Agustae turns to the Orc woman, his smile not faltering in the slightest. "A half-orc and two dwarves. Strange, though I must admit I have seen stranger bedfellows." Like before, he extends his hand. "Name's Agustae. You're welcome to join our newly formed band of scalp-hunters-" this he says with a dry chuckle "-and with an attitude like yours I reckon we'll get along just fine."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Tue 12 June 2018.

Brankx stands by as the three talk, a smile on his face. "The more of us tehre are, the more opertunity of bringing home more scalps without us being injured. Welcome M'lady, Brankx at ye service. And to ye goodman Agustae, also welcome."

He shifts his gear as he looks at the group of four now, his gaze settling on Gora. "Had the pleasure of traveling with one of your kind lass....a beserker. Good fella. Drank a lot and was  a madman in a fight, but a good man to have by ye side." It was clear that from his tone, he had no ill will towards the orcish race.

He again looks at the board. "And as fer the job, my limited experience is this.....Bandits can be unpredictable. Some are good at heart, but to put such a price on their head, i'd say these are not them." He looks at the group, clearly judging that most have a clear tendency towards religious ideals. He himself had less of that ambition and more for money.

"Besides, bandits often have loot. I'm sure that those who have lost would be grateful...perhaps a meal or an ale." The dwarf winks with a smile.

In reply to Brankx (msg # 16):

"Alas I am no Berserker having no such rages. Indeed I do not think I would ever been able to become a Paladin if I had. Nor am I very happy with the idea of taking scalps.  If it was a sign of desecration of a persons spirit and thus to a God, I would baulk at the practice.

However I do see the reasons behind it and they are valid.  No good comes of paying coin to charlatans claiming kills with no proof. It is also a practicable method of keeping an accurate tally.  But as it is often said the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
I just hope that the Lord is not just collecting the scalps to sell as spell ingredients to some Wizard or other.  Umm don't I get a handshake also?" 
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Wed 13 June 2018.

Brankx sniffs at the mention of spellcasters, and spits to the side. "Eh...wizards. Cowards who mess with powers beyond their knowledge. Give me a sharp axe any day." he shakes his head at the small rant and smiles and shakes Gora's hand.

"Don't be sad about not having th' rage lass. He was a good man, but when the rage hit him, he was more animal than man...even turned on his friends. Killed a halfling, the poor fella. didn't even see him comin' until it was too late. That was the day we parted. Gar was heart broken he killed his friend, and so ashamed. He fled for the mountains. We looked for him but couldn't find him." The dwarf shook his head at the thought.

He looks again at the woman. "Scalps are a good tally, but i find ears easier to carry. once had to have proof of killin' a certain orc warrior. Had to return his left ear....very distinct. But i digress. If it is what the lord wants, then he shall have it."

Nickalus had been talking to a group of young men, getting an idea of what was going on around the town.  He walked up to the notice board, shaking his head at the notice about the payment per scalp brought in.  Money was not a big motivator for him, but protecting the innocent people of Hommlet was.  There was a group discussing it, and he turned to them with a soft but sad smile.

"Pardon my interruption, I do not mean to intrude, but I would ask you this; how does the scalp of a bandit differ from any other scalp?"

There is no recrimination in his voice, it is posed as a sincere question.

In reply to Nicklaus (msg # 19):

"That is a simple enough question to answer Sir.  A quick inquiry from one of the Clergy can assay if any of the scalps turned in are from another source other than one of the Bandits.  If his Lordship is willing to payout such fees for the scalps would he also not be willing to confirm that they are indeed what he is paying for?  But that answer is just speculation.  Just like the idea that he watches with a crystal ball or magic mirror, or he asks for the facts of people under a truth spell or even more simply he has one of his men assigned to each of the groups sent out to report later on what conspired.  Lets face it none of us or at least some of us do not know anyone here... yet.

Gosh some of my childhood still seems to have clung to me even after all the years of training.  How sad.  In any case I Prefer to trust someone until they prove themselves too be  untrustworthy.  Nor do I think it is worth the trouble it could cause to test his lordships sense of fair play.  But we all make our own destinies do we not?" Sigh
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Thu 14 June 2018.

Brankx chuckled at the mans question, and with Gora's answer, he smiled, but he looked at the man and his smile dropped. "Oh...your serious. Damn me boy." The dwarf scratched his beard and shook his head.

Brankx sighed, but continued. "Anyone around here are either honest folk, merchants or bandits. The lord and the rest would notice any of their kind being slaughtered, and merchants being killed is bad fer business, so that leaves the bandits." He looked at the man with an upraised eyebrow. "Why....looking to boost yer coins with teh scalps of some innocents? Wouldn't recommend it boy....you'd be found within a day, and your fate would be far worse than the bandits!"

"If we decide to travel as a group I will support our deeds in the best way I can. I have no problem with killing monsters and murderers but even in death there should be some decency. But this is only my opinion, just to let you know, don't worry."

The dwarf seems a bit troubled, choosing his words carefully.

Nicklaus shakes his head.  His hand unconsciously goes to the simple, wooden holy symbol of Heironeous that he wore.

"Greed is not a motivator for me.  I go to Hommlet to tend to the people there, my concern is for their well being.

He looks at the half orc woman and gives a slight nod and sad smile.

"Low power divination spells are not always effective and more powerful means of magical divining can be expensive.  Either way, it would be too late for any innocent person's whose scalp was turned in for a bounty."

Brankx snorts, hoping the obviously statement wasn't entirely serious. "Don't misjudge my meenings. I intend to help the people of Hommlet, but if there's coin in the deal, i am for it."

Brankx shrugs at the man, neither at his comments of the following of the gods, or the limits of magic.

he again focuses on Grollo. "Do not fear cousin. If we talk to the lord and come to an arrangement, the literal 'scalps' may be avoided. For now, let's see what information we can get on these bandits and the job at hand."

A middle aged human approached the square seeming to watch who was reading the sign. His face showed the signs of battle and weather. His head was bald. One thing stood out though, a holy symbol of St. Cuthbert around his neck. His robes though seemed to indicate some member of the aristocracy though, fancy embroidered robes that only the well to do could afford.

In reply to Tymak (msg # 25):

Approaching the fellow I give him a friendly nod before I address him.
"Greetings and Salutations Sir my name is Gora and I could not but help but notice your presence.  Did you desire to get in and peruse the Notices posted by the Lord of this Township?  I would not presume to offer to assist you in this task, but if you would care to give a young and rash Half Orc the benefit of your insight and wisdom on this matter?

Perhaps  even a hint of where I might be able to get a Map of the local area?  If it is not too much of an imposition of me to inquire. "
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Thu 14 June 2018.

"Right, Brankx, let us do that and worry later, after one or two pints of beer, haha."

Brankx gives a huge smile and pats Grollo on the back. "Now your talking my language cousin....as long as the first round is on you. But maybe the ale's can wait. Let us see the lord and get a feel for this job. Then we can celebrate our upcomming success." He looks at Gora and Auguste. "Come on lass, laddie.....lets get us a job and some food before we set of to save these good people and earn some coin"

He indicates Nicklaus to come too.

In reply to Brankx (msg # 18):

Agustae stiffens at the comment about wizards, but turns to Brankx and keeps his smile. From seemingly out of nowhere, he conjures  a red rose with a flick of his hand. "An unfortunate disposition, but I trust it won't get in the way of us working together? Wizards get a bad rap from abusing their power, but I know many skilled wizards who have done good for the world." He flicks his hand again and the rose is now gone.

After the exchange between Grollo and Brankx, he nods. "Let us not dwell on the details, but rather the handsome reward. An odd group to be sure, but we'll be sure to get the job done."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:08, Thu 14 June 2018.

Nicklaus turns towards the priest of St Cuthbert, he notes the robes, not only robes of office but robes of a noble man.  He glances down at his own rough spun robes, simple linen, and he had worn the same robes for the past few years.

He turns to the dwarf and gives him a slight inclination of the head.

"Thank you for the invitation, but I am afraid that I must stay out here."

still waiting on a reply from the elderly Gentleman Gora rises a finger to him as an act of apology before answering Brankx.

"Alas I have found Taverns and ale to be cause of much misunderstandings, often leading to confrontations.  Though it behoves me to put a stop to such activities, I have also noted that so many people do not give me due credit once I claim my calling or nature.  I have found it best not to test their credulity.

Thus it is with regret that even though your invitation was well received and most welcome, I too must decline and remain out side. If only to ease the concern of the Tavern-keep."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Sat 16 June 2018.

Agustae looks at the two remaining behind and chuckles. "I feared I would be alone in not drinking, but it seems like that is not the case. How's the saying go - misery loves company? Regardless-" he looks at Brankx and Grollo "-I'll be happy to join you once you're... finished."

Noticing the fancily clad man only now, he starts. "Yes? Is there something you need?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Sat 16 June 2018.

returning my attention to the Elderly Gentleman, Gora tilts her head in apologies.
"I thank-you for your patience Kind Sir.  My attention is now all yours, if it so pleases you."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:54, Sat 16 June 2018.

Tymak reponds "Oh no, my days of adventuring are long past, I am the Lord Mayor of Verbobonc and merely wished to see who might be going to take on the evil the day. My duties to the city prevent me from delving into dungeons and exploring these days. In my youth I was part of the force that stood against the Temple of Elemental Evil. The recent increase in bandit activity lately worries me that the evil could be returning."

He looks over your meager possessions "You seem to be starting much as I did in my youth." A look of perhaps regret or sadness crosses his face a moment "The adventuring path can be a quick path to fame and riches, but it also leaves many dead. For everyone you've heard tales about there are dozens perhaps hundreds who died in dark paths that no one knows of their triumphs or failures. The key though is to pick a good set of comrades to join with your adventures. It is like a bundle of wood a group of adventurers. A single stick of wood is easily broken, but if you take and bundle them as a group they become much harder to break. You will need to lean on one another if you are to be successful."

In reply to Tymak (msg # 34):

"What you say sounds wise and full of common sense Your Lordship. Still there is just one tiny but insurmountable problem with that,  I will not in all consciousness work with anyone bearing the stigmata of Evil. I do not mean someone who has done some not so nice things from time to time nor do I mean someone who thinks they are evil but are not.  Daresay it is pesky for some.  But it against the Moral and Ethical standings of a Priest and Paladin in the service of The Greater Good to do so.  I hope your Lordship and my fellow team members understand"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:39, Mon 18 June 2018.

Brankx listened to teh old man with a smile, and when Gora spoke, he smiled a wistful smile. "Th' line's of good and bad can often be blurred girlie, but true evil is obvious." He holds his hands up, his hands raising. "I am the first to admit that my life, training and skills can fall into the less reptuatial of things, even uncivilised at times, but i rest assure you me girl, and any of ye otehrs, i am not evil."

He looks at the others "But i will say this....i will do what is needed for the saftey of myself and me kin...wehter they be family, clan or teammates. And i expect nothin' less from them." His voice was stern. "I don't expect all of ye to agree with my methods, or my outlook...i know that i won't with some of ye, but that is what makes a good team. Each person has their own strength and skills, and we rely on others."

His gaze finished on Gora with again a wry smile. "But i'll assure you, i am not evil. My motives may seem dark to ye, but they are for the good of kin, and you, me girl, if ye have my back, you are Kin....and I will have yours."

In reply to Brankx (msg # 36):

"Rest assured Kind Sir I know that there are blurred areas for most 'people'. There are less who are good or evil than one would credit.  People simply going about their lives. I also know only the simplest of evil show themselves to be such publicly." 

The dwarf smiles at the woman. "Too true me girl, but it's often those blurred lines that can test a man to become better than he is. THAT is how they fight against the evil in their heart. My mentor told me that bad men are not always evil....just deluded, misguided or plain too stupid to know right from wrong. I am the first to say that I have done bad things in the eyes of the law, but even i and my kind have our own laws, and me more so than any. I will fight, hurt and if need be, kill anyone or anything that threatenes me of my kin. I don't abide the torture of innocents, expecially children, and i will fight any who harm them."

He looks at the sign with a stern look. "....and though the gold will help, my motive for these bandits is simple. They hurt people, children in their pirsuits. They have skills I have, but not my views. THAT is why I have no issue following what must be done here."

He stares into space, and mumbles.

"...fer the children"

In reply to Brankx (msg # 38):
"Law is not always right either.  Law like the people who make them can be corrupted.  Just look at societies that Lawfully accept Slavery. Even there good can still function.  Owners may become friends with their Slaves and with time even give the slaves their freedom, or if that is not allowable under the Law then treat the slaves as if they were free.

As a counterpoint there are Slaves who out of fear of freedom cling to their chains.  It is my understanding that such a thing can and does happen... Like prisoners who have become institutionalised.

Still there is the other extreme.  Freemen who have learnt how much power Slaves can hold in a society full of Slaves and fear what the Slaves can do to them.  It is amazing just what people can get used to."