A Heavy Burden (Inactive)

Game Master Scott Williams 16

Hotrek Shieldson
The doors to the tavern are pushed gently opened as a burly dwarf topping just over 4 feet broader than most men walks in, his beard already white with few streaks of grey in them. His armor and weapons speaks of one well travelled and despite his movements, his age barely shows. Weapons of various makes hang hook by his broad belt that serves to protect a rather ample belly, shield strapped over his back, dwarven waraxe curiously hanging from his shoulder and his brace of hammers swing freely on his belt beside a pewtwer mug.

Stepping forward to claim a place in the tavern, he signals a server.
"I would like a meal enough for one and a jug of water if you please. It has being a long road."

@Hotrek:There are no servers that you can see, but there is a nice crowd at the bar and many seats. The bartender waves you over and smiles to you as you enter.

Certainly, good sir! Heather another to front please!

He reaches under the bar for a large stone jug.

Hotrek Shieldson
Hotrek gratefully moves to the front and accepts the jug.
"My thanks, barkeep. Busy night?"

From earlier. To those who spoke Infernal. That is impressive. I have no idea what you said, but it seems you two have learned some type of demonic language the way the tongue is. Maybe one of you two can help in my fighting of demons? Infernal is really language of Devils, but glade don't know the difference. not until he learns the language

One minute later, Glade's adopted parents walk in. They are Fauns or if I make an alt alias, leprechauns. We thought we would find you here son. Glade wasn't kidding when he said he was adopted by Faun or leprechauns.

Daniel frowns upon the mention of hastily accusations and his eyes shimmer.
"Pah...they know nothing of a hellspawn."
.......
"I'm Daniel.
Your assumptions on Chelaxian heritage is correct. Though i don't consider myself a such, i have never felt a need to worship the devils."
He smiles in a mocking way....
"As to your question about my knowledge of devils......
Sirsi....i have just recently come from hell."

He chuckles at her question if she looks devilish.
"Maybe just that fiendishly curious sparkle in your eyes."

You came from Hell? Tell me, how did you get there Daniel? I thought that was impossible unless you were dead or a tiefling?

A mountain of a man with Kellid features pauses in the doorway. Outfitted in hide torn from various swampbeasts and dripping from the light rain, he almost looks like some bog creature himself. His overcast eyes survey the patrons of the tavern finally resting on the large cat. Satisfied at the number, he nods to himself and takes a seat at the back, waving the innkeeper over.

Daniel's smile faded promptly at the question.
"Oh...i was sacrificed at my family's banquet. My father cut me open."

Then how did you come back? Are you undead? Is there a difference between demons and devils? Answer is yes, but Glade don't know the answer

Glades parents answer. Easy, son, not too many questions, you might make him feel uncomfortable.

"Well then, that's an... interesting tale, I like to collect stories, so if you ever want to talk to me about it, I'd be interested to listen.
Though perhaps this is not the time for another tale of death and woe, I'm already here as the result of the death of Professor Lorrimor."

Just realized I misspelled tavern in the tread title. Let the ridicule begin.

I saw it. I wasn't going to say anything. I think you can correct it if you go into the Campaign Information window & click 'Edit Campaign Description', but I'm not certain.

Bemusedly observing the comparative horde of newcomers, the young woman warms slightly as she sees the Halfling enter & make his request. "Hagel, kerel. Wat brengt u naar eerlijke Ustalav?" She calls out, studiously avoiding the grislier conversation centering about the sinister warrior who preceded him.

Glade is very interested. I'd be interested in hearing your story too Sirsi. (even though he knew it wasn't for him, Sirsi did say she likes to collect stories) Demons and Devils seem very similar to me. And I want to know the differences and learn about them both. I came here for a reason and so did others. And I want to hear Daniels story too if it came down it. And for what it is worth, you don't seem like the type to worship or even be a demon or a devil, I wouldn't accuse you of it either.

Glades parents cheer him on. Now that is the spirit son.

Okay... Lets get this Tavern laughing and drinking Properly!, yells out a rough burly figure of a man, pounding on the bar.

Whaddya say Innkeep? I get this lot interested in stoppin' 'ere, tell em' some tall tales, maybe even get them tellin' a few of their own and you throw a few drinks my way, eh?, he says trying to cage a free drinks.

At length he pays for his own but with loud protestations of his ability to increase business.

He wanders around the Tavern.

By Caydens never empty tankard! You're a big one!, he says looking over at Torak. You'd be, what? Six foot five, six foot six I reckon!

For all that her attention is still focused on Shush, the diminutive young woman smirks slightly at the boisterous entrance of the newest arrival.

A young, red haired woman walks in, surprised about how crowded it is so early.

She walks over to the bar, sets a gold piece on the bar.

I'll need a strong drink. It's been a long journey.

She leans back on the bar, surveying the patrons.

Borden swivels on a dime, as if spun around like a Wayfinder needle finding North. He approaches the new comer but doesn't move too close. Just outside arms reach. Close enough to be friendly - but not so far as to need to raise his voice much above the buzz of the room.

Why hello there Red'. Road dust got you thirsty? How about a drink on me? What will you have?, he says an open smile. Its a warm confidence he has in his approach, rather than some sort of attempt at sleazy lechery - the sort of approach you'd get from a friend of a friend, and not some stranger trying to get your knickers off... though the twinkle in his eye tells you he'd not be adverse to pursuing that either.

Scruffy is a good word to use to describe Borden. He stands a broad shouldered 5'11 with some good muscle tone under a layer of belly fat. He is ill shaven and his hair is worn a bit under shoulder length long and a bit on the shaggy side.

If these two ever get talking they'll find they have a great deal in common. Sometimes thats a good thing... sometimes its the opposite

@ Hotrek:[b]Most busy, more than I've had in a good while!

@Torak:Something to drink, good sir? Something warm for the belly perhaps?

Game Master Scotty wrote:

Just realized I misspelled tavern in the tread title. Let the ridicule begin.

I saw it. I wasn't going to say anything. I think you can correct it if you go into the Campaign Information window & click 'Edit Campaign Description', but I'm not certain.

[dice=untrained Perception]1d20, nope, don't notice a thing!

Bemusedly observing the comparative horde of newcomers, the young woman warms slightly as she sees the Halfling enter & make his request. "Hagel, kerel. Wat brengt u naar eerlijke Ustalav?" She calls out, studiously avoiding the grislier conversation centering about the sinister warrior who preceded him.
** spoiler omitted **

Naw, let it stand. A monument to the foolishness of not spell checking in this modern times.

Okay... Lets get this Tavern laughing and drinking Properly!, yells out a rough burly figure of a man, pounding on the bar.

Whaddya say Innkeep? I get this lot interested in stoppin' 'ere, tell em' some tall tales, maybe even get them tellin' a few of their own and you throw a few drinks my way, eh?, he says trying to cage a free drinks.

At length he pays for his own but with loud protestations of his ability to increase business.

He wanders around the Tavern.

By Caydens never empty tankard! You're a big one!, he says looking over at Torak. You'd be, what? Six foot five, six foot six I reckon!

Well now! Right then! You callen my play boring are ya! HAHAHAHAHAH!

The Professor, he liked the happy times and the good times. So, ON THE HOUSE EVERYONE THAT WANT SOME CAN GET SOME!!!
Its called Pharasma's penance, have at ye!

Without turning from the barkeep, she says.
Well in that case, I'll have the most expensive drink. And some of Pharasma's Revenge for that old coot Lorrimor

She eyes Borden up and down obviously. Not too bad looking. I've seen his type before, all bluster and no brains. I can probably get him to pay for my drinks and food tonight. And if he plays his cards right, we could have some fun later. Of course if he takes it too far, he'll end up with a face full of fire.

Calistra's pert buttocks!, Ya knew that old bugger Lorrimor? Well then, I'm not turnin' down any drink in 'is honour - much less one he went an' invented!

He downs his ale in a long practiced scull.

Fill 'er up, he says with a grin, offering the empty tankard.

And, that drink for Red here, seein' as drinks are on the house, he adds with a triumphant ring in his voice.

He extends a thick calloused hand to Seraphine.

Borden Read - professional...er... seeker of antiquities, he says, introducing himself, and sometime professional bull-s~*! artiste, he adds roguishly, pleased to meet you.

@seraphine:Here ya go ma'am. A little penance for ya!

Pours a good serving of grey and black liquid into a cup and passes to her. Then pushes her money back.

On the house, for the friend of mine!

Glade doesn't want to drink, he'd want to stay sober.

Glades parents say Well son, we will be leaving before it gets hectic and then leaves.

Glade focuses on Borden. Names Glade, and you are? he tries to shake his hand.

"Meat, ale." Torak asks the innkeep in a slow deep voice. The number of patrons in the tavern wasn't an ill omen, but it wasn't a lucky number either. Had the cat been wholly black he would be worried further, but it was a mix of black and white. A crossroads then. He would have to pick his path carefully.

On no lass, Penance, not revenge. Revenge is served cold to those we don't like. Tends to place folks on their backs, whils the penance might put ya one your knees!

Smiles broadly as he pours the drinks for those that wish them.

Heather, one more to the front please!

Quickly serves an Tankard full of amber to the tall man.

The massive cat begins lazily meander through the group stopping to be petted or demanding it if ignored.

My mistake. I guess I just prefer to be on my back than my knees. She smiles mischievously.

She downs the drink quickly. To Lorrimor!

Turning back to Borden
How interesting. 'Names Sera. Fire Mage at large. So, you know-er-knew the old man, too?

After she is done talking to the other man, Glade will wait his turn and say to Seraphine. So you have an interest in fire too? I'm a Druid, but I have the fire domain in me. This is done a little later, for Glade to wait his turn and not interrupt the conversation, I'm just typing it now. Kind of frustrating, can't get a conversation going with anyone.

Sure thing, I’m ready for my second lunch –er- first dinner before supper.

Turning to the Tengu [b]Well, I’m here to celebrate. And drink some of this fine Ustalavic brew. An acquaintance, you say? That is ironic. I am here to pay my respects as well. I’m here to celebrate the life an old friend of mine, one who taught me a few good life lessons. You may have heard of him- Professor Petros Lirrimor; he taught at the University of Lepidstadt and had some influence on my early life, such as it is.[b]

Upon hearing that bartender mention “secret brew” and “on the house,”
Shush swivels around to take in the crowd, noting how many make mention of the Professor.

Glade focuses on Borden. Names Glade, and you are? he tries to shake his hand.

Glade is it?, Borden takes his hand and then pulls him into a friendly embrace, trying to subtlety turn the young man so that he ends up with one of Bordens arms draped around his shoulders and facing Seraphine.

Pleased to meet ya - you gotta have a drink with us!

One practiced in the art of 'barroom seduction' may recognise the moves - designed to make the lady feel safe by having someone between her and the would be swain, a show of friendliness and inclusiveness that brings in an icebreaker and shows the man's 'harmless' desire to 'just talk'... Bordens attempted positioning of Glade is masterful as it obscures line of sight to his belly and draws attention to his thick arms while presenting a subtle air of mystery, like a raised fan would be used for a woman.

Of course the move is also useful for when the suitor spots a better or more likely target and can dump the newcomer on the former target of his affections and move away incongruously without seeming like he is escaping.

My mistake. I guess I just prefer to be on my back than my knees. She smiles mischievously.

She downs the drink quickly. To Lorrimor!

Turning back to Borden
How interesting. 'Names Sera. Fire Mage at large. So, you know-er-knew the old man, too?

He grins at her somewhat racy reply but says nothing further on that - letting her set the pace when it came to the path that would hopefully lead to her bed chamber.

Knew him? Gods oath we were close - a real larger than life mentor you could say... we were bloody close.

Glade, did you know 'im too? Tell us more about yerself

Borden you posted a paragraph there with a bunch of mumbo jumbo I didn't understand, except for the bold and the fact that it seems I'm between you and her.

No, I didn't know him, but well as you see, those fauns that just left, those are my adopted parents. I come from a faraway place. And of course, I'm here to Demon hunt. Freaking constructs too. I want to end war just like my parents did and their friends. sweet finally conversation going with someone

Brilliant - bull-s%!! baffles brains :)

War you say? Say on friend, say on!, Borden encourages with every sign of genuine interest. Demon hunting? Damned dangerous! How do you do that? I never picked you for the type! Guess it shows you that there is always more than meets the eye

While he is talking to Glade, he turns to Seraphine on the last sentence, but his expression is open... leaving its meaning open to interpretation.

@GladeTakes some time to get the ball rolling some days.

Bran saunter into the tavern, scanning the visitors within, and has a seat at the bar. Hope ya don't mind, I brought my own tankard., he says with gruff. Bran's eyes shift, in no apparent sequence, sizing up the old barkeep. I hope this establishment has something better to offer than the horse urine I just paid for down the way. Bran looks expectantly at the old man.

In general Wolf replies. Don't want to see anyone terrorized, like I've seen others terrorized. Putting an end to evil is my goal, though I can't stop all evil, and I can give back in return. My parents were killed by this Demon named Morbane.

"I do so love to tell stories, as well as listen to them, but today is for the professor, not for my own boring tale."

Turning back to the barkeep. "A drink in honour of the good professor sounds like a good idea to me," she waits for a drink and raises her glass, echoing Seraphine "To Lorrimor! and to all his strange acquaintances." she nods towards the Tengu, since he's the oddest looking one there.

Bran saunter into the tavern, scanning the visitors within, and has a seat at the bar. Hope ya don't mind, I brought my own tankard., he says with gruff. Bran's eyes shift, in no apparent sequence, sizing up the old barkeep. I hope this establishment has something better to offer than the horse urine I just paid for down the way. Bran looks expectantly at the old man.

Most certainly good sir, have a Penance on the house! Something warm for the belly?

I don't think your tale could be boring Sirsi. I'm sure you have something interesting to tell, maybe later though. Getting to know people is what I do.

In general Wolf replies. Don't want to see anyone terrorized, like I've seen others terrorized. Putting an end to evil is my goal, though I can't stop all evil, and I can give back in return. My parents were killed by this Demon named Morbane.

Very noble of you. My sympathies for your loss friend..

"I do so love to tell stories, as well as listen to them, but today is for the professor, not for my own boring tale."

Turning back to the barkeep. "A drink in honour of the good professor sounds like a good idea to me," she waits for a drink and raises her glass, echoing Seraphine "To Lorrimor! and to all his strange acquaintances." she nods towards the Tengu, since he's the oddest looking one there.

Borden joins in the toast.

Why not share a story of Lorrimor then? It helps his special drink go down and we can all see another part of our friends life that we maybe didn't see before?, he asks Sirsi.

Bartender roars To Lorrimor!!!
Down his glass and returns to serving drinks.

Bran's ears perk up as he hears the story of the demon killing his parents as he shifts to face Glade Wolf. Ah, I can relate, my parents were struck down by a two-bit thief. If I'd had these.., Bran flexes his biceps and grits a somewhat toothless scowl,he woulda never made it outta my house.

Sorry to hear that Bran. Morbane lived on for quite some time after my parents death. He wanted me dead too, but I was away. When he found me he tried to kill me a second time years later, only this time he died. Even with his massive army he lost. It's a good thing many soldiers of battle were guarding my house in particular. What ever happened to that thief anyway, do you know?

Its a tough crew in tonight, make no mistake. Makes me glad we're all united in friendship.

Sorry to hear that Bran. Morbane lived on for quite some time after my parents death. He wanted me dead too, but I was away. When he found me he tried to kill me a second time years later, only this time he died. Even with his massive army he lost. It's a good thing many soldiers of battle were guarding my house in particular. What ever happened to that thief anyway, do you know?

On hearing Glade's reply Borden carefully removes his arm from Glades shoulders, his face carefully neutral. He takes a small shuffle sideways away from him... and a bit closer to Seraphine.

Demons? Wars and Armies? Strike me if this one isn't a better spinner of tales than I am or a few trees short of a forest, Borden thinks to himself. He'll have Aroden himself making an appearance at this rate.

Seraphine lets out a quick snort of laughter at Borden's open statement, at an inappropiate time it seems, with Glade speaking of demons killing his parents.

This man is brazen! He couldn't be more obvious! I will admit he seems skilled at this though...

Sorry, sorry. I am sorry for your loss. It's good you got your revenge though.

Bran Grindle wrote:

Bran saunter into the tavern, scanning the visitors within, and has a seat at the bar. Hope ya don't mind, I brought my own tankard., he says with gruff. Bran's eyes shift, in no apparent sequence, sizing up the old barkeep. I hope this establishment has something better to offer than the horse urine I just paid for down the way. Bran looks expectantly at the old man.

Most certainly good sir, have a Penance on the house! Something warm for the belly?

Food? Of course, I didn't get this godly figure by skimping on meals!, Bran jokes.

Thanks Seraphine. Fun, not sure, but Demons are incredibly evil. Morbane was the only Demon, but he had orcs, goblin, drow, humans, contructs. You name it, they were followers. Not to mention, he was so evil that any evil aligned person that wasn't working for Morbane wanted him dead just as much as any good aligned person, he was that much powerhungry. And evil fighting evil is not something you see.

Sorry to hear that Bran. Morbane lived on for quite some time after my parents death. He wanted me dead too, but I was away. When he found me he tried to kill me a second time years later, only this time he died. Even with his massive army he lost. It's a good thing many soldiers of battle were guarding my house in particular. What ever happened to that thief anyway, do you know?

That's the same question I've had in my head since that day. I can see him though. I will remember that face for the rest of my days. If I should encounter him again, woe to those that would try to keep me from relieving him of his head.