Snoric muttered a thank you and slipped off his seat.  Tankard in one hand, staff in the other, the halfling made his way over to the gestured door.  He wasn't really surprised as he'd seen several folks, people who looked like they could handle themselves walk through.  He took a moment to look back to the bar almost as if he forgot something.  Feeling about his cloak with his staff hand, he patted his hip, nodded and continued on his way.

When he reached the door he waved his tankard at the nearest person.  "I was meant to meet Isasah here.  Apparently a mutual acquaintance may need my help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Fri 02 July 2021.

As the gnome gets up, the woman clears her throat to the purple haired woman. "Your not our usual here my dear...are you lost?

As the halfling walks through the room, he notices the madame talking to the purple haired woman, even more out of place than you felt, but most eyes were transfixed on the woman out playing the bard...including the bard himself who had a sour look.

As the halfling entered, the other halfling narrowed his eyes at him. "I am isasah, but my friend, this is a private function. Who is this acquaintance you speak of?"

Ensuring he is out of sight of the bar and well into the corridor, Snoric lets his 'disguise' slip and reveal his true nature.

"This is how Gundren knew me.  I imagine he enjoyed my culinary skills.  Now he said he needed my help in some sort of retreival."

He looked squarely at the halfling.  "So am at the wrong function?"

The halfling blinked  in surprise, but smiled. “Ahhh, master Snoric. My apologies…he never said you were skilled with arcane, just uniquely skilled. Please be seated. Master Gundren should be here soon…he had other matters to attend to. If you would like food or drink, please tell me, I can order for you.”

Standing outside of the Driftwood tavern, I take a moment to double check that my belongings are secure inside of my coat; it may be less comfortable this way but it would be more so if I lost them. Neverwinter was a city of opportunities, especially for those with few scruples, and any place that sold alcohol or other substances that would make a mark less observant would attract those with nimble fingers and loose definitions of personal property.

My feet are sore, my back aches, and my stomach grumbles in protest over another missed meal. The day had started early and run long but two weeks of effort had paid off. Now that Calinda knew who was behind the group of toughs that had been running the protection racket on our people sheltering in Neverdeath she could take appropriate action; unfortunately, that left me at loose ends for the moment. I could look for more menial work in the Arcanist's Quarter; while unpleasant the work was at least familiar and managed to let me maintain a stable cash flow. However, Gundren's letter indicated there may be other options available to me so I would listen to what he had to say before I made up my mind.

Brushing past the man standing near the doorway, I pull open the door and go inside. That is odd, while I have never been to the Driftwood myself, I know several people who rent rooms here and they never mentioned a door guard. Is someone important staying here or is this a lookout? Could this be about Gundren? He did not strike me as meriting such but then I only met him briefly. Anyway, that is not my concern, outside of my control, and I have too little information to make an informed judgement so there is no point worrying about it.

The scent of cooking food hits me solidly in the stomach, causing it to redouble its complaining. It did not smell as good as Edna's cooking but it did not smell like the food was going bad either; though it was a bit hard to tell over the smell of stale beer and unwashed bodies that seemed a staple of all taverns. The sound of many conversations filled the room, fortunately it is still early in the evening and none of the patrons are particularly loud or rowdy yet, competing with not one but two musicians. Sadly, the pair are not working together and their efforts only add to the auditory confusion of the room. Navigating around the patrons and tables I make my way to the bar and order a bowl of stew with some bread and some watered-down beer.

While I wait for my food, I take a look around the room. The deliberately mismatched furniture is a bit off putting. I can understand someone not caring about the aesthetics and how different pieces add to or detract from each other but this is something else. I think the owner was trying to salvage and display the history of the city while creating a distinctive and interesting atmosphere. Unfortunately, at least for me, they have surrounded us with the remnants of crushed hopes and dreams and great effort brought to ruin. Most of the patrons are what I would expect in this district but there are a few that stand out: the flashy musician with the odd eyes, scaly complexion, and poor taste in clothing; the two wary young women at the table, one a human with a prominent scar bisecting her left eye the other an armoured tiefling with an unusually large set of horns; a large, weathered man carrying a long, heavy blade; a short man wearing a large cloak making it difficult to judge his race; and out of the corner of my eye, a young woman with a scruffy mass of purple hair that seems hauntingly familiar.

It could not be her! It has been over a year and there has been no sign or word of the family having made it to the city. No, I am just tired and my hopes are getting the best of me.

Turning back to the bar I offer the barkeep a small smile as they deliver my food, handing over the money along with a small gratuity. "I was asked to meet Gundren Rockseeker here. Do you know where I can find him?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Fri 02 July 2021.

Did the bard just winked at her? Feeling her pale cheeks blushing, the embarrassed Amalia forced herself to resume her search for dwarves. Not a single one was to be found in the common room. Frowning, she tried to remember the wording of the letter, did she come here the wrong day?

"Would you be waiting for someone, dear?

Startled, the cleric looked up at the matronly woman looking at her with a patient smile.

Oh, was I that obvious? I'm so sorry.

Feeling her blush deepen, she nonetheless nodded her head.

Yes, actually. I'm looking for a dwarf, Gundren Rockfinder? No that's not it...Rockseeker?

She gave a small smile quickly dashed when a cloaked figure left the bar to go towards a back room, closely followed by another one obviously armed and armored, big horns coming out of her head. That one's attitude screamed "don't mess with me" and the petite teenager felt a shiver crawl down her spine. She quickly turned her eyes away from the tiefling and was caught again by the barely clothed bard, that was looking on with... was it amusement?

By Selune's light, what was she doing? The matronly woman pointed towards the same backroom that the cloaked figure and her tiefling... bodyguard... had just entered and she thanked the woman. But did not move from her seat right away, seeing a small blonde figure wielding a staff go in the room, and a huge man with a sword almost as long as she was tall. What would she do in such company?

Sighing, she dropped from her stool and glancing for a last time at the fascinating bard, she went to the door and opened it.

Allura took her gauntlets off affixed their snaps securely to each other about her belt.
Her hands were clean and well cared for though for one who was very observant slight calluses from one proficient in the use of personal weapons of the melee variety were on her thumb and along one side of her palm.

Her eyes looked to the armored man that had entered and while her eyes narrowed there was the slightest nod of respect of one warrior to another.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Fri 02 July 2021.

Yana sipped her drink, and nodded greetings to everyone who entered the back room.
This meeting wasn't going to be as exclusive as she'd hoped, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Yulin continued playing, the half blood bard could resume its work once she was finished, and while she had the attention of most of the patrons she continued playing for their affections and the possibility of gifts. As her wink was met by a blush and fluster by the purple haired hatchling Yulin smiled, the youngling was fresh from the nest indeed and appeared uncertain and overwhelmed at its current situation. As the hatchling's attentions were drawn by one of the staff Yulin watched in curiosity, it appeared her presumptions were correct and she followed the adolescent human with her eyes as it, too, walked to the back room. Their eyes met one final time as it looked back to her and as it went inside Yulin sighed and ceased her music. It was far too short a time for such a lovely performance. She noticed the half-human who was at the bar had gone, it must have entered the back room as well while she was distracted with the hatchling.

She looped her lyre again among the sashes at her hips and stood, the disappointment of such a brief performance left her as she smiled to the room. Eyes still upon her she gripped the front of her skirt with her right hand and the rear with her left, lifting the skirt slightly from both ends she curtsied to the room, bowing her head, just as she was taught. When she rose Yulin picked up her wineglass with delicate fingers and brought it to her lips, her brow rose with surprise at the flavor and quality. It was a simple Arabellan Dry but a good vintage and certainly worth gold rather than silver. A generous gift for the favour of song.

She looked towards the back room. Unless the Gundren mountain creature was recruiting an army the arrivals were almost at an end so she picked up the note that accompanied the wine and followed the others into the back room, glass in hand.

As Amalia made her way t the back room, another human came in, bookish, where the bartender looked him over as he spoke. "Rockseerer."  She indicated the door to the back where a slight girl with purple hair just entered.  All eyes seemed to be on the woman at a table as she strung her instrument, she bowed as people came over complimenting her on her playing, tossing coins on the table, much to the chargrin of the half elf bard.

the woman picked up a glass, smiling and nodding at the elderly woman who owned the place, who nodded in return, and made her way to the back room.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The back room now held four people, the two women, one a humn, the otehr a tiefling who seemed close and shared a few features, the huge human warrior and the gnome. As the gnome sat, the door opened again, a slight girl with purple hair entered. The halfling narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry miss, this is a private meeting......Ah, mistress Scalesong. We are blessed by your presence." The halfling looked at Yulin as she entered, indicating a seat. My master will be here shortly....running a task. Until then he has bade me to see to your comforts."

Just as she strode in, a human came in. "From your age, i take it you are master Osmon. Please sit. Order what you will and i will get it for you all. Please introduce yourself while i see to the young lady here."

He walks over to the girl with a furrowed brow. "I am sorry miss, but this meeting is reserved for private guests."

<OOC: well, the party is all here. Have some small talk while i get the post for Gundren's arrival organized.>
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:43, Sat 03 July 2021.

Allura watched on a moment then two, "Consider then, an invitation extended." Her words seemed to swirl in whispers from the corners of the room and not just from her lips.

...and that was it. No further words. It was obvious she was speaking to the hafling about the young woman with odd hair.

It was mere power play nothing more though certainly nothing less as her gaze settled on the hafling.

Yana raised an eyebrow at her sister's words, inviting the woman with a colorful hair.  Despite having a sister who looked like she'd stepped out of a nightmare,  Yana was actually against anything that attracted attention,  and oddly colored hair seeemed like a cardinal sin in that regard.  Unless it was her nature color?
No, that seemed unlikely.
Still, it wasn't her call.   Obviously,  whatever job the dwarf had in mind, it was bigger than just Yana, so perhaps an eccentric assortment of Adventurers was needed.

Snoric threw his hood back now, his features different to what they had been.  Gone was the pale skin, golden blond long hair and sideburns that had been mostly hidden by a hooded cowl and likely wasted.  Instead, his skin seemed slightly browned or possibly just deeply tanned though the latter was less likely as he bore none of the ruggedness of an outdoor type.  His hair was a pale brown, with large amounts of grey throughout.  His beard was quite short for his race, more a goatee than beard.  He seemed uncomfortable in the crowded room.  His hands almost unconsciously tinkered with a small metal contraption he had pulled out of a pocket.  He vigorously attacked it with a small tool wielded with the others.  His eyes darted from the device to the group.

Finally he spoke.  "So many people to find something lost.  I am Snoric, a simple cook and toymaker.  You all seem sturdy folk for such a simple endeavour."

Already the gnome was wondering why he was here.  Clearly this was bigger than he had anticipated.  He did not want to draw attention to himself.  What was he doing here?

He put the half-made toy on the table long enough to take a long draw of his ale.  Then he went back to his work.

In reply to Snoric (msg # 31):

Yana's eyes were drawn to the little man and his metal contraption like a moth to flame.  But she tried to keep jer professionalism,  however.
"It has been ky experience,  Master Tinker,  that nothing in this world is ever a simple endeavor."
She cocked her head inquisitively.
"If you don't mind the question,  what is that in your hands?  It looks interesting "
And potentially dangerous,  she thought,  as she subtly edged a hand towards her crossbow,  under the table

With all eyes on her, the young woman took a step back, the halfling, a full foot smaller than her, being quite insistent that she leave. But then she remembered a lesson her mother taught her, during their year in exile.

When cornered, don’t show your fear.

She opened her mouth, then closed it, and finally said.

I have my father’s invitation.

Slipping her hand in her cloak to an interior pocket, she took the tear stained letter and carefully unfolded it, showing, but not giving, it to the halfling.

I am Amalia Firnam, daughter of Tannis and Elore Firnam.

Her voice near the breaking point, she took a deep breath to settle herself and declared, bravely, or foolishly.

Whatever this invitation is about, my father would want me to see it through.

Goddess, have mercy… when did my hands become so sweaty?

The halfling listened to Allura's words and looked at her for a moment, then when the girl spoke, handing over the letter, he took it and read it.  The halfling mused over something, but then handed it back. "Very well lady Alamia. Take a seat. Master Gundren may have questions, but given i was expecting your father, and you are here in his stead for some reason, you may stay."

The halfling shut the door and smiled as everyone took a seat.

"Again, sorry for the delay, Master Gundren and his companion needed to prepare for your business before coming. He should be here shortly. I will take your orders for food and drink now. If your not familiar, please chat amongst yourself."

<OOC: Everyone can chat and socialize/introduce yourselves. Next post from me will be a long one so will be few hours before it's up.>

In reply to Yana Whitlock (msg # 32):

Snoric held up the device which currently looked like a length of long tubes.  "A toy I'm working on.  Only started it the other day.  It will be a mechanical tiger toy when I'm done."

In reply to Snoric (msg # 35):

Yana nodded,  clearly intrigued
'I'm also interested in clockwork items and technology.   My name is Yana Whitlock,  a Locksmith by trade.    This is my sister Allura. "
She indicated the woman next to her with similar,  but more menacing,  features, almost like one young woman a nightmare version of the other

Amalia released the breath she didn't realize she was holding, as the halfling admitted her in this considerable circle. Her nervous tunnel vision subsided, and she nearly jumped when she realized the bard that stole the show earlier was sitting down at the large table. But is was the last arrived that caught her attention.


Osmon? Is that really you? Selune be blessed, its nice to see a familiar face! Come, lets sit!


She didn't know the tall wizard that much, as he was her brother's best friend and the big boys didn't think of inviting the little sister in their activities. But she did remember that Osmon's mother was Elliot's master, and that she had spent years sneaking near  to listen to them, watching them practice simple spells. But she was not about to reveal that to the lanky mage!

Not waiting for him to follow, she ordered the fish to the halfling, as it was the only thing she saw on the table, and sat down at one of the remaining places. Having a choice of sitting beside the barbarian or the tiefling, she decided to go randomly and chose the tiefling. Having take place, she finally saw the sisters up close to the first time and was astonished how much they looked alike, if not for the massive horns on Allura's head.

Looking at the warrior, she did a little smile and tried to engage the conversation, palms still sweaty.

Hi, I'm Amalia... of course you know that, I just said so, how silly of me. And who might you be? Are you sisters? You are so alike!

It wasn't long before the door opened and a familiar figure came into view, followed by someone else. Gundren Rockseerer came in speaking to the man behind him, a human about 6 foot tall. Gundren was typical for a dwarf, standing at 5 foot tall, and though not old, you'd put him a little over 100 yearls old. His brown hair was always short and neat, his beard though full, was brown with a few streaks of grey.

As they walked in, they semed in the middle of a conversation. "...if he thinks he can up th' price on that damn wool cloth, he's got another thing commin'" The man smiled as he leaned against the wall near the door, as Gundren made his way around the table, and sat down. He sighed as he looked at you all, his gaze falling to Amalia.  The halfling whispered in his ear, indicating the woman, and he nodded.

the dwarf cleared his throat as he prepared to speak. "Isasah, can ye fetch me an ale and some stew....and fer gods sake get Sildar a drink, he's been belly achin' fer an hour." The human frowned at the dwarf, but said nothing.

he looked at Amalia. "Later...we gonna have a chat lass, but fer now, ye welcome ter stay." he sighed as he looked around. "Now....down ter business. Ye know me, and i know ye all....well, most of ye" Again looking at the girl with purple hair.

"Ye now that fer a while me brothers and be have made our trade with merchant life, but we also spend time findin' lost dwarven lore. Some months back we came into possession of a map, and recetly we have decyphered it. We are movin' an expedition ter the town of Phandalin. I need people i trust....people with skills and a decent head on their shoulders, which is why i ask ye here."

"Tonight Sildar and I will be ridin' ahead fer Phandslin. I need a crew i trust with supplies ter follow us. They are loaded and ready fer travel in th' morn. Fer each of ye, to escourt these is 10 gold apeice, to be collected when goods are delivered to Barthen’s Provisions in Phandalin"

He looked around. "Bare this offer carefully, as i don't seek simple guards. This will lead to other work, and i need people who are loyal and smart. If ye agree, i'll gladly have ye one and all."

He sat there, looking at them all. "What say ye?"

This is not looking good. What need would Gundren have for a group with such unusual and diverse capabilities? Whatever it is will almost certainly be highly dangerous and highly lucrative to make it worth his while to hire such a group.

Thoughts of my own lab stocked with all the components I need for my experiments where I could work at my own schedule as my whims take me flash through my mind in a haze of yearning. Those thoughts are quickly followed by images of the horrible battles being waged back home and the desperation of those fighting and those fleeing. The guilt and self-disgust are almost overwhelming. Besides you have to be alive to reap any rewards.

Best to listen to what Gundren wants before I make up my mind; I could be reading the whole situation wrong. Besides while the toy the Gnome is working on is incomplete you rarely get to see a piece of such delicate precision. I wonder how much it would cost, I know a few children who would love something like that.

Hearing my name I turn around to see the young woman with the tousled purple hair and familiar eyes. I can feel my eyes widen and they begin to burn as they refuse to blink as my mind struggles to accept, to put the facts together into a coherent whole. It can not be her, I gave up hope months ago and this is just my tired brain playing a cruel prank. Forcing my eyes to blink I focus on her again; the resemblance is there in the lines of her cheeks, the shape of the nose, and of course the wild, unconventional hair.

"Amalia...", my voice is not as steady as I would like as I bring the tide of emotions to heel, "it is good to see you. I would like to speak with you more but I fear now is not the time. Perhaps after this meeting is over?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Sat 03 July 2021.

Snoric looks up from his device.  "You say you don't want simple guards but all you have done is describe a simple guard job with pay for said work.  If there is to be more to this then I would hear it.  You don't want to hire fools, well we'd be fools to sign up with so little information.  You speak of deciphering maps.  That suggest something of value or at least significance."  The gnome's eagerness clearly increases as he speaks of the map.

This was the part she loathed it would have been better if they drew weapons and attacked her and her sister. She composed herself.

"If that is what my sister desires, then you have my services as well." she said to Gundren plainly her cool azure eyes regarding him.

The dwarf smiled at the gnome. "Ye always were one o' the smartest in th' room boy....Yer right this isn't simple. Lets just say fer now that I've found a possible site of a dwarven stronghold that could lead ter some riches. Ye want more than that, ye gotta come along boy. What i can promise, is that anything found can be split between ye all, unless it's of dwarven historical value."

In reply to Allura Whitlock (msg # 41):

Yana frowned, pondering, then shrugged
"I suppose Your Sister does desire it.  Your pitch,  old friend, is maddeningly vague, but I'm definitely intrigued.   I'm a fan of mysteries,  as you well know.
My skills are at your disposal.

Count us in."