Davos has a quick wash in the morning before heading down to the breakfast table
"Morning all, good to see you on your feet Gelbor. Oh whats this Dom, thank you very much indeed much better than having Jeeves's porridge again".
Davos says while laughing to himself
"Well Gelbor I've been keeping busy with my work making some magic scrolls and visiting the library, which didn't futher my knowledge in the Crow at all".
Gelbor stands up from the table with a smile.
"Ahh! Thanks dom some proper food to get my back on my game."
Gelbor quickly takes one and starts to tear into it.
"Thank you Draz, i've only just met you but you are a true companion i wouldn't want to go anywhere without you, just know i've always got your back and i owe you a lot."
A stern look washes over Gelbors face, as he thinks how close he came. Then in a flash it fades away.
"What's this talk about weapons?"He pulls out his small leather logbook. "Records have to be kept, to properly disperse the wealth of course."
Kennos look over the sandwich bought by Dom
This looks most delicious thank you friend
Kennos signals with his hand
Jeeves if you would be so kind could you please fetch me and plate
Jeeves lays the plate down if front of kennos, Kennos using his knife and fork carefully lays out the contents of the sandwich on the plate and starts to eat it.
When tea if offered
No tea for me thanks but some boiled water would be lovely please
Kennos pulls a small jar from his pocket removes its lid and scoops out a viscous mound with a tea spoon places it in the boil water and stirs.
When Gelbor pulls out his logbook kennos calmly sips his honeyed water and turns to him
I mean no offence my friend but what I bought with my own gold is not really your business, I see how your system is fair and it does make sense to split the loot equally, but what I do with my share of the gold when i receieve it is my business alone
Kennos takes another sip of honeyed water
kennos seems overly touchy about how he spends his gold, I wonder what he has to hide? Some unusual vice? Or perhaps a mistress in the city? Time will tell I am sure.
come Draz sit and eat, ive got us a treat for to break our fast with, some of Hazels specials. I got you and gelbor two each I figured you would have a healthy appetite this morning.
in between mouthfulls of delicious hog bacon and sausage he turns back to gelbor
we need to get hold of some silver weapons to deal with this thief leader. I could not find anywhere that sells them. Maybe you could locate somewhere gelbor? Draz would like some sling bullets and myself, a dagger or short sword depending on the cost.
You mean one of these?
Kennos pulls a silver dagger from his side and places it on the table.
A strange man by the name of Henry Smith makes all manor of weird weapons, I did offer you all but I think you were all too busy with the drama of Gelbors illness to notice I can take you there after breakfast if any of you wish, its a little bit pricey though
good work kennos does this place have many silver weapons? And just how pricey are we talking? I just wish there was a way I could coat my own blade in something that would work as well. I am at my best with my own blade in hand
"Yes before I forget to mention about lycanthropy herb called Wolfsbane or Belladonna as having a curative effect, but im not too sure how it is used. Drazhak maybe you have some knowledge on this."
Davos turns to dom
"Indeed there is a chemical you can use to coat your weapons its referred to as silversheen its rather expensive thou."
Drazhak takes the sandwishes from Dom and smiles. "Thank you my friend. I certainly could eat both of these." Upon which, he promptly proceeds to demonstrate that a hungry Dwarf is a sight to see. Whithin the space of a minute, both sandwhiches seem to disappear. He then quafs his tea and belches.
"Nice - although a jug of ale would have been more condusive..Anyway, to the business at hand. I am not overly familiar with the properties of Wolfsbane or Belladonna Davos, but I am sure I could find out. They sound intriguing. Perhaps Gelbor or Kennos could find an apothecary somewhere in this city. Do we know if this lycanthropy is a disease, poison or curse? If we knew we could look for magical aid in the form of scrolls that would cure or remove such an affliction. As for weapons, if I have sufficient funds, I seek to obtain some bullets for my sling and perhaps a light mace."
I wonder if any of the temples in the city would have knowledge of these herbs. It is worth investigation.
there is a cheaper but not as effective item called a weapon blank but it requires a while to be melted on to your weapon with fire and then only lasts for one attack, not very good if we are fighting multiple people.
Davos you are a fountain of knowledge, we will have to investigate these herbs and see if they will benefit us. I don't think i have the funds for this silver sheen , I will have to see how she stands up against my steel, I will get a silver short sword though just in case.
Kennos do you know how much a silver short sword would be?
Gelbor looks up from his food only to hear Dom say there's another for him.
"Another? why not." He grabs the sandwich and starts to devour it.
When the sandwich is nearly finished, Gelbor comes up for air.
"That was lovely thank you Dom, just what the doctor ordered." He smiles over at Draz.
He then finally addresses Kennos.
"Slynt, i have no interest in your little flute. I was merely speaking about my two friends here." He nods at Dom and Davos. "They put me in charge of tracking we all get a fair share."
Then taking his stern look off Kennos, he smiles at Dom.
"Dom i know a man, but it seems Kennos does too both will give you a fair deal i'm sure. The price depends on what you want, a short sword would cost 90 gold on top of what the sword costs."
He then pulls out a dagger from his boot.
"Lucky for me i already have a silver dagger."
He glints the dagger in the light.
that is a bit pricey but I can afford it, so we would be looking at a 100 gold pieces for the short sword. When you are ready Gelbor can you get me a short sword from this man you know? Dom pulls out his money pouch and counts out the gold before giving it to Gelbor if it costs any more let me know
"No problem Dom, i'd be happy to get it for you. Could really do with getting out for abit after breakfast." Gelbor takes the money, making notes in his book. Then sits back putting his feet up on a spare chair.
"So what have i missed? Davos, Slynt have you uncovered the mysteries of the universe? What can you tell us about the crow we didn't know before?"
Drazhak shrugs his shoulders. "90gp on top of the price of the weapon is a bit much for me. I shall have to rely on heart, faith and steel. I've not yet met a foe that can withstand that combination."
Kennos turns to Gelbor
I my friend have not found anything else out sadly, Sheila was not here when we set out to find out more information so I could not ask her for others who would know more, and then you took ill so everyone was to busy to ask then and alas it seem again this morning she is no where to be found, which is a shame I do not like to enter a situation without as much knowledge as possible but we do have Sheilas knowledge and that of Nataylas at our disposal so that will have to do. What Davos uncovered I do not know yet, Davos? Oh yes also do we head to the crows today? if we do I have something I must do first
I dont think we will head to the crows today, gelbor is going to get me a sword and he could do with another day to recover. Kennos you mentioned earlier you wanted to go out for food somewhere and maybe get a few drinks.
That sounds like a good idea to me, maybe a few tankards and some entertainment could be a good idea we could get to know each other a bit better indulge in a few bar room games, im partial to a few rounds of arrows (darts), and the odd game of dice.
Kennos's face lights up with a smile
A man after my own heart Domingo, I would love to have a few drinks with you all, they say you find a man's true self at the bottom of an ale glass, but all I seem to find are women's thighs and mens fists
Kennos laughs out loud
Drazhak adjusts the leather thong that binds his hair at the nape of his neck and produces a small steel comb, intricately carved. As he slowly drags it through his long beard, he looks at Kennos.
"I think with Dom Domingo present, you need not worry about other men's fists. Women's thighs though may still prove your undoing." He laughs heartily. "Worry not my friend, I will guard your soul and keep you from temptation! Joking aside, I could do with a good meal and a tankard or two. I would also like to know more about my comrades in arms. I know some of your stories and would hear more of the others. For me, I would be happy to share some of my experiences. I assure you, they are not all from a temple. When shall we go?"
"Alright then, let me get fully dressed and i'll head out, where will i meet you lot later?"
Gelbor then closes his eye's for a second deep in thought.
"We could go to the Salty Sailor, Right on the docks. I've had a lot of good times there. Less there is somewhere you lot had in mind first?"
Gelbor then sits back and starts to finish he tea.
The Salty Sailor sounds good to me, could you do me a favour when your out Gelbor? can you split this 5 gold in silver a coppers for me? I don't want to go flashing my gold round a place like the Salty Sailor or any inn worth drinking in, in town actually
Kennos reaches into his coin purse counts out 5 gold and goes to hand it to Gelbor
excellent, excellent a night of drinking and merriment it is, ha ha I am quite looking forward to this! Davos I hope you can pull your nose out of your scrolls for a few hours. There are many interesting things going on around you as well my friend. Hopefully this tavern will have a few fair maidens inside who aren't too salty.
turning to Gelbor Domingo says
do you want some company Gelbor while you are procuring our silver items? I would be happy to come with you
Early evening and as the sun begins to set
Gelbor and Domingo stroll into the salty sailor. Domingo shines like a new penny, his newly purchased shortsword hangs from his broad leather belt. He is wearing a deep purple silk shirt, laced at the front with silver thread, black soft cotton trousers, the leg flared and tucked into his freshly oiled turned down boots.
His broad black hat sits atop his freshly combed hair, its band matching his shirt.
Even though he stands out like a peacock in a chicken coup, domingo isnt the least bit bothered. Spotting his friends he strides over and takes a seat at their table.
ah there you all are, this round is on me!
pinching the ample bottom of a passing serving girl he smiles and orders another round of drinks same again for my friends princess and bring me a flagon of good red wine and get something for yourself
Handing her some silver he turns back to the table.
so whats good to eat here? Im starving, havent had a bite since hazels hog special this morning
Drazhak smiles. He waves a wooden tankard. "Don't know about the food yet, but the ale is good. I ordered red meat off the bone. Don't care what comes really, I'd eat half a cow!" He laughs and reaches beneath his mail to scratch at his shoulder.
"So gentlemen, I'd like to know more about you all. I assume we all have tales to tell. Who is going to go first? Kennos? Anymore to tell about your time in the arena?"
"Happy to pick up your weapon and change for later. I really could do with stretching my legs. Of course Dom if you wish to come with." Gelbor sticks his legs and and clicks a few bones while stretching. "Ahh that's better, I'll meet the rest of you at the Salty Sailor." He then get's up does a small bow and leaves to get all his stuff.
Entering with Dom, Gelbor keeps his eye's out for an gambling games currently on the go, so he can spot his next targets, but is then handed a drink.
"Thanks a lot Dom, first drinks are always the best." Gelbor takes a big gulp, and smiles refreshed. [b]"The Salty Sailor is not known for it's food but i've had some fine fish pie here when there was nothing else around. I'm sure they do some surf and turf." Then taking another big swig Gelbor sits back and relaxes.
When Domingo brings over his ale kennos quickly downs his old one and starts the new one
I would love to tell a tale my friends, this time i shall let you pick
Kennos stands oh his chair and starts announcing to the pub
What tale shall i tell? the mighty five vs the beast half owl half bear with claws ar big as daggers and a beak that close with the strength of a mighty hammer? or perhaps the time i single handedly took on the wild man of spell scar desert with his wild eye and his flaming axe? or even the time the mighty five took on the elven ninja nixies of magnimar with their stealth and cunning as sharp as my friend heres blade
He points to domingos sword
and beauty that even gods would lust after
Kennos tries to address everyone in the room trying to get as many people to listen to his story as he can
Domingo sits and drinks deeply, quickly finishing his first tankard or wine and swiftly moving onto his second. Ordering himself a large bowl of the roast mutton stew he can smell simmering away on the large fireplace he tucks in with gusto.
Despite the establishments decor the food isnt half bad.
he listens to kennos entertaining the room, the man seemingly is in his element.
he really is quite good, though I think some of the subtlety of his tales is lost on this crowd
kennos give them the tale of "The Triple-Breasted Whore of Eroticon Six", Eccentrica Gallumbits ha ha that always pleases the crowds
Domingo laughs hard as he fills his tankard again and calls for more wine.
Draz my friend, my upbringing was almost idyllic, we had a good home in the merchnts quarter, my father earned a good living as a weaponsmith. Indeed it seemed at one time he was well on his way to being one of the pre eminent weaponsmiths in magnimar. That was before... a look of anger flashes across domingos face but it is swiftly gone ah....before his rivals undercut him and his business faltered.
But my father is a great man, despite his own troubles he made sure I was well tutored, indeed one of his best friends, a dwarf by the name of Magrick Bright beard taught me how to speak dwarven. And as long as my studies were done I could follow my heart and learn the way of the sword.
So what of you my religeous friend, I pay lip service to cayden caileen but I am not a devout man. What is your story?
"Ah my friend can never spend too much time reading through scrolls, but your right do need some time away from them".
Davos sits down at the table with a pitcher of ale and a bowl of stew, and starts to tuck in.
"Give us tale of battle Kennos most intrigued to hear of some of your personnel exploits".
Drazhak leans back and frowns. "I am no yarn-spinner like Kennos there, but I will do my best." He pauses, sips his ale and then continues. "Now I won't bore you with a discourse on the political and societal hierarchy in Janderhoff. Suffice it to say there are noble families and the usual jostling for position and status that you would expect of those with too much time on their hands." He smiles grimly and scratches his chin.
"Now, I am of a noble line, my father a son of a cousin of a lord or some such - I never paid much interest to that kind of thing. In my youth was usually found poking around the Crystalrock and other wonders or old ruins. I had a touch of wanderlust and a facination for mysterious places."
"One day my father, as Chief Courier of the House of Hammerfell, was tasked with journeying to Magnimar to speak to the Pathfinders there about a matter of great importance. He was to deliver to them a scrap of ancient parchment. He decided to take me with him to see some of the world." And to no doubt cure me of my wanderings! He thought to himself.
"Anyway, Disaster struck in the Fenwall Mountains where we were ambusehd by Orcs and scattered or killed." Drazhak looks down at his tankard with a tear in his eye. " Never saw my father or brother again. I guess they didn't make it....Although I am sure they made those orcish scum pay dearly before they fell!"
Well, I was alone and unarmed in the monster infested mountains. I could not return to Janderhoff without completing my father's task: to do so would mean dishonour. So I resolved to completing the mission. I know not how long I wandered in those mountains, but I remember more than one winter. At my lowest point I prayed to Abadar to help reach my goal. Abadar answered and I went forth to whatever fate may bring.
Through great toil and strife, did I complete the task - though it took long and long to escape the Mountains. I delivered the parchment to the pathfinders, then returned to Janderhoff to take a place in the Temple of Abadar - after all I owe him my life. I remained there for several years, studying the mysteries when a rival family unleashed a foul and underhand plot which resulted in the banishment of my family. I was left disgraced when I dented the skull of one of the heirs of the opposing house. I was given a choice to renounce my faith or leave the Temple and Janderhoff only to return when my family honour had been restored." He drains his tankard and smiles grimly, his eyes flashing coldly in the lamplight. "And that, my friends I fully intend to do. And when I do, the villains that have tarnished the name of my father - and who I suspect are behind the ambush in the mountais, will rue that day for a long time!"
He smiles warmly then. "So I collected my gear, came back to Magnimar and signed up to the pathfinders in order to bring glory and honour to my household. It was then my good forunte to fall in with you fine fellows."
He turns then to Davos. "Davos, my friend. I wonder what on earth inspired you to take such a fervent interest in scrolls! It borders on obsession man!..Another tankard my good girl!" He brandishes his empty tankard at a passing serving maid and smiles broadly.
Gelbot just sits back and listens smiles when it seems appropriate, but he does not add to the conversation nodding and looking entranced in what each person is saying.
domingo finishes another tankard of wine and as he listens intently to Draz.
I understand all too well Draz , I know what it is like to have your family name tarnished! again the look of fury crosses dominos face my fathers business was ruined by his rivals and I will see them all in the poor house before the end of my days
Domingo pours himself another drink and downs it swiftly
He laughs half to himself I remember the start of it all, the intimidation, and petty thefts from the store, the vandalism, ha I put an end to that. I was just a boy really, not yet considered an adult when I killed my first man. He was just a hired thug, but he came in one day and my mother was alone, he tried to force himself upon her and I can still see the look of surprise on his face as I warned him he was about to die. Spinning he laughed and came at me with a long knife, I had already started to learn my trade and as he rushed in I buried my practice sword in his black heart! finishing his drink he smiled coldly they found other ways to bother us after that
When draz asks for more ale Kennos turns to the bar maid
And another for me too fair maiden
kennos smiles and winks at her and downs the rest of the ale in his hand.
Kennos sits back down glad of his fill of attention for now
He turns to dom
That is a grim tale my friend, well if we can ever help you with revenge just ask aslong as you buy us all an ale well be glad to help, well i will at least...ahh more ale
the bar maid places the ales on the table
Why not get one for yourself lovely lady? im sure your boss won't mind if we keep buying ale, come sit with us, got any friends in need of some company and ale too? me and my friends here will be glad to supply both
Same to you drazhak if you need help with your revenge too, i know its very soon but i like you guys even book worm by here
Kennos points at Davos
Im sure we are all going to have a long prosperous future together, what we need though is a team name one that women adore and our enemies fear, what do you guys recon?
a team name eh, your already planning ahead my friend, hoping to spin tales of our grand adventures to come.
Domingo laughs out loud no one has ever sung a song about me
scratching his beard in thought he suddenly snaps his fingers How about The shattered stars? or maybe the Pioneers of Magnimar?
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The serving girl smiles widely at the bard's suggestion. She is a plain-looking girl, with a nose slightly too flat, scars across her cheeks where the last of her teenage acne is clearing and slightly greasy red hair tied back away from her moon-shaped face.
She has full hips on a thinner waist and ankles swollen from a long day's work.
Would be me pleasure sir but I don't fink me da' would be very happy with that, he's very protective of his girls. You gents don't look like dockers. City Watch? Or you just come in on one of the merchant floats.
Downing his drink and wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, Gelbor sticks the empty flagon in the air trying to signal for more.
"We seem to all have a past, that's lead us to where we are today..." A quick smile and almost mocking laugh passes his lips. "If we're letting the cat out of the bag, i guess it's only fair i let you know how i ended up here." He then takes a new flagon as it's brought to him and smiles at the bar maid.
"I didn't have anything growing up, i lived in the Dockway i worked in the dockway. A somber look washes over his face. "Just me and my mother, but things never last in the Dockway it's a place for broken dreams she died when i was 14 and i've been on my feet ever since looking after myself.Not able to look up from his drink while telling his tale, she start's to rock the cup. "But that's all history now, good times with the bad times i guess." He then looks up shaking off any lingering thoughts he was having and takes a drink. "I ended up what i needed to do to survive, even some mock fighting for the rich people all that gladiator fighting just to give the rich a thrill, it put food in my belly and gave me a glimpse of how money is power and you can buy anything with it.
"But as they say to new beginnings and old end." He downs his pint.
After a few mintues of just listening Gelbor speaks up with talk of a group name.
"A name for our little group? that strike fear in our enemies and make women swoon over us? Work on the first one and the women will come."
He pauses for a minute, Pulling out his short sword and sets it on the table.
"Blades of Magnimar?" He lets it hold in the air for a few seconds. "It fits us, apart for our more educated friend here." He nods to Davos.
Kennos downs another ale
I am sure he won't mind his girls sharing a few ales with some repectable gents like us, my friend Drazhak here is a priest so nothing ungodly will happen with him about
He smiles and taps his lap for the bar maid to sit
Come sit i shall tell our tale, We are a group of highly talented individuals who fix problems and we are looking for a name to represent our selves, my friend domingo here had some good ones any suggestion fine madien?
Drazhak thinks, then says "I prefer something a little more cryptic. How about just 'The blades'? Or 'The Five'?"
Davos leaning back in his chair listening to Drazhak tell his tale, Davos takes his final gulp form his tankard and sets it upon the table and refills from the pitcher.
"Well Drazhak, I don't really have much history to say about my past. I grew up here in this city with my father, my mother passed away at child birth." Saddness appears over Davos's face.
"Anyway guess my interest in scrolls and ancient lore comes from my father as he is a professor in the University of Monuments. He is the only family I've known wanted him to be proud of me so I followed in his foot steps". Davos pauses and takes a drink from his tankard.
"But I didnt want to be stuck inside the University all my life only so my knowledge can be gained from books, so I went to the Grand Lodge of Absalom to train with the pathfinders." Davos says this with a smile on his face and takes another gulp of his ale
"At the end of my training I was sent with to explore some Thassilon ruins as a final test you could say, while I was down there in the darkness by myself was quite terrifying. But some how as I was stumbling around the ruins, I manage to find a secert room down there, inside I found this mounted on the wall." Davos removes a wand from his pocket and shows the group
"A fraction of my power imbued into the wand and guided me from the darkness this item became my arcane bond some wizards get them in shape of objects others get pets. But without it im powerless and without me this is just a stick" Davos places the wand back in his pocket and takes another drink
"Not much of a history like the rest of you guess I must consider myself lucky."
"A team name? That's quite a good idea, help us get noticed for anything we do. 'The Five' I can settle with that".
Nodding to Davos, Drazhak smiles and says "It is noble indeed to follow the path of one's father. I raise my tankard to you sir." He then turns to the others. "Well that is two votes for 'The Five', what say the rest? Any other names to debate? I am not precious about a name, so will agree with the majority view. Ultimately it will be our deeds that will count, not a name - although I understand the need for one, else how will those that follow in years to come make songs of our glory?"
Perhaps the crimson five, because i do look good in red
Kennos signals to the barmaid
Another ale please, By the way if they do tell story about us can we leave out the part where a bar maid turn me down
Kennos laughs so hard he nearly falls of his chair, he sways a little in his chair
"As you said a name is just words, deeds are what count i'll be happy with what the group picks."
Then going off in a day dream again. watching this new group of adventures hes banned him self together with. Then with a smile he laughs with Kennos.
"Maybe we'll leave out a few bit's like me swimming about in the sewers ." He smiles laughing at himself.
I think we should head back and get a early start on the Crow tomorrow what do you lot think?"
He then downs his drink and stands up waiting to see who else wants to come back with him.
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You talk into the late evening. As the drink flows so do the revelations. You find yourselves discussing your families, history and how you came to join the Society. For now, there is no decision on a group identity.
You wander back to your respective lodgings with a view to meet at the Pathfinder Lodge early the next day.
Gelbor wakes up, feeling rough and like he's had a harsh night.
"I don't remember drinking that much." He rubs his head, and looks around for anything to quench his thirst. He grabs a jug and drinks it all down in seconds.
Despite not staying in the Inn for the full five hours,as Drazhak had returned to spend some time in quiet consultation with his god, he still feels slightly ill in the morning. He sullenly walks into the mess room for beakfast and asks for some water. He thinks to himself No dwarf worth his salt would feel like this after only three tankards of ale - no matter how strong. Must have been that meat, the serving wench never did tell me what it was. Probably best not to know.
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