Rhen continues to drink waiting for a response.
"I will go with you, dwarf. How soon to leave?"
I do not think I can be what I am and not make the effort to investigate the legend. All the dwarven history and mythology we encountered and I had no knowledge of any of it. I owe it to my craft and those I would serve to expand my horizons. I believe this Glintaxe tale is a fine place to start.
Deldrin eventually makes his way to your position at the bar. "You boys look better already. Amazing what food and an ale can do for a man." He motions for Jim to refill his mug.
"Well, i'm itching to fight something stronger than that vegetarian wolf, count me in."
There is a large group of loggers in the back corner. They take up a pretty good area around two tables. Most of them are standing. The noise level picks up and they are the primary cause. Things are getting rather rowdy back there.
Zevon glances back at the axemen and leans into the conversation.
I think it is best I retire. The cacophony is no good for digestion. I plan to restock in town and see if there is anything else to be learned about the Crucible before I mount another expedition, but things should be in place soon.
Suddenly things in the back corner get much louder. A patron yells out "Your mother is a whore and you ain't got no daddy!"
Another patron yells back "Your mother is a goat and your daddy don't know which one!"
Arlie
Arlie pushes Seldlron.
Seldlron replies with a punch to the face.
Seldlron connects with a loud pop.
The two are quickly separated by the group, each still trying to get to the other. The group starts a chant. "mig-a-mug-tug, mig-a-mug-tug, mig-a-mug-tug, mig-a-mug-tug." The two men end up standing at opposite ends of a large table. Wagers are placed beside each.
"Gentlemen, this is the mildest of reasons I recommended you not play games here."
A patron begins a count down. "Ten, nine, eight, seven, GO!
Initiative
The two men rush at each other. When they clash, each grabs the other's crotch. They both yell out in pain.
Arlie gets the jump on Seldlron
Seldlron continues to yell.
Seldlron tries to crush Arlie
Between the punch and crush, Arlie can take no more. He falls limp. Seldlron yells out "Jalene! Darkwood. Two."
Jalene quickly darts off with two mugs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JHZGWDFL24
"This be gettin' a bit to crazy fer me, lets get goin' on our way."
Rhen pays the bartender and slugs back his drink.
Deldrin notices Rhen is settling up. "Just head back to my office. Jak'a'napes will be on your right. Can't miss it. They can give you room and board. Jim, another please."
Jalene tends to Seldlron. Helping him to down the two potent mugs as quickly as possible. The loggers drag Arlie to the side like a limp piece of garbage and leave him on the floor by the wall. The dull roar from that side of the room continues.
Jak'a'napes, ya say? I will head that way then. Before I leave, Sheriff, would you happen to have or know of any additional opportunities that might lead to a decent wage? Purely in the case that we find ourselves with time to spare?
"There is always work to be had at the lumber consortium. As for the rest of town, I am not aware of anything at this time. You are welcome to ask about if you wish."
Bulgard pays his tab, empties his mug and follows Z to the door.
When you arrive at Jack'a'napes an older woman sits behind an interior window. There is a large kitchen behind her. There are many tables spread out in the main room. There is an unlit fireplace. All rooms are small with one bed. Hot baths are available. The rooms are upstairs. She hands you a key if you want a room.
Reinar will order a few more drinks before heading to the Jack'a'napes and getting a room for himself.
As Reinar makes his way back to Jack'a'napes two guys approach him. "Gimme yo munay girl."
Thug #2
"You heard the man. Give it up or else."
They both wear leather armor and pat saps against their open palms. They are 10 feet away.
"'scue me there, ye be harrassin' this lass 'ere? Ye two shoul be movin' long efore ye be findin' some trouble ye canne handle."
Rhen draws his sword, setting his feet.
You hear a horse galloping towards you from behind. The two thugs take off down a side street. The horse and rider leave a breeze as they pass you in pursuit of the criminals.
Depending on the state of your hangover, you are awakened by the smell of bacon an hour before sunrise or by the glaring sun coming though the window.
Zevon breaks his fast, giving gratitude for another warm meal. He awaits his companions to discuss further adventures.
Zevon takes note of a well dressed halfling and well dressed human at a table across the room. They appear to be in serious conversation.
"Bacon, the best part o' a pig... well roastin' a whole pig be better but bacon is good."
Rhen get dressed and straps on his weapon belt, hurrying down for some grub.
"Mornin' lass, them men be comin' round ere often?"
Mary just smiles as she takes Rhen's order. Soon enough, she returns with his breakfast.
Reinar walks into the room holding his forehead with two hands.
"Morning, comrades...I don't remember what happened last night, i think i saw a ghost riding on the streets or something..."
He orders breakfast and sits close to the group.
"So are we going back to the crucible?"
Mary takes Reinar's order. Soon enough, she returns with his breakfast.
Bulgard wakes up sweating with a splitting headache. He uses the chamber pot and looses his balance. Oh well. He makes his way downstairs while shading his eyes from the skull splitting daylight. He joins his party and places his face on the table. Mary notices him and says "Oh dear." She returns with a plate of bacon, eggs, pancakes, and a side of fruit juice. "Here ya go honey. Poor thing."
Deldrin enters the room and goes directly to a table with two older men. Mary takes his order and returns with his breakfast.
Aye, if you all are up to it, or have nothing else pressing, I think an expedition to discover the story behind the Glintaxe legend. The sheriff did also mention the possibility for gainful employment at the consortium. That is another option if funds are low.
Mary hands you the tab. If you boys are interested in that crucible or anything religious, you should see Lady Cirthana at the church. Oh, and stay as long as you wish. We are slow this morning. Plenty of tables.
"I be with ye elf, I be wantin' ta know more about what happened at that place." Rhen will gather the rest of his stuff
Bulgard jumps up from the table and runs out the door. He comes back a few moments later wiping his mouth and chin with his shirt sleeve. "Muh muh Mary....I l-l-lost first breakfast. C-c-can I have s-s-second breakfast?" Mary gives Bulgard an eye roll and serves him a second breakfast. Bulgard slowly eats his second breakfast, visibly forcing it down. He occasionally looks up at you "Wh wh whu...ummm"
The two well dressed men get up and leave the establishment. Mary begins to clean the table.
Lady Cirthana you say? Then we shall have to pay her a visit. I appreciate the information dear Mary.
Zevon stand and gives a slight bow. He will make his way to the church when all are ready. In the meantime, he will take a look at the ring Bulgard found.
Lady Cirthana is a lawful good cleric of Iomedae. She is usually found in the church which is down the road to your west. Iomedae is the goddess of righteous valor, justice, and honor. Having served as Aroden's herald, she inherited many of the Last Azlanti's followers upon his disappearance, and continues to espouse the ideas of honor and righteousness in the defense of good and the battle against evil. Followers of Iomedae see Torag as an ally.
The Ring of Torag. This simple golden ring has a large red gemstone set into it that sparkles with an inner fire. The wearer of the ring gains fire resistance 10 against the first fire attack that hits him that day. This protection renews itself every morning at dawn. In addition, the wearer receives a +1 resistance bonus on saves made against fire spells and effects. The ring must be worn for 24 hours to have any effect.