In reply to Noza (msg # 19):

The smile on Una's face grew wider, her cheeks dimpling as she seemed to seethe with joy

"Una Emberkettle, of the Lowbend Emberkettles. I'm pleased to meet you Noza! And, further, to hear of your relative blank page status when it comes to baking! I shall have to prepare a small kit for you, for when I see you next."

She patted her haversack

"I try my best, when someone tells me they don't know how, to make a little package so they have all the spices and goods they need to try. Anyone can cook, or bake, or brew a passable road beer (expect me) and it would be my delight to help you discover a new passion. In the meantime though . . . "

Una tapped her own drink, empty

"There was the question of what you're drinking in exchange for your help translating?"

In reply to Game Dude (msg # 21):

Maria nodded looking slightly disappointed. Looking up she herself gave a sigh. She grabbed the bartenders hand and gave it a squeeze. "thank you very much for your help sir." the sister stood up from her stool, downing her tea in practiced ease of a dwarf. She headed over to the bulletin board to read the new job on display. She nodded to herself. Maybe this would help her get answers.

Tarek wound his way through the tavern nodding to those that he passed. Many appear to be engrossed in conversation and he did not want to interrupt. As he approached the barkeep, he greeted the Dwarf.

"Master Dwarf, if you please I would like to order a bucket of ale and two mugs. Also some venison stew would not go amiss."

He paused then continued. "Pray sir I would most interested in offering my services, such as they are, to this Morganna Druall, I read the bulletin and as I understand the issue  her property was stolen I would like to assist. I am new to this area but I have been tasked to seek out those in need and further the cause of good. Can you tell me more of this person or what was stolen?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:31, Thu 06 Jan 2022.

Malcolm stepped up to the bar to place his order. "I'll have the same order." He said after Tarek. He didn't disguise his interest in learning more about Morganna Druall, when Tarek asked his question.

After the barkeep answered...

The young man turned to Tarek and introduced himself, "Name's Malcolm. I'm interested in helping out Madam Druall as well. I just arrived with the d'Tor caravan from the north."

Knut and the dwarves he was with had managed to fit themselves at a table. Between them all they had already drank down six buckets of ale, and two rounds of the venison stew. All in all they seemed to be having a merry time. Picking up Malcolm and Tarek speaking of the bulletin that was posted, Knut decides to introduce his self to the tow. "I'd much the same thought as you two gentleman." He says as he approaches them. The Gnome's voice is heavy with the dwarvish accent. "Beg your pardon for the interruption. Names Knut. Caravans come from the western mountains for some trade. Be on this side of of the land for a time, and I've an interest in having a bit more fun than just travel."

Maria heard the others speak, "Excuse me gentlemen? Are you speaking about this bulletin?" the dwarf turned to the gnome, "Would you mind much if I accompanied you to the meeting? I have some questions to ask the Lady" Maria smiled, "My names Maria, Sister Maria"

 "By the stars this is a most welcome site. I am Tarek Darksturm and it is an honor to have a fellow brother from the Order. What news do you have? Come lets us tarry no further and lets have an ale and some food. I hear beautiful and lively music that is coming from the tavern."

"I am Vogryn, from the Cloudlands.". He responds to Tarek.  "Little news enough.  Monsters hunt, and I hunt them.  I was sent by Lady Jestra to swear the oath to the order.
 What brings you here?"

In reply to Vogryn (msg # 30):

Malcolm stepped back Sister Maria interrupted the two. He smiled and gave a nod of his head. "Yes, of course, I would like your company... And you as well." The young man craned his head to see the Goliath, who towered over his height. "Vogryn, a pleasure." Malcolm stepped back and peered around the dwarf. "I'm sorry, I heard you but didn't see you, Knut." He made a quick mental count, "That makes five. Shall we get a table?"

"Barkeep, please put their meals on my tab!"

"So your a strong lad with a pointed stick and that's all?"

Samuel looked mildly disappointed but smiled and held up a finger.

"One, we just tracked you right through your swamp, dressed just like this, and we're still alive and above the mud. So that's one point for the One God, zero for Hoss' bravado."

Then a second one.

"Two, there's something you're not telling. But that's alright. Sometimes the One God allows me to know things that are none of my damn business."

"Maybe you'll trust me enough to let me in on it some time."

Another finger.

"How about we team up and first chance we get we kill a bunch of Gnolls and burn their heads on a Pyre to Ator so he can kick their asses for eternity in The Afterwar?"

"I wont turn down free Ale. Though don't say I didn't warn you. I drink like them dwarves I travel with, so you may want to think about more than a single bucket." As he speaks Knut gestures to the table he had come from. Finding a table Knut settles his self in with the small group. "May be best to learn a bit about each other and what skills we can offer. For my self I've touch of blessing and can do some healing if the need arises. I'm also skilled in some illusion magic, and have worked with investigations a time or two before."

Maria put her hammer down on the table, "Healing, now that is a very special talent. There is a father at my orphanage who has such a skill truly a blessing.You'll have to tell me what it's like living with dwarves." she smiled sadly.
Maria folded her hands nodding at the others. "I have a keen eye to sus out lies and a sharp tongue. And while I do not condone corporal  punishment, this is for the soul who have truly gone against the One God" she patted the hammer gently.

The priest's finger-punctuated list elicited a chuckle.

"'We tracked you'?" he asked dryly and leaned forward. "'We.' Well didja now." He looked over at Longwalker. "Good thing you had him along elsewise you still been lost chasin yer own tail."

He looked back at Samuel. "Yeah, I know Walker. I know he been down the bayou afore I was whelped. Maybe afore you too. Him giving you the tour sure was mighty nice. But if he take fools in the bayou, like as not he ain't taking them back out... on purpose, mind. So I suppose you ain't a fool, just real confident like. Reckon that's one of them things what God does for you.

"So all right, Sammy: you're on. Big ol fire of gnoll heads'll do. All save one: that white stripey one's mine."

He leaned back in his chair and looked back and forth. "So... I get a badge or something? Heh heh... 'Nawsir,'" he said in a pretended conversation, "'that's Dep'ty Hoss to you.' Ha. Yeah. That'll do fine."

Tarek turned to Malcolm and returned the greeting. "Greetings and well met indeed. My name is Tarek Darksturm and I have recently just arrived from Barronia, just 10 leagues north from here. I believe we have a common goal here and understand that Lady Druall was wrongly assailed of her property and no doubt some curl is to blame."



Tarek nodded towards Knut. "Indeed and well met as well. It is well to take in relaxation when on business. This is by all accounts a well suited town for trade. What news of thee from the west?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:44, Thu 06 Jan 2022.

"I too was dispatched by my Knight Commander to travel the length of the land for one year's time to seek those in need and assist. I am on the final steps to complete my entry into the order as well. After one year, I am to return to regale the stories to the Order."

In reply to Una Emberkettle (msg # 24):

"Oh, thank you, Una Emberkettle, but unless I misread the writing there is only one drink being offered." The woman rested her staff against the nearby wall and rubbed her ankles a little. "I will give baking a chance, I am often not with an oven available to do it but I do enjoy the food arts. I did make an oven out of clay once, but it's purpose was for warmth in a cold place. Not like it is here."

A tall Elf walked into the tavern. She was lean and athletic, moving with grace and confidence, and made her way over to a low table in one corner that often served as an impromptu stage. She carried a Bouzouki made from polished cherry wood, chased in silver, and looking like it cost more than than a suit of plate mail.

She wore an elegant robe like garment that looked to made of black silk and leather over a pairs black silk trousers that ran into tall leather boots. The various buckles, buttons, embellishments, and jewelry that adorned her clothing looked to be worth another fortune. A broad crimson sash around her waist held back a pair of dagger that stuck up over each hip and scimitar that gave of a pale silvery radiance hung just behind her left hip.

She was a very beautiful Elf, with deep gray eyes, long silvery hair, and very pleasant features. Her smile seemed genuine and she was either oblivious to the typically crude comments that assailed such performers from the crowd or experienced enough to simply ignore them. Either way she ascended the makeshift stage and prepared to play.

"I bring you greetings from Morgana of the way, Mistress of the Dark Mysteries, and curious employer to those with stout hearts and wondering souls." She said in loud clear voice. It was beguiling really, but then, what High Elf ever sounded anything less than regal at the center of attention.

She raised the Bouzouki and began a faint tune. The pace of her strumming was quick, the beat was pulse quickening, and the music seemed to grow in volume without effort. After several cords introducing the beat she began singing.

Ooh it's so good, it's so good
It's so good, it's so good
It's so good

The Elf began to sway a bit, tapping her foot and occasionally giving a dance step.

Ooh I'm in love, I'm in love
I'm in love, I'm in love
I'm in love

A trio of local bards began playing, joining in with a conga drum, a cow bell rattle, and a lute. The kept time, following her well despite obviously not knowing the song.

Ooh I feel love, I feel love
I feel love, I feel love

I feel love
I feel love
I feel love

Ooh fall and free, fall and free
Fall and free, fall and free
Fall and free

People began clapping, and dancing, and often chanting the occasional lyric here and there. The music drew more people into the tavern. More beer was drank, more food was eaten, and yet she sang on.

Ooh you and me, you and me
You and me, you and me
You and me

Ooh I feel love, I feel love
I feel love, I feel love
I feel love

Her voice echoed of the walls around the tavern. Couples drew closer, arm in arm and often rose to dance together where they sat.

I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love

Ooh, I got you, I got you
I got you, I got you
I got you

Ralston did a jig as he worked the bar. Others watched as the Elf mesmerized and dazzled with he elegant and quick movements and steady upbeat playing.

Ooh, What you do, what you do
What you do, what you do
What you do

Ooh, I feel love, I feel love
I feel love, I feel love
I feel love

The music sped towards its crescendo. Her voice rose subtly in time with the music.

I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love

She ended with a flourish of notes, dancing, and a flirty smile that made people stand and applaud. She was panting, having worked up a light sweat. She bowed extravagantly. Coins were tossed onto the table at her feet, many struck the wall and floor by accident, a few even bounced off the ceiling.

"Thank you good people, I am Venus Humm." She said with a broad smile. "It has been my pleasure to play for you today. As per the instructions of the Mistress of the Dark Mysteries I bid you eat, drink, and make merry."

With that she ripped open a bag concealed inside of her robe-like garment and golden coins poured across the floor.

"Be it known that Morgana will arrive tomorrow to consider the stories of those that would seek to sojourn across the land on her behalf to retrieve that which is lost." The Elf, Venus Humm, verily proclaimed.

Just unexpectedly as her arrival, she strode out of the bar without looking into the crowd draping the instrument across her back. Outside she mounted a tall black stallion and rode out of town casually.

Yprish leaned over and nudged Samuel. “Dunno what Onesie has to say bout romantical hay-rolls, but unless I’m plum stupid, that there Venus is more trouble than all the gnolls you care to scuffle.”

Malcolm watched the show with keen interest. He clapped along with the beat. He joined Venus with the chorus.

...
I feel love.
I feel love.
I feel love.

It was obvious to those at his table that Malcolm was tone deaf for he did not match the pitch or treble of the singer at all. As the song ended, Malcolm tossed several silver coins and a couple of gold to the stage. He leaped to his feet and applauded loudly.

When Venus ripped open the concealed bag that held the coins, Malcolm bent down and picked up several gold coins that was within his grasp. "Where did she go?" Malcolm asked as he stood looking to and fro.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Fri 07 Jan 2022.

"It would appear that tonight's food and drink are on the house." Ralston called over the raucous chatter as people snatched at coins and placed more orders. A cheer went up that sounded very much like a general melee. "Courtesy of Madame Morgana."

(OOC: anyone who cares to can roll a d6 and gain that many gold pieces before the floor is cleared. Do not worry about spending any more money, if you haven't paid for anything yet, then you won't need to after this.)

In reply to Noza (msg # 38):

"Ooooh clay ovens! Those are some of the best kind. A big metal one's good for bread and roasts, but a clay oven? One word, chicken. With herbs. One word, chickenwithherbs."

As coins clattered to the floor, Una's sight darted to them and back to her companion, and she shrugged

"Excuse me . . . "

She was down and grabbing a few coins and up again before long, stuffing them in a pocket in her jerkin

"A few coins never go wrong when hunger, thirst and lumpy beds loom in the shadows."

Vogryn reaches out his hand, as the coins are thrown.  Only one lands in his palm, mostly because it is so large.  He quickly puts it in his pouch.  "Eet seems, leettle brrotherr, dat dees Morgana may be an eenterresting starrt to our quest.". He says to Tarek, as he takes a during from the bucket he ordered earlier, his hand wrapping neatly around it
  "What do you deenk?". His deep voice heavy with a Petropovloskian accent.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Fri 07 Jan 2022.

"Do not disrespect the One God...but you are Unquestionably correct. What an end it would be though Hoss, what an end it would be..."

Tarek stood frozen as he watched the Venus leave the tavern. His mouth was wide open as he watched the Elven woman leave. Tarek was oblivous to everything else, even the sound of the gold clattering on the floor. He blinked a few times to clear his vision as everything else appeared to be out of focus. The melodic sounds of her voice still resonated in his mind and only Vogryn's word brought back his attention. He cough, trying to demonstrate some composure.

He looked up at Vogryn and cleared his throat. "Ummm.. yes, interesting to say the least brother. I wager we will learn more on the morn."

Tarek glanced down and spied a single gold piece. He picked it up and then looked for someone that he thought needed it the most in the tavern and placed it in their hands.

Jaylan watched the performance with some intensity. Exactly what emotions he was feeling was a bit difficult to distinguish with only his lower jaw visible, but he certainly didn't turn away. When the coins went into the air, his right hand snapped out like a striking serpent, and came back with three glittering coins, which quickly vanished into his belt pouch. If there was one thing the bounty hunter never turned down, it was readily available riches, freely given.

"Well, that woman knows how to make an entrance...and watching her leave isn't bad either..." Jaylan grunted, half to himself, and half to Ralston.

Aside from the delights of sight and sound, the young man had to admit that he was intrigued by the offer. A herald in that rich clothing spoke of a patron with very deep pockets indeed. Perhaps wanted posters could wait for a bit. Taking a sip of the frosty ale that he had ordered, he considered his options.

From the snippets of conversation he could hear, others were considering her offer as well. More bodies meant a small split, but the job might require many sets of hands. As soon as he got his meal, he might mingle with them, see if any of them were worth anything in a crisis.

OOC Mechanics
16:45, Today: Jaylan Cairn rolled 3 using 1d6.  Coin Catch.

In reply to Sister Maria (msg # 34):

Mezah hounded Maria's footsteps but from afar. Once Maria was in a more social setting the Mezah approached.

<goldenrod>"Ah, excuse me-sister?"</golderod>