Everything Old is New Again (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

Lucian nods toward Natalie, "Out we go, I suppose."

Jadale receives your company gratefully and hears your tale. When you describe finding the body of the watchman, she lowers her head slightly and her voice grows softer. "Yes, that would be Erik. He descended into the dungeons over a month ago and we never heard from him again. Now we know why. I will see that he receives a burial with full honors."

She says nothing at the mention of the rats and roaches, and you suspect that she knew these foes would be encountered. However, when you relate your battle with the goblins, her mood darkens considerably. "They must have found a hidden way in. This bodes not well. I wonder if..." Her voice trails off.

At the mention of the goblins' loot, she considers for a moment. "It would be shameful to say that it belongs to us and yet we had left it down there to rust. I will have it brought up and you may claim of it whatever you wish. I wonder, though, if you might consider doing me another favor?

"To the northeast of here is a canyon with many caves. In times past, these caves were home to many humanoids of evil disposition. It is possible the goblins might have come from there. The caves were raided about two years ago and largely cleaned out, but they may have re-established. Would you be willing to go to the caves and check on things there? I'm sure that we could arrange another little incentive, in addition to anything you might gather, of course."

My blade is always for hire my Lady.

"That sounds like a reasonable job. I'm willing. "

"You've treated us fairly thus far, I see no reason we can not continue to work together...or at least that's my take on it. I won't speak for the others who have yet to speak."

"Caverns? Ah, to finally feel the comfort of cold stone close about me. Yes! Count me in!" Hagnar's enthusiasm for delving under the ground is humorous, and a bit frightening for those who tend toward the claustrophobic...

"Um...h-how far away is it? A-and...d-do you have any maps?" Natalie asks, figuring that they might have drawn up the caverns from their raid two years ago. In any case, she'd have to think about going - clearing a dungeon out was one thing, but going into a goblins' lair sounded vastly more dangerous.

Assume that Natalie told you all the quality of the weapons and armor. Appraise is pretty useful in this game!

"Yes," Jadale responds with a wry smile. "We can certainly provide a map, both to the caverns and of the caves themselves. What we know of them, anyway. But I urge you to consider that not everything will be as we remember it. It is likely that some of the tribes of humanoids did not move back into the area and that others may have taken their place. The caverns are less than a league to the northeast. Follow the road and you can't miss them. Even so, I'll give you a map to guide you.

"Please, feel free to make any preparations that you require and meet with me at the One-Eyed Cat at first light."

Natalie nods as she takes her leave, thinking about what she might need for a cavern excursion and what she could actually carry around. Good thing that she had a inn room to keep her valuables safe.

She heads back to the Green Man and her inn room, dropping her burdens and taking out that vial she found down in the dungeon. She'd have to remember to identifying it tomorrow, it seemed. Or she could find someone else to do it for her. The wizard went down to the front desk in order to ask.

"Um...I'd like a bath...and, um...i-is there anyone in the keep who, um...deals w-with magic potions?" She asks.

You know, I'm all for killing off a bunch of nasty, snarling Goblins, but if they do in fact havea secret entrance into to storage area, perhaps it would be more prudent to start the investigation there. So many caves after all. That and I woild like a better look at that armor if none of you mind.

Hagnar cares not for maps nor potions. He goes to the inn and drinks his silver piece. =) He can't afford to purchase any additional gear, so he settles himself in the same, cheap, out of the way place in the inn and sleeps...

"If you want it, go right ahead, Fergor. The armor looks a little heavy for my tastes. Just as long as you understand the armor's value comes out of your share of the treasure." Lucian says before heading the inn for a drink or two.

How do we want to handle Loot splitting?

Fergor just nods his head in agreement. I have no problem reducing my loot take, as long as I get an equal share from any paid jobs. I.E. someone pays 50 gp each, I get 50 gp.

An elf plays quietly in the taproom, having been instructed not to bother the patrons. He mostly quietly fingers the strings, keeping a rhythm, but not attempting a song. Truth be told, I am just glad to have a chance to play. Seems like it has been weeks!

A battered hat sits nearby in case anyone wishes to show their appreciation.

Perform: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Unfortunately, it sounds like it has actually been years.

Walking back to his table with a drink in hand, Lucian is stopped in his tracks by the out-of-tune strumming of a lute. Turning toward the "musician" and noticing the hat he asks with a wry smile, "If I give you a couple of silvers will you stop? Or at least tune that damned thing?"

" 'Tis no worry madam! You have a group of fair adventures here, willing to defend your peaceful lives. Not to mention, I do despise the nasty vile creatures myself, so I will not turn down such an opportunity to rid pleasant people of this keep of the goblins! Now, off to the market!" The gnome turns away from Jadale and walks towards the vendors and shops. Searching for anybody that may be selling adventuring wares. Especially, interested in any merchants selling ammunition and powder for his gun. Couldn't remember what we had agreed on for my purchasing of gun-related items. If my Gunsmithing skill was going to aid in reducing the price or what.

Walking back to his table with a drink in hand, Lucian is stopped in his tracks by the out-of-tune strumming of a lute. Turning toward the "musician" and noticing the hat he asks with a wry smile, "If I give you a couple of silvers will you stop? Or at least tune that damned thing?"

With a wry grin, the elf replies, "It is pretty bad today, isn't it? OK, I'll stop. On the house." Standing and bowing to the room with a flourish the performance did not deserve, he walks over to Lucian. "Funds are light, I am afraid. I have not checked the notice board yet - know of any work? Or perhaps a tutor for the lute?"

Sudara smiles as he sips a cup of hot water. A strange drink maybe, but one he liked. It reminded him of home.

"I'm sure that Kami would want me to donate my share to a poor house or something, but he's can stuff it. The treasure splits sound fair. For now, the ol' spear and I are good to go. Goblins were a threat back home too.

Sitting in the bar Lucius mutters to himself "Well I didn't think he was that bad. Never heard any music at the monastery. " and continues to drink his ale and eat the standard fare of stew and some brown bread.

"A tutor for the lute? You are looking for one perhaps?" Lucian says with a smirk, heading back to the bar to get the presumed bard a drink. Returning, he hand the elf a flagon of ale and points toward a table. "Have a seat, and we'll talk.

Arriving at the table, Lucian continues, "As to work, we may have an opening as one of our number has chosen to move on. Other than musical ability, what skills would you bring to benefit our group?" the ranger asks waving Lucius, Sudara, and Hagnar over.

And anyone else that might happen to be in the bar from the party as well :)

"Huh, oh, Lucian ok. " and he picks up his mug and bowl of stew and shuffles over to the indicated table. "Oh, you're talking to the musician. That's neat. I've never been around a minstrel before." turning to Zirrel "You must have seem much of the world. "

Fergor looks to Jadale before sitting with his companions, What are we looking at in terms of payment for killing the goblins? 5 Lions per left ear or something? And I believe there was a small matter of 80 Lions for clearing the dungeon. I do not wish to sound harsh, but it is nice to be paid for one job before adventuring to the next

Hagnar listens to the conversations with the attention of cold granite. Maybe it hears you...maybe it's just not paying any attention to you. Hard to tell with stone...

Jadale brings forth from her belt a pouch that rings of coin. "Eighty golden lions, as agreed." she says, tossing the pouch onto the table. Sequin claims his share immediately, saying, "I'm to be off with the next caravan. Nice to have met you, friends." With that, he disappears out the door.

Jadale ignores the thief's exit and continues, "Now then. I'll offer five silver for each goblin left ear you bring me, two silver for kobolds, and a full gold for orcs or hobgoblins. In addition, of course, you keep anything of value that you find. But I must warn you, be very careful. The lands around the keep are wild and untamed, and the area around the caves even more so.

"This map shows the region around the keep," she says, unfurling a map from a leather tube onto the table. "We've not manned the old watchtower in over a decade, but it might make a safe haven from which to base your operations in the caves. It lies only a half-hour's walk distant.

"This map," she says, unfurling a second sheet of parchment, "Shows the caves that we have explored and the locations of those known to us. Again, it has been almost three years since our last visit, and it is quite possible that things have changed significantly. Don't rely too heavily on our information."

"So you're saying it's like chaos there eh?"

sorry couldn't resist

Hagnar happily accepts his share of the original purse, then looks over at the maps and grunts. "Yes, the watchtower is a good place to start. I can look it over and ensure it is still sturdy - perhaps make some improvements while we are there. I would like to check it out first. Then as far as the caves go, I recommend taking the path of water through stone. That is, start high and work our way down. It's the safest, and surest, way to cleanse the place. But that's just my recommendation."

He looks around at everyone else, then suddenly remembers he has no food or ale in his mouth and quickly acts to rectify the oversight. The resulting mini-feeding frenzy is sure to turn those weaker stomachs in the group...

"A tutor for the lute? You are looking for one perhaps?" Lucian says with a smirk, heading back to the bar to get the presumed bard a drink. Returning, he hand the elf a flagon of ale and points toward a table. "Have a seat, and we'll talk.

Still grinning, "That was the idea I was trying get across, but perhaps if someone could teach the lute, it would be easier for me to play." Accepting the flagon, he bows his head. "My thanks. I would say singing badly is as thirsty a work as singing well, but, well, I wasn't singing." Holding up the lute, he adds, "I can hardly claim to be a bard. I have had some small amount of training, but I have not found a master to apprentice to and I tend to keep moving from place to place. On a good night, I can gather some coin. On a bad night, I meet some interesting people. I'm a better teller of tales, but tonight's crowd don't seem to be interested in such, so I tried the instrument instead. Besides, I find that my selection of tales is better after I've been around a day or two and met some of the locals." Sticking out a hand in a rather non-elf-like manner, he adds, "By the way, my name is Zirrel Larenethdren. Pleasure to meet you."

Arriving at the table, Lucian continues, "As to work, we may have an opening as one of our number has chosen to move on. Other than musical ability, what skills would you bring to benefit our group?" the ranger asks waving Lucius, Sudara, and Hagnar over.

"I know you say musical ability with some understandable irony. I am a bit of a jack of all trades, to be honest, but I tend to lean toward delving and exploring new places. It's dangerous to do so alone, so I have worked with different groups that needed another good pair of eyes or skilled hands. I enjoy uncovering long-lost secrets, really. Uncovering what once was known, as it were, and learning new things. I know a smattering of things on many topics and what to look for to avoid a trap. Given time, I can often render them safe. Given sufficient panic works, too." Again he grins as he sips from his ale.

Turning to Zirrel, "You must have seem much of the world. "

"More of it than I like, some days. Sometimes, I wish I could settle down and be happy in one place, but the road always calls. There are new things to see, new things to do, and," gesturing to those at the table, "new friends to meet." Raising his ale, he adds, "To new friends and old mysteries. May they always keep me moving."

Looking around at the gathered individuals, he asks, "No offense, but most of you seem quite young. Have you been working together long?" He obviously is not including the dwarf in that assessment, but he gives Hagnar's inspired feasting a bemused look before looking back at Lucian.

Was Reigar able to find any place to buy more ammunition to prepare before leaving tomorrow? He was looking at buying at least 20 more bullets and doses of powder, and any other traveling necessities that might be necessary to him. After doing so he will make his way to the tavern to join the others.

The lively little gnomes makes his way into the tavern, coming back from the market. Still having his brightly adorned hat donned, he tips it to a barmaid and motions for one ale as he makes his way towards the group of companions that seem to be having an engaging conversation. He pulls up a chair from nearby, of course more like a heaving than slight pull. Then climbs his way into the seat and stands on it to be at eye level with the others. "Oy! My compatriots! By the looks of these maps and the face on our cold dwarven friend, this resembles a planning party. Am I mistaken? How much fame, glory, and wealth do we have to earn from this venture? Speaking of, is that by chance our reward from Lady Jadale? I would appreciate one of you fine gents handing my share to me." The gnome finishes with a polite gesture towards the bag of coin and his friends. He sips on his ale and listens intently on the discussion of the next journey they are to make.

Zirrel is tall and lean like most elves. His clothing is in reasonable condition and functional, but obviously not new. A longspear leans against the wall near his pack and he has a short sword on one hip and a bullwhip coiled and hanging from the other. Other than the possibility of the whip, there's not a lot to draw attention to him, but there is something unusual about his eyes. They are a pale blue, especially against his tanned face, but they have an unusual luster to them.

Thanks again for letting me join the game, guys. I've been looking forward to this.

Are we by chance forgetting one crucial piece to this puzzle? How the bloody hell did the goblins get down in the dungeon in the first place?

"Goblins? Dungeon?"

Sorry my friend, our last job had us clearing out a sealed dungeon for Miss Jadale here, there was a small pack of Goblins down there that we had to dispatch of. Since it was sealed, we can only assume they have found a way to tunnel in there. That should be our first priority. Fergor looks at his compatriots then begins to count them, he also points at the door then to himself. I counted eight people that went down there, that's 10 Lions a piece, anyone get anything different? I didn't want to take me shoes off to count so I might be off.

"Ah, interesting. That would seem to be cause for concern. Is that not the new job you referred to, then?"

Yes, Reigar can resupply. The smith can provide him with bullets, if shown one to model from. The powder is a bit harder to come by. A passing merchant happens to have enough to resupply him this time, but a visit to the alchemist (if the keep has one) might be in order.

Jadale simply smiles mysteriously at the group as they count their loot and discuss the fact that the goblins were in the dungeon. Perhaps there is more to this group than mere muscle, she muses to herself.

"If you wish, I will send a guard contingent down to have a look for any secret passageways. As you have saved us the trouble of clearing it out, they should be safe enough. I can have them go before you leave, if you would like to postpone your journey, or they can report when you return."

No offence, but I wanted to check out that arnor again since you have stated that it wasn't yours. I'm sure we can handle it, but if you want, the help isn't refused. After all, I have an eye like a blind dwarf in a room covered in soft satin sheets. He pauses for a moment then looks over to his dwarven companion. No offence!

"Sounds about right to me, Fergor." Lucian says pocketing the ten golden coins. "Obviously, Fergor is interested in the armor. Anyone care for the blades, or shall we try to sell them?"

Turning his attention back to Zirrel, "Nice to meet you, Zirrel. I am Lucian. While the job Fergor and Reigar speak of is not the same as the one I had mention, I am not remotely convinced that they are not connected."

After hearing Jadale's offer to send a group down to search for passageways, the ranger says, "With the watchtower only being a short trip from here, it would seem to be prudent to wait to hear if the guards find anything. What do the rest of you think?"

Before hearing a responce from the others, Lucian asks Jadale, "Any chance that guard contingent could search things out first thing in the morning so that we can still make it to the watchtower tomorrow?"

"Well I really don't know how to use weapons or armor, so they don't much have value to me unless sold. If someone has a use for them, we might as well let them. "

"I can have them search this morning, and you can be on your way by Highsun," Jadale replies.

that would give us the day to retrieve the items and sell what is not needed. I'm fine with Sever here for now, so I don't need the toothpicks. As for the watchtower, not sure if it is that important if we find the Goblin tunnel. It should take us straight to the cavern we need, then clear out the rest from there. Fergor thinks for a moment then pipes up. That tunnel has to be down there, I can't think of anyone stupid enough to work with Goblins to lead them in there, and from me, that's saying something!

"That goes without saying, Fergor. Obviously if the guards find something we missed down below that would be our first priortiy."

"There doesn't have to be a goblin tunnel all the way to the caves. They would be a huge undertaking. I'd say it would just be a local tunnel into the basement here from somewhere nearby. "

How much gold would you like me to spend to resupply bullets and powder from thos sources?

Reigar drinks his ale slowly, taking in the situation at hand. The task being offered, the new companion, and the plan of action. "Well, fella's to be completely honest. I haven't the faintest idea of how to go about on such expeditions. Just getting here to the keep was my first long journey. Some of you obviously yield much more in the field of experience than I. I will yield my mind and mighty musket wherever it is needed. I shall need to first replenish my resources. Jadale, is there by chance an alchemist I could seek the aid of?" Reigar finishes with a wink, then takes off his top hat and dusts it off before placing it neatly on the back of his chair. The little gnome rustles his hands through his brazenly colored blue hair. He whistles at an attractive village female walking by then quickly recovers composure, forgetting that he was in the presence of Jadale. He gives a slight cough to cover up the embarrassment.

"True enough. I helped a bounty hunter once. His quarry had found an old tunnel from just outside the town's walls into someone's basement. The previous homeowner had been run out of town but no one realized he had a secret passage to outside the walls. Long story short, the thief we sought was living in the tunnel and stealing from town whole we were looking for his camp in the woods miles away."

Looking around the table, he asks, "What is the shortest distance from the dungeon outside the walls? I would look there first - either outside the wall or on that side of the dungeon."

I have said my piece, and I have my price, My sword and I will follow wherever to from here.

"If you will have me, this sounds interesting and I would like to accompany your band. Strength in numbers, you know. I promise to limit my playing of the lute if that helps." He smiles again.

Can I see that lute for a second? An easy Sense Motive will tell you he means harm to the lute as he has a deceiving grin on his face.

After all, I have an eye like a blind dwarf in a room covered in soft satin sheets. He pauses for a moment then looks over to his dwarven companion. No offence!

Hagnar just looks at Fergor blankly - it is clear he has absolutely no idea what the human is talking about...

"Miss Jadale, your men should check the area where we killed the snake first. It looked like maybe a water tunnel and a pool that had dried up? That was the one area we did not fully investigate while down there and may be the way in."

"OOH YEAH! The stony fellow is right ma'am. Twas a ginormous snake! And it was yours truly that felled the cruel thing. I let loose a brilliant shot, I do tell you it was nothing short of spectacular. The foul thing had no idea what hit it, mostly because my shot tore a hole right through it." The gnome retells the battle while bouncing excitedly in his chair. It is clear he has not felled many things in his short time adventuring.

Can I see that lute for a second? An easy Sense Motive will tell you he means harm to the lute as he has a deceiving grin on his face.

He starts to hand it over, but thinks better of it, "OK, maybe I will eliminate the lute playing while we travel together. Better?"

That a boy, just until yea get some lessons, eh? Fergor slaps a hand on Zirrel's shoulder and gives a hearty laugh, Come now lads! Let us retrieve our treasures and make some more coin! As he stands, he wobbles a little bit, and notices several rings of water by his side of the table, places where what seamed a never ending mug of Ale sat. He tries as he might to count how many he had, but with all the talk of adventure, he really can't say. uh, barkeep, how much do I owe yeah?