In reply to Gumm (msg # 12):

Mock is happy to put it on his mule.

OOC: Can we get hold of a Legionary tent, from Low Tech? $225, 45 lbs, sleeps six to eight comfortably. 10' x 10'. Comfortably in between a 4 man tent and a 20 man tent! That way we can get group basics for $50 (20 lbs) and still be under the $300 you would pay for the 20 man tent.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:41, Sat 08 Feb 2020.

Navarre has thoroughly enjoyed his time in town.  Picking up a few things on the finer arts of smithing was something he's been angling after for some time but being stuck in Laketown for a week seemed the perfect excuse.  But it wasn't just about learning how to handle a hammer and bellows, Kodran loves the company of good people.

But finally it is time to focus on more important matters, the business of traveling through the great Mirkwood. Navarre finds himself at a table, sharing some of Jody's fine tobacco as he puffs on his pipe and his new friends discuss what to do about the departure of Thibault and Gram.  While Thibault lent little in the way of muscle and melee his knowledge will be missed, but the lack of Gram's sword and scouting abilities will be felt most keenly.

Mock's question and own retort instantly help Navarre understand his position.  True, they had acquired two hearty dwarves in light of the loss of their bookworm and rider.  And true these dwarves were present at the Battle of the Five Armies so no doubt their prowess is up to scratch.  But this is Mirkwood.  Who knows what kind of malicious messes lie waiting for them.  In Kodrans opinion it is only by sheer dumb luck that Balin and Oin, after running afoul of a troll, the killer vines and the Mewlips managed to come out alive.  Next time they might not be so lucky and numbers are an advantage there.  But before he can verbalize his thoughts the new comer approaches and the dwarf seems to warm up to him.

Navarre kicks out a foot to push an empty chair back.  He extends a hand to shake.  ”Well met Haldir.   Call me Navarre Kodran.  Sit, and drink with'us.  Sounds like you're no tender foot.  That's good.  We're looking for people who can handle themselves in a scrape.  Last time out we ran into some nasty business.  Tell us, how'd you hear about our company?”


OOC:
Not looking for a long drawn out IC here.  Just some flavored RP and trying to give credibility to bringing on strangers.

This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Tue 11 Feb 2020.

Haldir smiles and nods appreciatively to Navarre's invitation.  He draws his long axe from it's place on his back and leans it and his spear nearby so as not to be in anyone's way.  He takes the seat pushed out for him and motions to the barkeep.  He replies to Navarre with a grin,"Surely you would not think your deeds in rescuing the famous hero dwarves from the battle if five armies would not be the talk of the town.  Word gets out fast in Lake Town.  Rumor was your company were going to venture back out towards Mirkwood.  Buren and myself have been away from home for quite sometime in our wanderings."  He smiles sheepishly,"Was thinking I should go visit me mum eventually.  Be an age since I've seen her."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Sat 08 Feb 2020.

For the moment, Gwydian lets Mock and Navarre direct most of the dialogue with Haldir. While listening, he stares at the dog intently, wondering what pedigree it may be. He had grown up with hunting dogs, but since he left home, he hasn't had a stable enough situation to acquire one of his own. He looks forward to that some day, when he retires to his own estate, but for now that day remains many years away.

Gumm takes a seat directly across from Haldir.  After staring a hole in him for at least five minutes, he comes out and says what he's been thinking.  "Mine's bigger.  And better.  Tell yer mum next time you see her."

In reply to Gumm (msg # 17):

"It is not important who has the biggest doggy. You should see your mum more often, but this is not a trip that will likely allow you. We will be crossing Mirkwood and returning. I hope that does not influence your decision."

Haldir stares back at Gumm and says to the group,"Does this braggart travel with your group? He seems an unfriendly sot.  Perhaps you should keep the drink away from him when negotiating for traveling companions. " He looks a Mock,"That was more of a jest than an actual quest on my part.  Me mum will forgive me if coin is involved.  Buren and I can guide you through Mirkwood."

In reply to Haldir (msg # 19):

"Fine to join us as far as I am concerned then."

Kodran doesn't notice the cold stare from Gumm as his attention is on the new comer.  Navarre has a way with people and getting a feeling for them requires studying how they interact with others.  But he does take note at Gumm's antagonistic comments.

He turns to the woodsman curious where this is going and wonders briefly if it will turn into a scuffle.  Thankfully Haldir lets the taunt roll off his back like water off a duck.

Following Mocks appraisal the ranger extends a hand again for shaking.  ”Made my mind up too.  You're good by me.”


OOC:
I'm good with Haldir joining.

Haldir smiles and nods,"Thank you sir." He adjusts his meager backpack as he gets up and shakes Kodran's hand.

“It’s not the biggest doggy that matters.  It’s the biggest axe!  Get it?”

Gumm reminds himself to go to joke school after the adventure.  He obviously isn’t ready
for prime time.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:42, Wed 12 Feb 2020.

In reply to Gumm (msg # 23):

"Bah, it is not the size of the axe that matters, it is how it is used."

Haldir grins at his attempt at a joke.  He gestures to his long axe says,"Mine's big enough. But as far as Buren, he can fair well against any foe."

"All this talk of axes is making me thirsty, lads." Balin joins the group around the table and beckons to a server for another round of ale. "So I take it you've finished interviewing potential candidates? I've made arrangements to buy a mule and rations for our journey." The Dwarf nods at Haldir as the server, Asfrid, a middle-aged woman with fair hair and freckles, brings frothy mugs for each person at the table.

"I may have another person for our journey, an ally of an old acquaintance," the Dwarf continues. "I'm not sure if I can coax him along, but if I can, we should be ready for whatever else Mirkwood throws at us." The Dwarf chuckles and takes a draught of his mug. "With any luck, we'll be there and back again before you know it."



OOC: Make sure you've made your purchases and spent your CPs. I'd like to begin the journey proper by this Saturday.

Haldir looks at the drink with a lustful glance but leans back and sighs,"Alas.  I have no coin to pay for such a draft.  I spent my last copper on the paltry rations in my pack.  I am not any were near as well off as you gents and lady." as he bows his head to the she-elf. He says to the server "Kind lady would it be a bother if you bring a bucket of water for my friend Buren here." As he gestures to the dog now lying quietly next to his feet.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

In reply to Haldir (msg # 27):

"Yeah. Only really had one, but that should be enough. Three dwarves have all the muscle we need. I think I will have that offered draught though...Haldir, he is offering you one, not asking you to buy it!"

He takes the beer offered and drinks heartily.

Haldir grins and takes it gladly drinking greedily as if it's been ages since he tasted such a drink.

“I’ve got all the muscle we need.” He says this like they don’t even know it.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:28, Fri 14 Feb 2020.

Weardon steps into The Silver Flagon, closing the door carefully behind him.  Instead of heading for the bar, however, he takes a step towards the center of the room, and looks around.  He's a hairy man, with long brown hair and a similarly unkempt beard.  He could pass for a dwarf, except that stands 6'3", which makes him tall for a human.

Weardon is dressed rather simply, like many of the outdoorsmen of the area.  A large cape of furs covers his body, hiding the rest of his clothing.  His left hand holds a staff, and he has a large knife on his hip.  His backpack has a plain 2-handed axe attached to it.

As he looks around, Weardon stands out a bit.  He has an air of business about him that contrasts with the jocularity and general rambunctious tone around him. He had only just arrived in town on his errand, and had not even taken a minute to look around.  He was late, and concerned that he might have missed his moment.  That is, until his eyes settle on Balin.

With a small tilt of his head, the dark skinned man makes himself over to the table.  "Balin, I was told that I would find you here.  And, given the company, it seems I am not too late.  Well met.

Beorn sends his best.  I did not see him, but he sent word that you might need help.  I am here to offer my services, if you are willing to have me along."

OOC Greetings all.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Sat 22 Feb 2020.

Gilmith smiles absently, making brief eye contact as Haldir mentions her.  She had meant to be engaged in finding and assessing their potential companions, though perhaps she had always known that the dwarves would be the ones who had the most input on those that would make the company.

In truth, she had been a little detached ever since the first of the men, smelling fit to offend a skunk, had given her special consideration, trying to make eye contact as he explained his best skills, as if being a woman would make her more easily swayed than the others.  She had let the other do the vetting from then and indeed, she had to admit she had little interest in the fine details.  Mock had taken ages discussing the mules, and rations, and giant barrels of water (giant barrels of water?!) loading them down with hundreds of pounds of food, equipment, and animals that seemed to load them down precipitously... all to deliver a gem the size of a fist.  It was odd to be sure, though perhaps this was the way that men and dwarves did things.

There had been little to pull Gilmith back into the conversation...  The Haldir, Gumm, and Mock had gotten into a very brief and thinly veiled discussion on how large their genitalia was (men!) that is, until the newcomer, his sternum rising taller that Gilmith's entire form, walks in the door, speaking of Beorn...  It was a long walk for sure from his homeland, and likely along the very route that they intended to take.  Perhaps Haldir had done the same thing as he had boasted...  an extremely fortunate circumstance if indeed they had two such men who had made the trip across the Mirkwood singlehandedly!

OOC:  I like including the subtitle of the Hobbit in the last post boss!  Makes me think we'll be in this adventure for quite a long time!

In reply to Gilmith (msg # 32):

"Ehh. We almost left without you. Beorn sent you, did he?"

He generally gave the air of ignoring the elf in the corner. She had not done anything to earn his mistrust, but she was an elf, after all. The lack of facial hair and smooth skin did nothing to add to her appearance, at least as far as a dwarf was concerned, but in passing through the elf lands, she just might save a LOT of trouble.

The big newcomer, on the other hand, seemed to be yet another guide. Good. Hopefully the guides would be accurate. It augured well.

Weardon turns slightly when the dwarf speaks to him, adjusting his posture to face the group at the table more directly.

"He did not ask me directly.  He sent word that you would likely need some assistance.  That was good enough for me.

I just arrived, but can be ready to leave tomorrow.  What are your plans, if this is the appropriate place to discuss them?"

In reply to Weardon of Amon Lanc (msg # 34):

"Passing through Mirkwood. You must know the route if you came through there. Beorn sent word specifically to you?"

Kodran takes note of the mountain of a man enter the room and pause.  His eyes linger on the huge axe. The ranger cheekily thinks, He'd be somethin' 'gainst the Mewlips.  They'd piss themselves at the mere sight a'him.  Too bad he's not comin' with us.

But when the rugged human comes close to the group and introduces himself Navarre cannot help but chuckle at the irony.  He extends a hand.  ”Kodran friend.  And no, you're not too late.  Sit, join us.”


OOC:
Get Weardon up to speed on our plans.  Not much really.  We're taking the river south and then the Old Forest Road west.  We've bought some animals to carry a butt load of gear which mostly involves food and water. 

Haldir also being new nods his head and replies,"Well met Weardon.  I am Haldir son of Galdir of Wilderland.  This is my companion Buren hound of Mirkwood." He finishes his draught.