Silvia makes her way delicately through the crowds, meandering to wards where Varis says the chanting is coming from. She wouldn't call this reconnaissance, more like... sightseeing. But the goals are rather similar.
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Gorn nods at the others. "You may comport yourselves as you will, but methinks that we need to take this opportunity to supply ourselves with coin, and after a fashion, supplies. Every belly among us knows the pang of hunger, and we must needs fill our mouths if we are ever to find succor anywhere.
I should hope that yon market would be in need of able bodies in want of coin."
Gorn, flanked by the wily Jimmy skipping at his heels, makes a beeline for the market. He notices the weapon-monger and marks it as a place he might try his hand (for even if he was not the most skilled, his ability to swing a hammer with great force did count for something in the smithy) but for now he contents himself to dive into the market and look for the simplest of labors.
He looks out for the first person he can see trying to lift something heavy, and quickly moves to assist them, taking whatever the heavy load is on his own, saying something like, "Greetings to you. Me and my family are but newly come to this place, and we seek work. Would you know of any who might have vittles or coin to trade in exchange for motivated laborers of all stripes?"
Varis
looking through your mage's spyglass, you spot the robed quarter-elf* Tera mentioned. it is most certainly not Feyrith, she is about 3 decades too young. you would guess that this is an apprentice. If you were forced to guess, the girl has either been set to a task of clairvoyance upon the nearby area, or has upset one of her masters, and has been told to stand in one place, focusing on some far point, likely for hours.
what do you do?
Sylvia
The chanting is coming from behind a two story structure, simple enough in it's design. from the windows, you can see that the lower level is taken up mostly by a library and sactuary. the upper levels look like rooms, though it is harder to make out detail. the back appears to be a walled garden. Atop the front door is a sign that reads The Holy Order of Ethys, Goddess Of Time. what do ou do?
Gorn
Your first victi The elderly woman whose burden you relieve her of stands stunned for a moment, before recovering her wits slightly. Ah, um... Work? well, farmers always need workers, and Volgik is building a house for himself and his betrothed. she says, her eyes dragging over you, lingering on your teeth for a moment. Your family, did you say? are there quite a lot of you?
*Elves and Humans have the strange quality of being the only two known sentient races capable of breeding together and producing fertile offspring** and in areas that are home to both half-elves even multiple generations of inter-species romance are not uncommon. usually, one does not make note of human or elven heritage less than an eighth on either side.
**Of course, Orks and Ogres are also capable of interbreeding with humans, however as they are distant evolutionary offshoots of humans, they do not count as a separate species for purposes of this title.
Hmmm... I don't know her, but she is too young to be much more than an apprentice. Want to have a bit of fun, Tera? Let's use those wings of yours to fly too close to the sun! Varis grins a little, You've not met many mages, and I doubt this mage has met anything like you.
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"Oh yes!" Jimmy pipes up before Gorn can form an answer, his wide-eyed, cherubic face uncaring of the dire straights he faces. "There are a BUNCH of us! An' his mom is an ogre, the biggest woman you've ever seen! She used to make me potato cakes with applesauce and we had a place to live, but then some bad men came and made us all go away! Right now we're going to a spoooooooky haunted monastery that was taken over be evil sprites!
If you could be so kind as to point us the way to the good Volgik's house, we shall surely be on our way!"
Gorn maintains his silence, since that was indeed the next question he was about to ask.
Hmmm... I don't know her, but she is too young to be much more than an apprentice. Want to have a bit of fun, Tera? Let's use those wings of yours to fly too close to the sun! Varis grins a little, You've not met many mages, and I doubt this mage has met anything like you.
Tera closes his eyes for a moment. Perhaps this madness is an opportunity.
When he opens his eyes his gaze is focused on Varis. I suppose. Here, you will need this.
Tera removes his belt and puts it on Varis. He whispers. This is my greatest secret. It allows me to fly without effort and in complete silence. When I wear it, my wings are for show. You more or less just think about where you want to go and it will take you. I'd appreciate it if you kept this between us, and made this look like your magic.
Tera takes off into the sky and waits for Varis to follow.
Vanadin gathers up a few things and heads into town, bringing Flicker's lantern ( Uncovered, I think. If there's mages here, one of them might be able to tell me something interesting. ). He has into town, and trades some of the caravan's less useful supplies for some finished goods - spares for the wagons, and a small pouch of Autumnbloom tea (Kaylia's favorite).
At one point, he looks up, promoted by a brief flare from Flicker. Huh. Didn't know the elf could do that. And Tera looks like he's working hard, but there's not much wind today, odd.
As he wanders, he listens to the conversations in the market, ears sharp for any discussion about the destruction of the Abbey, or their own village. If nothing catches his ear, he'll go looking for Gorn.
Outstanding! To think that you could have such a device! Did you find it in the forest, was it gifted in some fashion?
Varis' deathly thin frame is forced to wrap the belt around himself nearly twice, but he is able to use a short wire to make up the difference to secure it fast. Using his mind he is able to guide the flight ably, even if he had no hope of matching Tera's ability having known flight his whole life. Had I no training in magic this would have been considerable effort, as is I don't think I can move in much more than straight lines.
Grelick, mind my gear! I will return in time! Grelick doesn't respond to the call, but gathers the bags Varis left and keeps with the caravan. Without being told he does that same with any gear Tera has left too.
Varis moves along the sky towards the woman in the tower.
Gorn
The woman listens, somewhat concerned, and with an expression that she likes children about as much as she likes ogres. when he finally stops, she points and says That way, follow the road out of town for half a mile, and you'll see his farm
if you follow the woman directions, you find the site well enough. a few workers and a pair of dwarfs hammering together the framework for walls. the entire area smells of quicksilver and sage, indicating that it has been recently cleared. What do you do?
Varis & Terra
You get about 10 meters out from the balcony before the apprentice notices. when she does, she whirls around before groping behind her for a weapon. Who are you? What are you doing here? she shouts, bringing the crossbow to bear in her right hand, and brandishing a stellated silver energy in her left, in such a manner that suggests she does not know how to use either well. what do you do?
Vanadin
you do not go unnoticed in the market. most people studiously avoid eye contact with you, and the merchants give you better prices than you expected, hasty to end any transactions. people whisper as you pass. this goes on for about 10 minutes before you notice 4 figures moving across the market towards you. two are certaily wizards, wearing blue cloaks embroidered with red (among the designs you notice a skull, a few flames, and what is either a drop of poison or acid. the other two are tall, and wear long cloaks with hoods, though you can see swords under the cloaks. what do you do?
Tera stops in mid-flight with his hands raised. Hello friend! I am Tera and this is Varis. We've just arrived with the remnants of our village. Tera points off to where the caravan is parked outside of town. I couldn't help but notice you concentrating up here and I thought, that looks like a woman of power and influence! That looks like a woman who could use my help! I saw you were staring off into the forest. I happen to be an excellent scout, and as you can see, my companion and I can travel above the fey depths.
My people are in desperate need of supplies, so perhaps we can arrange some sort of exchange. We can survey the forest for you in exchange for a bit of coin. Might we land and discuss?
Tera gives the woman a huge smile and waits for her response.
Varis does not take the woman lightly, knowing the danger in the area. I can see how she ended up here as twitchy as that. I must show her some discipline. Speaking with the voice of the calling forest, Varis simply says, Drop crossbow. to the woman.
I am an acquaintance of this tower and am literally flying before you, please refrain from the vulgar use of war-time crafts, Varis says cooly, This is Tera, quite an exotic creature, and I wished to let him see what a mage's tower is like. He is unfamiliar with with the ways of communities like this, and is being nothing but polite.
Wait, did I do something wrong?
No, of course not Tera. She merely is unused to such sights as flying or civility. You are an exemplar of dignity for your people, but sometimes it simply isn't enough I'm afraid. We can discuss such things later, there are many people in this world that choose fear as their default than I care to mention.
The crossbow clatters to the ground, the bolt slamming into the balcony stone, and the woman closes her hand, and steps back, giving you room to land. Aquainted with the tower? I apologize, are you one of Olyn's friends? I will go fetch her. the woman says, voice fast and harried, not even acknowledging Tera (A bad habit of wizards, they often dismiss non-magicians). You know, we do have a front door. more polite. she says as she exits the room.
If you wait a moment, The apprentice will return, with Olyn and Feyrith. Varis! welcome, have a seat, please. Would you care for tea, some breakfast perhaps? Olyn says, gesturing toward a small table. What brings you here? not that you need a reason to visit, mind. she says, beaming. And Who is your friend? adds Feyrith, not hostile, but certainly less enthused. What do you do?
Quickly glancing around, Vanadin identifies the best route out of the marketplace in case things get unpleasant. Then he turns, and approaches one of the blue cloaked figures. With a broad smile, he says "Greetings! Is there something I can help you with?"
Varis lands lightly on the ground greeting the mages, Olyn! Feyrith! Darlings! I am sure you have heard that this nonsense with the church has forced me to such a vagabond lifestyle, at least until I reach home, he says with a light fake-y laugh, But enough of such slanderous ugliness. It seems so long since I've have consumed something worth eating, I happily accept your invitation to breakfast. This is my new friend, Tera. He appears a bit intimidating to some, but he's a wonderful creature, wise beyond his nature.
It's also why I am here, Tera here has never seen much of the civilized world. When we came to town he was curious about the tower and what the young lady was doing out here. I wasn't expecting such drama, but I suppose she is still young. She's still carrying such primitive instruments to defend herself!
Varis turns to Tera, Forgive my rudeness. Tera, these are real mages. The indomitable Feyrith protects this area, and Olyn gets by on her looks. Ladies, this is Tera.
Tera looks at Varis for a moment in distress, and then suddenly smiles as if remembering something important. He gives a passable bow.
It is a pleasure to meet you.
He pauses for a moment as if unsure of himself, but then decides to continue on heedless of the strange social concerns at play here.
We've just arrived with the remnants of our village. Tera again points down towards the caravan. We are here looking for work and supplies. The young lady was staring out at the forest. I am at home in the forests. Is there something that we could help with?
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Varis gives Tera a thumbs up hidden from view.
Tera quite obviously gives Varis a thumbs up in response.
Silvia makes a note of the churches location and decor. Just in case there's a witch-burning scheduled for this afternoon, she doesn't dawdle too long. Making her way back through the crowd, she spies the owlman entering the mages tower. Shrugging at the reasonably bizarre sight, she makes her way across the space and raps gently on the front door. No need to use conjourers cheap tricks to pass unnoticed, the real magic is the invisibility of demure respectability.
Vanadin
As you approach, the black-cloaked giants' hands disappear into the folds of their cloaks. one of the wizards looks at you with a look of utter disdain. Has your order grown so arrogant that you would walk here openly. I believe we made our position clear to the last group of your Church's thugs. He brandishes a fireball in his palm, and behind you you hear the black-clad figures draw swords. they don't move to attack you, but they also seem to have a very clear message. what do you do?
Varis & Tera
Olyn gasps, not a genuine gasp, but the kind that one makes because one is expected to. Dear me, no, I hadn't heard anything about the Cataviir estate. what has happened to it? she asks, the statement apparently genuine.
at your next remark, she snaps her fingers, and a pair of green robed figures, the girl and a male half elf somewhat younger than her, come forth bearing trays of pastries and a carafe of tea. Oh, dear she says after taking a bite of a raspberry turnover is this fare acceptable for our other guest, or would he prefer something else? we do keep a hunter on retainer, to feed our menagerie. would he prefer meat? she asks.
I apologize for the girl, I don't know what we are going to do with her. She studied magic in her own village, under the tutelage of some swamp-witch or something like that. useless, I can't say I'm surprised the village was overrun. we took her in, but we can't seem to get her to do things properly. we put her in the alchemy lab, and she tried to put whole plants in, where only essence was necessary, we tried to train her as a ritual adept, but she couldn't intone properly, that damn swamp-village speech, you understand. eventualy, we just put her on clairvoyance duty, have her searching for more ritual sites. Olyn says scoffing
Meanwhile, Feyrith sizes up Tera before saying Actually, I think I may have a task for you and Varis, if you think you’re up for it. How do you feel about mercenary work? she asks, then immediately continues I ask because there is a site of occult significance a few miles west of this village. We would like to study it, but it is occupied by a nasty bunch of Fey. Neither I, nor my protege’s can spare the time and magic to clean it out, we are already overtaxed between the church’s incursions, and the undead.
At the sound of drawing swords, Flicker flits down of its own accord, forming a glowing disk behind Vanadin. As it does: "Whoa, I think we've got a misunderstanding here!" Vanadin exclaims, keeping his hands raised and clearly visible. " I'm not with any church. If you're talking about those Cleansing Flame guys, they burned my village down a week ago, I'm most definitely not with them! " Assuming he's not yet stabbed or fried, he continues: " We were just hoping to resupply here", with a gesture at the armful of supplies now on the ground at his feet.
Sylvia
The door opens after a moment. A young, green-robed elf and an older man in blue robes answer the door. You have arrived the the Tower of Conclave. Enter, and speak your purpose. the young elf says. what do you do?
Silvia attempts a decent impression of a curtsy, then coughs daintily into one fist. "Excuse me, I do believe a few of my companions are located at the top of this tower. Would you mind if I join them?"
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Olyn gasps, not a genuine gasp, but the kind that one makes because one is expected to. Dear me, no, I hadn't heard anything about the Cataviir estate. what has happened to it? she asks, the statement apparently genuine.
I fear there is not many messengers left to expose the tyranny of the church, Varis says, The vulgarians at the state are using their recent political gains to target the cultures they deem heretical. I was able to escape with Grelick's help, he's with the larger caravan.
at your next remark, she snaps her fingers, and a pair of green robed figures, the girl and a male half elf somewhat younger than her, come forth bearing trays of pastries and a carafe of tea. Oh, dear she says after taking a bite of a raspberry turnover is this fare acceptable for our other guest, or would he prefer something else? we do keep a hunter on retainer, to feed our menagerie. would he prefer meat? she asks.
Please do not fret, it will spoil your pleasantly manicured countenance. We have been on the road in less than ideal circumstances, anything is a great improvement for us.
I apologize for the girl, I don't know what we are going to do with her. She studied magic in her own village, under the tutelage of some swamp-witch or something like that. useless, I can't say I'm surprised the village was overrun. we took her in, but we can't seem to get her to do things properly. we put her in the alchemy lab, and she tried to put whole plants in, where only essence was necessary, we tried to train her as a ritual adept, but she couldn't intone properly, that damn swamp-village speech, you understand. eventualy, we just put her on clairvoyance duty, have her searching for more ritual sites. Olyn says scoffing
Ah! Witches do have a talent in that regard, even if it is enforced with misandry and paranoia. It's unfortunate when someone with some talent has so much trouble overcoming that mother-know-best hand-me-down magic. I wish you luck in undoing the conditioning she has, but sometimes you can bring the horse to water and all that, Varis says plainly, She still relies on mundane instruments of war!
He turns to Tera, Tera here has been learning a bit about the world, but his mind is a curious sponge and his culture has such an innate knowledge of the border fantastic in these woods. It's a shame when the same border between magic and mundane drives people to act so irrationally.
Meanwhile, Feyrith sizes up Tera before saying Actually, I think I may have a task for you and Varis, if you think you’re up for it. How do you feel about mercenary work? she asks, then immediately continues I ask because there is a site of occult significance a few miles west of this village. We would like to study it, but it is occupied by a nasty bunch of Fey. Neither I, nor my protege’s can spare the time and magic to clean it out, we are already overtaxed between the church’s incursions, and the undead.
Varis laughs a bit saying, Mercenary? Me? I am nothing of the sort, however I am interested in such study. Our caravan is quite capable and I will approach the subject with them, and we can make a contract - however be aware that I will require 'dibs' on studying the site while we are there. I will submit my findings to you, and naturally will join the primary joint credit in the results of your study when you submit your findings to the various councils. It is only proper for mages like us.
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Gorn appreciatively puts down the old woman's load wherver she wants, then nods at Jimmy, who returns it. The two take off down the road at an efficient mile-eating jog, covering the distance much quicker than if they had simply walked, and they arrive neither winded nor sapped.
Gorn looks for the first person he sees that is -not- swinging a hammer (and therefore possibly in charge) and says, "Greetings to you. My clan and I are but newly come to your town, and we would see our penchant for labor traded for coin and provisions. I see that you are constructing a manse. If you would provide us with just compensation, we shall see your construction time-table greatly enhanced.
What say you?"
Vanadin
The two cloaked figures step back from you, and the closer wizard lowers his hand. The church.... Which village did you say you were from? he extends his hand (now fireball free) toward the hard-light barrier, and strokes it gently Where did you learn to do this, if not from the Church? he asks
Silvia
Oh, yes, Ms. Olyn's guests. Right this way. he says, leading you through the tower. You pass by the workshops of mages, reeking of reagents and catalysts, and the study-rooms of Apprentices, the quiet scratching of quills echoing in the emptiness.
You reach the balcony, where Tera, Varis, an imposing red-robed mage, and a Sorceress wearing an elegant cyan dress.
Varis
I am horrified, Varis. I knew they were on a crusade, but to brazenly attack your family, that is altogether too far. Olyn says You, and any other Catviir survivors, are of course welcome to stay in our tower, and join the Conclave. She gestures toward the double doors to the tower proper, right about when the Changeling walks through them.
I think that sounds fairly reasonable. Does your scholastic interest mean you will work for free? Feyrith asks
Gorn
Yer What now? The dwarf asks Oy, Forsath, C'mere. Ye Worked on the wizard Tower, aye? Ye speak Fancy-pants, what's 'e sayin'? The dwarf asks
a man comes over. He says he's new in town, what's to work, heard you were building a house, promises he's good at house building. The man replies.
Well, why didnae ye just say so. Glad to 'ave ye. Pay be 10 coin a day, talk ta Forsathm 'e'll give ye somat' ta do he says
"Kalin's Rest, near the former Cataviiri estate", Vanadin replies, as he (still moving slowly) crouches to pick up the dropped supplies. " And 'learned' isn't really the right word. I found Flicker, and it's just kind of followed me around the last few months. How much do you know about it? "
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Gorn looks askance at the dwarf. "Gratitude," he rumbles, unsure of what else to say. He turns to the man, who he presumes of Forsathm. "And gratitude to you, good sir. I am Gorn, and this is Jimmy. Your wages are fair. How much do you have for us to do, and how many of my people would you have? We are all us eager to work, but I would not see you over-employed for the sake of our burden."
For however many the man will take, Gorn will send Jimmy running back to the caravan to bring an appropriate number of people forward so they can get to working for their future.
Vanadin
It looks like photokinetic power... but you're attributing sentience to it. the wizard looks quizzically at his fellow Why are you here, if you are not affiliated with the church? he finally asks.
Gorn
You two ought to be enough the man says gruffly. Could you help us get this wall up, and the kid should go help Gehrmen set op the next wall he says
Payment? I am a Silverspear! I only care to advance the study of magic for the betterment of all, but I cannot make the same claim for those I travel with, Varis says as he sees Silvia walk in. Waving he calls, Silvia! I see you found yourself here as well!
Silvia slows as she enters the room. "Hello V-Varis, I see you've... made contact with the locals." Belatedly, she remembers her manners, and curtseys hurriedly. "H-how do you do?" she squeaks.
" Sentience? It's definitely got a mind of its own, if that's what you mean. Stubborn, when it wants to be. As for me, it's like I said - we're looking to resupply, trying to find a spot to rebuild our village. Varis said there were a few wizards here, so I thought I might see if you all knew anything about this while we were here. "
I'm felling a bit invigorated with the hospitality shown here, thank you, Varis continues, Feyrith, Olyn... this woman is Silvia, a member of our caravan. She may be a bit shy, but she really is wonderful company. Silvia, Feyrith has been explaining that they need a group to brave the forest a bit to explore a site of significance. It may earn some of you, including Tera, a bit of coin - I am fine offering my expertise for no charge, but I know that's not an option for everyone.
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Gorn nods solemnly, and Jimmy, eyes bright with energy, takes off at a dead sprint to where the man points, eager to help set up the next wall.
Gorn lumbers over to where the men are pulling and struggling with robes and pulleys, trying to stabilize an immense slab of masonry that stubbornly refuses to do as ordered. Gorn cracks his neck and rolls his massive shoulders. Once limbered, he reaches out and gets a firm grip on the work in progress, forcing it with brute strength to conform to the wishes of its betters.
In the tower
Very well, tell your companions that we are offering 400 Gold for the site, cleared of monsters. Feyrith says, i her usual, curt manner.
Ooh, I like this one, there's something about her Olyn says when you introduce Sylvia, she stands and strides over toward her, and for a moment, sylvia sees her, respendent in oppulent finery, a tiara upon her brow, the perfect image of an empress or queen, before reality reasserts itself, ad she is again wearing her blue dress, jewels and finery vanishing. So pleased to meet you. are you a friend of the Cataviir estate, or a student? she asks, clasping Sylvia's hand.
What do you do?
one of them turns to the other, and you see him mouth "Bound fey", and the other mouth back "Ignis Fatuus", before turning back to you. So, Kalin's Rest was destroyed? By the church? I think Feyrith would like to talk to you, She would like an account of the attack, and perhaps to inquire after a few people. they beckon you on, leading you toward the tower. what do you do?
Gorn
Tera smiles as he realizes that Varis is so mad as to turn down payment. Which direction is this site? I would like to inspect the route from above before leading any of you fellow villagers through these woods.
Silvia can't make heads or tails of what they said in secret, so she ignores it. For now. "Yes. I mean, yes t-to the first one. A friend. That's me! Haha..." she trails, off, blushing furiously at her gauche manner.
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Very well, 400 gold each. I will let them know, Varis says.
Vanadin will follow the two mages. "Yes. They let most of the people leave first, anyone who didn't spend too long at the estate, but the village is now just a burned out clearing. Probably starting to be overgrown, by now."
Tera and Varis
I beleive I said 400 gold all told Feyrith says But I suppose, once it is done, we can negotiate. she points westward and, master Tera, you will find the site some 5 kilometers that way. it should be fairly distinctive, there s a path where no trees grow, though the underbrush will be thick. At it's Terminus will be the site you are looking for. Good scouting.
Varis and Sylvia
What do you do while Tera scouts?
Vanadin
I am very sorry for your loss. The mage says, waving away the cloaked figures Are you, by chance, with one Varis Silverspear? He is at the Tower of Conclave, if you would care to join him. he offers.
Gorn
In the time you spend building, you hear about a recent party of Cleansing church paladins who tried to resupply here after a fight gone bad. they were turned away yesterday. you could likely catch up to them, and get a little revenge on the church.
however, you also hear Jimmy say Well me and my hero friends will cut that monster into a million pieces, and get your granddads sword back! after a brief conversation, you learn that there is, in fact, a monster out in the forest, that this man's son tried to slay. the moster killed his son,a dn took his family sword. it is found in a cave about a mle off the path, and apparently some form of undead.
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Tera bows awkwardly at the mages and takes to the skies, flapping westward. His sharp eyes and hunting instincts fill in the details as he heads west, analyzing the path below. When he reaches the site, he rises out of range of most weaponry, and surveys the site below.
When you spend a moment surveying an area, ask the GM two of the following questions. The GM must answer truthfully.
- Where's my best way in, out, or through?
- Is there a trap or ambush here, and if so, where?
- What here is the biggest threat to me?
- What can I see that no one else can?
400 gold all told? Varis gapes, I will tell them, but it hardly seems worth the effort for that.
Varis quickly moves back into pleasantries, and chats hanging out with Sylvia. I don't like that Olyn took a shine to her, she probably wants her as a part of some collection more than anything. If she finds out he truth then I really don't want to deal with that mess.
" Yes, Varis is with us. I'll follow you." As they walk, Vanadin will ask what they know of the church's use of light magic, but might not be able to follow the answers.
At the tower, after being introduced, Vanadin offers Varis and Silvia an easy wave. "'Lo, Varis. Did you find out what that chanting was?"
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Gorn's massive face frowns deeply as the Church is mentioned. He would not mind springing upon a wounded clutch of those fiends. And paladins at that! The world would be a better place with a few less of those zealots!
But, to gain on a party with a day's lead would be hard. He'd have to jog the whole way. And without a decent party about him, 'twould be hard strokes. And for what purse?
Were it just himself, he would be free to throw his life away on a chance for red-roaring revenge and the promise of pillage of the corpses...but they needed ready money now. The whole caravan could not make the chase, and then they'd be at least a day away.
Gorn shakes his head. Such a chance may need to wait.
But then Jimmy goes and runs his mouth. Gorn walks over and gets the story. He nods. No monster has he feared and he would not start now!
"Agreed." he rumbles out, his thick arms already flexing and warming with the promises of good, clean combat. "I need no coin now, but all within the cave is ours, save one sword. Describe it now, lest your sword just 'happen' to be the most bejeweled one of the bunch."
That done, Gorn finishes the day with clean sweat and hard work, his belly rumbling in coordination with the sun setting.
He approaches the foreman. "Gratitude for the work. I would say I'll see you tomorrow, but beseems that I am already volunteered for an epic quest. So I'll need my wages now."
He holds out his empty, ham-hock sized hand. His great belly rumbles again, reinforcing the hope that he at least gets enough to fill it.