"Actually, I've heard sometimes they do." Ermolos replies with a chuckle. Hoisting his axe on his back.
"Good night," Shinon calls after her, before closing the door, disrobing, and going to sleep.
In the morning Shinon heads to the meeting place for the hunt.
Andrea smiles, her nose wiggling at the wonderful smells. Mmm...Good Morning. Andrea rises and slips on a light robe before padding over to the table. Giving Fiosa a kiss and light caress, she dines on pancakes and coffee that were made with care.
This is very delicous, you spoil me. Andrea humms with her eyes sparkling. You'll be an excellent housewife someday. Andrea teases as she finishes her meal and dabs her lips.
Andrea then kneels next to the window and bows her head, praying for her daily miracles before she gathers together her equipment, armor, well made mace, and bulging satchel of potions. She then turns and hugs Fiosa, kissing and running her fingers through her hair. My oasis. Andrea whispers before turning and heading off to meet the others.
Maurice is at Two Fingers Pub having breakfast with a handsome young man, laughing at something witty that was spoken. They are each devouring a plate of eggs, ham and taters. As Duncan and Ermolos walk into the relaxed pub, which surprisingly enough is quite filled at the time. A small wooden shield is propped up agaisnt the wall near by, along with a long bow and quiver.
John will head to the Two Fingers Pub the next morning at the time set. When he gets there he will go over to Maurice and say "Good to se you, whose your friend?"
Seeing John already in conversation, Duncan moves to the bar,a short wave sufficient enough for the fighter to know he and Ermolos had arrived.
Looking at the barkeep, Water, fer now, hunting today. A plate o meat an potatoes as well.
Andrea eventually arrives at the pub with a spring in her step ad is actually huming a little tune. She has on her armor and weapons and has a bulging satchel.
Morning everyone. I have some things to share for thos einterested.
Andrea displays the 12 potions she received last night. I believe these will heal light wounds. I still have six that we procured from earlier so is there anyone without healing for themselves?
Shinon gets up, dresses, and heads over to the Two Fingers Pub. He enters the place, scanning it quickly until he spots a familiar face. "Duncan! Ermolos! Well met, friends. Ready to slaughter some goblins? Oh look, Jon's here too."
Maurice stands as everyone comes in, his round oak table is tucked in corner with chairs all around. "Good to see everyone's here. This is ..." as he points towards the young man, "is friend, Orsin Bessatte, he was just telling me a funny story about his travels to Westcrown."
Maurice sits down, "He has a mesmerizing voice when you hear him sing." Maurice looks around at everyone, "Since Kenji and Swift were not able to make it, I thought Orsin and his talents with his sword could be useful."
Andrea nods to Orsin. Greetings. I am Andrea, I will be handling healing for the group.
Ducan and Ermolos sit down at the invite.
Singing voice! Ha! Baritone I bet. Lads as big as Jon and Ermolos.
Orsin smiles warmly at the motley group before him. He politely wipes the breakfast grease from the corners of his mouth as he nods emphatically, swallowing the rest of his current bite. He begins to respond to Andrea's introduction before Duncan interrupts.
Regarding the dwarf with a reverant nod he says, "You are correct, sir. You have quite an eye! Though I confess, my talents on the stage are perhaps not what you all are interested in. Maurice said that you might have use for someone with my abilities, but he has been...vague regarding the details."
Apart from being handsome, Orsin is a tall, sturdily-built young man who is also exceptionally well-dressed. He wears dark courtier's clothes which consist of a fine black doublet and breeches with tall black leather boots. Elegant red embroidery in typical Chelish designs run up the sides and back of the vest. Around the neck and wrists, a cream-colored chemise pokes out from under the heavy cloth and the telltale clink of chain armor buried beneath the finery is easily heard every time Orsin shifts his weight. A beautifully crafted longsword hangs in its scabbard on his belt, inlaid with wire-thin strips of decorative metals that fade from platinum to silver.
Shinon nods at the newcomer, an uncharacteristically cheery smile on his face. "Pleased to meet you. I am Shinon, expert hunter, tracker, and archer. I'll be the one finding our quarry today."
Ermolos looks over at Orsin then at Duncan "Morning, extending his hand I'm Ermolos...apprentice smitty and an extra axe when you need it most."
Maurice says, "Today we go goblin hunting," looking around a the various faces, "A few merchants have banded together to offer a purse to the party that can rid the city of self proclaimed the Goblin King. He's been terrible for business."
His steely eyes meet Ermolos' "He ain't no ordinary goblin...this one has some tactics and abilities. Of course, he has plenty of fodder to use. Two adventuring parties have gone missing in the last two weeks hunting this goblin."
"What is this city coming to when a damn goblin can take up residence in the old norher ruins. As you should know, that area of the city of walled off from days of old...the civil unreast that brought about the Asomdeus. Only a few access points now.
He pauses and gulps down his chickory coffee. "Best dang coffee in the city."
He continues now using his fingers to tick off his points, "Three access points these days: one of the gates we can try to use if its a friendly dottari guard; two, hope the wall from one of the near bye rooftops; and three, the clean but the slowest access from outside the city walls. The last one adds hours to the track by leaving the city and circling around to the North."
He looks around and says, "Fortunately, I know the guards working this morning, so we should be able to get in through the inner sity gates. It's sad but the old ruins are the hub of crime these days and we are so understaffed to properly clean it out."
he pours one last cup of coffee, "If everyone is ready to go, lets not waste anymore time...like to finish this job today."
Andrea listens to Maurice. The gate opening sounds best, I am unsure about circlign around since we Don't know how long it will take to locate the goblins and we need all the daylight was can get.
Andrea nods and smiles at Shinon's words. Indeed, Shinon is a good tracker and will be very helpful by scouting. I am ready to go as well. Does anyone have need of healing potions? I have a satchel of twelve Cure Light Wounds that I can distribute.
"Ah, yes. These are for you all as well." Shinon takes five potions out of his bag, giving one to Andrea, Jon, Duncan, Orrin, and Ermolos. "These potions have a bit more kick than Andrea's, so use them sparingly."
Shinon keeps one cure mod potion for himself and accepts two cure light potions from the cleric.
Duncan hears Shinon's boasting and adds, Don't ferget yer an expert trapspotter as well, Trigger.
He winks at the elf as he adds that one.
Orsin leans forward and listens to Maurice intently, placing a balled up fist beneath his chin. He nods occasionally to himself. "Goblin King," eh? This city truly is a mess.
"It seems that we're in agreement, the city gates sound the most promising" Orsin says, smiling a bright white-toothed grin at Andrea. He leans back in his chair, arm slumped over the back as he drinks the last of his coffee, taking in the party around him.
"And I wouldn't object to a few potions. I hope I won't have to use them, of course, but you never know." Orsin will gladly take two cure light wounds potions, modestly turning down a third if offered.
As Orsin accepts the cure moderate wounds potion bottle from Shinon he gives an earnest "Thank you. And it's a pleasure to meet all of you."
Maurice indicates, "I've got four healing potions on my bandoleer" showing the group with a gesture. "got two antitoxins here" indicating with his thumb. "Then one restoration and one cure blindness." He nods, "Should be set for now."
He reaches down and picks up his shield and slings it to his back, it has the markings of the dottari on it. Next he picks up his quiver and bow. He spends a minute restringing it and testing the tension. "Ready"
A man with two fingers on his left hand comes over, "C'ful oooout there MMMMMaurice...last pppppparty of ssssssellswords 'ad ssssum ssspearience. They thought they'd ppppick up ssssum cccccoin before going to the RR..rr..rriver Kingdoms."
As the group walks to through the streets towards the Northern Wall, it has various stares by curious. A few merchants, who know Maurice wish you well.
You run across three squads of dottari on duty, two of which Maurice exchanges pleasantries. The last one there is clear hostility between the guards and the Maurice.
The Sergeant mocks, "Hope ye get what's commin' te ye."
Andrea merely turns her nose up at the rude dottari.
Orsin looks up as the dottari pass by, but only catches a glimpse of them at the last moment.
Perception (Favored Enemy bonus included):
Shinon glares at the dottari before marching on his way. "Ah, what do you know, eh?" he yells at Duncan good-naturedly. "The only reason I tripped that trap was because I've got the guts to take a giant axe to the face head-on!"
Shinon picks up his pace a bit and walks next to Andrea, matching his stride with hers. "So, how are you feeling today? Is everything okay?" he asks her.
Andrea nods. Yes, I am feeling much better. Thank you. Andrea pats his arm. A good bath and a good night's sleep did wonders for me.
Shinon smiles back. "I know what you mean. Last night...was the nicest, most relaxing sleep I've had in a long time." He sighs happily.
Duncan smiles back to Shinon. Bravery is it? Ah'll take me darkvision over yer bravery. But nice t'know.
Maurice lead you all to the gate leading into the Rego Cader, or Dead Sector, this houses the northern ruins. Formerly used for the lower trades, such as slaves, servants. Currently it houses trade the nobles do not want to be seen low end smiths, tanneries, rooming houses and lowe rent taverns. Many of which are in shambles, patial homes and abandoned. Now most many of the building house thieves, cut-throats, and lairs of monsters strong enough to survive.
Of note, the famed Dusk Market moves around the northern ruins, that moves from locale to locale in former building like theaters and temples. Here all manner of contraband and vice are traded. It is a semi-secret marketplace, the marketplace is open only two hours before sunset - discovery of its nightly location can be had for price.
Andrea checks her crossbow and loads a bolt when they are ready to enter. Perhaps Shinon can scout once we establish a spot that we can use as a camp. If we end up here near dark, we might need to find a place to stay.
John will pulll out his Heavy steel shield and his MW longsword.
There are two squads of dottari totaling 14 guards at the gate. Maurice explains, "The guards up here are the Rundottari, or ruin wardens, their commander is Durotas Arik Tuornos, a stern but fair person. His dislike for certain tieflings is renowned. He is charged to keep the riff raff to the north, which he does a fair job at."
He salutes the lieutenant at the gate, Trustworthy but he is undermanned for what is asked of him."
The lieutenant steps up with one of the two sargeants on duty. he returns the salute, "Sergeant Greenhelm, I was provided word that you were coming North. Good to see you...again."
"Heard you were going after the Goblin King," he chuckles and looks at the group with Maurice. "Good luck, he can be found in the old temple Hostteler Manor near the nothtern wall. The last group of sellswords have not been heard from again...missing 5 days now...they acted like they knew how to handle a weapon."
Taking a good hard look at each of members, "No disrespect intended but some of you may not come back." His eyes stop on at actor and and then the priestess. "Then a couple of you do look like you could have a future in the dottari." His eyes fixated on John and Ermolos. He steps to the side and two guards open one of the gate doors.
"This ain't no theater stage...it's real blood out there, not some fake prop. Think hard if you want to do this."
Andrea checks her crossbow and loads a bolt when they are ready to enter. Perhaps Shinon can scout once we establish a spot that we can use as a camp. If we end up here near dark, we might need to find a place to stay.
What IS it with you humans and yer stereotypes? I been just as good a scout so far. Specially in the dark holes we been in so far. Not everydwarf goes clankin' about un plate ye know
Andrea sighed slightly at the comment. I have had some combat experiance so I am aware of the risks. Considering the failure of the previous group your concern is well founded. Andrea nodded. I am willing tot ake the risks.
Andrea checks her crossbow and loads a bolt when they are ready to enter. Perhaps Shinon can scout once we establish a spot that we can use as a camp. If we end up here near dark, we might need to find a place to stay.What IS it with you humans and yer stereotypes? I been just as good a scout so far. Specially in the dark holes we been in so far. Not everydwarf goes clankin' about un plate ye know
My apologies, I thought you focused your efforts towards frontline fighting like John.
Orsin takes grave offense at the remark of being called simply an actor, but he does his best to conceal his pride in front of new company. He draws his masterwork blade from its scabbard and flicks his finger across the flat of it, sending out a clear, ringing metallic note. He looks up to the lieutenant with a smirk.
"Well, it looks like steel. And it certainly sounds like steel. I'll check in with my propmaster after retuning and make sure that he didn't get this blade confused with someone elses'."
Still smiling, he gives a sidelong wink to Andrea as he re-sheathes his longsword.
"I sincerely hope to see each and every one of you back alive," the Sergeant states.
Once the gates close behind you there is a heavy smell of flth and rotting. Most of the building are squat and ruble. Few buildings remain intact, there are a few shops and businesses open but they look in disrepair. There are bands or packs of people hanging together.
Quite a few unsavory groups all have there eyes on you. A few snickers from the crowd.
I wonder if they can stay as safe as the other areas when the sun goes down. Andrea wonders as she scans the area.
Shinon steps forward. "Yo. Rumor has it that there's someone calling himself the Goblin King hanging around these parts. Anyone here heard of that? I'd like some directions, please."
Edit:
Ahem, Shinon. It might be best we keep our goal to ourselves.
The boy throws a rock at Shinon, .
The little hoodlum has quite the eye but it whizzes by your head. he spits out "G'ome yit pointed eared son of ''hore. He turns and runs.
Orsin walks with caution and complete alertness. He's particularly wary of the sniggering unsavories, especialy since his courtier's clothes are of obvious value. He narrows his eyes at the street urchin as the stone narrowly misses him after flying by Shinon.
Shinon shrugs and sighs, bending down and picking up the rock that almost hit him. "What a shame. That kid has promise. If he had a proper teacher, he might actually make a decent knife-tosser. Though that's Traine's expertise, not mine." Smiling secretively to himself, Shinon tosses the rock towards a building, throwing it softly so that it lands just in front of it without damaging anything.
Turning to Andrea, Shinon nods. "As you wish. Though if someone plans to go warn the King about our arrival, well, that just makes things more interesting for us, doesn't it?"
Shinon draws his bow and knocks an arrow, "Hmm...Hosteller Manor, near the northern wall, eh? Well, north is that direction..." he points to the north, and then nods. "So I guess that's where we're heading. Let's go find the northern wall. Keep your eyes peeled for a temple. Or, you know. Goblins." He starts heading north.
Wasn't there one of our new aquintinances who had an interest in your archery? I'm sure some of them would benefit from a few lessons.
Andrea stays with the main group, using John's well armored form as arrow bai..a firm rock to stand with.
Quietly, Orsin whispers to the party without looking in any particular direction. "There's one of the pit-touced up ahead, forty paces, to the left. His desire for discretion only looks to me all the more suspicious. Though I suppose I can't blame him with a tattoo like that."