However you made it there, everyone is at the Inn come morning. Hommlet is a sleepy little village and only a few people are stirring by sunrise.

No one else in the Inn looks like a stranger. The three locals are Jaroo Ashstaff the Druid's agent, Enos the stable boy, and Calmer the cleric of St. Cuthbert.

Some of you may have met them already, or you may just seen them around the village.

"That's a very nice offer, Gora," Eleanora replies, "But, as you can see, my daughters and I have things well in hand."

"However, since you are here now, perhaps I could persuade you to peel some potatoes for later?"

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 2):

"taters for ron? You betcha and others also.  How many doth you require Ms Eleanora? boiled, roasted, smashed, mashed or even just in their jackets with sour cream. Taters are the Apples of the Earth."

"Just peeled for now, dearie," Eleanora replies. "I'll decide how to prepare them later when I see what meat might be available."

"Fried goes good with venison and ham, mashed with beef and gravy, but if all I've got is chicken, then I bake them with some spices."

"I'd guess about 20 potatoes then."

In reply to GM StarMaster (msg # 4):

"So what goes with potato au gratin?  Peas and Lamb I hope"
Gora muses as she goes about her task of skinning err peeling.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Mon 26 Aug 2019.

Bright and early was not a phrase he was particularly fond of. Oh, sure, a farmer needed as much daylight as he could get, particularly during the winter months. But he wasn't a farmer. He preferred staying awake half the night and then sleeping until he had enough.

Unfortunately, the crowing of the roosters and the chirping of the birds had roused him from his slumbers, and the streaming rays of the rising sun were keeping him from reclaiming them.

With a heavy sigh, he threw off the blanket, swung his legs over the side of the bed and managed to make it to a sitting position. He lowered his head and immediately began to nod off.

"No, no, no. This will never do! Get up, you lazy oaf!" he rumbled to himself as if that would motivate him. Apparently it did.

He snapped his head up, blue eyes wide awake now, and stood up. He relieved himself in the provided bucket, splashed some water on his face, and then looked at himself in the rough mirror. That a mirror was even provided was astounding.

It confirmed what he'd thought as he'd fallen asleep the night before: his hair was getting too long. Once it hung down over his ears, it had a tendency to obscure his peripheral vision.

Another sigh. He pulled out his dagger and attacked his lengthy locks, trimming them down to a more battle-friendly level.

He dressed quickly, donning his studded leather armor since he didn't know what surprises the day would hold, and then made his way downstairs to smell of breakfast cooking.

"Good morning," he managed to say, though it was unclear from his gruff tone if that was a statement or well-wish.

"I don't suppose anything interesting happened during the night, did it?"

In reply to Albrecht Delmorn (msg # 6):

"Well now Sir that all depends on what you mean by interesting.  The Sun rose, some badgers somewhere set out to forage, a tom caught a rat and breakfast was prepared by the kitchen staff whilst preparations have begun for other meals.  Then again someone somewhere is bound to have committed a crime."

Katala rose bright and early as was her habit, but she stayed in her room, preparing herself mentally for the day.

...this was her routine when she could afford it.

Sighing, she got out of bed, reaching into her pack for her clothes and with a little water to freshen herself up. Within minutes, she was dressed in her tight, skimpy armour with a dagger at her hip.

Sighing, she made her way downstairs, to catch the end of Albrecht's and gora's conversation.

"All exciting things, i am sure, but for now breakfast is what has me interested." She scoots past Albrecdht, smiling and winking at the man, and sat next to Gora.

"Did you have a productive night?" she asked gora, sitting there with a smile, looking like beauty immortalised.

In reply to Katala Windstrom (msg # 8):

"If you call getting some rest to prepare for the day productive? Then yes Lady Kat very productive.  OH do try the potatoes... I helped make them well peeled them anyway and would not mind your opinion.  I think I got all the skin off."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Wed 28 Aug 2019.

"Harrumph," Albrecht says noncommittally to Gora's words.

"Yes, I suppose you could call those things interesting if you are talking about ordinary, commonplace, everyday events, much like watching leaf fall."

"But you didn't mention peeling potatoes! THAT would be interesting!"

"In its own way, though, you did answer my question. Clearly, the inn was not attacked by a dragon as it is still standing and functioning to perfection. Any similar incident around town would have had you talking about it already."

"So, nothing interesting happened locally overnight. *sigh* That is both reassuring and depressing."

One of the innkeeper's daughters deposits a plate of breakfast on his table in front of him, and he samples it at first with curiosity before attacking it with more gusto.

Augie stumbled down the stairs to the main floor of the inn, the smell of breakfast having finally forced his eyes open.

"Smells good," he barely manages to mumble. "I don't suppose you have anything to help a body wake up, do you?"

He staggered to an empty table and flopped down in the chair, the impact jolting him to a more alert condition. He looked around to see who else was there.

When the door of the Inn opens, everyone looks to see who is entering, but they quickly look away as they either know Ingrith or perceive her as uninteresting. And she likes it that way.

That's why it comes as a surprise when she suddenly slips into a chair at the table with Gora and Katala.

"Greetings, sisters," she says in a somewhat low voice, though it's loud enough to carry to where Augustae and Albrecht are sitting if they are so inclined to listen.

"I am Ingrith, a ranger that roams these parts. I stop in at the village here from time to time to touch base with Jennithar, the resident priestess of Ehlonna."

"She has indicated that you might be interested in running a small errand for her."

She pauses then to hear what the women have to say.

In reply to Ingrith (msg # 12):

"No no no. Lady Ingrith you need to put a little more love into your presentation."

  You are not just a mere simple resident priestess of Ehlonna.
  be instead

  The Resident Priestess of Ehlonna or something like that.

  Put a little heart into it.  After all She has chosen YOU to do
  HER work and has blessed YOU with the task. You represent Her just as I represent The Nature
  of Good.  Be both Humbled and Honored by your calling.  If you get my meaning."

Kat can't help but smile at Gora's correction of the woman. "Nice. What them am i...Chosen seductress of ass kickery?" the woman grabbed a piece of cheese and popped it in her mouth. She looked at the ranger with a smile.

"She's a little exciteable. My name is Katala, but call me Kat...." She looked at Gora. "...if only she would!. Our excited friend here is Gora."

In reply to Katala Windstrom (msg # 14):

"Oh Lady Kat that is obvious to me.  You Noble lady are The Honored Agent of Counter Espionage.  Foiling the Nefarious Spies in our very midst from stealing delicate State or Pious Secrets.

 Do you have a more perplexing conundrum I could try to ease your delicate nature on?"

"I'm afraid you've misunderstood me, Gora," Ingrith replies. "It is Jennarith that is the servant of Ehlonna. I am but a humble ranger."

Ingrith reaches into a pouch at her belt and pulls out something small and black, and sets it on the table near the two women.

It appears to be a mushroom, black in color, and about 2" long.

"After a conversation with Furnok, who had collected this little item from the old moathouse where he and some companions defeated the bandits who had encamped there, Jennarith developed some concerns."

"She thinks it marks the return of something wicked out at the roadhouse, more than can be accounted for by the presence of the bandits. I, on the other hand and being a bit more suspicious, think that this may have something to do with why the bandits were there in the first place."

"So, might you be interested in investigating the moathouse for her? I'm sure you've heard the tales of the evil that once took up residence in this area. She and I are concerned that it may be returning... or may have already returned."

The door of the welcome wench opens, despite its early time, an an unusual sight comes in....a dwarf unlike you have ever seen.

The dwarf stood average height, but where most of his kin were solid and muscular, this one was leaner of frame and unusually for a dwarf, his frame hinted more at skill and speed rather than strength (for a dwarf anyway). Where as his kind favored metal armor....plate mail, or at the very least, chain, he wore a dark grey suit of studded leather, the studs a black color in contrast to the grey of the leather. He wore a hooded cloak of black, and at his hips he wore a hand axe on each side. Also unusual, where the dwarves favored big full beards, this one's black hair and was neatly trimmed, and his hair short.

The dwarf sighed as he looked around and approached the table. "Be Ye ingrith lass? I was sent by a friend of Jennarith to help Ye." The dwarf dropped his pack and looked at the barkeeper. "Ye have somethin warm te warm me bones?"

He then looked at Gora and Katala and nodded. "Me name be Brankx Thundershield."

Kat listened to the tale and looked a little sheepishly at the woman and Gora, and was about to speak when the dwarf entered. When he introduced himself, the woman sighed. "I would love to help you, but something has come up....an old friend of mine needs help so I must go."

Reading horas thoughts of her offering to help, the woman holds her hand up. "...and before you offer, this is something I must do, and two of us is overkill. You help the ranger....maybe the dwarf can help where my absence is lost. Granted he is shorter and not as pretty as me." The woman smiled, clearly making fun, as is her style, but her smile fades. "Help her if you can. Our paths may cross again."

The woman rose, and went upstairs, turning once to smile at Gora.

Brankx looked at the woman as she left, a little confusion on his face, then to Gora.

"Did that lass just call me short!" His serious face split into a grin a second later.

....this was going to be fun.

He looked at ingrith with his smile fading a little. "Sorry I missed th start of Ye speech lass, but me friend said somethin about checking a place out and knockin' some sense into a few bandits."

Augustae had been close enough to overhear Ingrith's tale. It had only mildly piqued his interest--who was he to be seeking out some reborn ancient evil!?

When Katala bowed out, he was a bit surprised. Not that he knew her, but it didn't seem to fit with his perception of her.

Then, too, he found her a bit intimidating... not like Gora, mind you, but in an odder way.

The Dwarf was a new factor as well.

It was starting to look like this little adventuring could turn out interesting after all!

He stood up just enough to flit his chair around from the table he was at and place it at Gora's table.

"Hello, everyone! My name is Augustae Cawliga," he introduced himself. "If you are looking for an additional member for your little group, I'd be interested."

In reply to Brankx (msg # 19):

"Narp Sir, she merely called you shorter.  Different connotation in terms as I understand it.

In any case there is no group yet, we are still waiting for the Big Boss to decide who is in and who is not.  Even so I still intend to go chastise some outlaws in any case.  So my intent is to travel along with whoever is chosen to go."

readjusting a buckle on her armour as she replies.

Brankx watched as the innkeeper brought a plate of bread, cheese and fruit. The dwarf nodded and took up the bread, tearing a chunk out of it. He looked at Gora with a smile. "Fancy words girl...should've just said yer going to kick their asses. Either way girlie, I'm in."

He takes up the cheese and bites it

Not able to hide her pain deep inside for long.  It almost seems like a pale silver glow shimmers around the saddened Half Orc, could that be a tear in the corner of her eye? NO Not possible. Everyone knows Half Orcs do not feel things like normal people do.

  "May the Gods watch over and bless your en-devours Lady Kat" she prays
This message was last edited by the player at 09:46, Tue 01 Oct 2019.

Kat turned on the stair, seeing the saddened half orc. The woman herself had a tear, but she smiled none the less. "You know me Gora.....I don't need the gods to get me into trouble"

She winked at the half orc, then turned and went upstairs

"It is not my adventure, should it turn out to be such," Ingrith corrects the others. "Therefore, it is not my place to lead or to say who goes and who doesn't. My path leads elsewhere."

"If any of you choose to investigate the moathouse further, that will be a good thing. If you do not, who knows? That may also turn out to be a good thing."

A slim figure walked through the doors of the Inn of the Welcome Wench.  She was an elven woman in a rough but well made homespun tunic and leggings, with a leather rucksack on her back.  Her long blondish hair was tangled, and crudely braided, but still reached her waist, and had bits of twigs and leaves randomly interweaved in it throughout its length.

She looked around, her eyes adjusting to the relative darkness, and wrinkled her nose at the aroma of stale beer and pipe smoke about the place, but then stopped, as if realizing that such an action might be considered rude.   She walked up to the bar, smiling brightly at the bartender and taking a coin from a side pouch and putting it on the bar.
"Hello there, Barkeeper!  I would like to purchase One Adult Alcoholic Beverage, please!  And, on a related note,  I am looking for Thrilling Adventure and Excitement while I'm in town.  Do you know to whom I should speak about such an engagement?"

She smiled tentatively, as if not sure she was doing this correctly.

The dwarf looked at ingrith with a smile. "As sorely missed as Ye will be lass, I fer one would like to take a look at this place....curious to see what heads I can bash and what I can find."

He watches the wood elf enter the room, her words more aquard than anything, and the dwarf chuckled, shaking his head and leaning closer to Gora.  "I bet Ye a flagon of ale that elf has never ventured outside her home forest....dang fool girl likely get herself robbed."

The dwarf put two fingers in his mouth and let off a sharp whistle, getting the elf's attention. "If Ye looking fer adventure lass, come sit here....unless Ye scared th nasty dwarf may offend Ye." He chuckled and winked, pushing out a seat for the elf. "Bring th lass an ale...see how she handles that."

The blonde elven lass looked around in abject confusion at the whistle, the expression on her face clearly saying "Is that a bird!?! The poor thing must be in agony!!  Where is it!?!?  I must help it at once!!!"
When she saw that the horribly injured, tall and hairy bird was a relatively healthy dwarf, she smiled, both in relief and genuine pleasure
She called back, in a voice perhaps a touch too loud for an indoor environment
"Not at all, sir!!  Talking to a Nasty Dwarf sounds like a lovely way to spend the afternoon! "
She said "nasty dwarf" completely unironically, as if she was presuming that was how the man preferred to be known
Taking her drink from the bartender in both hands, she walked carefully to the dwarfs table and sat in the offered seat.
Setting her drink down carefully, as if it were filled something more precious than warm ale, Lowrra held up a somewhat rough and somewhat clean hand for the dwarf to shake
"Greetings, Salutations, and other Assorted Pleasantries, Good Sir!!   My name is Lowrra.  How are you on this fine day?"
The "rr" in Lowrra had a bit of a trill on it, though very subtle.

The dwarf looked at the wood elf with a straight face, then broke into laughter' slapping his hand on the table.

"Damn me lass, but my day just got better! Ye can call me Brankx girlie, and I'm having a fine day. This lovely lass here has a job that may sate Ye thirst fer adventure"

"Taking into account her method of speach patterns I would have to agree.  So sorry Master Brankx, no free ale for you this time.
In any case are not all Alcoholic Beverages classified as Adult in most civilized societies?"

Miss Lowrra if you classify communication with a Dwarf as Nasty, I do hope you are not if fact calling the Dwarf Nasty? I shudder to think on how you will construe any communication with one of Half Orc Heritage?  In any case I will risk your ire by also addressing you with greetings and salutations.  I am known as Gora."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Wed 02 Oct 2019.

The elven maid blinked a couple of times at the half orc, as she seemed to try to translate what was just said, then she shrugged and smiled brightly.
"But it was He was the one who said he was Nasty, Miss Gora, and it just seemed impolite to disagree with him.  I just presumed it was a dwarven thing."
He held out a mostly clean hand to the other woman to shake.
"I'm happy to communicate with anyone.  I've never met a half orc, but I have no problem talking to that half of you.  Or to whatever the other half is.  I like them both just the same, ma'am."

The dwarf looked at Gora and lowrra with eyes wide open and a huge grin. "By moradins left cheek...two of em!" The dwarf laughed, a tear running down one cheek. "This is gonna be soo much fun!"

He turned to Lowrra and smiled. "Th nasty dwarf was meant as a joke....forgive me lass."

He then looked at Gora. "And a half orc who doesn't drink where an elf will. Damn me, what's next....a goblin who follows the following of sune!"

He chuckled, then looked at the two, totally serious, and he stopped laughing, looking around seriously for a goblin.

He shook his head. "Movin' on. Tell us about this moathouse"

Lowrra nodded at the dwarf and smiled.  She didn't get the joke, but presumed it was a good one, as dwarves were known for their sense of humor.
Or was that their Sense of Direction?   Either way, it was probably a funny joke.

Then she frowned as she looked around.
"Moathouse?  What's a Moathouse?  That sounds fun"

She took a sip of the ale in her hand, and, as nonchalantly as possible, and without missing a beat, let it pour back out of her mouth and back into the mug.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Wed 02 Oct 2019.

"The moathouse lies approximately ten miles east of Hommlet, on the road toward the deserted town of Nulb," Ingrith explains. "There is an overgrown and rugged path two miles long leading off the main road to the moathouse itself."

"No one was ever quite sure why this little keep was built in such an out of the way place, but it was. It even has a moat around it; thus the name."

"It's in ruins mostly now, but there's enough of it still standing that some bandits were using it as a lair. The bandits were encountered on the trail and defeated just two days ago."

"There was also a small dragon lairing there or nearby. Details were scarce. It was driven off. That's when the mushroom was found. Some say that this particular mushroom only grows in the presence of evil. Sounds like an old wives' tale to me."

"But, since it was the site of some ancient evil, we need to know if that evil has returned... so we can stop it before it grows too powerful."

"Are you still interested?"

Lowrra nodded enthusiastically
"Yes, definitely!  Sounds like a thrilling adventure!

Bandits, abandoned towns, dragons, and even mushrooms!  It's got everything!"

Brankx, taking a bite of bread, nods. "Took th words outa me mouth lass...sounds like fun. Bashing a few bandits heads, explorin' places not seen in a while. Ancient evil to spit upon. I'm in!"

In reply to Ingrith (msg # 34):
"My Dear Ingrith do you really need to ask?

still it behooves me to address a slight miss-assumption.  A keep is not a Town... unless it is bigger on the inside than the out, like some demented kind of bag of carrying?

The Bandit Keep of Township Downs.  What a thrilling concept... not!"

In reply to Gora (msg # 37):

Lowrra frowned in confusion
"Didn't the Tall Lady say that the Moathouse was on the way to an abandoned town?  I mean, i thought she said that the probably with the Moathouse was that it wasn't  abandoned?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Thu 03 Oct 2019.

Brankx smiles at the thought. "If we clear the mouthouse, and fix it up, would make a good stronghold."

He looked at the others. "Means we have to clean house of the rats first"

Lowrra looked at the dwarf, a bit scandalized and pouting in disappointment
"Get rid of the rats??? But why??  It's their home, too, right?"

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 40):

"Now that depends on ones definition of rats.  There is the vermin kind of natural birth and then there is the criminal kind of chosen paths.

Common is so diverse in its interpretations and connotations."

Brankx smiles and points at Gora. "There Ye got it lass...th rats I mean are the non animal kind." He looks at the elf, then Gora again. "....though too many of th others aren't good either, though they make good roasting in a pinch."

He shrugs, but continues. "But fer now lets visit this moathouse and look around."

He didn't understand why the others kept ignoring him, but he persisted.

"She said the moathouse was abandoned decades ago and was now in ruins," Augustae interjected.

"Some bandits had taken up residence there, but they were eliminated yesterday... or the day before. Not sure of the timeline here."

"I don't know about the town. It's marked on some maps as Nulb. I think it once supplied the moathouse."

"Not sure it's a good idea to rebuild it. The evil probably still lurks there."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Fri 04 Oct 2019.

Lowrra looked at the tall.human man amd nodded
"Lurking Evil??  That definitely sounds interesting!  Hello there!  I'm Lowrra.  Pleased to meet you!"  She held a somewhat clean hand out to Augustae.

The dwarf snorted at the human. "Any lurking evil and I'll kick its ass boy."

He looked at him."Still worth a look though"

"If evil is likely to be there still it behooves me to go assess if this state is in truth so.  You may count me in on your venture if you like."

Lowrra took another sip of her ale (and immediately spit it back into the cup) and nodded to her new friends
"When shall we go?  Is there a preferred time for such things?"

"So now on to more important matters. If we are to work efficiently as a team will we be appointing a team caller, if not a group leader with an established command structure?
I think that fellow has the patience to lead"
pointing at Augustae Cawliga

"Or will we be going to work by the seat of our trews? Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

I for one prefer a more military structure but I am flexible enough to have struck out on my own to bring Law to the Lawless... HMMM Now where have I heard that before?

Dawn is the best time to start Miss Lowrra as it gives people without night vision some better chance to participate. Is there something wrong with your ale"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Fri 04 Oct 2019.

The elf smiled up the rugged woman
"This is my first Adventure...."
She said the word with almost a touch of reverence, as if it were a holy word
"..so I'm totally fine with someone else being in charge.  I've been on many Gathering and Work Details during my time with The Order, so I'm good at working with others.  Um...As a Ley Druid, I'm trained in the ancient arts of healing, as well as hand to hand combat.   I also know how to harness a few of the magics of The Natural Order of Things.  "

When asked about her ale, she blushed and cringed with embarrassment
"I'm... I'm not sure, ma'am.   It tastes like it's spoiled, but it feels rude to complain. "

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 49):

"May I be impertinent enough to suggest a Honey Mead then.  Not so bitter and even though it can be stronger and should be consumed in smaller quantities it does not have popularity of Ale."

Lowrra perked up.
"Ooh!!  Honey?  That sounds absolutely yummy!"

Brankx listened to Gora and Lowrra with a smile."Try th honey mead girlie...ale is an acquired taste. And as fer leaving at dawn, that's a good idea. A good nights rest will get us ready fer what lies ahead."

He looks at the quiet human with a shrug. "As fer a leader, I find that sorts itself out as we go. Let's just find our places within each other."

"On another subject I was wondering what people think about Paladins?  I am fine with them but well Orcs of any kind and Paladins?  What are your thoughts on the matter?"

The dwarf looked at Gora, suprised. "Suprising lass....one of yer kind followin the tenants of a paladin. I have no problems with what Ye believe. But my question to Ye girlie....what would Ye think of someone who follows less strict views of law and religion?"

He clasped his hands in front of himself. "My skills were taught to me by a thief, skills that some see as unsavoury....but I used my skills in my chan as a scout and trapfinder. Though I pray to moradin when I do, I am not religious. But nor am I even."

My Euston to Ye....what are Ye thoughts on that?"

In reply to Brankx (msg # 54):

"To answer your first question Master Brankx let me ask you do you think Paladins are into freedom of will?

In response to your next question my reply must be, I have been asked similar questions before Master Brankx and as before I answer with another question.  Have you ever heard of Master Locksmiths? To make a lock one naturally must know of the inner workings of such mechanisms.  Is if too far a stretch of the imagination to put that and the lock picking skill together?

It is not what you know but how you use your skills and knowledge that counts.  Or so I have heard."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:30, Fri 04 Oct 2019.

Brankx smiles at Gora's  words. "My teacher was a retired human who once spent his life as a thief. He taught me aspects o his trade....locks, how to spot and disarm traps and th like. Never have I stolen from a one....not me style, but the skills have saved lives none the less. I was small fer a dwarf, scrawny. Never really one fer battle, but found me niche with sharp eyes, nimble fingers and a keen mind. When th human passed, I had skill....spotting traps an th like, disarmin them and seeing and hearing what many missed, could van move quiet....fer a dwarf."

He chuckled, then continues. "Me old friend, when I knew him, was more a locksmith and trapsmith than thief of old, but he had that in his past. He taught me that even those who do dishonest things can do them fer good, as sometimes law can be unjust."

Before Gora can argue, he holds his hands up. "Let me finish lass....I think I am a good dwarf, honest most o the time, help others and heart in h right place, but I also believe that the lines of law and good aren't always th same. I believe that people who need help, it's us who can...even if the law is against us. So I ask again lass, if I were to do somethin unlawful fer the good of saving people....my friends, innocents, would Ye think me wrong?"

Lowrra scampered over to the bar to get a Honey Mead and quickly returned.   She listened to the others talked.  Their talk of locks went over her head, as her home didn't have locks.   Or doors for that matter.
She pursed her lips in thought and spoke
"My community follows only The Natural Order, and don't pay much attention to the laws and customs of what other people call 'civilization'.  However, ever since i left our sacred wood to venture into your civilized land, i consider myself a guest in your home, in a manner of speaking.   And, as a guest, i will try to observe and follow your laws as best i can. "

She took a sip of her mead, then gasped with surprise
"This is SO yummy!!!"
She then proceeded to quaff the entire mug.  After draining it, she set the cup down, and did a full body shake that almost resembled a dog shaking off water.
It looked extremely involuntary
Then she blinked in surprise and looked at Brankx and Gora.
".....bit of a kick, though..."

In reply to Brankx (msg # 56):

"No arguments from me Master Brankx.  Slavery is legal in many places of the world but it is not good even if in certain circumstances it could be seen as just.  There is a very fine line in all things. Would it shock you to find I have done unlawful or chaotic things from time to time. For example I do wake up at night and can not get back to sleep on command or need to relieve myself at some very inappropriate times?

The trouble comes when one thinks they have the absolute version on what is right and wrong, good and evil, lawful and chaotic.  For example as a Paladin do you think I judge a person as evil or does the person do it to themselves? We can only discover what is already there.

:) Yes Miss Lowrra so I have been told.  I think one or two more of them and you may have a very deep sleep tonight."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:03, Fri 04 Oct 2019.

Brankx nods as he listens to Gora. "It's good to hear that yer views aren't as strict as others lass. Power can corrupt both good and bad, and I fer one know that law is a matter of perspective. I be no angel...I will admit that. I love ale, and I won't turn away gold or treasure. I will do what I need to do fer th good of my kin. And anyone who walks my path, are kin."

He smiled at Gora. "...so let's walk this road cousin, and see what heads we can bash along th way."

Lowrra didn't follow most of the philosophical discussion between the half orc and dwarf, as she only knew her own philosophy, but she nodd3d and slapped the table at Brankx's last sentence. "Indeed!  Evil needs a good bashing!!"

She looked around
"It feels warmer in here.  Is that normal?"

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 60):

"Oh dear Miss Lowrra yes it is normal for a person who drinks alcohol to feel warmer.  You did know it is a Poison did you not?  People can and have died due to alcohol poisoning.  But that is only in very rare cases indeed.  Most just get fuzzy headed and fall asleep after making fools of themselves in some silly manner like singing off key or reciting love poems to a clay jug, or getting decked because the Tavern wench they just pinched is a 9'tall Barbarian Minotaur."

Lowrra blinked in surprise, as trying to translate what the half orc just said.
"That sounds like dangerous magic.   Fun but risky. Perhaps I'll switch to water.  I don't want to pinch the Tavern Wench.  She seems nice"

Brankx looks at the two with a shake of his head. "Alcohol 'tis no poison lady Gora....dwarves have lived centuries with it, and while some weaker of constitution over excel can die, it's not likely. Ale 'tis no poison, but not healthy either."

He looks at the group. "I suggest Ye rest, fer we leave at dawn."

Lowrra watched the back and forth between the half orc and full dwarf with interest, though the conflicting opinions were confusing
"i have walked far to get here, so a rest would be a good thing.  Is there a grove or orchard nearby i might spend the night?"

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 64):

"Walked?  have you done much walking Lowrra... may I call you Lowrra? I could give your feet a rub if they hurt.  That goes for you too Brankx. I do know how to tend discomfort and I know how difficult it is to give yourself a decent foot massage.  As for resting for the night your in a tavern and they could still have a bed or two for rent."

In reply to Gora (msg # 65):

The wood elf cocked her head to the side a bit, pouting in confusion.
"Lowrra is my given name, so if you didn't call me that I don't have any other options. "
She locked around the room, biting her lip with concern.
"I'll admit that I have never slept in a building before.   To be honest it doesn't look very comfortable.   Is that a requirement of joining your group?"

She brightened at the idea of a foot rub
"Well, I'm not really sore, as we Ley Druids walk many miles every day as we visit nature, and I'm well versed in the ancient healing arts at any rate.  However, i would never turn down a foot rub.  "

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 66):
"well then lets see just from the top of my head there is Lady of the Sylvan Woods, Lady Far Strider, Miss of Mysteries, Dame Lowrra, Mistress Lowrra, Lady Lowrra, Lowrra of the Sylvan Woods, Mistress, Madam, Gentle Lady, Hot Mama do I need to continue?

I could start into some not so nice Orc terms but I would rather not.

As I do not have nor am I part of a Group as yet, all I have to say on the matter is a Tavern is made and run as a place of food, drink, rest and security.  If you were in a City on the Streets it is just asking to have your goods stolen and who knows what else done to your person.  You did hear me mention Slavery earlier?  That is just for starters.  Maidens are always welcome to unwillingly volunteer for Dark sacrificial duties.  Abandoned ruins are not the only cites of malicious activities that exist.  That is why it is wise to form groups, safety in numbers and all."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Sat 05 Oct 2019.

The elf's eyes got wide as she listened to the list of possible names she had.  Surely, she mused, this half orc woman was some kind of genius.
She smiled brightly
"Ooh!!!  I love the sound of Lowrra Farstrider!  That sounds perfectly lovely!!"
 The rest of what the other woman said made Lowrra frown sadly, however
"Civilization sounds dreadful.   But i will take your advice and buy some safety for the night, if that is the normal custom"

Brankx done a good job holding in laughter, but the huge grin on his face belittled his willpower. "Your choice if Ye rest here or outside the walls. If Ye rather trees, then Ye can. Warm meal and good sleep will do us good. If Ye want to sleep outside, then let's meet at th gate at dawn...but on our trip we will sleep outdoors much."

He looked at both again. "As fer a footrub, th last human who did was sick fer the winter. Nay, I be good....just sleep fer me."

In reply to Brankx (msg # 69):

smiling over at Master Brankx Gora is surprised she has to point out one little fact.

"Master Brankx I am a little astounded that I must bring to your attention that I am in fact not Human and that I am trained in tending all manner of disturbing wounds.  I think I could handle your toughened mighty Dwarf appendages. Assuming you are willing to trust me with them?

  Lady Lowra Farstrider if you would kindly remove your footwear so that I may proceed?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:13, Sat 05 Oct 2019.

Lowrra picked up her feet from her seat, where it was revealed that she was wearing thin leather moccasins that seemed more of a slipcover than footwear.
Her feet, once revealed, were dainty and elf like, but very callused and dirty.

She seemed unselfconscious of both facts.

The dwarf smirked as he looked at Gora. "I know Ye not entirely human lass, Ye have orcish blood. My point was the last time someone tried to massage a dwarf, they were sick. They just happen' to be human." He crosses his arm. "I trust Ye with me feet lass, but me not doing it is me Savin Ye a sight that no non dwarf should."



<ooc: let's try move forward to the morning and the travel>
This message was last edited by the player at 22:41, Sat 05 Oct 2019.

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 71):

"I fear that fellow is going to be taken by surprise about how much of his body I will be seeing over the near future, I am also fearful of it.  But that is just one of the prices we Healer adventurers have to get acclimatized with."

In reply to Gora (msg # 73):

Lowrra laughed lightly
"The bodies of people are all beautiful, to be honest.  A living body is always a wonderful thing to behold.  "
She would have said more, but sighed in pleasure at the half orcs foot rub.

"Rest? We just got up! It's still morning!" Augustae exclaims.

"If we leave now... or at least soon, if any of us need to get provisions... we can be to the moathouse by noon!"

"It sounds like some of  you want an opportunity to run away... or slink off in the night... or whatever it is that you do."

"I'm all set to go, though we might want to see about getting some healing magic. Just in case."

Lowrra blinked in surprise
"Is it??  My apologies, Sir.   Sometimes i get sunrises and sunsets confused.  My inner thoughts occasionally get very distracting "

Brankx looks at the others, and finishes his bread and cheese. "he be right....if we leave now we can get there just after midday. we will still have light yo look around and set camp."

He kicks his pack. "got everything I need except fer a crossbow but need gold get that. that can come later. else I am ready t' go."

Lowrra nodded in agreement
"I'm always ready to seek Adventure.   I'm ready to leave when everyone else is. "

"only need ration here.  But I have a few coin left for that or for room at the tavern."

Lowrra smiled
'As much as i hate to interrupt a good foot rub, perhaps we should head out.  It seems impolite to keep Evil waiting like this."

"Is it not amusing how some peoples dusk is another persons dawn. According to Fairy tails, Fae used to love dancing and carousing all night."

The Orc Maiden seems to become lost in her dreams.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

In reply to Gora (msg # 81):

Lowrra smiled and nodded to the half orc
"I've not had the privilege myself, but elders of my Order have claimed to have witnessed fey carousing, and the stories are all true."

Brankx snorts. "Stop ye dreamin'....lets get on th road and to th moathouse."

Lowrra smiled at her dwarf friend
"My apologies, sir.   Half the fun of a journey is the traveling, and i was just enjoying the company.   But I'll work to focus better"

In reply to Lowrra (msg # 85):

"Lady Lowrra I do not feel that the Dwarf is entitled to the Honorific of Sir. After all I do not think he is of Noble or Royal heritage.  He might be a Master Craftsman but if he is why is he off gallivanting around? Safer to just refer to him as Mr Brankx that way you have most of your bases covered... unless he is a she! I have heard the rumour that Dwarf Maids do."

Lowrra shrugged
"I was taught to call all men 'sir' and all women 'ma'am' unless they request otherwise.   But i understand what you're saying, and would never call him Sir Brankx unless.he asked"