Nicklaus steps before the lord mayor of the town and gives him a slight bow.  He picks up a good amount from the conversation between the half orc and the dwarf but for now, focuses on the elderly priest and statesman.

"Thank you for your words of advice sir.  I am Nicklaus, priest of Heironeous.  I am on my way to Hommlet to tend to the needs of the people there.  If I might intrude on your time, is there more that you could tell me of this corrupt temple?"

"It was about a decade ago that the Temple rose to such power that it had to be put down. The elves and humans stood together. It was a time of great cooperation, and great sorrow. I was on the field of battle when Serten fell. He had called upon the rest of the Circle of Eight to come and join him in the battle but pursued by their own selfishness they did not come. He was slain by a demoness named Zuggtmoy. She is the mother of the old wicked. It is safe enough to speak her name as she was banished at the conclusion of the battle from my understanding. The great battle was on the 5th of Patchwall a decade ago, called the Battle of Emridy Meadows. Many great souls died there and that is where Serten died. I myself almost succumbed to my own wounds that die, I did not see the end of the battle myself. Since I fell at Emridy Meadows I never made it to the temple proper and cannot tell you where it lies. I do know it lies west of Emridy Meadows, which is north of Hommlet." Tymak tells you.

"The people of Hommlet still mostly follow the Old Faith. Though we have established a chapel to St Cuthbert in the village. Canon Terjon heads the chapel in Hommlet with his assistant Calmer. Burne and Rufus are building a castle in Hommlet however it has experienced a number of delays in construction. The disruption of supply materials makes me think the castle may not be ready for another two to three years if it continues. If it worsens it may never be completed. That's why Viscount Wilfrik posted the bounty on the bandits, he has invested considerable resources into Hommlet and does not wish to see his efforts wasted." He continues.

There is a nod of agreement as Nicklaus listens to the mayor.

"I look forward to meeting Canon Terjon.  Are you saying that bandits have raided the supply wagons?  Do they depart from here sir?  That may be an excellent way to reach Homllet and if these bold types wanted to go along as well, they may be able to lure out some of the highway men."

Grollo nods, too:"That is a great idea, Nicklaus. We should do that!"

Agustae also nods in what seems like acknowledgement at the Mayor's words, but speaks first to Nicklaus. "A sound idea, good man. Although I have nothing but the utmost respect for Rufus and Burne, I feel the Viscount might be more inclined to reward them than us. Let us discuss strategy afterwards, though."

He then turns to the mayor. "The Viscount seems like an astute businessman, for sure. Say, good man. Would a meeting with the Viscount be in order, should we complete this job for him?"

Brankx stretches his back and smiles. "Sounds like walk to the castle and an explore is in order." The dwarf winked at Grollo. "My speciality. I have skills tracking to some degree....not as good as a ranger mind you, but have some skill. We find where the goblin-kissers stole them, i may be able to pick up a trail. Go explore and take a few heads if need be."

"The bandits indeed have been attacking shipments. Not so much from Verbobonc but some of the materials come from the gnomes in the Krom Hills and others come from eastern trade routes. The eastern routes are almost cut off completely my sources tell me." he says.

"I believe a caravan of supplies will leave today, if you check with the quartermaster. He'll be over near the Temple of Cuthbert checking the list about now. The Viscount though a busy man could well be overseeing the shipment as well. If you hurry you might catch them. To my knowledge though no caravan from here has been attacked yet, but I'm sure a few extra hands would not be unwelcomed." Tymak suggests.

"Well, consider it done, Master Tymak." Grollo gives the man a sincere bow and then makes haste to get to the quartermaster.

In reply to Tymak (msg # 46):

"Hmm? I would rather offer my sword in defence of the Caravan than lend a hand loading the caravan. Not that a little healthy exercise would be a bad thing so long as no muscles were puled or crates fell on my feet... accidently of course.

Well Master Tymak I will also take my leave of you to try obtaining a place as a guard for the Caravan.  May the Light of Mercy favour your days."

With a bow I depart after Master Ironfist.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Sat 07 July 2018.

Brankx, not as formal as the two others, nods. "No stranger to caravan guarding here....usually good group, though some masters can be a little tight fisted." He shoulders his pack and nods a farewell to tymak, catching up to Grollo and gora. He looks at the half orc with a smile. "This could be fun....the merchant guards faces seeing you save their asses that is."

He walks along humming a dwarven tune.

In reply to Brankx (msg # 49):

"Master Brankx that is a nice tune... but why may I ask do I get the impression of mounds and chests of Gold and Jewels dancing in my head as you hum it?"
With a great smile on my face I try to convey to Master Brankx that I am speaking in jest with no intent of stereotyping a member of his kind.

You make your way over to the Temple of Cuthbert and find that there are a three wagons, mostly loaded at this point. A man with a scroll seems to be looking at the scroll and looking at the wagons. He seems to be muttering to himself from time to time. There is a carter ready to go on each wagon and they have one person that looks like a guard in the first wagon with a crossbow.

An older man is standing to the side looking at the proceeding. He has a silver symbol of St. Cuthbert about his neck, and his robes would indicate someone of importance.

Brankx chuckles at the jest of Gora. "You know my kind well lass, but gems and ore are not our only love. This tune is well known in our village of a maiden waiting her husband and sons return from a battle."

He looks forward at the caravans and indicates to the scroll holding man. "He must be our guy.....cousin, will you do the honours....I have been known to lack some tact. Again something common in our kind."

Grollo can't help but smile. "If I may, cousin, I will introduce us both."

As Grollo gets closer he waves his right hand:"Forgive us, friends, we are looking for the quartermaster. Master Tymak sends us over to accompany the caravan. This here is my good friend Master Brankx and my name is Grollo Ironfist. We came to protect and serve if one can say so."

"Me Protect too... Me is Gora" I quickly add myself to the introduction before the man addressed has time to respond.

"Ahem." Agustae clears his throat. "We have all decided a caravan could use all the protection it could get, and so we will all be escorting you. Is there anything in particular we should be wary of?"

The older man moves his gaze from the caravan to you and seems to look each of you up and down. He points to the man with the scroll and then says "That would be the quartermaster. I am Wilfrick, Viscount of Verbobonc. Your hearts seem well enough, but you are a bit poorly equipped for mercenaries. What sort of pay do you require for the caravan and do you plan to see it there and back or just there?"

In reply to Wilfrick (msg # 56):

bending my knee and bowing my head to one of Higher Station.
"My apologies Your lordship, if I had known of your rank and title I would not have addressed thee is such a familiar manner.  My only excuse is that most do not acknowledge the fact that I am what I say I am.  Please forgive my manners.  I am Gora a lowly follower and warrior of the light.  Not having the opportunity or herewith all to afford gear.  Thus my desire to obtain lawful work to gain such monies.

With your permission Your Lordship I will adjourn to attend the Quartermaster for a post in the Caravan and if all is well and that worthy Gentleman wishes it? for the return journey as well.  Nor do I seek more than what is expected of any such guard. Whatever that may be?"

Agustae cocks his head at the Viscount's comment. "Looks can be deceiving, good sir. We are more capable than we seem at dealing with thugs. As for pay, I suggest you pay us whatever you would wish to be payed for this kind of work."

Brankx couldn't help but sniff at the man's words. "Heed th' boy's words...we may have little equipment, but our skills are sure enough. And as for pay, a few coin, a meal in our bellies and maybe a stout ale around the fire and we will be happy" The dwarf couldn't help but want to haggle for coin, but the mission was the bandits....the caravan was a means to an end

"My apologies, good Sire." Grollo turns to the man with the scroll. "Greetings. My fellow-men and my person well included shall be your hired swords in protection of the caravan."

continue to await His Lordships permission to withdraw.

"Of course go on and speak to him." the Viscount says to the young paladin.

The group moves over to the man examining the scroll and looking at the wagons. He seems to be nodding his head negatively and muttering to himself. He doesn't seem to notice you at first but as he moves to one wagon to the next he notices the group.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: Anyone wanting to perhaps eavesdrop on his mutterings might make a Listen check :)

---

"Can I help you?" he asks.

In reply to DM (msg # 63):

"Indeed Kind Sir you may indeed be of assistance, expediting your and our task of trying to protect this Caravan.  I and these I am with have come to determine if you are still in need of Guard-persons willing to stand watch and to enquire as to the value you place on such work?  But first I do believe introductions are required.  If it pleases thee I am known as Gora"