The dour dwarf shrugged his shoulders at Zardu's suggestion, "We can't protect them forever." With a shrug of his shoulders, "Plus me dinner is getting cold."
"Hmmmm, well their plan is not the worst I have heard. They would not be the first to live on the edges of society by providing a service others do not want to do. In many cases people like us are the same. We look rough and generally are not well loved but we provide a service for society though our adventures."
He sighs and looks up a little wistfully.
"Of course there is a way to be loved but I have never taken those sorts of adventures."
Blah! Wees be heroes! We no be needs demon-stuffs!
Rippit!, agrees the toad.
The little goblin spends the next hour hiding any thing related to demons (horses)!
"I'm not talking about protecting them. I'd rather talk them into a less hard line stance. I don't think they are beyond redemption but in they may become a problem later on... I doubt we'll be around here that long however so it's likely a moot point."
You all return to your lunch and spend some time with the owner, getting a lay of the townfolk. Your host has a plethora of great stories and before you know it, its near evening. Ol' One-Eye Halloran gave you directions to a modest and affordible inn nearbye but just as your were leaving a flash of white light from the stableyards drew your attention. It took a moment for your eyes to decide to work again but before you stood someone you all recognized... Allura of the Radiant Order, one of the founding members of the Silver Shields with four others... two you recognized.. two people you do not recognize.
Gudleifr stood in front of the Silver Chalice. While walking around Macridi had been quite the experience with so much wealth on display, he was running low on gold. Even paying in kind as a sailing hand.
And besides, he was here to do well, not just survive.
He stands 6' 2" and broad with blue eyes, all typical of the Ulfen. His boiled leather armour with armour trim, longspear and spiked iron shield are not uncommon among his people, along with his plethora of other weapons and a fine drinking horn at his side. His black hair is an oddity for those familiar with the Land of the Linnorm Kings, but hardly unheard of. He wears this hair in thick braids, both scalp and beard. The perceptive will quickly realise that he is swifter than he appears, both in body and mind.
And he is walking into the inn. The chance meeting with the halfling Colewin on his walk around town had set him to try here. With a name like "The Silver Shields", perhaps they would suit him and his proclivity for tactics and defending ground. Perhaps.
He walks in, taking care to make sure his longspear does not snag on the door frame or anything else.
"An ale for a thirsty traveller? And I trust this is where I can find more Silver Shields?"
You find the Silver shields compound in hectic disaray this day Gudleifr. The little halfling fellow mentioned things would be hectic, but you hadnt imagined this. The first person you met inside the walled and gated compound was a stout looking older dwarven fellow, loading casks onto the back of a waiting wagon. Upon hearing you had spoken with Colewin in Macridi about enlisting up he sent you inside the large building.
The moment you stepped through the large double doors a feeling of familiarity hit. The double doors opened into a large almost drinking hall like area, lined with tables and chairs. It was mostly empty, though the first thing you spotted with a olden human woman finely dressed speakign with three exotic individuals. One of them was a dark skinned elf ignoring the food in front of her on the table while stroking the head and ears of a large black great cat. Beside her equally ignoring his food was a brassy skinned fellow with fiery like hair. You could just spot a set of horns peeking through it. A third person (Chobo's new toon though ive no clue what is is yet.) sat listening as well.
The older woman paused with a slight frown as you entered. Once you explained you had spoken with Colewin about signing up she nodded and motioned for you to take a seat.
Several large bands of hobgoblins had raided settlements throughout Druma, and while Colewin first went to speak with the mayor of Macridi to ensure its safety, he had ordered Allura to make sure that all the current teams out on missions were safe. So they were sending reinforcements out. They needed those jobs done ASAP. The four of you were being sent to join a rather vague mission in the Capital. An old member of the Shields had unusual guests and had asked for help. You were being sent to reinforce that team and once that mission was done. There would be a small caravan for you to protect back to Macridi.
With the briefing over, you all were told to meet her In the south tower in ten minutes.. She pulled you Gudleifr to the side and had you wait. She returned in a few moments with a peice of parchment with a contract for you to sign. Briefly reading it you found it held the terms of being a silver shield. it looked pretty standard.
All items looted were to be turned in at the end of the mission, While you could use anything found during the mission at its end it was to be turned in and sold, with all the wealth then distrubited amongst the party. A request to keep the item could be submitted and reviewed of course. No living member of the shields was to be abandoned and left behind. Fallen members were to be recovered and brought home if possible. There was to be no worshiping of evil or heritical gods. All Shields were to be treated with respect no matter their race, all were welcome here as long as they adhered to the rules.
It went on to list several other minor things, 1st year members were expected to stay in the barracks at the keep. Their was a tithe of your wages to pay it. A tithe would be taken from your wages in the event you fall in battle and can be brought back, along with a list of things that you could be fined for. (things like drunk on duty etc...)
Once signed she did go on to tell you to be careful this first mission. She didnt have time to ritualistically attune you to the armband that made you trackable in the event of capture or death, but that she would have one waiting when you returned.
With that, she sent you to join the others.
The southern tower was easy to find... it was the only one built into the southern wall of the enclaves walls. There once you were all gathered Allura arrived with a scroll. She had you all gather in a strange ritualistic circle on the floor and she cast a spell... before you knew it you were standing in a stableyards behind some building....
Gudleifr swiftly looked over the contract. It seemed reasonable. And frankly, if it turned out to be a swindle, he could always leave. But he had a good feeling about this crowd, they seemed more professional than many.
"A mission straight away? Fine by me!"
Stepping into the ritual circle, he had a firm grasp of his longspear.
****
Gudleifr immediately looks around, trying to identify possible friends or foes.
Delan made his way through the bustling compound his keen eyes trying to take everything in. The tall lanky man pulls his pack up a little higher and makes his way into the Silver Chalice.
Inside the Tavern stables has the scene of what it would look like if a goblin was set loose among horses and their ilk.
Right enough of this... Zardu asks discretely to speak to the manager.
"What in the name of the powers above is going on here?!?"
Inil says as he appears to see the mess.
Hearing someone approaching, the little green goblin (and his toad) exits--quietly--the stables.
He returns to the common room to eat some more.
"Well now it seems there are more of us. My addled old bring really is not sure what we are meant to be doing at this point, must have had a few too many cups of wine."
He looks at the others assuming his memory will get jogged.
Declan moves forward with his customary scowl plastered on his face as he introduces himself to the members of the band, "Names Declan Thorne, I've been assigned to give ye lot a hand." Taken aback for a second as he eyes the goblin he asks, "Which one of ye be in charge of this band?"
Probably the toad, he thinks as a slight smirk crosses his face.
Seeing the coast is relatively clear, Gudleifr heads inside, taking care not to snag his longspear on the doorframe or anything else.
He speaks Taldane, with a distinct Ulfen accent.
"Gudleifr Hervardr, a new Silver Shield. What is the situation?"
"We're not exactly organised enough to the point of having someone in charge but I'm Zardu Zuul, servant of Saranrae." The young Varissian man stands in a chain shirt with a scimitar at this side before continuing his look for the owner.
"Are there any signs of these guests who were causing trouble? The owner? Or this caravan we are supposed to be protecting?"
Gudleifr knows that it is a barrage of questions, but everyone needs to get on the same parchment, and swiftly.
Sitting at a table, filling his big mouth with fish, the little green goblin sputters (pointing an unused spoon at the toad perched on his head).
Himes bees da boss!
Rippit!, agrees Dirtbag (is it's chest puffed out?).
As Declan first approaches Ryenalt looks at Decans hand and shrugs but does not reach to grab it.
"Well I am certainly not in charge but I am sure you manged to figure that out. Please talk to the others not some old man."
When the goblin finally chimes in he chuckles to himself wishing he had prepared prestidigitation that morning. Always great to mess with someone so... officious.
Seeing Rynalt, Inil grins broadly and walk up and gives a small bow.
"It is good to see you again wise one!"
The sudden chaos in the stableyards was interupted by the throatclearing of the taverns owner.
"You have a lot of nerve showing up here unannounced."
He began puffing up his chest and putting his hands on his hips half glaring at Allura with his good eye.... it only lasted a moment though before he started laughing hard. He took a few steps forward and met Allura halfway into a hug for a moment almost forgetting the rest of you were there.
"You boys should see if you cant track down my little blue friends, I know they mentioned they had a ceremony planned down by the granery. If i know anything that lot of religious troublemakers will be there to cause trouble."
He began half waving the new party off while he half escorted Allura inside.
Tindertwig looks up from stuffing his face.
Wees jobs be ta protection da blue guys?
"Is there anything else that you'd like to tell us, perhaps in private. Why? Are there any other potential threats or allies we should be aware of?"
"What kind of opposition are we looking at here?"
The Old fat retired rogue paused and then chuckled.
"Go on in Miss Allura, Im sure miss Daisy and my Boy will be glad to see you for a bit."
He began giving her a nod as he turned to face the newly constructed party.
Allura paused in the door and frowned...
"Oh of course, Hal, Nizvit, Liam and Grimlak, I have another mission for you all, if you could just wait here after Hal is done with the others."
She began getting nods from them. The owner of the tavern waited for the others to step to the side before he closed with you all.
"I'd like to trust those little blue fellows, after all they came by here and got rid of my rat issue right fast in a hurry.. and discretely, but im not as foolish as I look. They could be schemeing something. I want you to follow them, perhaps find out where they are holing up and investigate... but at the same time they could be on the up and up, and those damn zealots might cause them trouble.
He paused with a slight sigh, shook his head for a moment clearly thinking about the waste those zealots seemed to be then began again.
"But you can't just go causeing problems with the those zealots either, if it comes to blows you folk better make sure they swing first, and the city watch would take it as a kindness if no one dies. But the important part of this mission is to find out about those little blue fellows."
He finished looking about... He suddenly frowned at the askew stable door...he didnt recall leaving it open.
Gudleifr nods.
"Understood. Right people, let's try to keep things civil. And let's go!
"I'm not the best at sneaking around but I can follow tracks if it comes up. Tindertwig and Dirtbag are very good at scouting though." He gestures towards the goblin and toad.
"I can hide somewhat, track better."
At the mention of their names, both goblin and toad turn to the group; chests puffed out.
In a deep(ish) voice, Tindertwig says,
Da fat longshanks says fer usses ta find blue guys. Seems easy! Wees be bestest sneaks!
Rippit!, agrees Dirtbag.
"I think we should head after them now we know a little more of what is going on."
"Aye. Let us not delay."
Gudleifr makes for the door.
Heading after the direction the original party saw the Xvarts head, it was easy enough for you to find the smaller looking footprints Gudleifr... especially when you realized they had 4 toes each not five, and were evenly sized and spaced out. they went a few hundred yards to the west... turned down an alley then disapeard into an old grate that led down to what appeared to be an entrance to the sewers of the city.
Gudleifr picks up the trail like a bloodhound. After the group reaches the grate, he speaks up:
"Through here. We should have a scout first, but I am willing to do it if none better suited are here."
The little green goblin raises his hand.
Dirtbag does also.
Zardu holds his holy symbol of Saranrae and says a silent prayer focusing on Tindertwig. "Now don't get in over your head."
"Good luck up front Tindertwig and Dirtbag. Holler if you need aid quick."
Gudleifr is content to go second, but will not object so long as he isn't in the middle. With his spear, he has some range in melee.
Kelisa stumbles across the group gathered around a grate of some kind. This places have all sorts of odd gathering places. Next they will say dwarves fly. She watches for a bit before she goes up, saying " Friends, should you not be gathered around a place more cheerful and bright? Is this some weird male custom? " Her panther was by her side, with one paw covering its nose due to the smell
Tindertwig smiles up at Zardu. The little green goblin stands up taller.
Mees tallest gobbos around. Nutt'n be gitt'n over need head!
Rippit?, argues the toad.
Tindertwig then immediately goes back into the Inn.
Gudleifr turns to Kelisa.
"We're following a group of interest to our client."
He looks in confusion at Tindertwig leaving.
"Where are you going?"
Of course you had been paying attention to the goings on around the compound, you knew three bands had been sent out on missions and that a horde of hobgoblins and their monsterous allies had suddenly seemed to pop out of no where and attack several small towns, caravans and other places at once and that one of the teams had members that had barely escaped with their lives. She was speaking with the remnants of the team that morning along with two newer recruits. She dismissed them and sent them to the tower for teleportation... You didnt hear her the first time when she told you to gather your things and join them.
You hurried to join the others, your pack stuffed with things a wizard might need on any sort of journey and rushed from the room...only to hurry back in. You almost forgot your uncle Zipzozzle's Rememory stone. He was passed now, exploded into a hundred smithereens while researching some form of mechanical horse. He had claimed it allowed him to recall spells he had previously cast much like a pearl of power but well the most you managed to get it to do was kinda sort of remember what was cast and add it to whatever spell you were casting... well sort of.
What you didnt realize is that having that stone with you when Mistress Allura cast the teleportation spell, would cause.... side effects.
Suddenly in a flash of bright light in the courtyard a gnome with fiery Orange hair appeared... though his clothes were on backwards now and his feet were bear... though his hands wore shoes. After a moment, Allura rushed from the tavern and shook her head.
"There you are, Join the others they will explain."
She paused and leaned back into the Tavern.
"Tindertwig here will lead you. Its time for the mission Dirtbag, make sure Tindertwig behaves himself now."
She began speaking to the toad...but raising an eyebrow at the little goblin suggesting he get back to the party and they complete their mission sooner than later.
Dirtbag smacks the goblin on the head, as Allura speaks. Tindertwig looks up (fish stuffs on his face).
Mees bees readies! Mees bestest leaders!
Rippit?, comes the toad's reply.
They both head outside.
Regulators! Mount up!
Rippit!
Silver Shields! Mount up!
Gudleifr turns to the others in disbelief.
"Is he normally like this?"
He is relieved when the group begins to get on with the mission.
Truly, the ways of the southerners are strange! It's probably too much heat, addling their brains!
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Kelisa taps a finger to her mouth, a small frown. She knew of Tindertwigs strange ways
" I believe this is normal for his kind. I find th efrog is better talker."
She then mounts up, not being any geek from the streets. Her Untari follows, chaffing at the antics of the goblin
"Bhaa, ha ,ha, ha!!"
Laughing, Zinar looking at Tindertwig and back to Allura then immediately stops laughing.
"Oh, you were serious about him being the leader. The Silver Shields is truly a unique company."
Putting his shoes back on "They said that the traveling spell will knock my shoes off, and I did not want to loose my favorite pair. By the way my name is Zinar, I am an arcane practitioner.
Looking around at the rest of the group
"Can I ride with one of you, no one told me to bring a mount."