The ship from Absalom arrives midday, the spread of Magnimar stretching out in front of you as you disembark. The sun shines down everywhere save for under the Irespan, the massive crumbling remnant of a bridge extending into the Varisian Gulf. Making your way into the city, you find yourselves ascending to the Summit district, where Heidmarch Manor awaits. Rooms are provided alongside apologies that the Venture Captain is in meetings with the city government and currently unavailable. You have the afternoon to yourself to relax and make any last minute preparations necessary.
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Descending the gangplank is a person in a set of worn but well taken care of Fullplate, covered in a set of Red Robes embroidered with the pentacle of Asmodeus. The front of the helmet is a swirling vortex pattern, preventing any view of the face behind it. Thokzazt's voice echoes, bouncing around the inside of the steel plate. "I am Thokzazt, and I have been sent by the Order of the Gate to ensure that Everything proceeds in an orderly manner."
Other than the Hellknight Fullplate, Thokzazt also carries a Steel Shield with the Pentacle of Asmodeus emblazoned on it, and an Adamantine Heavy Mace, the flanges forming the Symbol of Asmodeus as well.
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Pleasure to meet you, Thokzazat. My name is Maléwyn, comes the response from an opulently dressed Vishkanya woman. Her black hair is tied up in an elegant style, framing her face and drawing attention to her pupil-less eyes. She is clothed in a beautiful, loose fitting white dress embroidered with gold brocade and with gems festooned with small, sparkling gemstones. I'd offer you my hand, but... she apologizes with a small smirk as she holds up her pristinely white gloved hand with the symbol of the Prophecies of Kalistrade embroidered on the back, It'd be against the tenets of my faith.
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A suit of fully-enclosed mithril plate crafted in a style that is both reminiscent of Ossirion and elven techniques clomps down gangplate after Thok and Malewyn. A silver tankard rides on their left hip, a darkwood shield over their haversack, and some sort of insane thing that looks like it is pretending to be a polearm is in his right hand.
Those familiar with goblin weaponry might recognize it as some version of a horsechopper, but the tape, lashings, and other things give it even MORE of a 'put-together' feel than even a traditional one -- though the blade is well-honed adamantite.
As they see the guy with the Asmodean symbols standing there they cough a bit and start laughing, then pop open the front plate of the helmet.
" 'owdy! 'ma 'graic! 'ma Genuine Certified Ossirionoligister an' general problem solver. Praise be th' Drunken Hero -- any'un wanna drink?"
He pauses for a second when he sees Malewyn's gloves.
"Oh, right! You're one of them Drumites! No sweat, I'll drink for you, I know y'all have some tight rules about whatcha can and can't eat and all...!"
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A red haired dwarf is standing at the railing of the ship as it docks in Magnimar. He looks a bit seasick and seems to be in a great hurry to get off the vessel. His scarred breastplate bears a faded and battle damaged symbol of Gorum on it. A greatsword is slung across his back. Once the ship docks he moves down the gangplank and heads for the nearest tavern, muttering something about tee-totaling sailors and cursed ships. The dwarf's hair is unkempt and his beard is just as ragged.
The day wanes, the sun slowly setting on the city, casting reddish hues over the buildings and deepening the shadows of Underbridge.
A lone servant leads the way to the library, where Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch stands waiting, along with two seated guests: an elderly man and a woman in uniform. The venture-captain finishes reading a paper with a satisfied smile, and dismisses the servant. “Thank you, Jardan. Welcome, friends. I apologize for the hour, but Aspis spies are about, and this matter requires they suspect nothing. As you know, we have struggled with the Consortium’s stranglehold on city politics. Maiveer Sloan and his agents still hold sway with Lord-Mayor Grobaras; fortunately, the Council of Ushers has grown tired of the Consortium’s illegal smuggling of Thassilonian relics and the Lord-Mayor’s failure to enforce the law.”
She gestures toward the seated man. “Lord Deverin represents members of the Council that would see something done. They have provided a writ empowering the Pathfinder Society as their agent in this matter. We are to investigate a smuggling operation, find evidence of the Consortium’s complicity, and, once we have proof, tear apart Bronze House to uncover the rest of Sloan’s illegal activities.”
Lord Deverin speaks, his words interspersed with rasping coughs. “Please, Lady Heidmarch. You are merely authorized to search for evidence and defend yourselves if any resist. We don’t want a war in the middle of the city.”
Heidmarch offers a placating gesture. “Of course, I understand. Pathfinders, remember you are acting as the city’s agents; do not literally tear the building apart, and absolutely do not harm Maiveer Sloan. This is an investigation, not an assassination.” She turns to the seated woman, who rises. “Kasadei is a member of the city guard and she will act as your liaison. She has some authority to request assistance, but is primarily an observer. Kasadei?”
Kasadei moves to greet each of you in turn, and then continues the briefing. “Thank you, Lady Heidmarch. I’ve read of your Society’s exploits, and heard much of its actions around the city, mostly good things. I’m eager to see you in action. The city guard recently identified one Thassilonian site we suspect the smugglers are looting. I will guide you there when you’re ready.”
Lord Deverin grumbles about the hour and needing some wine to soothe his throat and departs. Kasadei escorts him out. Lady Heidmarch turns toward you, waiting for the others to depart before speaking again. “Officially, we’re working for the city to stop this smuggling operation and, if you succeed, we can drive a wedge of public embarrassment between Sloan and the Lord-Mayor. More importantly, the Aspis dared attack the Grand Convocation. We’ve learned from an inside informant that Sloan was instrumental in planning that attack. The Grand Convocation should have been a celebration of our achievements, but thanks to Sloan, Pathfinder agents lost their lives that day, and the Society lost valuable artifacts that we’ve spent the last year collecting. Sloan must pay. Physically harming him is not an option, but find as much evidence of illegal activity as you can, and any information on Aspis activities while you’re at it. We have a rare chance to legally go in and look at his books. You aren’t authorized to seize property that the Consortium obtained legally. That being said, if a particular object catches your eye, well, I’m sure I can explain away one item disappearing from the Bronze House, as long as you can prove it is not of Thassilonian origin. If you do meet Sloan, trick him into revealing as much as you can. He’s a cunning old fox, but he’s not infallible; the Council turning on him and our knowledge of his complicity in the Absalom attack might shake him. Desna smile on you, Pathfinders.”
DC10:Magnimar and Korvosa are the two major city-states of southern Varisia. Korvosan dissidents founded Magnimar a little over a century ago. The city’s most prominent landmark is the Irespan, a ruined portion of an enormous Thassilonian bridge that towers over the city.DC15:Magnimar is divided into nine distinct districts, with wealthier citizens living on the Summit atop Seacleft Cliff, and working class citizens living on the Shore. The poor and many criminals live in the Shadow beneath the Irespan. The Council of Ushers, a legislative body of nobles and merchants, the Varisian Council, and Lord-Mayor Grobaras jointly function as Magnimar’s government.
DC20:In practice, the Lord-Mayor controls city governance while the Council of Ushers remains locked in endless debates.
DC25:The city’s Golemworks is famous for its constructs, most notably the angelic guardian. PCs who succeed at this Knowledge check automatically succeed to identify the angelic guardians in the Bronze House (area C), and they may use their result on this Knowledge check in place of the typical Knowledge (arcana) check to learn useful information about angelic guardians.
DC10:The Aspis Consortium established a presence in Magnimar near the city’s founding. They operate a successful shipping and money-lending business.DC15:The Consortium operates from their headquarters in the Dockway district, the Bronze House. Maiveer Sloan is the executive director.
DC20:The Consortium operates numerous successful smuggling operations in Varisia and has been shipping Thassilonian relics out through Magnimar for decades.
DC25:After setbacks in recent years, Sloan has reinvigorated his projects in Varisia, and Consortium ships delivered a fresh wave of agents and resources in recognition of his success. Bronze agent Melnat Glimsilk, a gnome illusionist, is among the new arrivals.
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For those that aren't in the know, the Aspis run a money lending and shipping business, and as you may have guessed, Mavieer Sloan is in charge of those operations in Magnimar, Maléwyn explains, having done a little asking around and picking up scuttlebutt before the meeting, he's actually the executive director of the Bronze House. My contacts also tell me that they have been smuggling Thassilonian artifacts out of Magnimar for decades, and that they recently recieved a fresh wave of new recruits on their ships. One that stood out was... she makes an overly dramatic stroke of her chin while she pauses, as if trying to remember the specifics, a gnome. Goes by the name of Melnat Glimsilk. An illusionist, I believe, so we should be on the lookout for things related to that.
She adjusts her gloves, pulling them down tighter on her hands before checking to see that the ornate kukris at her hips are clear in their sheathes. Do we have any information on this site that you're sending us to?
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Borox picks up an ale jack and drinks deeply from it. Wiping the foam from his beard with the tablecloth, he remarks, "Aye, the Aspis Consortium be a right scurvy lot. I ran inta a pack of the dogs in Diobel over some warehouse wrangling."
He belches as he picks up the ale jack again. "Bloody Gnomes! And this one be a finger wiggling illusionist to boot. Well, at least he be alive. That pack of dead pirates I ran into a while back made me wish for some living foes fer a change."
He downs the ale jack and reaches for the pitcher to pour another round.
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Thokzazt chimes in after Malewyn. "That is a bit more that I know about the Aspis, but Magnimar I know about. Korvosa and Magnimar are the two largest city states, formed around ancient architecture. Castle Korvosa is built atop a massive pyramid, while Magnimar was built around the Irespan, a broken portion of a Thassilonian bridge. Magnimar is split up into districts, with the more affluent citizens living on the Summit of Seacleft Cliff. The shores are where many regular citizens live, and the Shadow under the Irespan being very similar to the Puddles in Absalom. The whole of the city is organized and kept orderly by the Coucil of Ushers, the Varisian Council, and Lord-Mayor Grobaras."
...Although he doesn't have anything additional to add about the Aspis Holdings in Magnimar.
"Perhaps I should acquire a few things before we continue." Thokzazt adds, before heading toward the Mercantile District.
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A balding and slightly pudgy man moves towards the assembled pathfinders standing near the docks, besides his swaggering stride what stands out about him is the oversized crossbow he carries behind his shoulders
"So you are my new crew, eh? Had worse, I'm sure we'll get along splendidly. Name's Wolfgang, here to show those asps they've better not to mess with pathfinders..."
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After Lord Deverin and VC Heidmarch explain the mission's details he mutters:"Working on the side of angels... that's new. A pity we can't put down the head asp permanently. That kind of message usually manages to carry a lot of meaning. Barring that option I'm sure that taking all of this guy money will give him and his superiors something to think about anyway though..." Wolfgang concludes, sounding rather excited at the prospect of enriching himself at the Aspis Consortium's expense.
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"So... fin' stuff an' try not t' break too much stuff an' try not t' make a huge inciden'... let th' stuff we're findin' start any incidents?" Agraic inquires, but with a bit of a squint to Sheila. "Ah c'n d' tha', beli' it 'r n't!"
"A'ighty. So tha' big o'l ruined bridge-thingie? That's th' Irespan. Used to be a bridge! F'r giants and stuff. Magnima' is a city what was tir' of the wha'for tha' the Korvosa folks was sayin', so they came on over he, away from that creepy Kaer Maga place, t' set up their own li'l village. Buuuu'... they're descended fr'm a'holes, so, well, y'can imagine wha' their governmen' is like."
The weathered yet cheerful ruffian takes a swig from his silver tankard.
"So, the city 'f Magnimar is split up int' nine district-thingies. Th' Summi' 'as th' rich folks, th' Shores 'as th' workin' folks, an' th' folks which are a bi' shady camp out down in a place called th' Shadow -- it's caused by tha' big ol' broken piece of bridge, always dark down there. The local gov'm'nt is a threefer, withcher Council O' Ush's, th' Varisi Council, an' the Lard Mayor Gorabearabearabus."
Agraic takes another swig from his tankard then kinda leans on his horsechopper.
"Ass-kiss? Aw 'ell. I owe them a-holes a half-dozen times o'er. Y'sure we gotta be su'tl 'bou' this?"
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Believe me, I have just as much reason to dislike the Aspis as any of you, the vishkanya says while seeming to pick lint and dirt that only she can see off her dress, but an all-out assault on the Bronze House would be grounds for a more open war between our groups, and that's something that neither I nor the council wants. It's terribly bad for business to have a bustling city such as this break out into war if you're not in the weapons trade, she finishes with a nod, seemingly satisfied with the grooming that seemed to make no difference in her appearance.
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The elf moves with a military bearing, though he is not nearly as heavily armored or armored as the Hellknight. Athalis is clad in a well-worn chain shirt, and he bears a large, exotically curved sword strapped to his back. A broadsword with series of rings along its back edge hangs from one hip, and a couple of exotic-looking cold iron sharp-edged discs hang from the other.
His bright green eyes meet those that introduce themselves, and the Jinin returns the favor with a sort of grave and somewhat awkward formality. "I am Athalis, trained magus of the Jinin, from distant Tian-Xia." When discussing military or arcane matters, Athalis tends to loosen up a bit, for he finds such talk much easier to handle - but otherwise those that speak with the elf find him a bit lacking in social graces.
As the meeting with Venture-Captain Sheila Heidmarch begins, those around Athalis notice him stiffen when she mentions Aspis spies, and his eyes glitter dangerously for a moment before he regains control of himself. Certainly there must be some history there! But he only nods wordlessly as the others speak of their own grievances against the Consortium, and though the elf seems disappointed that they are strictly warned away from dealing a just death to Maiveer Sloan, he seems satisfied in bringing ruin to his name.
Athalis salutes the Venture-Captain when she finishes speaking, then asks. "I am ready to view this site that Kasadei has told us about. Are we expecting to find members of Aspis looting the place at this time, based on information you possess? Or are we gathering information there to help us recognize any artifacts from that site we might find in Bronze House?"
"Much as I would love to confiscate all of the Aspis resources held within Bronze House, the city believes the Aspis to be law-abiding merchants. We need evidence to convince them otherwise if we are to cast them down among popular opinion." The venture captain considers for a moment before continuing. "I would be disappointed if you did not catch them in the act of looting artifacts. Naturally, it would be best if you can subdue them for trial by the city, but defend yourself as vigorously as the situation warrants, Agraic. Kasadei should return shortly to escort you all to the site."
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Maléwyn lets out a deep sigh, visibly contemplating something for a moment before musing, perhaps I should send my blackjacket with you instead... she is better equipped to hand such situations. And she is much more willing to get her hands dirty... She taps her chin in a similar manner as before, though this time it appears to be genuine thought rather than a dramatic device.
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Borox takes another deep gulp from his mug of ale. "So catch 'em in the act o' stealin', slap 'em around some, then drag their sorry arses to jail. While we be at it, also intimidate Sloan wi'out hurtin' him much."
He mulls it over. "I dinnae like this. There be magic involved in this deal, lads and lassies. We best be onna toes or else we be up to our chins in muck. Gnome finger wigglers are always up to nasty tricks."
It is only a short while longer before the doors to the library open once more to admit Kasadei. "My apologies, Lord Deverin required some assistance into his carriage." Sheila airly waves a hand at the apology. "Have we anything further to discuss?"
"Only the writ of authority, then you may be on your way." The venture captain produces a scroll case and extracts the parchment within, unrolling it to reveal the official seal embossed upon it. "With this, I appoint you all my deputies in this matter, with authority to exercise the powers within at your own discretion. Remember that Kasadei will be observing you and that your actions reflect the will of the Pathfinder Society in Magnimar." Turning from the document back to the guardswoman, she nods. "Do you intend to investigate the site immediately?"
"Prudence suggests otherwise." Kasadei responds, addressing all of you. "While delays risk the Aspis spies sniffing out our plans, as of yet we have not engaged in any actions against them. There is also the fact that the site is half a day out of the city by foot. I would prefer you all have time to prepare and rest before leaving at dawn."
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Borox laughs uproariously!
Tis a good night for a bit o' carousing ya mean! There's ale to be drank and women to be kissed, laddie. After that adventure in the Gloomspires, I'll not be one to pass up a day o' life ever again."
He pours another ale and looks at the rest of the group questioningly while holding the pitcher.
Am I drinkin' alone or are ye ready for another one, lads?"
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"While I'd like t' share in th' bounty 'f the Bless'd Dr'nk, 'm 'orried tha' they migh' ge' a jump on us if we take a full nigh's rest. 'd l'v t' get a half-day on 'em an' head ou' a oh-dark..bu' dunno 'ow th' castin' folks'd take t' it?" Agraic offers in a meaningful and insightful ramble, holding out his silver tankard for a pour from Borox.
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Athalis shakes his head slightly at the dwarf's suggestion. "I'm not entirely certain what that one said, but Wolfgang is entirely correct, we should ALL get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow morning might well see us engaging with the enemy. We will need our wits about us." The elf gives the VC a final salute, then heads out of the room to do just that.
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"C'll m' a paranoi' sor', bu' I thin' we shoul' keep an ear ou' t'nigh', jus' in cas' w' go' more 'filtrat'r'n' goin' on!" the weathered yet reasonably cheerful Caydenite half-elf offers as he sips at his mug thoughtfully.
"Very well, it is decided." Kasadei nods to the party. "We will meet at the gate of your lodge at daybreak. I have assigned scouts to watch the site when we arrive, but you will take the lead. I do not have the numbers nor the skill at arms among them to assault the site, so I can provide little more than oversight."
"Excellent. I look forward to your report of successful cooperation, agents. The lodge facilities are at your disposal." Venture Captain Heidmarch ends the meeting with that, allowing the party to disperse and prepare.
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Dawn comes early for those who stayed up carousing, as Kasadei leads your expedition north on the Lost Coast road. She steps off the road a short distance past a wayside shrine to Desna, and follows a winding footpath leading into steep rolling hills until she reaches a fallen statue of a man wielding a feathered staff. “Our diviner puts the site just over this rise, though he could see nothing else.”
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As mused about, rather than Maléwyn gracing you with her presence, another Vishkanya woman joins you the morning of the expedition. In sharp contrast to the Kalistocrat, this woman is dressed in all black, practical clothing, wearing the jacket that is the badge of office for the Druman Blackjackets. Her hair is pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, and often wears a cocksure grin on her face. Good to meet you! The name is Metumé, and I'll be joining you while my mistress takes care of some things in town. Business, I'm sure you'll understand. she then specifically looks to Thokzazat, jabbing her finger in the Hellknight's direction, You. You look like you can take a hit or two. Think you could help me with distracting the enemy so I can get a good shot on them? If it comes to combat, that is.
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"So V'risia, w's a lan' of a buncha hea'y set a-'oles what're known as 'RUIN LARDS'. Thassosomethingsorothers. They'd put statues 'f folks tha' they 'ated at places like this, set up t' jus sho' 'ow pissed they were at som 'f 'em. Legend 'as it they mighta e'en been petrified!" Agraic relates as he looks down the path. "Oh, 'ey 'tume! Gla' y' c'ld m'k th' party!"
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Borox wakes up refreshed from a night of drinking ale and after using the chamber pots slips into his worn armor. Buckling on his greatsword, then setting into his time splotched backpack straps, he adjusts his weapons belt, moves his holy symbol of Gorum to the middle of his chest, and then picks up his slight well-dented shield.
"All right then! I be ready to hit the road...wait." He checks his wineskin to make sure it's full, then pours an ale and downs it. He then refills the mug to the brim with more ale and smiles. "Now I be ready to hit the road!"
Once the party arrives at the site with the toppled statue, Borox has put the empty mug in his back for future use, hopefully within an hour or two tops.
"Well, I suppose it be up to us to go take a look then. Don't seem to be no tracks or nothing."
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In the morning, Athalis nods in greeting as Metume joins the group. "Well met, I too will be in the thick of most fights, though I'll use magic in tandem with my attacks. I will do what I can to assist you as well." The soldier sighs as the dwarf continues to drink, and he wonders how one can do so this early in the morning. Still, he does not doubt that the cleric's powers will be useful - if he's sober enough to cast spells, that is.
The elf spends a moment gazing at the fallen statue as the wild-looking elf blathers something about... well, something about petrified victims being displayed as a warning. It isn't exactly clear, and instead Athalis shifts his attention to Kasadei as she warns them that the site is near. The magus nods in understanding and draws his katana as he moves up the hill just behind the armored knight.
Kasadei looks sharply at Wolfgang. "I should mention that the council expects you to stop the thieves, not replace them. Commandeer their equipment, but leave the relics where they rest." She lifts a hand in particular sign as she speaks, bringing a man to rise out of the brush on the side of the road and move deeper into the wild scrub towards the direction the party travels.
Ascending the hill, coming over the crest reveals a winding road that descends to an excavated cave. Two wagons rest outside the site, partly filled with open crates whose contents sparkle in the sunlight as well as sealed crates. The site is littered with glass bottles as a man sits against the hill slope, singing offkey songs as a raven screeches accompaniment.
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"Requisition... I said requisition! Look I'm an honest citizen who just wants to uphold the law, I swear, chief!" Wolfgang answers Kasadei's making exaggerate gestures that manage to convince exactly no-one...
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Once the pathfinders reach the cave, the rapacious mercenary considers the singing man for a long moment before speaking:[b]"We should silence that fool. He's probably just a nobody, but he might as well be a disguised look-out. No need to take chances unless we are forced to, I say..."{/b]
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Athalis nods at Borox, a wry smile on his lips. "That shouldn't require much 'playing' on your part, dwarf. Lead on." When Borox moves toward the apparent lookout (or perhaps a getaway driver the soldier figures, from the looks of it) Athalis heads off at an angle, intending to come at the singing fellow from the opposite direction. Sheathing his katana, he instead readies a stout wooden rod that he is well-trained with.
If anyone more nimble offers to take the lead, the magus follows behind them about twenty feet or thereabouts so as not to give away their position.
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"I go' thi'" the addled plate-wearer offers, even as Borox offers to do his 'drunken dwarf' routine. "Y'don' carr' th' role righ', trus' m'"
From his haversack he pulls out a keg of ale, after securing the polearm across his back.
He then pulls out a small cooking pot, balancing the keg precariously on his left shoulder and holding the pot in his right.
" 'owdy! 'ma f'll'r 'f th' Ma' mysel'. 'raise t' th' D'nk'n 'ro! Y' wannan ale?" is offered in a quiet conspiratorial tone --- folks standing out in the middle of nowhere getting a drunk on is a recipie for disaster -- both for the drinker and anyone attempting to interrupt a drinker. "onl' go' th' pot f'r y' t' dr'nk f'm, some'un stol' m' f'v'rte 'lagon."
Provided the individual is receptive to the offer, Agraic will fill the pot with ale and offer it to the fellow, pulling out his silver tankard and filling it for himself, with a big grin. "Can' say 's 've seen man' 'f folks on th' trail followin' th' 'ero! 's g'd t' mee' a br'th'.!"
At Agraic and Borox's sudden appearance, the man staggers to his feet, lifting a length of chain with spikes on the end links. "Wha 'er you...two a' you, doing ou' 'ere? Didn' have no 'uns else ou' an 'bout!" He shakes the chain threateningly, eyeing Agraic's keg in confusion.