The dwarf relays his story.  "I'm was bringing a cartload of beer and spirits.  I hired a couple men to help me keep watch on the path to Helmsbreach.  It were mostly an uneventfully trip, they keep pretty good watch over things." he says, then reaches up to the knot on his head.  "We weren't too far out, when one of em clubbed me over the head, and pushed me out of the cart.  They musta took me fer dead, on account of the blood running down into my beard, cause they left me lying on the side of the road.  I woke up a bit later and walked the way into Helmsbreach.   The sheriff said its not the first report a wagons being waylaid by they own guards.  He thinks he knows about where the bandits be holed up."

He takes long drink.  "I was offering two hundred gold ta get group together ta go after them myself."

"Perhaps he finds him more attractive than he finds us," Ärchönia replied to Falis. "We must ask that one of the anatomical details later, since no answer was proffered before."

She took another nibble of bread, then added, "Elvish was the the Amaranthine Doxy's study. Their minds seemed so deliciously wicked and full of ways to spend eternity in joy."

 "Well, now, that'd hurt my feelings!" Falis laughs and then spoons up some more stew.  "Me, I just happened upon some lessons in Giant's speech while I was at the arena." She sucks on a piece of meat before chewing and then swallowing it.  "I'd rather have learned the tongue of a more pleasant people.  Perhaps someday..."

He nods his head as the dwarf explains what happened to him. Garett's eyes narrow with the description of the guard's treachery. Then, he smiles at the mention of gold. "That is a goodly sum you ore offering, Master Copperwell." His gaze changes to look towards the other adventurers gathered around the table. "It pains my heart to know such base villainy might go unpunished here when good hearts and stout arms might prevent it. If you'd have me I'd gladly join in this struggle to ensure that these Shem-sent ruffians will feel the error of their ways and be brought to Moe's Justice."

The dwarf nods.  "Aye, if you can get my goods back. I'll pay.  Might even give ya a nip." he says with a wink, as he leaves the men to plan.

NPC Zorbon says.  "I have some friends that may help." he leads Garett to a table with three women.  "Falis, Ärchönia & Vera" says pointing to each in turn.  "Garett." the cleric says, reciprocating the introduction.  "Master Copperwell will pay to get his goods back."

The cleric brings the newcomer over to their table and provides introductions. Despite being an absolute newcomer herself, or perhaps because of it, she is the first to respond. "Welcome Garett. Will you join us in our sanguinary undertaking?"

 Falis waves, nods, and grunts through her spoonful of stew at Garret.

Garett smiles and bows his head and shoulders as he is introduces to the three women. His eyes alight upon each of them in turn as he takes in their visible gear and general disposition towards him. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance Ärchönia, Falis, and Vera. Should you be amenable to my company I would like very much to join your august company in the completion of the task at hand. I feel it is my duty to attempt to my utmost to make this a safer place for all those who call it home."

He smiles at them once more. "May I sit so we can discuss the particulars of this quest and the villains most vile?"

 Falis swallows her spoonful very quickly, eager to accept any help, but feeling the hot mass moving down her throat far too slowly for her liking.  She coughs.  "Yes, by all means!  Sit with us.  I don't speak for the others at this table, but I always welcome another set of hands, especially ones so armoured and armed as yours.  There is strength in numbers, and while I am at least two... well, more never hurt anyone."

Ärchönia agreed. "You may find your potation taken just as it is given, but the chairs will flow freely. So sit and collogue. Do you know these fiends?" It had been Garett and Zorbon who spoke with the dwarf, so perhaps they had been given some information that was denied the others at the table.

"Know them?" Garett shakes his head. "No, nor do I know much of them. The good merchant was knocked senseless fairly quickly so he didn't see much."

"However, I would be willing to hazard a guess that we may be dealing with more than two individuals, but potentially less than ten. Their leader is likely a careful person with a touch of knowledge and tactical cunning. We had best attempt some level of cleverness in our approach.

"I base this thought on the fact that they prey on merchants by hiring themselves out as guards. This suggests coordination beyond what just two average souls can manage without getting caught." Garett grins. "On the other hand, they are likely not overwhelming in number since they aren't openly ambushing the merchants instead of taking this long laborious rout."

"I myself have some skill with a blade. What skills do the rest of you bring to the table? Anyone skilled in tracking or ranged combat?"

 Falis speaks.  "Skill at tracking, I do not possess.  I more than make up for this with my skill at arms, and with my anatomical knowledge."

"Pleasures and magic are the stock in trade of the Amaranthine Doxy," she replied to Garett. "But while she might find it diversionary for the nonce, tracking is not her pleasure."

"Though I don't track very well, my skills with mace and sling are considerable, and, of course, I call on Moe in case one of us needs a healing boon."

Garett nods his head as he considers what everyone has said. Each in turn recieve a thoughtful nod as they explain what they are capable of. "In that case, perhaps subtlety won't be our strong suit. Shall we discuss strategy further? Or trust in Moe, and each other, and simply head out?"

"As the bread is about gone, the Amaranthine Doxy is ready to go elsewhere."

"A woman of action, I see." Garett stands up from his seat. He finishes his mug of ale in a few quick swallows, then sets the mug down upon the table. "I quite agree. Let us be off to see this sherriff and find out what they know about these bandits and their location. Then, we shall be off!" Suiting actions to words he starts to make his way out of the tavern towards where he thinks the Sheriff is located.

It doesn't take long for Archonia, Falis, Garett & Zorbon to make their way to the sheriff's office.   A halfling presents himself, "Timin Balderand, how can I help you?"

Ärchönia was more interested in the thrill of the experience, rather than the planning of said experience, and besides, the last time she spoke to a funny little men, he stormed off in anger. So she stepped back to let the others take the lead in the discussion with Timin, perhaps to add a question if it became necessary.

Zorbon waits as well, nodding to Garett as perhaps more talkative than the cleric feels right now.

Garett hesitates when Timin addresses them. Then, realizing that the others seemed to be waiting for him, he offers the man a welcoming smile. "Good morrow good Sheriff. I am Garett of East-March. My companions here are Archonia, Falis, and Zorbon. We are here on behalf of one Thorak Copperwell."

Garett pauses for a moment to see if the name rings any bells with the Sheriff. Then, he continues, "Master Copperwell tells us that you know the probably location of the villainous brigands who robbed him upon the road. If you can share what you know with us we shall strive our utmost to rid this benighted land of their foul presence once and for all." He strikes a dramatic pose. "For the glory of Moe!"

The halfling smiles. "Ah, yes.  I've been trying to get a posse together, but volunteers aren't forthcoming.   They have a reputation for being cruel and getting someone to cross them has been a challenge." he says, looking the party over.    "I have two men that could go with you, and show you where it is suspected they're hiding.  I would make you all deputies, of course."

"A wonderful game! We have roles!" Ärchönia interjects, clapping her hands in delight. "A classic tale!"

"Well then, no time like the present. We are ready to start."

"Agreed." Garett smiles, glad to see that the others seem as keen as he. "Let us be about this important business." He grins, "The guidance of your two men would be most welcome. Please, introduce us to them that we might speed our way into the unknown and oust these nefarious vermin who are a plague upon honest folk."