Following your thirst for adventure you find yourselves at the Lost Shepherd, one of the three inns in Brindenford. The sign over the front door shows a shepherd with a crooked staff but no sheep. From noon until midnight (and sometimes after), the Lost Shepherd is open as an eatery and taphouse. Never burgeoning with customers, the place is never empty, either. Good smells waft from the kitchen, from lamb stew to fresh baked bread, frying bacon to sage-and-thyme roasted vegetables.
The building’s great age cannot be concealed by the frequent repairs, and so the interior is drafty and dusty, but fires in multiple fireplaces keep the place warm. The taproom is large and comfortable, with a high-placed loft above the door offering additional seating. Beyond the taproom lies the kitchen, a pantry, and a small office. The second and third floors offer rooms for rent, about half of which seem occupied at any given time.
The caretaker, Roman by name, is a taciturn middle-aged man with thin hair and broad shoulders, who spends his time quietly but efficiently working. The Halfling bartender Juddelo, with greying hair and a prominent gold-tooth, is the more talkative if you are so inclined. There is also a neat and demure serving maid, Taran.
Among the customers only one besides yourselves looks anything like an adventurer. This is a short, muscular dwarf with a dirty grey beard and ale on his breath, dressed in banded mail and carrying an axe. He exchanges a friendly toast with you and declares his name to be Erlan Furg.
An odd sight enters the taproom of the Lost Shepherd. A Halfling, somewhat small for even his race, enters; not with the jovial disposition typical of his people, but with a deep sigh. He looks rather eclectic, wearing garb more like a monastic disciple, a pouched belt like an arcanist and dragging a battle axe better suited for a barbarian (albeit a small barbarian). He seats himself at a table near the dirty, aging dwarf. Calling to get the attention of Taran, he orders a range of foods from the kitchen.
When watches other who enter. He quickly dismisses those who seem to be common laborers or craftsmen, but is polite to all. Any who enter who seem to be explorers or workers in the nearby countryside he’ll smile at, including the nearby dwarf, though the smile seems a bit forced.
After the food arrives, he’ll ask about lodgings. I don’t need much he tells Taran. Even a space in the common room where I can put up my hammock is fine. I prefer to save my coin for more important things, like this fine fare… he gestures to the food before him and pays for it, tipping generously.
Following the pleasant smells coming from the Lost Shepherd, a dark haired elf, dressed in traveling clothes and cloak enters the room. A closer look reveals the elf's studded leather armor and a sword at his hip.
Looking around the room, he sees only two who appear to be more than just the common villager, noticing the smile of the halfling, he orders a glass of wine from the bar, and makes his way over toward the halfling, just as the oddly dressed halfling's food arrives.
"Mind if I join you, friend?" he asks the halfling before taking a seat. Spying the roast fowl in front of the halfling, he turns to the barmaid, pointing at the meal and says, "That looks wonderful...I'd love to have some of that as well, provided you still have anything left after his order."
After Taran leaves the table, the elf looks at the halfling and says, "Greetings. The name is Avendryl. And who might you be, my friend?" as he sips on his glass of wine, waiting on his meal.
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While stepping through the threshhold, Janos makes unfamiliar signs of welcome and to ward off evil, then shoots the occupants a genuine smile and a bow as if to introduce himself.
In a thick accent somewhat similar to Elven, but harsher like Dwarven, Janos offers praise for the establishment and asks for a room.
"What sorts of entertainments does or sites does BrIndoonfUrd offer for travelers, me friend? I am new here?
Might I inquire on the local temples?"
Anyone interested may note that just under the seems of his neck and wrists, hidden under the clothing are what seem to be strange tattooes, perhaps tribal or religious?
His accent sounds similar to the gypsy speak, but his overly pale skin definetly marks him as an outlander of a different variety.
Multiple holy symbols hang from his neck, seeming like some sort of angelic woman in reverence to either the sun or moon.
Dispite is (probably) unfamiliar baring, Janos is a very pleasant and friendly person. Obviously devout and an adventure by s studded armor and keen, but old fashioned knight's sword.
After nodding his head towards the dwarf, and begging him wait a bit for that drink, he takes a seat, and with a cheerful smile, places his hands together and as if both nodding his head towards her and offering a "thank you", motions asking her to grace him with her presence that he might order.
"Greetings, milady. I was instructed to speak to you about supping and drink. Is that correct?
Might I inquire as to what you may offer? Might I also start out with a glass of wine, preferably semi-sweet and would you mind refilling the dwarf's cup on my behalf?"
"The beefed mushroom dish sounds delightful, may I have that with a loaf of bread, ma'am? If it is not to much inappropriate, would you care to join me for conversation and a drink?", Janos asks Taran, out of friendship more than flirting. "Iwould be honored by your company, . . ." and looking about at the mostly empty dining area "maybe others might care to join me as well, as I see there is much room here. No need to waste so many tables, yes"?
A road dirty man with a thick black beard walks in the tavern. He pulls down his traveler's cloak and shakes his chopped hair. The look of his clothes seem to imply that he once groomed himself daily but that ship has sailed.
The only items that are cared for are the weapons and armor on this man. He wares a dagger and sword on his belt with a bow and a hammer on his back. A set of polished scale mail and a buckler peak out from under his cloak.
Seeing the dwarf, Marius walks up to the dwarf and orders an ale. "Hail to you friend dwarf! Marius deBlack Forge is my name. May the ale sing you softly to sleep ... but not before another round!"
Taking a seat next to the good dwarf, Marius notes the three other odd companions. Tipping his mug in their direction, Marius adds, "And hail to thee! What are ya drinking?"
In the corner of the room sits a man with brown hair and glasses. He scribbles into his notebook, watching the interactions of the patrons. He notices and notes when the others come in the door, writing in his leatherbound journal.
He closes his journal and stands up. He walks to the patrons in the bar. "Excuse me, fellow travelers. May I join you? I'm Doctor Gideon Davenport." His accent is crisp and refined, the product of a good upbringing. He motions to the waitress, "Would you happen to have a menu?"
Hearing the knight's invitation, Avendryl looks at the halfling and gives him a questioning look, then moves over to the same table as the knight.
"Pleased to meet you, Janos. I'm Avendryl."
A sudden draft of air, a hushed, quick flap of the entry door signals the appearance of a dark haired, goateed half-orc. He stands a while surveying the interior while carelessly cracking his knuckles. Noticing a group of liked-dressed individuals, purposely strides across, settling down next to a cropped haired, bearded man. He catches the eye of the halfling bartender, "Today's special and some water,".
A sudden draft of air, a hushed, quick flap of the entry door signals the appearance of a dark haired, goateed half-orc. He stands a while surveying the interior while carelessly cracking his knuckles. Noticing a group of liked-dressed individuals, purposely strides across, settling down next to a cropped haired, bearded man. He catches the eye of the halfling bartender, "Today's special and some water,".
Nodding at the new comer, "Hail to thee! How'd you get so big and strong drinking such things?" Marius smiles to let him know it was just a tease. Turning to the group at the table, he stands up and walks over with a refilled ale. Sitting down, "A pleasant greeting to you other road weary folk and to you professor. Names Marius. Blacksmith by profession. What brings all of you to this little corner of the world?"
Gideon excitedly pulls out a set of notes and maps from his pack. "Well! I'm doing research on magical beasts and monsters, as well as ruins and lost treasures. Over the course of my studies, I have found many references to a 'Dragon's Delve' right there in Bridenford. Writings on the matter are both voluminous and quite incomplete." He shows them a few of the pieces that he has accumulated. "I feel perhaps that this fortuitous meeting can be a boon to all of us. There is knowledge and treasure down there, too much for a single person to handle."
As you make your orders, the food is brought to the table. The meal is hot, generous and tasty. There is also some rather unremarkable ale, wine by the pitcher and some excellent whiskey.
As you eat Ramon looks you over thoughtfully. "If you want to pay your respects the major temples hereabouts are the temples of Sarenrae and Irori. There is also a sanctuary to the local river gods revered by many here, as well as smaller chapels to other gods. As to entertainment I doubt there is much here that would interest people such as yourselves. That is, unless you are delving into ancient ruins. There's what's left of Chordille Keep only a few miles south of here.It was razed to the ground some hundred years ago. Some say that the lady was up to some unsavory business. But enough of that. Such talk brings bad luck and no profit." With a curt nod, he turns and resumes his chores.
Kaduk chews his meal with gusto, while leaving an ear open to the proceedings around him. After washing down his meal with a few gulps of cool water, he addresses the halfling, "I could always do with more treasure, if that's what you're after, I reckon there's always sense in numbers."
Kaduk turns towards Marius, "Well met Marius!" offering his hand, "Apologies, hadn't a good meal in a while. I am called Kaduk, mostly a wanderer by chance. But mostly wandering in search of fortune or a lucky break. Any hope you and I are alike?"
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As his food arives, Janos offers a small prayer of thanks and blessing, before eating. "What is this Dragon's Delve?"
Taking two small pouches from his belt, he pours a bit of garlic and red powder onto his food, ad begins cutting the meat into small pieces, then eats it, holding the fork in a strange way, upside-down preventing him from skooping it. "This is wonderfully done. My praises to the kitchen."
Good evening, gentlemen. My name is Kwin. Won't you have a taste from my platters and pitcher until fair Taran can bring your own?
When Gideon mentions the Dragon's Delve, Kwin's attention turns to him quickly. Please, tell us more. I've been travelling these parts only recently and would be curious to know all you know.
Entirely unsolicited, the dwarf at the nearby table leans over: "Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing you talking about Dragon's Delve. Dangerous place, that. It was built by dwarves, you know. They even constructed a magical prison to keep all the nasty critters they found down there. I could tell you some stories that would make your hairs stand on end, oh yes I could."
Taran arrives with more steaming plates: "Oh, shut up, Erlan. All bark and no bite, that one."
Gideon happily prattles on about what he knows about the Dragon's Delve. "Well, the lore is rather, as I said, incomplete. Legends surrounding the Delve begin popping up almost a century ago, but no one has written a complete history on the matter. Yet. Let me see what I have..."
Not believing his seredipitous luck, Kwin encourages both.
Honorable Erlan, Doctor Davenport. Perhaps you can enlighten us on the truth of Dragon's Delve to pass the evening over this fine fare. I have heard tales of the place from my far away village, but how am I to trust stories that have travelled so far and even contradict each other. Please, you have a rapt audience here.
Gideon:
A dishevelled middle-aged woman interrupts, taking a small break from some sort of complex solitaire. She is well but untidily dressed and smokes a sturdy cigar. In spite of all that she is somehow quite attractive. She knocks the ashes off the cigar and continues:
"Dungeon's Delve is actually very old, much older than Chordille Keep. The infamous Mages Four controlled all of the dungeon at one time, using it for their strange experiments and to house their otherworldly allies and servitors. The dwarves built part of it but not all. There are many secrets to be explored, but also many dangers to be braved.
It is said that as the dwarves were digging down to find the stone that fell from the sky, they encountered the Secret City, a place so bizarre that it put them all to flight." The last words are said with a malevolent smirk in Erlan's direction.
She resumes her solitaire and mutters: "I would pay good money for a souvenir from there, that's for sure."
She resumes her solitaire and mutters: "I would pay good money for a souvenir from there, that's for sure."
The prospect of adventure and treasure has peaked the curiousity of the elf...
"Good money for a souvenir, you say? What sort of souvenir would it be that interests you?"
Doctor Davenport nearly leaps out of his seat. "I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of an expedition into the Dragon's Delve. It will be most beneficial to my research. Of all the places in the world for each of us to go, we met here in this small tavern in this small town outside the strangest and most exciting depository of knowledge and treasure known to the world! This is no mere coincidence. This is the hand of Fortune herself! Who will join me in plunging into the troves of this place?"
"Sounds like it could be fun....count me in."
Gideon smiles and shakes Avendryl's hand rather enthusiastically. "Good, good! Two is a good start, a good start indeed! Any other takers?"
And my blade as well! Kwin squeeks, awkwardly hoisting his battle axe overhead.
After giving any others a chance to chime in their interest, Kwin will add
So when do we leave, and how do we get there?
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"Perhaps we should hear more before jumping into danger?"
"I for one could use a more drink, Ma'am. A round for all."
Pulling Taran aside before she leaves, "Your pardon, dear, but you wouldn't happen to have any white rose petals for cooking in the back, would you? If so, would it beto much trouble for me to have one or two?"
"And you Miss. . ., what souvenir would you care for?", Janos asks curiosly. "Have you some history with this Dragon place"?
Gideon enthusiastically agrees with Janos. "Yes, a fantastic idea! A good meal before we plunder the long-forgotten secrets of the Dragon's Delve!" He furiously orders some strange dish with ingredients that they surely don't have. "And what of you others? Will the four of us brave the Delve without further assistance, or will any else of you join our noble quest?"
Janos:
The woman doesn't even bother to look up from her game. "Oh, anything would do", she answers airily. "If the city exists at all, any proof would be of interest. But you will probably not last long anyway. Adventurers are a dime a dozen in these parts, and most of them don't return."
Erlan is unfortunately busy. He has some urgent business to take care of for a friend, so he is unable to accompany you. How about Marius and Kaduk?
"I suppose it would be a good idea to purchase a few items before leaving." Asking no one in particular... "Do you know if there are any shops still open this evening, or shall I have to wait until morning."
Wandermeal (5) - 1 cp each, tough, dried, spiced cakes that are filling but not overly nutritious. Eating for a week with no other food causes a fort save or be sickened.
Waterproof Bag - 5 sp Something to keep my papers and spellbook in inside my backpack
Weapon Cord - 1 sp
Spring Loaded Wrist Sheath - 5 gp, immediate action to pull a light weapon...in this case a dagger
Let me know if I can find these things before we leave. Thanks.
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"I find that also very perculaiar, sir elf. In my country, it is unheard of for shop nor tavern to remain open past dark. You may call it silly and superstitious, but they had a healthy respect for the night."
"Does anyone know anything about these ruins of Chordille keep? I get a very strange, . . . feeling about them, but I can not explain how or why."
Are they related to Dragon's Delve?"
Peeking into his pouch where others can see dried fruits, cheese, bread and dried meats, Kwin asks How long do we think it would be to get there and back again? I'm hardly the forgaging sort, and I may need to stock up on more food for the trip. Also, I think it is just as important to time our expected arrival as it is to plan our departure. I don't think we want to arrive at dusk, for instance.
The ruins of Chordille keep are literally situated on top of Dragon's Delve. There is an entrance into the dungeon in the midst of the ruins.
Gideon munches happily on the meal. It wasn't what he ordered, but that's okay. Part of any traveling is trying out the local food. Mouth half full, he hears Janos' question and excitedly tries to answer. "Yes, I believe they are. One particularly interesting legend is that the spirits who died in the uprising a century ago haunt the Delve to this day." He eats another bite, chewing it slowly as he is lost in thought. "Of course, that isn't the most interesting piece of lore. That would be the legends about the Isle of Khorant, a mysterious land only accessible from inside the Delve. What I wouldn't give to be able to chronicle that!"
Almost as if something goes off in his head, Doctor Davenport changes the subject. "And what's your country?" he asks Janos. " Linguistics isn't my field of study, but from your accent, it sounds you came from a ways off!"
Marius nods along with the whole conversation. "I'm in. Sounds like a great way to fund my new smithy! Can I get a bottle of whiskey for the road? Thanks so much!" After placing the bottle in his pack and wrapping it protectively, he adds "Shall we be on our way or wait till dawn?"
"My fair bar keep. I will also require rations for the road. Say four days worth."
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"I believe that you call it Nordgoth, far to the east. It is very different than here." With both a hint of sadness and pride "It is not so civilized, . . . I am not sure if this is the correct word, it is not as developed and open as BrIndoonfUrd, but is is home. I have not been there in a bit of years though."
Motioning for Miss Taran, Janos asks for some travelling rations as well, kissing her hand and offering her a gold coin for her company and troubles.
He also leaves a decen tip and pays his bill while requesting another glass of wine. . Then returns to the conversation.
"I for one feel blessed to have met such wonderous people and learned marvelous stories on but my first evenning in this new town. Would that all new towns where this inviting." Hold his new wine glass up, "Anyone care for a bread, to each other, and whispering to himself "and a prayer for our safe return".
"Hear, hear! A toast!" Gideon stands and raises his glass. "May we find what we are looking for and only look for what we can handle!" He clinks his glass with Janos's, smiling broadly.
"Excellent! Blood pumping action at last," Kaduk rubs his hands excitedly. *Raises glass* "Riches beyond measure," he exclaims.
You can get any equipment you need from Fascher's supply in the south part of town. He has most things you'll need at the listed prices.
Fascher is an average-looking human man with brown hair and brown eyes. He seems friendly enough, and his shop seems to be well stocked if jumbled. Stacks of various kinds of adventuring supplies litter the floor.
Gideon closes his journal after a quick entry while everyone is busy preparing. As they begin to assemble outside Fascher's shop, he excitedly brings them all together. "Gentlemen, we have a great journey ahead of us. Not the trip to the Delve, that is only a few miles, but rather the journey into the Delve. Are you ready to go?"
Beyond measure! Kwin echoes.
Marius clangs his mug with everyone else and roars, "Here, here! Let's be off." At that, Marius slams down his mug, pays his tab, and moves out.
Kaduk settles the tab with bartender. "Prepared and ready,"he says as he tightens the straps of his battle harness.
Once underway, and well before we reach the site, Kwin will offer Shall we have a gentleman's agreement that any bounty we find in our exploration we shall split equitably, or at least as much as the nature of such findings will allow us?
"That would seem to be a reasonable thing to do."
Gideon, safely in the middle of the group, responds to Kwin's question. "Why, yes, that seems both fair and prudent. I have studied the interpersonal dynamics of several adventuring parties, and one frequent source of friction is the unequal distribution of plundered treasures."
As you approach the ruins a huge dark-grey wolf the size of a horse rises and snarls at you with teeth bared, its intentions unmistakeable.
Roll for initiative. Crude map here.
Initiative: