Locke comes down to the main hall in his purple robe. He smiles and thanks the bartenders for breakfast and then joins Arsil.
In a tired but cheerful voice he greets her, "Good morning Arsil. Another pleasant morning with wonderful beds to help us rest. I say we wait, we have time and we should get well equipped before heading out again. Though we should discuss about the ghost's hoard with Mirage. Did we want to recruit others to our cause, there seems to be a few with no missions right now or at least not working as guards right now."
At the mention, even though it was rather quiet, of recruitment a handsome looking young man stands up and comes over and greet the two of you.
Cordially he says, "Greetings, my name is Logan, Logan Freel Silivstre, I am a ranger by trade and my keen sense of hearing was perked at the sound of recruitment. Do I have the pleasure of addressing Arisl and Locke, Captain Drake tells me you are his first strike team leaders and your hobgoblin friend Mirage is not up yet, I assume." He has a charming demeanor and a smile that could woo many a wench's heart, though he does have a bit of a boyish demeanor to him still.
I am an easy woman, if people want to come and face the danger than i see no reason not to deny them that opportunity. So rest a couple of days is fine with me she says to locke
Well then it seems that we shall be leaving in a few days, so if you want to come at that time then feel free she replied to Logan
"You'll just have me then? What is your group's thinking on loot?" He seems a bit surprised that he has been accepted so quickly.
Arsil will reply to Logan Sure, unless you show an evil side or we decided we do not you're services or you want out. As for loot we allocate things on a need basis and then the rest is sold and cash split.
He is all smiles, "Interesting but that sounds like that makes everyone happy. I am a ranger so I can help guide in the wilds and I am fairly good with my bow."
"So am I." Mirage finally comes down the stairs, seeming happy but a little tired with some action from the last night. He looks at the man intently, wondering if that would really be a good idea. "Who are you?"
"Greetings, my name is Logan, Logan Freel Silivstre, I am a ranger by trade, I heard from Captain Drake that your group would likely be my best bet at joining, Mirage I believe." The young man says to the hobgoblin as he comes down.
Good morning Mirage, and as i have said to Logan i have no problem with more people coming with us and us evaluating them in the field on if our interest collides
Logan, we have been tracking a bunch of different goblin tribes in the area do you know anything about them ? strength / the politics : are they allies etc ?
He frowns a bit, obviously about his lack of knowledge, "I am sorry to say I have had no time to recon this area. I was dropped in on airship with a few others, you likely know much more than anyone here."
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Timm entered the inn with tired eyes of a long journey. He didn't particularly like the Cheliax region - maybe because he didn't know much of it, but probably much more because it didn't know much about him. A celebrity from the lands he comes, here he felt more like a simple handsome guy entering a tavern.
This was, however, what had to be done. If he was to be known, to continue the life of adventures he started a decade ago, then he had to really risk. Packed and loaded, he followed the roads until he could hear about anywhere he could be needed - and, some months on the road later, the reports of goblin attacks took him to the Dragon's Draught.
As he entered the place, it wasn't hard for him to notice the exotic band chatting on one of the tables. He certainly wasn't expecting a hobgoblin, for instance, but hey - isn't he somewhat exotic as well? He put the best smile he could, sincerely happy for being there, and sat on a different table closeby. He then proceeded to shake his hand, nicely calling the dark red haired elf attendant. He had now to gather some information about the goblin hunts and, hopefully, get some attention to join a group doing so.
Not that it was too hard for him to catch the attention of people... Even his gestures sounded loud and friendly.
DM:
Daniel walked into the rumored Dragon's Draught along with a small number of others, caravan guards by the looks of it, their horses stabled outside. Those up close could overhear them discussing their next heading to be Westcrown, to which the red haired man stood up and refused to go that way. He thanked the others as he walked to the bar.
He looked for the man/woman most likely to be an officer for recruitment to whom he could offer his services.
after reaching the Dragons Draught Alex released his horse companion, a wild mare he had befriended. Then told Fang, his true companion to follow, and he did, close behind. Many a glance was cast his way but much stranger things had been seen here. As he entered the inn Fang let out a low growl upon seeing a hobgoblin, Alex had to reach down and scratch the wolf's head. easy boy, not here. don't want too much trouble. He whispers silently.
he stood with his cowl over his head, bow on his back, and hands resting on his two blades hilts rugged from the travel.
he will speak out loudly.
I head someone was looking to hunt down some goblins. Whoever you are, you may find it helpful to have a tracker with you, one that can fight as well and one that wishes to rid the world of the buggers.
he will merely peer out from under his cowl, not removing it. Fang laying at his feet, still starring at the hobgoblin at the table.
As Daniel enters into the retrofitted fort to be a massive bar with dragon motifs, symbols, and statues of the draconic nature, he looks about and sees no officer out at the moment. A group of four are sitting off to the left with a female elf, male hobgoblin, and what appears as two human males. Females are on the bannister on the second floor flaunting their assets. Several other figures are around the main floor of the bar.
Daniel is turning his head away to avoid most looks, his "perks" being an obvious point if you're asking about someone.
He then shifts his attention at a group of 4, they seemingly are discussing fighting goblins.
That'd be a change from the average day bandit of late. I might as well inquire.
He walks to the table,
"Hello, if i may. I overheard you are going to fight goblins, got space for an extra pair of hands?"
One of the human males look up, his silken purple robes flowing freely about him not showing much about his body type. A smile on his face he answers Daniel, "All are welcome though it seems our path is one that tests many. You may come if you wish we turn none away." As he says this he stands up, his posture straight and true, all 6’1” could be seen as a bit intimidating but nothing compared to the standing hobgoblin next to him. He appears to be in his thirties, with only a few grey hairs. His dark almost black hair is kept long; it naturally falls like a waterfall. His eyes are a deep blue some would say you could just fall into them. His untarnished pale skin is spotless, not the skin of an adventurer but more like a cloistered scholar or priest.
Logan smiles and takes a step back from the new person, obviously not so sure about him. He goes to the side and sits at the next closest table a bit cowed by this wolfish man.
Well, this one isn't easily taken aback, that's good.
The young redhead, from what seems in his early twenties, continues;
"I've been on paths that'd test even the damned, it couldn't be worse than that. Which is to say, your friend over here seems to be anxious about something, i'm not haunted.", he looks at the nervous young man, knowing well why. He extends his gloved hand for a shake to the guy in front of him.
"I'm Daniel. Just that, for reasons. The caravan i was with wanted to head for Westcrown, i did not."
He extends his hand and offers a greeting in kind, "Nice to meet you Daniel, I am Locke, healer and cleric of our merry little group, which might get larger yet again. Westcrown is a dangerous place for many even citizens of Cheliax. Oh you mean Logan, from what I can tell he has not seen much more battle than your behind. Then again he might prove useful. Another set of eyes to watch the horses could be useful. We never know how many goblins we will track down or what lurks around the bend. Daniel what services do you bring to the table?"
Westcrown dangerous....sir you have no idea, be glad you are here instead of there.
"Then well met. I've been a bowman for a few years with the caravan. We've had skirmishes with thugs of many kind, kobolds, savage animals. I have a little experience with handling animals."
He looks to the others at the table.
"By what name should i adress your companions here?"
- I'm Timm Tones... - the introduction was presented with a smile, directed towards the waitress. He wasn't being flirty, just genuinely friendly - Famous adventurer and hero of the ruins of Anysio, slayer of the multiheaded beast of Shacheek. Here because duty drives me where I have to be.
Although the names were made up, his tone and trusting smile could make it sound like a real thing. He was handsome towards the ideal of the human race; although he was only 5'7, this was perfectly well distributed in a thin body, with meticulous trimmed beard and hair decorating a face of very masculine angles. Adorned with jewels, hat and nice clothes, it was still evident though that he carried adventuring gear on his equipment.
His voice was what caught the most attention: low and funky, it had the weight of decades, although he didn't look more than his early thirties. He was someone that knew how to speak and used all his vocal instruments and expressions to do so.
He put a gold coin on the table, smiling and (over-)paying for a drink, and then engaged the red haired female with friendly small talk, throwing the questions on the middle.
My Gather Information roll:
Answers I'll be trying to gather:
- Who's hunting goblins? What group, following whose orders, and who's each person in such group?
- Why are goblins being hunted? Just the regular reasons (attacking Caravans, etc.)?
- Who are the authorities in this region? What deities are allowed here, and which ones have temples?
During this while, Timm tries to pay attention on the environment and the conversations around. Once he gets all the answers he smiles and suggests.
- Would you be so kind to direct me to them and introduce me, my sweet? I'd greatly appreciate it.
with no response Alex will walk into the area, then overhears a group discussing what he had come here for. A man, who seems to be devil tainted, is speaking to another, while one appearing from the same group cowers slightly away.
Don't blame him, devils and demons are quite dangerous.
he moves quickly and comes in just at the end when asked what he brings to the table. He intrudes, not caring much for social procedure at this time. He makes sure to keep a hand on fang and purposefully never looks towards or remarks about the hobgoblin.
some of the best tracking around, the best bowmanship you'll get anywhere near here, and a cold hatred for the little bastards.
he turns towards Daniel. Then back to Locke
as well as other skills. when do we start?
then as an after thought.
ah, my name is Dart, Alexander Dart to be precise,
"A down to the point person huh. Huhu, beats bureaucracy."
"The more silent than usual hobgoblin is Mirage, a decent swordsman if I do say so, then the beauty beside him would be Arsil. Don't let the face fool you she can handle herself quite well. Her arcane studies has allowed her to mix them with her swordplay. Logan is the new boy on the block and may yet run in fear at the first sign of blood. I say this in jest he just seems rather green, for I have not seen him in action as of yet, a new addition much like yourselves. Well I guess we now have gained three bowmen, we will see who is best. Welcome to the party, oh well, I guess I should ask if you have seen captain Drake the official pathfinder lietenant, who has us working for him. Nice to meet you too Alexander. Alex for short?" Locke seems to know his way around keeping a good pace for the conversation and might be more of a politician than letting on.
He seemed to have trouble following the influx of others offering their service and the quick responses Locke kept up.
A bit of anger welled up in him when he finally realized that he was being called inexperienced but he simply resigned himself until things would settle down.
Tali the elf with her feminine curves showing on her green skin tight robe smiled back at Timm. She collected food and drinks for him more than others enjoying the tips and banter.
'Most adventurers are so dull, he is refreshing.' She thinks to herself.
- Who's hunting goblins? Right now just a few groups. A dwarf and an aasimar calvalier, then Locke's group, other than that just riff raff.
What group? She does not know much about the others but praises Locke the cleric over there in the purple robe. Arsil the magus elf and Mirage the hobgoblin fighter. Vuvu used to travel with them but he has settled himself in the alchemists house. Others are around but most have died.
following whose orders? Captain Drake offers them compensation as does Cornash the owner of the Dragon's Draught and her grandfather. There are rumors of other powerful creatures they might serve as well.
and who's each person in such group? See above... Want more feel free to check out their profiles. Locke is an aasimar though it is not very obvious.
- Why are goblins being hunted? Why not they burn everything, capt Drake was sent out here to make the place habitable.
Just the regular reasons (attacking Caravans, etc.)? Pretty much.
- Who are the authorities in this region? See above, no hell knights or Chelaxian government for at least a couple days ride.
What deities are allowed here? Any though when authorities come through we ask that open worship of anything but asmodeous be muted.
and which ones have temples? No temples.
During this while, Timm tries to pay attention on the environment and the conversations around. Once he gets all the answers he smiles and suggests.
See other conversations.
Timm smiles to Tali and stands up, going towards the other table. He doesn't make any effort to be sneaky - instead, he catches attention even as he moves. As soon as he gets close to it, he speaks to the presents.
- Greetings! - he starts, friendly, and then continues - I'm Timm Tones, slayer of the multiheaded beast of Shacheek and renowned hero of the ruins of Anysio!
Timm announced as if these were amazing feats.
- I'm here to offer my services to the honorable sir Locke, the Cleric, as well as his companions, the wise Arsil the mighty Mirage. Have I come to the right place? - the smile now is convincing and trusty, together with arms to the air.
Alex looks at and nods at everyone introduced except Mirage.
no, dont think I have, though must I? and you may call me Alex, Alexander, or just Dart. This is fang,
he bends down and scratches the wolf's head.
Well thank you for the introduction Locke, i am indeed Arsil Dawnsinger. says the stunning elven woman
It is true that we are currently pacing the nearby lands and having to fight the different goblin tribes. Currently we are not set to leave agin for a few days as we are waiting for some supplies.
she takes a bit a wine as she eyes everyone
So we have if i understood Logan the ranger, Tim the Genuine Hero slayer of beast, Alex the bowman and tracker and Daniel archer and caravan guard
she seems to size everyone up as the recalls each name
You can ask the bartender what you want to drink as this round is on me. she says as she looks at her glass a little absent minded
Daniel had been an animal friend, horses, dogs and cats mainly. But wolves are bigger, stronger cousins of em. He still had some dried rabbit meat in his pack, he took it out as he came down a little to offer it to Fang.
Fang would indeed come over to Daniel and take the offered meat. The wolf is not friendly towards anyone but at least is not growling at anyone but Mirage at this moment. With Mirage sitting and staying there no aggressive actions are needed or shown.
Tali follows Timm over to the group and offers to collect drinks for each of you.
"Pull up a seat and rest your feet. Tell us about yourselves and your travels. Tali I will have water for now, thank you." Locke says as he shakes each of your hands and points towards the open seats. He then sits down himself next to Arsil again. He takes a grape off of his plate, which is mostly empty, and pops it into his mouth as he looks to each of you to wait for the first story.
Daniel had ordered something mild, an ale.
Holding the tankard he leans back, smirking as he looked at it before looking back at Locke.
"Well, where to start. Grew up in Westcrown, visited the inns for stories of adventurers as a time-killer.
The reason i refused to head for Westcrown now is my family there. "Dangerous and influential" aristocratic people. There was a dispute and i've parted with them some years ago on rather unpleasant terms. I've spent a few years working some serious manual labor in warmer climates before coming back to Cheliax and joining up with the caravan i've just parted with."
Timm smiles, pulls the chair and sits.
- Yes, of course, of course! - opens the arms, exaggerated gestures - Let's share stories, what a wonderful idea!
His storyteller's heart was almost pumping out of the chest. With loud voice and in full oratory mode, he decided at last minute to hold a little back - no reason to scare his new potential companions.
- It all started decades ago, in a time of weeping trees and everburning candles... - he took a deep breath - ... Just kidding. I'm sure we will have several opportunities! Timm Tones is but a servant of people, a humble hero of the poor and needy, with a bold, golden heart beating in the rhythm of a smooth voice!
He moved forward, opening the hand on the table as he continued.
- I heard a call and I instantly knew my presence was needed here. Not that you can't deal with the current trivial issues... I see, I see, with these very same eyes... - he was now looking over the shades - ... Inside of me, I saw there was a greater fate waiting for us! Something much bigger than single individuals could deal with, but I saw a group of adventurers saving the world, uncountable times! And now, here, I know I'm in the presence of thee!
I came to hunt and take vengeance on goblins... Not exchange tales. Sigh, might as well I guess.
He orders a dark sweet mead, then let's the others go as he drinks. After the other two speak he will curtly tell his story.
son of an eleven ranger, raised by the master of my old order. I was sent here by the same order with a dear friend of mine. We were ambushed by a hobgoblin gone warlord and scores of the smaller goblin bastards. We slew most, but the sneaky cowardly hob stuck a spear through my friends back before I could make him a pincushion.
He looks down for a moment, his cowl completely covering his face.
the wolf was his, i nursed him back to help after he was injured by a poisoned blade from the hobgoblin. He took a liking to me, and I to him. You know why I'm here offering to hunt the small bastards. That'll suffice for now. And I don't know what your talking about Mr. Tones. Sounds a bit far fetched to me.
Fate she says smiling Such a harsh Mistress to have Timm. One i wouldn't want to have she finish drinking out of her glass once again
For the moment we are just going goblin hunting; but some of these tribes have made contact with demons and some other have been using a magical artifact that is leaking transmutation energies and slowly empowering, mutating goblins. we have had to fight as many as five different band during a single day and have disposed of around 100 of them. This will be my word of warning for you to fight smart. And i mean all of you will have to fend for there lives as many of the roaming bands are at least twice our numbers or more when we encounter one of their camps. Everyone in a while we come back here to sell of the loot and resupply. Rule is simple any cash or items sold is split equality. Any magical item will be awarded on the base of utility and group effectiveness but we, the old crew, get first pick.
she takes an other sip of her wine
I don't care so much about your reasons to be here now. The three of us have different end goals and motivation anyway. I am only interested in how you will assist in dealing with the green skins for the moment. I will be blunt, the three of us along with you all will make a fighting unit and in that respect everyone can evaluate the other team mates and anyone can leave at any time, but Locke and I are the senior member's here
"Oh i have no problems with that. It worked that way for the the caravan guard too, plus i appreciate directness over silver tongued nonsense many officials use."
Alex looks at dart before he responds.
really, it normally takes a silver tounge surpassing Mr tones here to court with devils and... Survive.
He responds to Arsil.
first pick eh? Not exactly based on group effectiveness, not that I particularly care at the moment mind. I'm here to rid the area of the little bastards, and anyone or anything associated with them. Killing any demons or devils would be an added bonus.
He finishes off his mug and pulls out a long smoking pipe.
it normally takes a silver tounge surpassing Mr tones here to court with devils and... Survive
Nothing new, seen my father and mother do so.
He chuckles still smiling, he then slightly looks at her and coyly says, "I let her be the stick as I use my honeyed words when needed, I would prefer someone else to butter up the masses and I think Timm will fill that position nicely. Though that skill has not been really used that much here. Fighting skills have been very useful against the green devils and undead. Captain Drake would like us to clean out Haven once we take care of the goblin tribes."
undead you say, not my expertise, yet, but I imagine it would be easier than fighting the green bastards. Do then, when do we start? My arrows thirst for goblin blood... And fang says he is a bit hungry.
"Though i'd say your wolf deserves better meat than goblin carcass. Deer or rabbit if we find any, could be a treat to us all."
"You may head out if you want, but we will be sticking around until we can get some new gear. Most of the goblins should be a days ride away, mostly to the North East, just follow the road. If you come across any elks please don't from attack them, it could be one of the nature spirits we have befriended." Locke states hoping they will comply.
"Hm, okay."
Beef tastes good too.
It is exactly as locke said, for the moment we are going to enjoy a few days of rest, waiting to get some of our coins so that we can resuply and by a few magic items. Then we will head out. I hope some of you have wands of CLW. But be carefull as i have the region around here can be dangerous.
Timm smiled, but kept observing most of the time. He wanted to get to know the people and the days in town were a great opportunity. He only limited himself a moment to say "... And we all might found out that honey tongues can also cure...", but that was it. It was the moment to learn who was who, and had what roles.
The next few days pass and Locke is not seen much except for meals.
A regal looking elf with metal gauntlets that end with claw like fingers, comes and collects Arsil, Mirage, and Locke that evening after dinner. You all find out soon that this is Cornash the owner of the Dragon's Draught.
"This is my workstation, I also sell everything that is brought or created from here. Now Locke brought up the question of dealing with the ghost..."
Just as he speaks of the apparition is appears behind Mirage. "Greetings fools, I am in accordance to our pact. I am not within your vessel over there but still within my sword." She points to Locke about the vessel part, then points at the greatsword that Mirage carries. "Upon my ressurection I expect all magic items to be returned to me and in return you will be handsomely rewarded with the wealth you found in my tome; the coins, gems, and anything non magical."
Locke seems to shut down and can't seem to speak. He looks frightened.
Cornash looks at the ghost then at the rest of you, calmly he says, "It likely would be the best option, exorcisms can be tricky. Once you have decided what you wish to do then we can get to business."
Alex will snoop around the area of the fort. Hopefully finding any potiental tracks to follow. Though hopefully not to fresh.. After relaxing for a day from his ride.
Third day he will try to get a grasp of what the weather will be like the next few days as well as stocking up on a few essintials such as rations. Usually in the form of small wildlif such as rabbits or squirrels.
When not doing this he trains with fang.