Esparam nods as he looks around. This is a tavern like any other, and yet, he is in a new country. Better to observe and try to understand the locals' customs.

He picks up a wooden bowl and spoon from the stack near the fireplace, pours himself a hearty portion of porridge, and walks towards the counter to leave a single copper coin. He then goes to sit in a corner where he can easily study the room.

For a moment, the fresh porridge distracts him from his surroundings, his senses of smell and taste deliciously captivated after weeks eating mostly dried fish and biscuits. After a few satisfying mouthfuls, however, his mind returns to looking around the place while eating, looking for anything out of the ordinary from his Pekalese perspective.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC: table E, since table A is already taken!

---

This message was last edited by the player at 13:50, Fri 21 Sept 2018.

Tarrano looks up from his bowl of porridge mid scoop to see the human who carries himself as one of those type they call a noble. He kinda chuckles at the thought on how humans just seem to think they get to title themselves as such and do nothing to keep it. He finishes the spoonful washes it down with a swig of the honey mead as his attention shifts about the room.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 17):

"Thank you my lord. It is an honor to receive this mission. I will need armor and aspis without standards or other Imperial markings. Weapons too if you think it necessary. I can take care of the rest."

In reply to Thelonius Xander (msg # 21):

"You will be outfitted with what you need and you can request supplies before you venture out.
We have set aside some gold to pay for the help you will need. An amount of 150 gps per man as a sign up bonus and 60% of all treasure found - that be divided among the living and all magic items will be dispersed with the kings approval."

"We have drawn up by the scribes papers for no more then 6 men. So that breaks down to 10% per man and relics are the kings property. We will cover all expenses for the expedition."

"Try to stay away from the cutthroats. I recommend finding some saps that severed in the legion at some point who are looking for something to do" as he smiles and speaks in a sarcastic tone.

"My lord. I will begin with the preparations immediately.", he responds stoically, and salutes Lord Katonis,

"Hail the Emperor"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Sat 22 Sept 2018.

After being dismissed, Thelonius goes to get changed out of his armor and uniform and into civilian clothing. He grabs a non-imperial kopis and dagger.

"I'll start at the One Eyed Ogre first, at least they have good wine", Thelonius thinks to himself.

He walks to the tavern and enters. A young nobleman with a strong athletic build, 6' 3", steel gray eyes, a tanned olive complexion, a chiseled face with a slightly hawkish nose and short, well groomed brownish red hair. He is wearing a white tunic with a silver trim of Greco design. A blue cloak adorns his shoulders and back. On an ornate leather belt hangs a kopis, a dagger, and a money purse. Open toe sandals on his feet. He looks around for a table...
This message was last edited by the player at 21:56, Sat 22 Sept 2018.

Esparam continues eating his porridge while analysing the situation.
He notes the racial diversity inside the tavern. As a Pekalese citizen, he is well used to this kind of multicultural environment, but he did not expect that outside of the Principality. He notices the hobgoblin as well, and wonders if they are treated as bad outside of Pekal as he has been told, when the doors to the tavern open once more for a tall and athletic-looking human.

An adventurer, or some soldier on leave, Esparam assumes.

Having emptied his bowl, he stands up to go leave two more coins on the counter: one for another bowl of porridge (he was that hungry), and another one to have his water canteen filled with fresh water. "How much for a glass of your wine?", he asks the maid.

Tarrano's bowl of porridge now empty before him relaxed back in his seat as he picked up the cool cider and finished it before he looked over to the maid as he fumbled with his coin pouch calling out loudly for all to hear just as Thelonius walked into the tavern

"I would like another. And is there a particular place to look for mercenary work within this city?"

Tarrano attention shifted from the maid to the young man entering the tavern, obviously military and well disciplined. He watched with intent as the man examined the rooming, his hand moving to his sword on the table. Tarrano liked those sorts, he could understand them, human military's were similar to structure as his kinds, but they also tended to dislike hobgoblins.

In reply to Esparam (msg # 25):

"We have Fire Wine from the fields of the Old Republic, 2 gp a glass."
She replies as he cleans her hands with the same rag she used to clean the tables and walks to Esparam's tables. "Your accent where are you from stranger?"

She looks over at Tarrano holds up her hand, she replies to his request "Hold on there can't you see he asked first, ...."

At that moment she realizes that Thelonius has walked in as she continues to talk, and making eye contact to Esparam & Tarrano "Well now you both wait for the for Noble Citizen Thelonius, ...." She walks over to Thelonius "Please come sit" Lilly knows Thelonius pretty well and Thelonius's credit is very good at the tavern if ever short on coin.

Thelonius gives Lilly a big hug and kisses her on the forehead.

"Lilly its so good to see you. Always so beautiful", he says with some affection.

Lilly smiles, "You should stop by more often then", she says playfully with a wink.

She leads Thelonius to a table and he sits down. Thelonius takes a look around. He's surprised to see a hobgoblin but doesn't show it.

"I'll take a pitcher of house wine and if you have those famously delicious sausages ready I'll have that too along with porridge"

Before she leaves to get his porridge and loud enough to be overheard, he asks Lilly, "Have you been getting adventurers here looking for work? I am hiring", he says.

"That hobgoblin in the corner was just asking before you came in", Lilly says as she points over to the hobgoblin.

Thelonius gets comfortable in his chair. Lilly brings the pitcher of house wine and porridge to his table, pours his glass,and then attends to her other customers while the sausage links finish cooking.

Thelonius looks directly at the hobgoblin, "So I hear you're looking for work. Come to my table and we'll talk. Bring your cup."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:34, Mon 24 Sept 2018.

Esparam opened his eyes wide in bewilderment at the steep price of the wine (2 gold pieces would be for at least a whole barrel back home!), but is saved from embarrassment when the maid switches her focus to Thelonius.

He returns to his table with his second bowl of porridge, and observes the seemingly important citizen to glean more information. He focuses on the conversation he has with the hobgoblin, trying to make out what they are saying. This does not prove too hard considering the light morning clientele, except for when the pair of dwarves at the counter guffaw at each other's lewd jokes.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Mon 24 Sept 2018.

Tarrano looks at the maid with a bit of scorn when she chides him and then flat out states he will have to wait until after this new person get's served first, human's and their titles he thinks to himself. He stands and begins to gather his things, Thelonius calls out to him, Tarrano looks up as he is restrapping his scabbard to his belt and donning his cloak

"I was just looking to leave and find a better establishment" he remarks with a gaze towards the maid "Apparently my coin is not good enough here. But you have my attentions so speak human." as he grabs his pack and approaches Thelonius leaving his mug and bowl on the table behind him

In reply to Tarrano Grazlak (msg # 30):

"Don't be silly, there's no better place for what we service." She cleans the table so Tarrano can sit with Thelonius. "Come now I will refill your drinks, bring your food including the sausages" as she smiles.

Looking at the hobgoblin "Sit right here" as she snaps the towel that cleans the bench "Next round of mead is on me, ... ok now sit down," she speaks softly as humans do when they flirt and try to be nice about things.

OCC: Some Hobgoblins might even find that more uncomfortable and may even prefer her rudeness over the insincere kindness, ... most likely looking for the extra coin for a tip.

Lilly looks over at Esparam, "I have not forgotten you" walking quickly to the back towards the kitchen area. "Give me just one minute and I will be with you"

Tarrano huffs looking at the maid as he walks over and puts his well worn leather boot up on the bench and rests his elbow on his knee as he examines Thelonius awaiting a response. Debating if it would be worth his time or not.

"You are a stranger in a strange land. Don't be upset with Lilly. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Thelonius Xander and I am looking for a few good adventurers worth their mettle for a dangerous mission which can potentially bring honor and glory to their names.", Thelonius states very business like.

"Bring your cup and share in my wine. It seems you have free honeymead on its way too"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:39, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

An adventurer, as expected, Esparam thinks to himself. Esparam was not a stranger to taverns and adventurers back home, and he knows how much they like to boast and exaggerate their stories to reap that extra glory or recruit this other naive and new adventurer-wannabe to use as meat-shield or carrier. So far, he hears nothing that really catches his attention.

Yet, the way he was greeted by the maid, and how he had priority over Esparam (and the hobgoblin, although that was somewhat to be expected in human lands) spikes his curiosity. Perhaps there is some truth in what the warrior is saying. And maybe this would be a good opportunity for Esparam to travel more safely, and discover new knowledge along the way.

He decides to continue to listen inconspicuously while eating his porridge, more slowly.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

Tarrano regards Thelonius words as he considers his options, honor and glory is good to have but what worth is it? If it honor glory to the humans and not his kind. But there could be other things gained it was worth listening to the offer. He unslung his pack setting it upon the ground next to the bench he was going to sit at and took his seat.

"You have my attention Thelonius Xander. I am Tarrano Grazlak."

Gars edit: I corrected the spelling of Xander. Not Tarrano's mistake btw.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:45, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

"Well then Tarrano, we will be journeying to Sobeteta. Our empire has sent soldiers there and they have not returned. Rumor has it they have all perished. There is also rumor of a relic. We bring that back with us. This is an Imperial mission and not to be taken lightly.", Thelonius says in a serious tone.

"We each keep 10% of the treasure and any enchanted items will be divided evenly amongst us. A bonus as well for good work at the end. Interested?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:59, Tue 25 Sept 2018.

Tarrano studies Thelonius carefully as he considers the terms given and then responds his voice low

"How many others have you recruited so far? What do you know of this Sobeteta? Is your empire also supplying all needed supplies for their cut of this treasure that we are gathering from them? Horses, food, water, laborers? Or do they expect us to fund that ourselves out of our 10% cut?"

Although Tarrano lowers his voice, thankfully the dwarves quiet down at the same time, allowing Esparam to listen in.

Good questions. Now what is the human going to reply?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC : Esparam rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Listen check to hear Tarrano.

---

Thelonius answers,"If you join, you will be the first person hired."

"I hear Sobeteta is a dangerous shithole. Many who have gone there never come back. There have also been accounts of people that not only came back but they came back very wealthy."

"To answer you're last two questions, yes of course we will be supplied and have gold for boarding and travel. It will not come out of our 10% cuts. I do not foresee us needing laborers though, horses maybe."

Thelonius stands up and extends his hand out,

"Tarrano Grazlak. Be the first to join me, you will not regret it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:29, Wed 26 Sept 2018.

Tarrano looked at the Thelonius, they must want to keep this a secret or they would send actual troops after this instead of hiring a bunch of mercenary's but he needed the funds

"The supplies I requested and required to complete this task. I will expect that as additional compensation above and beyond the 10% of the wealth found and my fair split of any enchanted items found. If that is agreeable then I agree to aid you in this."

Tarrano extends his hand out waiting on Thelonius's agreement to his additional terms before he is willing to grasp Thelonius's hand.

Thelonius pauses a moment to consider and then says,

"If the supplies are within reason you can keep it forever. Horses and such will be loaned to you. Of course, I have the final say in what you can keep.", he says matter of factly.

"This is a very good opportunity and offer.", Thelonius says extending his hand out a little further.

Tarrano pulls his hand back a bit

"If they expected this to be a good opportunity they wouldn't look to hire mercenaries to complete the work. It's dangerous and we are expendable. I stand by my original counter offer. Supplies requested need for this will be mine to keep, which includes a horse. A 10% share of the wealth acquired and a equal split of the enchanted items recovered. I could ask for more and it would still be within reason given the dangers of this mission."