A few notices have been posted around town on the community boards, but word-of-mouth on the street is usually faster and more reliable.

A Dwarven merchant is looking for someone to escort supplies to the nearby town of Phandalin to make sure they actually get there.

The trail isn't that dangerous, really, but there have been several rumors of goblin raids in the area recently, and he probably doesn't want to take any chances.

If interested, meet him at the Black Scarab Pub mid morning.


It isn't hard to find, as there is a giant black scarab carving fastened to the front of the door. It might give some folks pause, but apparently the regular local clientele are inured to it, and breeze in and out without paying it any attention. A few even seem to pat it on the head affectionately.

The building is a typical stick-construction two-story structure similar to most shops where the proprietor lives upstairs. It isn't very big as pubs go, but is suited to a local establishment. It's one of a dozen such shops all butted up against each other to form a 'block'. The pub is in the middle.

Although the street is reasonably busy at this time of day--there's two wagons being loaded across the street at the emporium--the pub itself is nearly empty.

The interior actually has some sort of decor, with ankhs and unrecognizable hieroglyphs carved into the walls and tables. Surprisingly, it's not dark inside and little black has been used, and that's on the padded bar stools.

At a table by the front window, two men are sitting. One is a Dwarf who looks like a merchant, and the other is a Human warrior (looks the part).

"Please, have a seat!" the Dwarf says as you each arrive. "Would you care for a drink or some food?"

"I am Gundren Rockseeker, and this is my associate Sildar Hallwinter. You've probably heard that I am looking for escorts to make sure my supplies reach Phandalin safely. One can never be too careful these days."

"I'm willing to pay each of you 10gp to take the supplies to Phandalin. It's a two-day trip there, and those are my wagons across the street. I don't expect them to be fully loaded until the end of the day, so departing first thing tomorrow is probably your best bet."

"Unfortunately, I have some business there that has to be dealt with as as soon as possible, so I'll be leaving just after lunch today."

"So, how say you? Is this something you would consider undertaking?"

A tall man enters the pub with his black, hooded cloak slung around his lithe body. To those who would pay attention, it would be possible to see his rapier beneath cloak. He scans the room for a minute before going to the dwarf and sits down after his invitation but refuses politely a drink.
"My name is Eldrond and here because I heard that you need someone for a job?" He takes a sip and listens.
"It sounds interesting, but what are the goods we are talking about? Is it anything dangerous or expensive?" He knew that goods like these could be dangerous and attract the wrong kind of attention.

An elf who's rather on the tall side for his kind walks through the door. Though robed you can his alabaster skin tinted with blue is plain to anyone as he doffs the hood of his cloak. He accepts the dwarf's off of food, listening to him talk. "It would be my pleasure to accompany your caravan Master Rockseeker. Neverwinter has become a trifle droll of late to me, and I wish to see more of the world." Thinking momentarily, the elf realized some common courtesy had been overlooked by himself. Offering his hand to both the dwarf and the human to shake, "Carric Nailo, at your service."

Morgrimm drops heavily into the seat next to Carric as the man speaks, calling for an ale from the innkeep. "Don't much care about seein' the world, just about not bein' broke." He accepts his mug of ale as it arrives, taking a deep pull before he turns to Gundren. "You expecting trouble? That ten gold include hazard, or d'we get the standard double pay if there's call t'get our hands dirty?"

Gundren answers Eldrond with a shrug before speaking.

"There's no great value to any of the cargo individually, but it is a good chunk of money in toto. It is the enterprise in which I am engaged that is important, so, in that sense, it is valuable for helping that enterprise along."

"There is one very valuable piece of cargo, you might say, but I am taking additional measures for... its safety."

A Dwarf then sits at the table and gladly takes an ale yet without introducing himself. He then asks about hazard pay.

"No, I'm not expecting trouble; I am merely being prudent. What's the point of spending all my money on supplies if they never get where they are needed?"

"There have been reports of goblin raids in the area, but I'm hoping that your numbers will discourage any such attempt on my wagons. I'm afraid the 10 gold includes hazard pay, but if you run into any trouble, I might see my way to adding a few coin to that when you reach Phandalin."

He looks at the newcomers and nods. "Greetings, I am Eldrond Griffin. It would be good to know to have such company with us, then for my part.." Here he turns to Gundren Rockseeker "..I will accept the terms. But you might want to tell us where exactly we should deliver the goods. Should something happen to our driver, gods forbid, then we would have no way of finishing the delivery." He takes his mug again and drinks before he continues "And I would prefer to finish the job."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Sun 27 July 2014.

Maldor had heard the discussions of the trip to Phandelver. Was this the adventure that he had been waiting for? It sounded simple enough. Get your feet wet, as it were.

The tall half-orc moved his broom closer to the table where the gathering was taking place. Using a corn-stalk broom with an extended handle, Mal tried to seem inconspicuous. But the tavern worker was quite noticeable to any tavern patron who was not drunk.

His employer had been kind. Taking an amnesiac non-human in was very generous. Mal had to perform little labor for room and board. But there had to be more to life. Something out there.

Mal looked around the Black Scarab. It had been his home since he was found injured in the Tower District with little but the clothing that he still wore. He could always return to his job, right?

He leaned the broom against the wall. And with one final look, Mal exited.

A beautiful young woman with auburn hair walks into the pub, and quickly takes note of what is happening and walks over to the dwarf merchant. The one who was currently surrounded by an interest motley group of people, who presumably were interested in the job posting opportunity like she was.

"Oh? Did I hear there'd be trouble?" she said in a sultry, yet coy, purr as her intelligent eyes twinkled a bit mischievously.

"Sounds like my kind of job. just as long as I have an interesting story to tell at the end of the day. Things have been droll around here lately...so much I feel like I'm going to die if I don't get to see some excitement soon."

She then smiled reassuringly at the merchant.

"Not that sometimes no news is good news, of course. Especially with goblins and all."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Carric, Eldrond," Gundren says to those who introduced themselves. "I'm sure the same is true of you, Mister Dwarf and Miss."

"I'm still buying supplies, so it doesn't look as if the wagons will be ready to go before morning. Can I call on one or two of you to guard the wagons tonight?"

The half-elf woman rolls her eyes, and sighs softly in a theatrical fit of self-exasperation.

"Oh dear me - I forgot to introduce myself, Mister Gundren. I am Serena. Serena Valais." she said politely when he addresses her as miss instead of by a name.

"I don't mind helping watch your wagons tonight - assuming you accept myself and some others for the job that is."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Tue 29 July 2014.

Morgrimm takes another long drink from his mug before shrugging. "Guess I'm in. Headed that way anyway, might as well get paid for it." He seems oblivious to the pointed remarks regarding introductions. "And I don't sleep much anyway, so I'll stay with the wagons tonight, sure."

He looked at the others, sure there were already two who would be willing to sacrifice their sleep, but knowing that first impression is everything he continues: "For a good bottle of wine and two glasses.." he glances over to Serena for a moment "... I will help this lovely lady to stand watch."

Maldor had returned to the Black Scarab. The tavern's employee had ventured across the street to see if he could accompany the caravan to Phandelver. The dwarven boss agreed that he could come.

Now Mal would have adventure. He would see the world beyond the walls of Neverwinter. And perhaps come across someone who recognized him.

Mal grabbed the broom from where he had leaned it. He noticed a spot near a table where some bread pieces had been dropped. The half-orc swept the discarded food over to the wall and left it to be picked up shortly. He was too anxious to speak with Orwen.

He slowly walked to the far end of the bar, where the Black Scarab owner was going over a ledger. Orwen Uberschat was a kind man. When the amnesiac Maldor was in need, it was Orwen who volunteered to lend aid. For minor labor at the pub, room and board were provided. The human-heavy population of Neverwinter was apprehensive of half-orcs.

But Maldor did not have bloodthirsty feelings. He would defend a friend, of course, but to blindly attack someone? Out of the question.

Mal placed the broom against the wall and cleared his throat. Orwen rubbed his eyes, then looked up.

"Hey there, Mal," the stout Orwen offered. In his day, he was an adventurer. It was his tales of valor and excitement that helped to fuel Maldor's need to explore. But an arrow to the leg put Orwen's adventuring days to rest.

"These books get more confusing every time I do 'em" he remarked. "I could use a break. Do you need somethin'?"

Maldor took in a breath. Now was the time.

"Orwen speak of time as warrior. Time exploring. Fighting evil. Finding treasure."

The pub operator nodded, waiting for his staffer to get to the meat of the conversation.

"Orwen know Maldor want to go explore, too. Maldor want to fight evil. To find treasure."

Another breath.

"Orwen hear dwarf across road want help, yes? Maldor go see if dwarf want Maldor come. Dwarf say yes."

Orwen raised an eyebrow. "So you're going on the trip to Phandelver?"

Mal nodded. "Yes. I hope Orwen understand."

"Of course I understand" the heavy man replied. "You've been thinking about getting out there. Figuring out who you are. Now's as good of a time as any."

Maldor was thankful that his employer understood.

"Maldor ask brother of Benton at horses if he could help Orwen while Maldor gone. He say yes. He will help Orwen."

Orwen nodded. "Thanks. Lifting that shipment in two days would be quite the burden."

"Maldor be back when he can, if okay" the half-orc stated. "Glad Orwen understand."

Maldor held his hand out. Orwen did the same. The two shook.

"Goodbye, Orwen."

"Goodbye, Mal."

The tall half-orc nodded, took another breath, then headed down the length of the bar. He stopped at the front door and turned. He made one last glance... for now... of his home, then exited.

Outside, Mal took a left and walked several yards to a thin door. He opened it, revealing a storage room. Not only did it serve to house items for the Black Scarab that could not be kept close at hand, but it provided a place for Maldor to sleep and store his meager possessions.

Mal walked to a far corner of the structure. A simple bed, stuffed with straw, was set against the wall. A backpack was nearby. He picked it up and opened it. What little he had he placed inside the worn container.

This was indeed it. Maldor's adventure... his new life... was about to begin.

[SM, next post will be another across the street in that thread. :)]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:18, Tue 29 July 2014.

Serena smiles.

"Well, why don't we all just watch the wagons tonight? We can take turns with two or three awake at a time and the others napping for a few hours at a time, and switch on and off that way? This way, if nothing happens we'll still overall be rested enough to handle going about our tomorrow, and if something does happen, we can just give a warning shout and wake up the others who are napping?"

Eldrond quickly picked up on that. "Not only beautiful but also smart, I think that this is an excellent idea" He finishes his drink. "I think we are set, right?"

Looking at the group around him, "Agreed, it would be might be a good idea to begin our watch tonight, though I doubt goblins would be so bold as to attack a caravan in town." Looking at the dwarf questioningly, "With your leave Master Rockseeker?"

Serena nods.

"I'm pretty set."

"Well, yes..." Gundren agrees, "that would be a suitable arrangement. Since the wagons--there's two of them--won't be fully loaded till near sundown, you are free to go about your business for the rest of the day, and show up around supper time."

"I have to leave shortly, so I won't be around, but there may be others also there."

"Do any of you need to be paid in advance... to buy any equipment or such?"

The auburn haired woman shakes her head.

"I should be fine for now. I'm going to go to a tavern or something I think and get a ley of the land, and maybe a free meal or two. I'm just that good." she says with a chuckle.

"Well...later boys." she says as she turns around, her hair spinning dramatically in the process, and she begins to walk away and look to go find a bar or pub.

"Anyone who wants to come with is welcome." she adds before walking away even more.

ooc: My intention is to go find an inn or tavern, and use my Noted Performer Feature to get a prime proformance location, get free food and stuff, and ham up the celebrity with the locals a bit to make gathering information and such easier for me in the future.

Morgrimm grunts in what might almost seem like a farewell as Serena leaves, then turns back to Gundren. "Aye, advance pay is always best." He takes his gold, then retires to a stool at the end of the bar, nursing his ale until the evening comes.

Standing up and getting ready to leave, Carric turns to his now employer, "I hate to agree with Master Morgrimm but I think upfront payment would be best if you do not mind." While he waits for the payment another thought crosses Carric's mind, "I assume if we do encounter any bandits those of us guarding your wagons have complete salvage rights to any items they may carry?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Sat 02 Aug 2014.

Gundren looks a bit surprised at Carric's question, but answers readily enough.

"But of course! Anything you get off of bandits or trolls or goblins is yours to keep! That's only fair! Besides, how would I enforce otherwise?"

The trail rations can be acquired here at the Pub or at the outfitters across the street. If you get them here at the pub, they'll be slightly better quality, but if you get them at the outfitters, they'll be free--Gundren is sending along an adequate supply for everyone.

Giving the dwarf a smile, "I've been around for a while, I've seen some who try to keep salvage from those they hire. I've had fair dealings with the dwarven people as a whole, but better safe than sorry."

He takes his leave to see Serena's show and rest for a while before heading to guard the wagons for the night.

ooc: Just for anyone going with Serena, she is going to an inn called the wayfarer inn.

Eldrond nods and stands up: "Where I'm from we usually pay half now and the other later." He takes his coins and leaves the pub too "I think I will take a look around until the evening" With this he slips through the door and probably unknown to others, follow Serena with a "My lady, please wait a minute.."

She slows her walk pace considerably, although doesn't come to a complete stop. She has places to do and things to do. Plus, she's getting hungry and wants some food. Good patron-given food.

"Yes? Um...Elrond was it?" she inquires politely.

As he catches up he bows lightly and walks next to her. "Yes I am Eldrond and if your offer is still on the table, I would be glad to accompany you. Maybe we can get to know each other and I hope to listen to your performance, or will you dance for us?" He added the last part with a friendly smile.

She looks at him thoughtfully, and with amused benevolence.

"Well a pleasure to meet you, mister Eldrond. I am, once again, Serena. And I can both sing and dance, and am a master of four musical instruments although only have a flute and lute on me at the moment. Depending on the audience I may dance as well. You have to cater a bit to your audience, although after a point you can oftentimes win people over through sheer skill and technique." she replies cheerfully.

She picks up her pace so together they walk briskly, although not too forced or anything.

"How about you? Do you play any music?"

He also steps up his pace "Sadly I can't play any music instrument. I can sing a little but I wouldn't give a performance. My skills lie more with the blade and my tongue... Give me an audience and I will give a speech, let me sing and I'll rid the streets of all rats." He thought about it for a moment "If I might be so bold, why would someone as talented and beautiful as you, escort a few carts across half the country?" He bit his lower lip for a moment and looked at her, awaiting her answer.

She gave him a whimsical look.

"Well, you know...a girl gets bored with life sometimes. That, and there's all sorts of people. Some women are content to just sit at home, spread their legs, pump out babies and silently mind the whims of men, and in between pregnancies take up knitting or something. But other women have a desire to actually get out of the kitchen, and actually DO something with themselves. This smaller subset of women like to go out, see new and interesting places, meet exciting people, and in general have a blast with every minute of their time."

She tapped herself in the chest a few times.

"I am part of that smaller subset of women who aren't content with a purely domestic life. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate the finer things in life, and want to be comfortable and happy, and have the things I want and need for myself and those I care about. But I believe I can achieve this goal on my terms, not on anyone else's."

He listened attentively, nodded sometimes and then added: "I agree, there are those and then there are those" he waves his hands in two different directions "I, fore one, am glad that you belong to the smaller subset of women. I also can't sit at home at the moment, but I plan to settle down and marry. After I got enough coin and someone still wants me of course."

She smiles and nods.

"Well you're young - you have plenty of time. Why rush it? Life is too short to not have some fun with it first." she replied merrily.

"So how about you? what made you want to take on this job?"

He looks up, above the houses and above the clouds before replying: "I have an itch when I stay in one place too long, I was like this since I can remember. It is also quick money, dangerous and exciting, what could I ask more?" with this he falls silent and just looks around the street and occasionally at Serena.

She nods.

"I share your feeling on that." she replies readily. "Quick money with an element of fun and risk attached are my cup of tea. Anything that would make a good story later, if that makes any sense, is something I'd at least consider trying."