Storms raged across the little kingdom of Alkuff. The heavens shook with thunder and and rippled with lightning. It was what the local inhabitants of the capital, Kardican, called Dragon Storms. Watchmen hunched in their cloaks, the night was cold and damp, even for an early spring night in the central highlands.

Lamps swayed and guttered, torches flickered and often went out, and the braziers of aged pine and yew hissed and popped under the storms assault. Horses left tied in the open jerked in their tethers, nervous and anxious in the night's tumult, many ripped free or tore down the hitching posts and bolted into the street searching for safety from the storm.

People ran from awning to porch to doorway under soaked hoods and rain pelted ponchos. Seeking cover was more a matter of wading than running as storm drains and sewers overflowed with the storm's runoff. The mud and muck stank like a moldy corpse and could numb the feet in its icy embrace in moments. Inside the homes of the capital, the good citizens both cursed and thanked the Gods.

At the Inn of the Hungry Unicorn people gathered. The owner, a dwarf known as Onik the Two Finger, always kept his roof well slated, his fire stoked high, and his ale room filled with kegs. Known for common luxury at decent prices and sumptuous living for quite bit more, the Inn of the Hungry Unicorn boasted one of the better kitchens in all of Kardican.

With a clientele as diverse as any in Vaiden, the Inn was nearly full. The common room bore long table covered in dirty crockery, empty flagons and jugs, and piled cloaks and weapons. Songs in at least four languages could be heard at any time. In the corners groups gamed with dice and coin, usually copper but some silver. Minstrels wondered, playing for those wanting to hear a song. Ladies of the night subtly plied the crowd looking for customers to service in the toilets, or their rooms if the customer had one.

Serving girls, showing more leg and cleavage as the night passed and the ale flowed, had taken to spicing mugs of ale and cups of tea with whiskey or schnapps to 'fight of the cold of the storm'. It didn't hurt the tips either.

An Orc, towering and overpoweringly smelly, sat at the head of a table. He played a battered lute with the skill of a surgeon. He told the tale, in his gruff and tusk accented voice, of a a pair of young lovers from rival families that went to great lengths to hide their love, and prevent a war between their families, but ultimately only found peace in death. Women swooned, men grinned, and wine was order by the flagon.

A young elven woman of memorable beauty danced among the raucous patrons, her charms on display through a sheer gown that barely covered what is didn't hide. She flirted, sang in several languages joining songs and celebrations alike. Ignoring honest offers best left to the ladies of the night, the young elf maiden titillated and gyrated and pickpocketed her way among the patrons.

A quiet man sat, cross-legged, near one of the fires. He wore only tunic and trousers but a cloak, boots, and robe hung behind him near the roaring fireplace. A plate holding the skin of a plum, some crusts of bread, and a few grains of rice bespoke of his simple meal. A skin a water rested near his leg, as did a small shoulder bag. He was covered in ritual brands, colorful tattoos, and menacing scars and despite the noise and activity seemed calm, serene almost to the point of being catatonic.

If asked, the usual patron would say it was just another night at the Inn. Minus the storm off course, but then, they were here three years ago when the nights of ice had come to the kingdom. The candles burned low but spirits ran high.

(This will be the actual starting location for the upcoming adventure. I hope it gives you a little to work with. I'm still working on some maps. I don't care if you all know each other or not. Remember good backstories are worth extra perks. We will hopefully be ready to begin on Wednesday or Thursday, unless you need more time. I'm ok with that too.)

A small gnome sat by the orc strumming her ukelele to his song. The girl had curly, honey golden locks tied in an updo, pinned by a tiny hat. She was adorned by jewelery and her beautiful blue dressed and leather boots made her look like she belonged in some far off court, not an Alkuff inn. She smiled, sweatly up at the orc as she invited herself into the song, making it a duet. Her large purple-blue eyes glazed over with little white specks, making them look like a midnight sky. She took a swig of her Linnorm mead and plucked away.

ooc Perform (string) 10:33, Today: Penny Perseus rolled 27 using 1d20+12 ((15)).

Penny strummed her Ukulele with ease, comfortable in the rough hewnness of the Inn, enjoying the coarseness of Orc's style of play and singing. It was a new thrill, melding the smooth harmony of her soul with the hard, chaotic chords of the Orcs. In moments people began to grow more boisterous, and more generous. Coins fell at Penny's small feet, mostly copper but the occasional silver tinkled to the floor boards as well.

A storm of auspice, the shaman would call it. Thunder would rumble and the trees would move, some so deeply rooted with winds so strong that the rock and ground would move too. In many forests this was cause to claim the earth itself was haunted, but in the Dunwood it was less haunted and more inhabited. A time to go forth, to raid, to hunt. Big orcs didn't like it, worgs and big goblins didn't like it either. The storms were sent by the favour of the gods, the real gods, to allow the goblin to hunt uncontested.

"Merry Oxpiss! Oh happy, happy Oxpiss!"

The goblin skipped, high-kicked and twirled through the muddy flooded streets, roaring with a cackling laughter as unsettling as the reek that clung to him. He overstepped and crashed into the water, sending a splash up, but this simply seemed to make him merrier twice over.

"RAWWR!!" he roared into the night, seemingly aimed at a passing galloping horse. His snarl was only tempered by a licking of his gumline as his stomach rumbled

"Must get in. In food? Why do they call it in I wonder?"

The Hungry Unicorn looked promising. A fearful and monstrous beast was the unicorn, appearing here and there as a figure of death to good gods-fearing goblins. Surely here Barg, Dunwood bastard runt, could find a challenge. Or a chicken.

The door swung open with some force as the goblin made an entrance

"Apologies. I wish to be in an In-side, get In-food. I have copper coins which I have not shaved! Merry Oxpiss!"

He produced a small handful of coins to no one in particular, doffing his poncho to drape it over the non-coin holding arm. He patted his belt pouch, which shifted and murmured a croak as he strode in further, looking up at all the bigger people while he hoped to find the person who made the in-food, trailing the horrid stench of his corded leather hide and fibrous armour.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Tue 26 May 2020.

Brengalyn rode with some purpose to get out of the rain. Her armour, her clothes, all of it was soaked. Her boots swam with water and her hair was matted to her face. A dragon storm wasn't uncommon, but she'd hoped to beat it. Now she was wet and cold and worst of all, astride a quarrelsome warhorse who appreciated the weather even less.

Urging Velvet onward, Brena slowed her mount when they reached the Hungry Unicorn. A passing merchant on the road had recommended the place when pressed, though it likely had more to do with the prostitutes and barmaids now that she saw it. The towering warrior swung down off her horse and led Velvet to see if there was a groom available to attend her.

"She'll need a brush, and a drying. This saddle and blanket too, all need attending."

The groom or stableboy likely knew all this, or if they didn't they were likely no help at all to Brengalyn, but she left Velvet to the stabling all the same for the night, approaching the inn proper then

Entering she removed her leather gloves, attempting to turn out the cotton lining slightly as she approached the man or woman in charge.

"I've a horse, and need of a room."

Her voice boomed in accordance with her size, the frizzy tangled mop of dark hair dripping from the rain as she leaned, smacking her gloves down on a nearby surface, putting her coin purse on top of them as emphasis of the heft of her coins.

"And I'll need beer, wine and something decent to eat."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Thu 28 May 2020.

Thamkis stared at the tea pot with a look of longing mixed with annoyance. She'd been all over and seen all sorts of teas but you never knew if you were getting a good one until they brought it to you. Until it steeped and mixed and created the flavours.

But she just wanted a tea. Graham murmured unhelpfully, stowed in her haversack.

"Yes. I know I'm waiting too long in your opinion. I like strong tea! And as you don't eat anything at all I don't see why you're complaining. I told you it'd rain, oh these bones aren't just sly, they're weather divination rods! And I got us here, all four safe and sound! Why I'll bet right now those two are eating apples and pissin' off some lordling's palfrey with their jawing, just you see."

She waggled a finger at her haversack

"And don't you be making those faces, I know how you are. Disapproval doesn't suit you. Now hush."

With keen eye Thamkis watched the gnome and orc duet. A strange game they played those two, and like as not one which would be playing it's own drama before long. The gnome had a look of more than an entertainer or musician, she was that virulent sort, the bard. Dilettantes of the ancient studies, long since abandoning their stations for fame and easy living. She wondered what would bring one to play the Unicorn, for its reputation was not the kind to bring well-heeled folks . . .

A tall, buxom auburn haired serving wench approached the door. She handed a bucket of warm, nearly hot water to Barg with one hand as she took the handful of offered copper coins in the other. Eying the coins with a seasoned eye she told Barg, "Clean that muck off you, place stinks enough of farts, feet, and finks. This'll get you a decent room with a decent bed, keep you well fed on decent boar and bread and slightly drunk on decent beer. It will not pay debts at the tables over cards or dice, a shave and bath are extra, and no whores in your room."

Looking at Brengalyn the serving wench flashed a bright smile that made her face take on a sultry look, "My but the big strong one bring out the heat in loins. Take a seat where you would like. Got some sweet wine spiked with strong liquor from the town of Villanor, three days south of here, it'll put a fire in your belly and love in your heart. For a silver I keep your goblet full, and bring you out a plate of aged cheddar, ripe grapes, juicy roast pork, and some fresh sourdough rolls with butter."

Her doting smile and easy charm wasn't lost on anyone, and it struck Brengalyn that this woman was the first human in quite some time to see her as warrior, and customer, instead of outcast. She would have to keep an eye for this one, strong and easy company often led to an empty purse come morning.

Turing away the woman called out over the din of the common room, "Lupo, a pitcher of Villanor's Best and a lord's plate for the warrior here, a bag o'coppers special for the goblin, and tell Lindor that the old maid with the tea needs a stronger pot of the black root. I told them old gals like a hardy brew."

She began walking through the throng, shoving her way past grasping hands and slapping aside any that came to close to her swaying breasts with little more regard that to swatting at annoying insects. A short, stocky man, or maybe just a tall, swarthy dwarf came out of the kitchen holding a wooden slab tray that carried a steaming ceramic pot of tea and made his way toward Thamkis. Unlike the attractive woman, he had no need to push through the crowd; it parted before him as if on queue.

"Sounds good."

Fishing in her coin purse Brengalyn produced assorted eight silver pieces, six copper coins and a hexagonal gold piece stamped with a bee and comb.

"A bath as well. And the services of a laundress or washerwoman. My night's stay and stabling for my horse."

She moved the coins with her fingers as she itemized what remained of her requirements, moving the silver for the sweetwine and food board last.

"I shall find a seat and await the food."

Hanging her cloak on the nearest peg to the seat she found, or across her chair otherwise, Brengalyn parked herself close to the center of the action, enjoying the singing and music. She smiled widely, though she grew a little sad as she watched the orc sing, a thought crossing her face. The copper coins she'd produced to throw the orc slipped back in her pocket, and she cast an eye about, watching the wandering goblin with some trepidation. Here to steal and injure, no doubt, and reeking of some sewer or latrine by the miasma coming off him

Penny began to move about, she stared at the waitresses chest a moment as she walked past and watched the goblin with interest. The warrior woman sat down nearby. She smiled, bidding her fellow musician to take his fill of the coins they made and sat besides the well-dressed, tall woman. "Helloooo there!" the gnome grinned feeling slightly buzzed. "You! You have a story don't you? Let's hear it!" She stood up excitedly on the chair, her eyes matching the warrior woman's eyes in height.

Barg looked up at the barmaid the way a cow looks at an oncoming bulette, eyes wide open. He twisted his face up really hard and thought for a moment

"Of . . . course? No horse is good, horse is foul creature-"

He spat on the floor

"Pah! Not belong in room, unless having a roast!"

Barg took the bucket and nodded, stripping out of his hide armour and overclothes, gathering it all in a large bundle and walking with all those things, clad in his loincloth, to the door to dump the barrel over his head and return, dripping, to the common area

"Muck cleaned! I will store my clothes safely now."

And just like that he wandered off to stash his clothes and armour under a table.

Thamkis smiled when a new pot of tea arrived. She looked at her haversack with an 'I told you so' expression and sagely nodded to the arriving dwarf, speaking to him in dwarven over the noise

<"A good evening to you. Most kind of you.">

She watched the gnome go off to engage some warrior woman. Likely this tall, dark and leathered beast was the worst sort of tavern patron . . . an adventurer. Good for killing your rats of unusual girth, not so good for keeping your children safe later.

"Tell me, has any news come to your ears recently?"

"The king is having a ball, celebrating some frivolous holiday for his latest queen." He spoke, his voice all deep bassoon and dry leather. "In eleven days. Tis to be a grand gala."

He held up his hands in pantomime awe. He smiled easily, but his hands were those of serious man. Callous and scarred in the manner of a Dwarf too accustomed to the physical rigors of axe and fist. His smile faded to a semi scowl, his natural look, that suited his bushy mustache and overly large nose.

"An Elf, name of Relkin Shadowdale," he snorted a laugh as if the name was supposed to carry some weight, "comes here in early hours before sunrise. Says he is looking for others to help him find a lost cave in the mountains south of Kardican."

He laughed, a real guffaw, then turned dour once again.

"Damned fool." Lindor, she recalled him being called, spoke with a serious edge to his voice. "I was raised in the mountains here about. Fought in them, mined them, and God's know the truth, I cut many a route through them. Never heard of a lost cave, not in my one hundred and eleven years."

Someone called his name drawing the dwarf away.

Brena smiled a half-smile and looked away for a moment before coming back to the little gnome

"I must say I haven't been approached this directly in a while. At least not in a crowded tavern."

Leaning forward, the warrior spoke in a conspiratorial tone

"I'm just your average sellblade, tramping up and down the hedges of the countryside. I just returned from the contested lands, where I had the glorious distinction of collecting taxes being withheld from a local lord. Not that I saw much of that coin . . . so I stole a horse in lieu of payment. Because she liked me and I took a liking to her."

The little gnome was charming to be sure, and Brena found herself telling the story gladly and openly.

"You look a bit out of sorts, even in a higher end place like this. Why does a gnome were finery to an inn?"

Barg popped up at the mention of caves and tunnels

"Hello! Could not help overhearing about cave! Lucky day for you, Barg is expert detector, will find cave! Cash on the livery, Barg always says."

He put hands on the haversack

"Old woman would do well not to speak to a bag, no telling what could be thought!"

Putting a hand inside he withdrew it quick in pain, holding his fingers

"Something bit Barg on snatching hand!"

"Goblin should not put his hands in my bag, seems like. Sometimes things bite."

Thamkis smiled and bugged her eyes out

"Hand me the bag, carefully mind, and you can sit."

She took the haversack and whispered to the contents inside, a rustling heard from within

"Do you drink, master goblin? I'll buy you some ale for the bite to your hand."

In reply to Brengalyn (msg # 13):

Penny listened wide eyed at the mercenaries story, "So our daring warrior is a redistributer of goods I see! Splendid! I should like to see your horse! They are delihtful!" the bard chirped excitedly.
She twirled while in the chair "I wear this dress everywhere! It belonged to nana Perseus. I'm Penny by the way! Penny Perseus!"

A plump dwarf arrived with Brengalyn's wine and food and placed in on the table with the ease of much practice. She smiled in a friendly manner, but the lines in her face gave away her elder age.

"Fine playing, my dear, will you be needing food or lodging?" She said. He northerly accent wasn't lost on either Penny or Brengalyn. "My husband and I would be willing to put you up for the night, food and bath included, if you would play for a while."

Not too far off, a tall man in plain white robes laughed and said in Goblin Tongue, "That was funny, mayhap you could find your way to the kitchen for some chickens. I could use a good laugh tonight."

Brengalyn laughed at the suggestion she redistributed goods

"Of sorts, yes."

She extended a hand to Penny, holding it in front of her

"Brengalyn. And yes I think Velvet would like to meet someone so impeccably dressed"

She clapped in approval at Penny's twirl and leaned back to allow the food and wine to be laid out. Snatching up the wine she took a sip and pronounced it suitable.

Barg smiled toothily when the other patron laughed, scrambling as he was to hand off the bag. He smiled and pondered aloud to Thamkis' hearing

"Barg could steal a chicken! Barg has stolen many chickens before!"

He looked to the other patron, calling out in goblin.

"I am glad I made you laugh! I will see what I can do!"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Wed 03 June 2020.

Thamkis tutted sharply and responded in accented goblin

"Hey now! No stealing chickens. They'll be looking for any reason to not have you here, make sure they don't throw you out!"

"My wife was trying to be humorous." A gruff voice said. "Don't steal the chickens, there wouldn't be anything for you supper otherwise."

The dwarf moved on through the crowd with a tray in his hands.

The door to the Inn flew open, gusts of storm driven rain splattered nearby patrons to their amusement as a cloak wrapped figure staggered in and dropped to the floor. A trio of short, darkly painted arrows protruded from the person's back. Shouts and shrieks could be heard over the music and din of conversation drawing more attention to the body on the floor.

Penny smiled, she was about to answer to the kindly dwarf when the man came into the inn. When he hit the floor the young gnome flew into action. Jumping off the chair and running as fast as her little legs could carry towards it. "Everyone, please! Out of the way! " Pushing through the crowd she quickly placed glowing hands on the man.
Ooc cure light wounds 05:48, Today: Penny Perseus rolled 4 using 1d8+3 ((1)).

Brengalyn was up almost immediately after Penny, striding with big steps and weaving through the crowd with a great amount of grace for her unsubtle and towering form. Those with eyes to see it would notice she had come away with the skewer from the roast pork that had just been set on the table, as if by instinct, now held reverse grip in her off-hand.

Kneeling beside Penny, she watched the magic at work, her eyes keen to observe the bard in action. For she was a bard, or some other type schooled in the old magics, that much was clear.

"Alive?"

She looked up at the door to see if the path the man had taken might be open, and pushed towards it

"Apologies, I need to check something . . . "

OOC: Perception 18 and move out into the rain to look around

Thamkis smiled and raised an eyebrow knowingly as she sipped her tea.

"Now, good goblin . . . Barg I take it? I think you and I will have much to discuss tonight. I must admit, I'd hoped for a livelier time than I was getting, and you certainly have provided-"

The crash as the man entered and fell, struck by the arrows, led to a clatter of tea cup to table (gently) as Thamkis hopped down, taking up a cudgel and menacing people back with it.

"Make way! MAKE WAY! I'm a wise woman! I might be able to help."

Though old and bent, the halfling made her way fairly directly, ducking those who didn't move and coming to rest at the injured party as the large mercenary and the gnome worked.

"Those will have to come out, every time he's moved we risk further injury. But graver still if the arrows remain in. I think your magics may have handled the worst of the bleeding-"

The wizened woman knelt across from the other two and nodded to Brengalyn as she went outside to check

"I'll pull, you keep pressure here. There's a bright girl."

Bereft of oinments, pastes and bandages the halfling worked to snap the shafts of the arrows and set them aside in case they proved a key to his attack, and then pinched the stubs of the arrows to see if enough remained to pull, or if they could leave the arrow heads until later . . .

OOC: Heal check of 21

People shuffled about as Penny and Thamkis made their way to the body. Rolling the figure onto its side and unwrapping the blood and rain soaked cloak everyone gasped; it an elf.

A young, heart-achingly beautiful, female elf. She was nearly unconscious and bleeding. The efforts of the two healers left her breathing easier, the arrows wound up on the floor next her young form, and her torn tunic pulled away to apply bandages. When the young elf maiden's naked torso came into view a collective 'ooh-ahh' went through the crowd.

One of the nearest bystanders quickly used his own cloak to provide cover for the young woman as the others two worked their magic and healing craft to aid her. she would recover in time. Blue streaks, following the the blood vessels under the maiden's golden skin, showed the signs of poisoning.

As efforts where made to save the young elf's life, Brengalyn and several others stormed out onto the Inn's porch, and into the storm's fury, to look for any signs of trouble. Down the street a night watchman's halberd stuck up in the ground with its storm lantern swaying wildly. The watchman lay on the ground in a heap. A heap with five arrows sticking out of it.

At the edge of the lantern's light a trio of short figures, Goblins by their gate, moved quickly to mount spiders the size of miniature ponies. A glint of steel in the light reflected the way only chain mail could, mail worn shiny is spots from long wear and hard use.

Brengalyn looked back through the open door at the arrows; lacquered black, a single barb on the arrow head, the residue of a bluish resin on the shaft below the arrowhead's binding. She sighed, an ill omen for sure, the Black Sons. They were a freelance company of Goblin mercenaries known for their cruel efficiency and their merciless desire to win.

"I'll be damned to a death of razors, the Black Sons." And older warrior said. he stood near Brengalyn looking form the arrows to the three figures. As they watched the trio faded into the stormy night only to reappear when a flash of lightning illuminated the trio as their spider mounts scaled the inner surface of the distant castle wall. In a flash they were up and over the battlements.

Brengalyn stared for a good moment at the mounted goblins, her free hand reaching back for her darkwood bow . . . but it was obviously with her other weapons, her arrows clattering against her hip in their quiver uselessly. So she watched them go.

"The Black Sons. Knock me sideways."

She turned on her heel and returned to the tavern, thoroughly soaked, and stood off to the side out of the way of the door to allow the other would be pursuers to return. There was no way she could run off without arms and horse to hunt goblins. They'd need a posse.

Barg sat alone at the table once the old woman ran off. Nice woman, very particular, big hitting stick.

As the room continued to look at the door Barg made his move, reaching across the table for the teapot first and pouring out the tea into cups to reduce it's weight.

He turned the teapot over and over in his hands, inspecting it for worth in adding to his collection. Deciding against it, he set the pot back down on the table and drank a cup of tea. Pah! Hot leaf juice, what were the big folk thinking?

The commotion hadn't stopped and so Barg fished through his pocket. The one pocket he kept all his things in that weren't stored in his poncho at least. Wrapping his hand around a slippery creature, he produced a slimy toad and placed it on the table and continued to rummage, pointing a gnarled finger at the amphibian

"No hop. Only sit."

Pulling out a fine pocket watch, Barg sighed in relief. It was here still! Opening the watchface by prying it open with his nails (the latch long since snapped by this practice), he gazed at the hands.

"Ah yes. Is that time! Well, must be cracking on!"

Snatching the toad back up with some protest from the animal who'd just adjusted to his surroundings and giving the creature a lick before putting it and the watch back in his pocket, Barg ambled towards the front to see this person who'd made a fuss at the door.

"Oh, is an elf! Barg did not know was in elf kingdom!"

Picking up one of the arrow shafts and looking at it, Barg made a face

"Elf kingdom with goblin arrow. Bad mix, like buko and thudrud."

He brought the arrow to his nose to sniff it as the room continued to spin a little. Wheeeeee

OOC: Craft alchemy check perhaps to identify the poison? 21 if applicable

All eyes turned to Barg. The little Goblin made his way through the crowd to the fallen elf. Without any recognition of their stares, indignation, or contempt, Barg grabbed up an arrows and did a quick evaluation.

He sniffed the arrow, licked it and spit onto the floor with a messy splat, then scraped a bit of paste from it and ran it between his fingers. Snapping the paste away Barg turned to the Elf maiden as she lay unconscious while the old one bandaged her. She was very attractive, would bring a lot of GOLD at auction on the slave market.

There was something else in the taste though. Barg ran his finger into the Elf's blood on the floor and tasted it. A collective gasp went up. He spat, not noticing them, and spat into the floor again messily.

The girl had been shot with arrows coated with a venom, most likely from a spider or maybe a scorpion. He was sure of that, it was lethal with a little time. He was sure of that. And, unless his taste buds lied, she was pregnant. And that, too, he was sure of.

"Bug poison, big stingy or biting kind."

Barg looked at Thamkis and smiled widely

"And is pregnant, no mistake."

The licking of his thin lips left little doubt in anyone's mind what Barg was thinking about a human baby. He looked down again and patted the woman's belly since her torso was exposed.

"Congratulations, Barg hopes for no runts!"

"Poison will kill in thirty foot thumps, or less. Barg not good counter."

"Don't need thirty. Don't need ten."

Thamkis held up a hand, her fingers glowing with dark blue light as she touched a small wreathe of holly at her neck, the leaves bristling.

An emblem of a hexagon made of seven hexagonal cells formed on the elf's chest, and then seeped into her flesh

OOC: delay poison

"We have hours now. A few . . . "

She looked at Barg

" . . . a few thousand foot thumps."

She straightened up and looked around

"Could I get a few strapping lads to carry her to my bed? Barg, there's a clay pot in my wagon-do not touch my mules-carry it here and don't spill"

Brengalyn stood silent as the commotion over the goblin rose and just watched. Though initially offended by the goblin's boldness she let it slide as the two small ones seemed to tolerate him

Whipping off her gambeson, Brengalyn cast it over the elf woman once the wise woman's spells were in place

"Show's over boys, you'll need to pay a copper down at the market to see the like from now on."

Something about the townsfolk's leering off-put her. She reached down to scoop up the unconscious elf and heft her

"Show me the way then granny."

The goad on her leg clattered without the gambeseon beneath it to hold it in place, and a pair of knives on her belt were now visible where  before they'd lay beneath the quilted leathers. Brengalyn wore a functional jerkin chased with owl impressions, though she was not like to hold still long enough to let anyone examine it. Her arms were covered in several small blue tattoos, an anchor and a wave and a gull, and a twisting snake too.

OOC: medium load 133 lbs, hopefully enough
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Sat 06 June 2020.

The old dwarf walked up and pressed a key into Thamkis' hand and said, "Go through the kitchen and down to the cellar, it's out home. There is plenty of space for you and the girl. I have sent someone to fetch the watch sergeant."

People began settling back into their seats, several clapped Brengalyn on the back and actually complimented her. Many of the revelers had taken to drinking and gambling now that the action was over. The Orc swung into a new ballad, something about pretty little elf maidens in the arms big strong orcs.

The trip to the dwarf apartment in the cellar was short. The door resembled that of a vault. Inside they were all surprised to see that the large central chamber had a large fireplace with a chimney that obviously connected to the one in the kitchen. Seven rooms led off of the main chamber.

The walls were decorated with suits of armor, weapons, tools, paintings of various battles, family members, and mines, and a collection of musical instruments. It was most impressive and gave the feel of several generations worth of accumulation.

Penny ignored what the others were saying, she was panicking "Oh gods no! There's blood!" she held back the bile in her throat as she helped the old crone with the elf maiden "How do we say her?"

Barg scooted off and returned with a ladle, a tinderbox and a clay jar much as the old halfling described.

"Barg has come back! Forgot what he was getting but remembered eventually!"

Thamkis directed Brengalyn to place the elf woman down where she could work on her and walked over leaning on her cane to take the clay jar and set it by the woman's head.

"You can hold on to the other things for now but I'll need them back. I shudder to think what other things you'd lift if I sent you to my wagon again."

Pulling the lid off the jar Thamkis reached in, pulling forth a writhing green-black leech and placing it close to the site of the arrow wound. Another, and a third followed as she closed the jar again

"That should draw the poisoned blood, in time for her to recover."

OOC: heal check failed in fact, so no bonus to her fortitude save against poison

Thamkis did her best, but she felt somehow her efforts fell a little short of the mark. Now, time was their burden, and their cure. The elf maiden slept, very soundly in fact. Serving girls came into the apartment as the group gathered around the elf settled in for the night.

Food, hot and fresh, was laid out on a long trestle table. Flagons of ale and steaming pots of tea arrived also. Bread, hot and coated with melted butter and cinnamon, was laid out next to plates of fire-roasted beef and venison. No mention was made of expense or debt. No one asked if they needed anything.

EVERYTHING was provided; cots, blankets, cards, dice, chairs, wash basins, soap; everything. The cabinets of books, instruments, and works of art were unlocked for them to peruse at their leisure.

After a time, servants came down to clean away dirty crockery and place cups of chilled fruits, steamy pies, and jugs of cool water on the table. No one spoke, but was always open to being spoken to.

Once everything had been laid out, and everyone had a moment to relax and eat, the old dwarf came down with his wife.

"My real name is Uric Isgood Grimcleaver, of clan Hakkar." He stepped down into the apartment as he spoke, even helping his wife as he did so. "This is Marta Hjelga Grimcleaver, my wife, originally of the Orno Clan. I was a warrior of some merit in my time. My wife was a priestess of our god of valor, Halgar Stonefist."

The entered the room. Shaky with their advanced years, but as regal as any royalty and approached the elf as she slept.

"Her color is much better." Said Hjelga. "But, I fear for the child she carries. I have sent a runner for the captain of the King's guard and another to the temple of Amolette, an Elf deity that celebrates health, fertility, and children. They should both be arriving sometime in the morning."

In reply to GM (msg # 36):

Brengalyn set herself by the bread and beef and venison after procuring a flagon of ale. Not a bad pay for hefting a pregnant woman, though the provision was like as not not intended for her

"And what of a return of fire? Are the goblins going to be dealt with for this attack? Is there an injured party who could use a strong sword arm?"

She flexed the arm which wasn't currently holding her flagon, then set to work piling a plate with meat and bread

"If you could point me to the person needing my services I'd be more than happy to oblige . . ."

Thamkis left her work once done to get some food down her neck, pouring several subsequent cups of tea. She touched Penny lightly on the arm

"Can I get you anything dear?"

Sitting near the patient the old halfling busied herself with filling up on food and tea. When the old dwarf and his wife came down she smiled and rose from her seat and addressed them in dwarven before switching to common.

<"Many thanks for the room and food. Halgar's stern gaze is not lost in these lands, and his hospitality is appreciated.">

"I fear for her child as well. Birthing is difficult, and long for the elfkind, and this poison will not make it easier, let alone the carrying."

She looked back at Brengalyn when she spoke

"I'd warrant this elf is an 'injured party' though likely not the kind you'd be able to get much money from. Though perhaps she has a rich parent, or the child's father will patronize your sword . . . "

She sneered contemptuously

Barg was unaware of any brewing conflict, as after delivering the clay pot he set about eating pies and meats and breads and all manner of things. He guzzled water but avoided ale (awful stuff, like weak thudrud!)

Finally, he collapsed in a heap within ten minutes, sated and happy and smiling so wide his cheeks hurt

Penny smiled weakly at the elderly woman "No thank you, I'm able to see in front of me just not at a distance" she had helped the healer woman, doing what she could during the time they'd been down there. "I'm not very used to blood, apologies for my reactions earlier." the young, usually cheerful girl was quite shaken, this experience had certainly sobered her up.

She took a deep breath, "Mayhaps I can reach to my family for some funding to help the elf maiden? I don't know if it will be of use but it is worth a try." she made an attempt to graze on a slice of meat pie.
"You are very kind to help this stranger Uric and Halgar. Desna bless you."

Marta stepped over towards Penney, a smile on her old face. She brought her hands up in the sign of her God and uttered a blessing under her breath.

"That is kind of you." She told Penny. "But it isn't necessary. We know who she is. We don't know her so much as we know her husband. She is Eucloria, locally known as Goldie for her skin's peculiar coloring. Her husband is Captain Arno Trand. He leads a free company in the employ of the King just south of Kardican."

Uric stepped over to the table to place some roast venison and tomatoes onto a small plate. He seemed particularly dour.

"In the morning someone should go down south and inform her husband of her predicament." Uric said. "I imagine this is just a prelude to whatever troubles are to come. Could a chance for you to make the money you seek, sellsword."

In reply to GM (msg # 42):

"May be just the chance, mercenary to mercenary we might just understand each other. I'll leave with the dawn . . . but for now I think I'll enjoy some comforts before I set back on the road."

Brengalyn sat down on a cot, lazily half-sitting up to sip from a flagon of ale while the others worked or did what they did

"I'd travel with you, if that won't annoy you too much."

Thamkis didn't much like the prospect of going with Brengalyn, but following after for no reason at all when the two could go together seemed foolish

"Once she's settled and safe it would do well to see this father to be and tell him myself what occurred."

Barg did not weigh in at all and simply rolled over and stood to go get more food and drink

Penny nodded, the color coming back to the gnome "I will come too! If you'll have me! Mister goblin, you should come to! If goblins hurt her we may need an expert."

A sharp bark of laughter escaped the old dwarf. He seemed to be genuinely amused, his belly shook with the efforts of his mirth. His hand fell to his hip as if to ensure his balance did not betray him.

"My dear, that was the funniest thing I have heard in ages." He snorted and chuckled, then regained some of his composure. "To think of a Goblin as an expert on anything other than eating, stealing, or treasure; especially his own kind, now that is indeed an amusing thought. No pun intended master Goblin, but you know yourself well enough to know the merit of my words. Experts at surviving, even more so than a cockroach. Now, that is what they are masters of."

He tossed a bag from a small pocket within his tunic. It hit the table with the tinkle of coins. He nodded at it as he turned to walk towards the door to one of the side chambers.

"Some silver for the road, take the Old Trade Road south out of Kardican until you come to small village with a lumber mill, Yunnif, and then head off into the hills to the southeast for about a day to get to the Little Snake." He neared the door and stopped without looking back. "You'll find him there in an encampment. Have a care they make war on bandits and monsters."

He opened the door and stepped through leaving it open for his wife to follow in her own time.

Brengalyn slept contentedly, waking early to arrange things with her horse. Trying her best to creep out and saddle her mount, she dressed in her armour in the stables, strapped her weapons to her belt and slung herself into the saddle with practiced grace. She'd considered snatching the coin purse, but thought better of it when she shifted it and it jangled for a moment.

The open road, and no fools to slow her down. She'd make good time, clear a goblin nest, and these fools would likely still be eating breakfast by the time she'd reached her destination.

"Tall woman leaving early?"

Barg was relieving himself in one of the horse stalls, coming around the corner and smiling as he straightened his small amount of clothing and snapped his poncho closed.

"I will wake the others! Good plan, attack elven camp early, surprise them with your mercenary contract attack."

Like the risen dead, Thamkis sat up at Barg waking her and Penny, creaking bones and groans as she shambled upstairs. She was dressed in the same clothes she'd born previously, and went about loading the wagon

"Had a bet going with Graham. He owes me two coppers. I look forward to seeing how he goes about repaying . . . "

She gave Brengalyn "the eye" and produced a small crab apple for each of her mules.

She woke up mumbling about her splitting head. Getting out of bed she ran her fingers through her mess of blond hair and grabbing her gear, stumbled outside. Tripping up the stairs, dam pixies tied her shoelaces again, she cursed to herself.

"I thought we'd all had agreed to take a later starting time?"
She asked dunking her head into an open water barrel and lightly smacking her face.

"Alright, alright I'm up!"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Tue 23 June 2020.

A stable boy was sitting atop a thick post, steaming cup of tea in one hand and a crust of fresh black bread in the other, and staring with a combination amusement and bewilderment on his young face.

The sight of Brengalyn getting prepared in her armor and weapons set the boy's mind spinning with tales of battle and glory, but Barg relieving himself as he spoke with noisome arrogance made the boy wince. At the sight of Thamkis arriving, and seemingly talking about a bet with a mule, set a smile on the boy's face again until she gave the other two what his uncle called the stink eye. Fear drove him to take a sip of tea and a bite of bread. Penny's antics almost made the boy laugh aloud.

The scent of the apples drew the mules attention away from the boy's fresh bread. Something not lost on the old hag as she soon spotted the youngster perched upon the post with his breakfast. Once he realized the old one had her eye on him he dropped his smile and immediately began tearing into his bread with young white teeth.

"Don't mind young Errol, it's time for breakfast for us." Hazrad the stable keeper said. He was walking in from the street carrying a cup of tea as well. "We groom early, before breakfast, make sure we don't have to forgo breakfast early risers need a fresh mount."

"I appreciate the work you've done on our account then."

Thamkis produced a three silvers, two for the master and one for the boy. They were worn, a little grimy, but silver underneath all the same, stamped with bees. She smiled her wrinkled smile and cast Errol a knowing wink

She inspected her mules and whispered to her haversack, still shaking about on its own with a soft groaning.

"You've taken good care of them. I shall make sure to double back, bring a small blessing for your family."

She worked to pack her leeches away again and set right the mess Barg had made, whistling for the goblin to climb aboard soon after.

"Ready to go Penny? I imagine our mercenary friend was intending to be off before we could slow her down . . . "
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Wed 24 June 2020.

"Well I'm sure 'Graham' and I've never been formally introduced, but very well grandmother, have your laugh at my expense."

Brengalyn had been too embarassed by being caught at her escape by Barg to make a run for it, and had waited for the others, an honestly mercifully brief amount of time. Perhaps they were travel-worthy after all . . . and conversation was a rare treat.

She considered Velvet, her horse and then looked to Thamkis

"Perhaps I might stow Velvet's barding in your wagon? If you're coming along, I'll need to slow my pace. And I can't imagine being in barding for longer would be too nice for Velvet."

"Is good day to travel, sun is hiding and light is low, perfect raiding weather still. Like a second Oxpiss after the first!"

Barg settled himself in the wagon and pulled out his toad, holding it cupped in his hands so it could see out of the wagon

"Thank you, Miss, I will see to your mules." He said as put the coins away. "I have some lenient oil to rub into their shoulders. It will help with chaffing in the rain."

He turned and walked off briskly to retrieve the oil. The boy, smiling broadly, worked at devouring his breakfast. He seemed oddly content on his morning perch.

(OOC: Going to post the next thread, no one is required to post further here unless you guys have a little RP to work out.)