street, tags along.He plaintively, rhetorically wonders I suppose talking things over is unlikely, at best.

"I'm ready." Maki said and quickly walked up to the waitress. He gave her a gold coin and his backpack, to be delivered to his room. Then he grabbed his shield from the floor, and checked how many bolts he had on him.

In reply to Maki (msg # 317):

Smiles as the rest follow her n Snare out.

Once out in the street, OK, no sense messing with what if's anymore.  I mean to figure out who this GT is and since the harbor was a hot spot before, roll our luck and make it known we are still on the hunt.  Groddam, Maki - you two are the heavies with melee, Kree your bow for support, Senuviel, your skills as well in support, me an Bruga will be back up and of course speritual help.  Let's go visit a ship.

"I've just got heavy bones."Maki replied at Clair's remark of Groddam and him being heavy. "Though maybe i shouldn't have eaten the whole fruitcake." He added more to himself.

He couldn't stop from eating it, as for the last few days he ate mostly travel rations. If nothing else, it looked like they are about to have a stroll, so he'd work the cake out of his system.

Senuviel walks beside Bruga and taps the fellow Halfling on the back. There's always some space for talking, dear Bruga, it's just a matter of whether we are going to be able to talk. The elf winks as he continues walking.

(i missed an earlier question answer is in pm to someone) :)

Bruga ponders, silently...what is that wink all about? It's all too deep a matter for him, but his feet keep waling along.

Groddam stood there for a moment and then smacked his head slightly. "Tis da wanted poster. Da Elf, dhat be who tis."  He looked at the others.