Thrand can hardly believe his eyes. "Orcs?!" he asks incredulously, wondering what madness possesses Kolwyk to employ such creatures.
"Orcs?... sneaking past our rangers and taking jobs that men, elves, and dwarves need to feed their families! Well I, for one, am not going to take it any longer! Listen, we are going to make Furyondy great again! We are going to start by building a wall along our orcish border. The orcish tribes are going to pay for it. Believe me, they won't want to pay for it, but they will..."
At least, that is what he was about to say when he suddenly remembers that they are in Greyhawk, not Furyondy, and he and Tanariel and Victrix are just as much foreigners in Greyhawk as the orcs are. All he manages to say is "Orcs?!" before turning purple and nearly choking on his tongue. After a few seconds, he regains his composure and says, "Are you, um, are there many orcs living in Greyhawk? What brings you to this part of the world? Your Common is very good, by the way - better than I would have thought... A drink? Yes, I could certainly use a drink. Barkeep, I'll have a tall mug of ale."
Cheerfully oblivious to Thrand's discomfort at the sight of two half-orcs (although that could just be because she's fresh off of a completed assignment), Victrix approaches the two half-orcs and extends her hand. "Name's Victrix--just came back from outta town. First mug's on me, yeah?"
"HALF-orc here.. it may seem a small distinction, but an important one. And what DID you expect? 'Me Mongo! Me likum make war!'" Tzardusk smirks slightly and sighs. "Sorry if I seem touchy, but I'm tired of being put in the same box with my full-blooded cousins."
He sighs and shrugs, takes Victrix's hand and shakes it. "A pleasure, miss Victrix... And I'll have a tall mug as well. Thank you ... I'll let you buy the first round, if you'll let me buy the next. How about more introductions too?"
"That sounds about right," thinks Thrand nodding inwardly when Tzardüsk describes his expectations.
"I am Sir Thrand of Prymlea Manor," says the knight, remembering his manners. "We are all just back from out of town..."
Mogwag will take a hard long look at Thrand befaore answering In the city ? no Mogwag doesn't beleive there are that many. It is an expensive city to "live" in. Mogwag came from the Grand Duchy of Geoff as a Caravan Guard.
If the first round is on you and he buys the second round he nods at the other 1/2 orc, then Mogwag will pay for the 10th round. he says roaring with laughter before heading upstairs to drop down his equipment
"Tenth round, eh?" he laughs... "And I am just arrived from the small village of Greenville in Nyrond, not far from Woodwych near the Celadon. It's invigorating to be in such a large city. I've never even been to Rel Mord before, so this is quite new and exciting."
Having bathed and taken care to add her new knowledge to her spellbooks, spells that would create image and help people forget things, the grey elf descends into the common room for some repast. Ordering a glass of chilled elven wine, white and a fruit, bread and cheese plate the elf takes her seat, apart from most.
Seeing that her companions have taken to talking to some half-orcs she raises an eyebrow but says nothing, watching the interactions.
Thrand tries to puzzle out the "half-" orc Mogwag's hidden meaning while staring into the depths of his mug. "What does he mean by not many in the city? Is there a horde amassing outside the gates? Could they have mined their way under the city? Is that where they are, not 'in' the city but under it? And these are their advance scouts. The rest of the horde is probably awaiting their signal to rise up out of the sewers and kill us all! And what did he mean by it being an expensive city to 'live' in? Are there dead orcs in the city? I know, they're undead! That's it! There is a horde of zombie orcs waiting to climb out of the sewers and attack us when Mogwag and Tzardüsk's give the word. I had better keep an eye on these two and thwart their evil plan."
Thrand engages the half-orcs in conversation, "Who is 'Rraurvir'? Is that a deity? We do not know 'Rraurvir' in Furyondy, at least not in my corner of the realm. I worship Pelor and Mayaheine."
"Ah, Rraurvir... I'm so glad you asked," he says, punctuating his words with occasional sips from his mug. "Rraurvir is perhaps too new among the gods to be known well... but her faith is spreading. She appeared to me in a vision... or a visitation... to be honest I'm not sure which it was. She is a lovely half-orcish woman who appeared in flowing white robes with a basket of food. She spoke of the joys of peace and harmony, not only within our own tribes, but with neighbors of all races too. She teaches that hard work brings bountiful harvests and that respect is earned by offering the same to others, not thru strength of arms." Tzardusk realizes he's preaching and stops suddenly and shrugs.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to preach to you. I'm sure you have your own beliefs already. But the visions were true and honest, and a small number of my people have already accepted her as their new goddess, leaving their old tribes to start anew elsewhere. My heart sings at these changes." He smiles and shrugs.. takes another deep draught from his mug, emptying it with a satisfied gasp.
Continuing to eat and drink the elf will cock her head at the mentioning of this goddess.
"Round two... my turn to buy!"
The monk Kolwyk enters the bar area and asks the halfling barkeep for some honey water. He tells those in the area "They wanted to have both group start their next missions together. They did not tell me why. Your briefing will commence in the morrow. If you need to purchase I suggest you do so now. May I recommend the dwarven smithy Uldar Blackfist for any metal weapons and armor. He is very good. He is located in the Foreign Quarter. His iron comes from Blackstone mines. If you seek arcane sundries may I suggest Nassib Stargazer, a gelf (half elf term) who runs the Star Sapphire Magical shop in the Artisan Quarter. Tell him Kolwyk sent you and he will refrain from inquisitive questions. As you know most of the religious temples in town peddle their own brand of divine wares with their stamp or brand upon them, but if you seek something divine but your faith has no temple in the city then may I suggest the gnome Dekkerson Sterlingvale, a rougish individual, but a honest broker of non affiliated divine items. He is located right outside the main gate to the south opposite the river. Please ensure you are back by dawn for the brief." and after downing his honeyed water the monk leaves the room.
Mogwag returns a few minutes afterward. He is dressed in plain cloth. The kind that are confortable to wear while at home
He sits at the table and stares at the inside of his cup for a few seconds and gulp it up in one swing in order to catch up with the second round that is soon to be delivered
And se we leave at dawn. Better hoard on all the fun and excitent and the merry tunes then. Tomorrow business is at hand he raise his new cup as to raise a toast
To making it back alive, mission accomplished and to the Honored dead that never did.
The elf will go to the half-human shop and take a look at what is there, looking for low level magic as that is all she can afford right now. She will let the half-human know that Kolwick has recommended his business as a place of great boon for those engaged in the arcane arts.
Thrand wants to find comfort in Tzardüsk's talk of a deity of peace and plenty, but part of him still thinks, "That is just what a spy would say to lower my guard!"
"To a mission accomplished." Thrand drains his mug in Mogwag's toast.
"I had better stop drinking if we are to meet Kolwyk at dawn. I will buy the first round of drinks in the next tavern we find ourselves in. Tzardüsk, I find your talk of Rraurvir interesting. You may tell me more on the road." Thrand replenishes his mundane supplies (rations, torches, etc.), and strolls about the city in search of any golden torc or armband that catches his eye, before checking on the horses and calling it an early night.
Tzardüsk nods in assent. "You are right, new friend Thrand. More drink the night before departure might be too much. We will talk again in the morning... Good night all." With that, he drinks the last bit from his mug and approaches the innkeeper to arrange a room, if one hasn't been arranged for him already. He gets the key, and heads upstairs.
There should be no drinking while on the job. It dulls the sense and lower your guard. But that is up to you all he says draining his cup
Mogwag will stay up and drink some more but Mogwag bids you all a good night's rest
Mogwag knows the Pomarj Mogwag is better suited to harass the enemy but Mogwag know there will be wolf rider to everyone needs to be mounted and prepare to fight using all available method is chosen to delay the hoard and everyone needs to get ok with that. It isn't a fight for broad daylight and Challenges
[ooc] I am looking for some alchemist fire and a few scrolls, one of magic missile the other of true strike and one of Shadow Trap
You pin the target's shadow to its current location, causing the target to become entangled and preventing it from moving farther than 5 feet from its original position, as if its shadow were anchored to the terrain.
The grey elf posted in the other thread trying to talk to the wild elf.
:)
I think it might make sense.
After the discussion in the main room of the Hostel those chosen for the task of defending Berwyn from within make their own way to prepare for the journey. The 2 carts for carrying the supplies are next to the stables. One is of an old Oeridian design and the other appears to be from Suel lands. Both show scars from travel and nicks of war. Since two people will have to drive the carts two riding horses are next to the carts with Thrands steed.
After the five return from their preparations they depart through the south gate of Greyhawk. The road takes them through lands nominally under control of the Mayor of Greyhawk although recently the boat people, the Rhenee, have claimed a large section of the riverbank daring anyone to throw them off.
you might want to save some of the money to book passage from Hardby to Port Elredd
"Gotcha boss." Shortnose says to the monk after being ordered away without a promise of payment or employment. Not that he really cared about stuff like that. He had his shield and sword, finally he had new companions and best of all, one of them was a hottie!
Best not dwell in that line of thinking. The lady was pretty, the future promised battles, and all he needed to do was to do what he did best: hit things with his sword and put his shield up.
He counts his coins wishing to be able to purchase a suit of fullplate armor, but that would need to be a future project.
”Gotta 130 goldies to use. What should me get?”
Thrand considers all that was said in the briefing with Brother Kolwyk and thinks about what might be needed to enhance the castle and town of Berwyn's fortifications and see them through the expected siege. He decides to strike a balance between tools for fortifications and food for the coming siege. With Tanariel's shrewd guidance, he gives up on his more frivolous ideas, such as bringing a herd of goats and a flock of chickens with them on their journey, and canvas and chain for a thrashing windmill of doom. He also upgrades the barding for his warhorse, Valor, from leather to scale mail to match his own armor.
Thrand responds to the bald warrior, "There are many things you might buy with 130 gold pieces. Healing potions are always useful for people like us. You might also buy yourself a fine longbow or crossbow."
Once everyone has returned from their spending spree Brother Kolwyk once again imparts upon them the time factor for this mission.
"Well, since time seems to be of the essence, I'd opt for pack horses, but that's just one opinion, and I'm not strategist."
Thrand nods and thinks, "The half-orc is smarter than he looks."
"We could move much faster with pack horses. Each of us would have to lead two of them if we are to move at full speed with the current load. Do you all feel up to the task? I will check with our benefactors to see if they will lend us the horses."
The wizard is ready to move out once everyone else is. As she approaches her horse she will ask Sir Thrand for his assistance in mounting the horse.
Thrand dutifully complies and assists the fair elven maid in mounting her horse. He then hands her the tether of one of the pack horses with the tether of another pack horse tied to its saddle. He mounts his own riding horse and holds Valor's tether, who, in turn, leads another two pack horses. The knight leads the caravan through the south gate of Greyhawk toward the port where they intend to embark.
Tzardusk mounts up and joins the caravan, doing his best to stay in the saddle.