"Is there a way to find out what the prospective jobs pay and what the conditions might be? It's kinda hard to make a choice when we lack all the information. " he mentions trying to add a note of caution.
The wizard nods, also wondering how she's able to communicate her desire to be the bouncer here if all that she could sign was three. She thought a little more on that lost civilization, trying to recall if there was a specific language or dialect they used.
"...um," She speaks up to Wilf, glancing at the bartender. "You, um, know a lot about the keep...so...could you...tell me about Jedale...please?" She asks quietly, hoping that she's not imposing too much on the busy man.
Sudara shrugs and takes a swallow of beer.
Bread and cheese and beer had to be one of the best food combinations one could enjoy.
"It's a small town. We could probably ask all our questions about all of the jobs in a matter of an hour."
Sequin jolts his head up and looks around, unaware how he'd succumbed to such daydreaming. "Have we decided where to seek fame and fortune yet?"
"Well, the way I see it, our first decision needs to be who all is in on this 'adventuring' thing? Extra hands at the forge can turn out more armor than one dwarf by himself...Our next choice is do we all go together tomorrow and take care of this vermin problem?"
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Reigar is getting excited seeing everyone come together. He starts bouncing in his seat. "I'm always open to a challenge. Provides a new problem to analyze and solve. I'll be there with with my trusty musket! Anybody who wishes to befriend a Brolo is forever blessed! Haha! I suggest we take care of something simple, just to get our bearings with each other. And it should also be a boon to our renown, so that we may help more people and be trusted. Then we should seek these vile bandits, to rid a blemish from the lives of these innocent folk!" Reigar spoke so quickly and almost seemingly without breathing, his face almost turned blue as his hair. As he finished he took a deep breath and raised his ale. Slapping his other hand on the table he declared, "To fortune, fame, daring deeds, and a long friendship! To all of you with me, my dear gents!"
"Uh, yeah, I'm in. I gotta earn my keep somehow, and I kind of know what to do in a fight. " hearing the gnome's enthusiastic toast he'll raise his mug as well.
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"Jadale? She's the head of the militia. She's usually found at the fortress, in the upper bailey, but she occasionally makes the rounds of the walls, and has even been known to come down for a drink here in the Cat."
"I see...um...would you...point her out...when she comes in?" Natalie asks Wilf, idling at the bar. She orders up the dinner that comes with her room, asking for a little bit more milk to go along with her meal. She sips it slowly, figuring that she could wait to see if Jadale comes in, rather than go to see her and possibly miss her.
On the other end, she kept an ear on the gathering of toughs, keeping her distance from them - they had seemed interested in her before, a few of them, but she didn't know what their intentions might be.
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Fergor finaly interjects It really doesn't matter what we go and do first. But if we are going to take on old ruins and the like, I would first like to make sure our bases are covered. Brolo, you obviously will be needed for ranged combat, maybe even with any pesky traps, I hear you gnomes are good at such things. I can provide an effective barrier, deal some damage to. I'd like s cleric at least as well to provide healing, Hagnar, you seam to fit that role well, as well as a partner at my side in battle. If there is one thing we need now though its Arcane. We won't grt far if magic becomes involved. What say you all? Know of any casters? He looks at the other companions sitting with them to gauge thier abilities in battle, but finds it quite difficult. Tell me lads though, what DO the rest og you offer in our little band of merry men?
"I suppose the hidden will be revealed, and locks will spring open all at the sight of your overwhelming prowess," he said glaring at Fergor. And do let me know how things work out when the Gnome tries to disarm his first trap."
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Reigar tips his brightly colored hat to the fighter. "You probably mean well, good pal.. However, I, being the proud gnome I am and from a long line of Master Tinkerers, do not take kindly to being called a scoundrel of the sorts that fiddles with traps. I work a much more intricate craft, that of guns, gizmos, and thingamajigs. So, I defer to our more shady friends here, like Sequin, whom of which I assume very good at such a delicate task. I mean no offense by that good chap!" He winks at Sequin, then continues. [B] "Being that which I am, an inexperienced adventurer, small figure, and wielder of my musket. I do believe I can provide aid to Sequin and the rest of you from a distance without being noticed. As for magic, I'm no aid. Though I did notice an interaction between our dwarf compatriot and that rather reclusive young lass."
Reigar notices the initial tension from Sequin. He finds Sequin to seem like the reliable sort and a future ally. After finishing his splurb he finishes his ale and motions to the barmaid for another.
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Fergor laughs heartedly and drinks from his mug, he then slams it down and bolsters, Come now friends, I meant no disrespect. And Brolo, you are no scoundrel, he lowers his voice and give a very slight tip of his cup the the Third, Less it be with the lassies eh? Fergor laughs again and orders the table another round, giving the wench five gold pieces. Calming down slightly he looks towards Sequin, Now friend, I apologize if I didn't recognice your talents, but since you are mostly covered you could have been anything, allow me to ask this, do you just specialize is traps and locks, or do have have other hidden talents that would prove useful, not they are necessary.
"I can also fight on the front line. I have been trained in the arts of unarmed combat. " he replies a bit meekly "My master at the monastery did say I was a pretty good student" and a lousy scullion, but they don't need to know that
"Aye, Fergor, I seem to be touched by the Master Craftsman in more than just stonecarving. I can use my hammer to carve a beautiful likeness from rough stone, or bash in an orc's skull, with equal ease. And the Master has given me some mystical talents as well. As for your caster, m'thinks the mouse there has some arcane skills. Not sure if she'd be worth the trouble if we have to protect her from pebbles and mosquitoes..."
He turns back to his sketch of the masked guard, now adding details of the mask and drawing it from different angles.
Lucian, annoyed by the implied slight, turns his attention toward Fergor, "I am just as much at ease in the wilds as I am here, "friend", which might be a bit useful since I really doubt that any of these potential jobs are around the corner at the next tavern. Beyond that, I am more than capable with a blade and perhaps even better with a bow."
"As to the girl? I don't know what would have to happen to get her out of her shell, like Hagnar said, it might be more trouble than it's worth. On the other hand it's not like finding practitioners of the arcane arts is common place. We might as well try."
"I offer my spear, wards against evil, and my skill in the Celestial Art. My Eidolon is young of body, but capable and will only grow stronger."
Much to my detriment... thinks Sudara.
He turns around in his chair and looks again at Natalie, but figures a meeting of this type might be too much for her. He turns back and starts again on his food.
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Reigar quickly drops out of his chair. His brightly adorned hat the only trying visible of him over the table. The eccentric hat bobs up and down as it makes its way to Natalie. Reigar takes a humble bow and offers up his hand, presenting a silken white kerchief. "Madam, it is my honor. One such as yourself should not be without company. I believe you seem quite studious and resolute, you could be quite capable. My newly found friends and I are in search of a particular skill set, one that specializes in the arcane more specifically. I'm under the assumption you could be a great asset. I must add that you'll also find our fellowship to be mutually beneficial. Each of us being a unique piece of a puzzle that fate as made. Please, do accept my quaint gift and offer." Reigar tilts his head to meet Natalie's eyes, his green eyes gleaming in the tavern light, a small soft smile worn on his face. He really meant all he had said, Reigar wasn't one for lying to innocent people. But he knew it all truly centered around her own convictions.
Hagnar stage whispers to the rest of the lads at his table, "10 to 1 she thinks the gnome is trying to bed her!" and then laughs a little too loudly.
Sequin chuckles at Brolo, "You have a way with words, unlike our friend here. As for me," he said turning to Fergor, "I use my talents to find and take whatever it is that I seek. The shadows are my ally in this and though I prefer to keep my hands clean, my dagger will find its mark and is rarely seen coming."
"...huh?" Natalie could only say to the small gnome that approached her. For the life of her, she couldn't fathom why he would. Such eloquent speech was making her poor head spin a little bit, trying to keep up with his train of thought while her own was feeling derailed. She looked away, keeping her eyes down on her meal and fidgeted uncomfortably.
"...I...um...I'm eating...so..." She whispered, feeling slightly cornered. She didn't have the heart to tell him that he was mistaken, that she was just an apprentice wizard - well, former apprentice, but she'd never finished her studies under her previous master, so she couldn't really graduate. Why was everyone so pushy around her? Probably because they knew that she was weak. Even a gnome looked at her as something to be pitied, it seemed.
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Fergor smacks his hand on the table and laughs uncontrollably. His meal finished he get up and, while still chuckling, says I am off to bed lads, and lady. I shall see you all here in the morning. He turns towards the lady and bows ma'am, I mean you as well with this he departs for a room. He will pay ten gold to have a room for to nights. After that he will see just what he can.
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Reigar couldn't possibly understand why this human was so timid. Silly humans, it only makes perfectly logical sense to accept terms for mutually beneficial arrangements with other beings of like minds and goals. How could she want to be so evasive? How could she not see the things to be accomplished with allies? Just another intrigue to be noted about the species. Gnomes always know there is gain to be had in others, even if it's not the same endgame...
Reigar scrunches up his face in thought trying to discern more about this woman. "Well, fair lady, I must bid you adieu then. Tis most unfortunate that the eyes of your mind remain closed inward instead of outward towards the beautiful and intrinsic opportunities presented within the accompanying of those companions and myself. May fate guide you clearly and your true eyes rid you of your blindness." He knew some of his words had sting, but that was the point. The Brolo family guild had long relished in striking trade agreements, sharing secrets, and working diplomatic treaties. It was a skill he admired greatly andaalways strove to use efficiently since leaving on this journey.
Reigar turns to go towards the inn. He drops a silver piece on the table for the barmaid. "I do agree with the brash one on this. We should all get a good rest, who knows what may lay in front of our paths tomorrow. I have done what I can. I think the rest is left for her heart to decide. We should try to meet sometime after daybreak in the market square, stock up on any supplies and then be on our way. Fair dreams to you all. With that Reigar walked into the room and asked for any room with a good view of the keep and square.
Lucius will head for the common room, and unroll his bedroll.
This sure is a motley crew. I don't quite get why the lady thinks we're trouble. I mean it's not like she just met us. Guess she's just nuts.
He finds a location somewhat close to the fire without infringing upon the area of those who pay for the privilege. Best to get my rest, I imagine we'll see some action tomorrow.
Sudara sighs.
Where timidness was cute in a woman, in a companion it really didn't have so much appeal.
"Probably for the better."
He gets up as well and heads to his room. In the morning he would have to deal with his ancestor again, and that was always frustrating.
Hagnar stays in the tavern until everyone else has left, in case Jadale comes in. While he is nursing his ale, the serving girl accidentally bumps into him and drops a mug on the ground, breaking it. (It couldn't have been Hagnar stumbling into the girl...oh no. He can hold his ale better than that!)
Feeling bad for the girl when she sighs and looks at the broken mug, he mumbles, "Sorry, miss." He bends down to pick up the pieces, sits down at his table, and fits them back together one by one. Somehow, when he is done, the mug is whole and unbroken! He hands it back to the girl and smiles, saying, "How 'bout filling this up for me, there's a good lass..."
Artificer's Touch on the mug.
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The serving girl is a bit startled by the fact that the mug is made whole once more, but scurries off to refill it.
It is well after dark when a young girl, perhaps 17 years old, enters the tavern. Slender and attractive, she nonetheless seems to carry the weight of the world upon her shoulders. She looks to the barkeep as she enters and says, "Wilf, draw one." Wordlessly, the man complies.
"THAT'S Jadale," he whispers as he passes Hagnar (and Natalie, if she is still present).
Lucian waits for the young woman to get her drink and have a seat before approaching.
"Good evening, Jadale. My name is Lucian. A few friends I were wonding if you could tell us a bit more about the vermin in the dungeons you were wanting dealt with. Wilf was kind enough to point you out to us when you came in tonight."
"No need for apologies and I would certainly have no objections to sitting with you while you take your evening meal. On the other hand, I could come back after you've had time to eat your meal in peace, if you would prefer."
"Where might these 'old dungeons' be located?"
Natalie couldn't help but stare a bit at Jedale - for good reason. She looked younger than her by at least a year, and she was supposedly the head of the militia in the keep. It was surprising to see that she had such a responsibility on her shoulders.
The wizard gathered her courage, getting ready to speak to the woman herself about the job - before shrinking back at the bar as she was preempted by the dark-haired half-elf. She bowed her head, trying to listen in at least. It seemed like Jedale was quite stressed - on the off chance she had an opportunity to speak to her later, perhaps a small token of appreciation would help her get in her good graces? She seemed like she would be scary if approached in a bad mood.
Timidly waving at Wilf, she pulls a gold coin out of her pocket. "...Um...if you could, maybe...you could get Jedale...whatever she likes...to drink and eat..." She whispers, sliding the currency over across the bar. She then waited patiently for her possible turn, sipping slowly from her water cup.
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The young woman shrugs and brushes her hair back from her eyes. She is raven-tressed, with bright blue eyes that still bear a child-like innocence, despite her position of authority.
"Here, good dwarf," she motions for Hagnar to join them, then beckons a finger at Natalie, "And you, girl. I may as well give the pitch but once."
After the others have joined and her meal has arrived, she begins. "Yes, I am Jadale. We are seeking a group of troubleshooters to take care of a vermin problem in the old dungeons that lie beneath our feet. The dungeons are not extensive, but the rat populace has become alarming of late. There are rumors of rats as large as dogs down there, and quite frankly, I haven't the manpower to send down to deal with the issue. We've simply closed the area off, but that doesn't solve the problem, it merely delays the inevitable. Sooner or later, the dungeons must be cleared, and I'd rather it be sooner. We could use them for storage, or as a bolthole in times of dire need."
"You look like a competent trio, and if you would be willing to take care of this little problem for me, I could probably scrape together a small reward. And you would earn my favor, which carries no small amount of weight around here. What say you?"
"Aye, Miss, we'll take care of your vermin problem, even the R.O.U.S. (rodents of unusual size...)" Hagnar says, nodding. "Anything else you can tell us about the dungeons? Any traps or areas we need be aware of? Where do we enter them and who has the keys?"
"Also, do ya mind if we bring a few others along - to balance out our skills, you understand. Not asking for more reward, just wanting you to know...and it seems to me your favor would be worth more to us than a few shinies, anyways."
Hagnar lifts his mug to Jadale and his colleagues, holding it in the air for the others to clink. "A bargain struck. May the Master bless our efforts."
"Sounds good, Jadale. We'll see you in the morning."
Having reached agreement with Jadale, Lucian heads back to his room. "Come on, Hagnar. Gotta get some rest, we have a busy day ahead of us."
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Reigar gets to his room, sheds off his backpack and clothes at the foot of the bed. He pulls over a foot stool to help him climb into the bed. Breathing deeply he let's his eyes drift closed. Then with a spur of energy he jumps out of the bed and grabs his musket. He sets it down on the table then stands in a chair. Looking over the gun he mumbles incoherent words. Next he grabs his kit out of his bag and begins his work. Cleaning the barrel free of dirt and any built up deposits, which to many would seem immaculate. He then checks the trigger's functionality and looks down the barrel, aiming at an imaginary target. Realizing the late of night he extinguishes the lamp in the room then waves his hand and two small orbs of faint light follow every moment of his hands as he continues to work on the gun. He disassembles it, polishes each and every part until they shine, then puts it all back together. Reigar looks upon his gun, satisfied. This is his routine, to help ease his mind and heart. Also, to ensure his own safety.
Hagnar follows Lucian to the Green Man and takes a cheap spot on the floor - he only has a handful of coins and they need to last him! Besides, a wood floor inside is still nicer than sleeping on rocks outside under the vast...
The sun is rising. Hagnar is already awake and hungry. But his duties come first. He heads outside (not because the Master Craftsman requires it, but because he is, essentially, a private dwarf and this time is for him to be with the Master) and finds a quiet place to reflect on the path the Master has set for him. He asks the Master for his healing touch and strength for the day's tasks.
Light
Stabilize
Virtue
1st level
Domain - Magic Stone
Bless
Divine Favor
After his devotions are complete, he walks back to the inn, straps on his chain mail, and then wakes the rest of the party. "Reveille, reveille! All hands heave out and trice up! There's breakfast to eat and vermin to eliminate! Let's go - show a leg!" He's not very gentle, nor quiet, but he is very effective.
Lucian comes wandering down the stairs in the middle of Hagnar's attempt to wake the rest of party.
"Bloody Hell, man. Are you trying to wake us or the whole damned town?" he says with half-crooked grin on his face.
"Guh, uhh, whu? Alright already, I'm up. "
First time I'm away from the monastery and not sleeping outside on the ground and I'm roused at dawn. I just can't win. Sounds like they found a job though. That's good.
"So you guys landed the rat killing job? Good to hear. " we says while rolling up his sleeping equipment.
Natalie woke up the next morning in a bit of a daze, before remembering where she was and getting up out of her bed. The wizard had been so surprised last night when Jedale called her out like that - it was eerie how she had noticed her interest in the job as well.
Taking her time, she combed the tangles out of her hair, putting back on her scholar's outfit and cloak, and the rest of the gear that she'd decided to carry with her - as an afterthought, she fastened her dagger to her belt as well, just to be sure. She hoped that there would be no cause to use it.
That was when she paused, thinking it over again. As far as she knew, neither of the other interested men had acknowledged her commitment to the job. That was fine with her for now, as she understood that perhaps they were taking things slightly too seriously - or was she not taking things seriously enough?
Coming out of her room, the noblewoman closed and locked the door behind her, before heading into the One-Eyed Cat, looking out for Jedale as she got her breakfast, eating it quietly.
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Reigar was sitting on the table in his room polishing his little musket. He admired it, all the work his father had put into creating it. So that I could have something to devote my erratic spirit and mind too, that would have been his explanation... Reigar smiled at his gun then strapped it to his back, fastened his dagger to it's sheath on his wrist, and then donned the rest of his outfit. He could hear the booming and of the dwarf. It was good to know he isn't the only one with enthusiasm. With that thought, Reigar picked up his bag and went down the stairs. "Who's buying breakfast?!?! Not it!"
Buying breakfast?!? No way I can afford to feed everyone
"Not me!"
Sudara comes in a little behind the others, having rolled back over for a few more moments after Hagnar awoke them. The benefits of a private room, he supposed.
He comes in on the group mid-breakfast conversation and happily puts a few coins on the counter.
"The groups food is on us."
He points at Natalie, then smiles to the staff.
"Hers too. She's part of the group after all."
He hopes that inclusion by removing the possibility of self-exclusion works. If not the others would be just as likely to leave her behind and forget about her.
He stops by her for a second, long enough to stuff a piece of ham and his fried egg between two halves of a biscuit.
"Don't worry. We won't make you do anything you don't want, and you can ignore us right up until it hampers teamwork if you want. Or if you get nervous, just picture us all in our underwear or something."
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True to her word, Jadale meets you in the common room of the One-Eyed Cat. After all have broken fast, she leads you into the inner bailey and up to one of the guard towers that surrounds the outer wall. Opening the door with her key from a massive ring of such, she pauses to light a torch and then leads you down a short set of stairs to a cellar.
The room is small, cramped, and smells strongly of earth. The walls are, in fact, bricked over earth and the floor is barren ground. Along one wall of the room is a gated doorway. Jadale unlocks the heavy padlock that secures the door and opens it, motioning for you to step inside. Handing you a spare torch, she lights it using hers, then says, "Kill or otherwise remove anything you feel is a real threat. I'll offer 80 gold lions if you clear the entire dungeon so that we can use it. As I said, I don't think there are any traps down here, likely just critters. The whole shouldn't take you long."
"I'll leave you the key, but I'm going to secure the door while you're down here. Ask anyone where to find me when you're done. Good luck." With that, she secures the door and leaves the group standing in a large chamber, some 20 feet square. Open passageways go right (east) and left (west) and the door by which you entered it to the north.
Looking right, you see a room similar to this one, 20 feet square, with a series of cracks in the floor and an exit to the south. To the left, the passage narrow and splits, going north and south.