"I have not yet needed to escape from anyone. If I incur debt or some form of servitude, legitimately, I will be sure my share is properly resolved. I am here to earn a living, which just happens to vary from those methods employed by my kin."
|
Draig braced himself and waited for the goblin in front of him to lunge forward or another to attack from behind.
He was taken back to have a single articulate astute goblin before him; that spoke, dressed, and even acted like a man.
"Well What brings you here? How did you learn to speak like a man?"
"I have been wanting to work amongst the people larger than me, so that I may be more effective in my work. I have been studying the way that humans, elves, and others people behave so that I may somewhat fit in better, although, I may never truly fit in, being a goblin."
It may just be my Dwarven blood but you may want to watch your belongings, these goblins have sticky fingers that they do.
"Aye," Marcy replied, setting his empty tankard aside and moving his hand nearer his weapon. He didn't feel particularly threatened, but he was meeting far too many "new friends" for his taste just lately. Looking at the odd group, he wondered, Where in the hells did that priest wander off to, anyway?
Watching the further exchange between Draig and the halfling, and, after that with the goblin, Marcy kept his expression neutral. He was indifferent to having the girl accompany them as a guide. Particularly if she knew nothing of the cave they were seeking. But she seemed to have an equitable relationship with the Undine, and that could be to their advantage.
And now the goblin... He seemed both mild-mannered and well spoken for his race. That, in Marcy's experience, meant little. He had stood against too many well spoken and mile mannered men and women who, when it came to it, were as vicious as wolves underneath. Hell, I'm pretty gods-damned mild-mannered myself, he thought. "What did I ever do to you, Karone?" he mutters to himself.
"I have been wanting to work amongst the people larger than me,"
Nudging Stump, Marcy quips, "Rules you out."
|
|
"Now, I would like to get back to my drink. If you should want my assistance on some issue, just let me know and we may talk about how to handle it."
Slin goes back to his table continues to enjoy his drink. At his table, Slin seems a little annoyed about having to explain that he is different than the vast majority of goblins, yet at the same time seems to be used to doing so.
looks at Marcy with a smile
"Stump's still larger, just sideways."
looks back at the frustrated goblin
"He's probably just trying to make a living like the rest of us, gotta be hard to try and live in a city; being what he is. If he is really looking for honest work, then a sword for hire is probably all he knows."
"Those who claim to be enlightened tend to shed that which dwells in darkness, yet they are often the ones who are blind."
Nudging Stump, Marcy quips, "Rules you out."
Oh a jester I see
looks at Marcy with a smile
"Stump's still larger, just sideways."
Aye everyone knows the true measure of a dwarf is from his girth not his height.
Verelatessa shakes her head at the offer to join them. "Nah, I aint lookin' to do no adventuring, I aint. Gots to get back home to helping Momma and Pappa I do. Speaking of which, I think I probably been here too long anyhow. It was nice meeting all of you. If you ever need help or a good ole tailoring job, be sure to drop by Shufflehand's Surely Something Shop! That's the name of the shop run by my Pappa and Momma it is. Anyways be sure to drop by and we'll see what we can do for you. Heckuva tailoring shop it is or my name aint Verelatessa Sebastian Shufflehand. Tell Momma and Pappa that I'm the one that sent you too. Remember the name's Verelatessa Sebastian Shufflehand now." With that being said, the little halfling hops up and runs over to the bar. She speaks to the tender for what seems like forever to the poor man who hands her a small bag. Then she runs off back towards Ren.
"Shes better off, few of sound mind choose this life. Shame I don't have anything to write with, it would be a loss to forget the name of her shop."
looks at the goblin's table, vacant except for its lone occupant
"He's an outcast, just like us; on the same trail. We probably have more in common with him than we would like to admit."
moves a bit in his chair, looking for a little cover between his teammates
"It speaks politely, dresses in clean expensive looking equipment, and doesn't twitch shake and fidget like an animal with rabies."
"This one acts far outside the norm, even from ones owned as slaves."
"As far as gobbies go, we may have found ourselves an insane goblin."
Unable to help himself (and he did actually try) Marcy smiles at the ribbing that the dwarf was taking.
"Aye everyone knows the true measure of a dwarf is from his girth not his height."
"Whatever gets you though the night, my compressed little friend," he adds with a chuckle.
She speaks to the tender for what seems like forever to the poor man who hands her a small bag. Then she runs off back towards Ren.
Marcy, not particularly sorry to find that the halfling had no interest in joining them (one day on the road with her, and he might finally work up the courage to fall on his own blade), watches the small woman make her exit. The conversation between her and the bartender he attends to with atypical interest, however.
As Verelatessa moves off down the road, the warrior returns his attention to the table. He listens to Draig, offering the goblin a brief glance as well.
"You've a soft spot for misfits," he says, watching the elf closely. "Not a surprise, really. And now I suppose you all want to ask him to come along as well? Join our merry little band of oddballs?" WIth that he offers Xandar a brief glance and an uneasy smile. He raised his mug half way to his mouth before realizing it was empty. Setting it back on the table with a sigh, he looked toward the goblin again and added, "I suppose we could use him as cannon fodder.."
|
|
Setting it back on the table with a sigh, he looked toward the goblin again and added,[/i] "I suppose we could use him as cannon fodder.."
"Did I just hear someone say something about me being cannon fodder? I want you to know my abilities are better suited to getting in, eliminating the target and getting out."
"Theres a test first, to make sure he won't try and kill us when we are resting. I'm sure he has more uses than cleaning up bodies, or he would be dead by now."
"I have an idea for it, I'd like to see just how strange he is; or at least get a show out of it."
Draig is clearly amused by his idea, with a big smile on his face
Draig casts a spell
behined the bar building or the opposite side of the kiosk out of view from Slin and the other players the sounds of two gnome children and a gnome baby cry out in distress.
"Mamma! whats wrong with mamma?"
"Shes gonna be okey Linni, shes just sleeping..."
Gnome baby crying loudly "Waaaa! hicup
"Bimpni! Bimpni! Fonkin is cryin agian, what do we do?
gnome baby continues crying
"I don't know, we'll find daddy soon; I hope..."
gnome baby still crying
A few people react to the Ghost Sound, but after discovering that there is no source, they quickly ascertain that a mischievous caster is up to no good. The bartender is the first to speak up. "Alright you spellbound sonofa... I don't know which one of you're doin' it, but stop it afore I go calling the guards over and having all the lot of you carted off to the dungeons!" Then he continues with his work. A few minutes later, even though he didn't summon them, a pair of Imperial Regulars do happen to wander into the area of the tables. They stand near the east side of the bar, on the opposite side of the tender, and keep watch over both the patrons of the tavern as well as the people walking past towards other shops.
Marcy, in an attempt to overhear the conversation between Verelatessa and the tender before her departure manages to ascertain just enough information to gather that the girl had left a sack of herbs and spices with the tender for safekeeping whilst she drank. She also rambled on about how useful the herbs and spices were in a variety of salves. The particulars of the salves were missed by Marcy's ears as a nearby table of Mongrels and Gnolls begin to laugh at some jest told in their native language.
|
|
A few people react to the Ghost Sound, but after discovering that there is no source, they quickly ascertain that a mischievous caster is up to no good. The bartender is the first to speak up. "Alright you spellbound sonofa... I don't know which one of you're doin' it, but stop it afore I go calling the guards over and having all the lot of you carted off to the dungeons!" Then he continues with his work. A few minutes later, even though he didn't summon them, a pair of Imperial Regulars do happen to wander into the area of the tables. They stand near the east side of the bar, on the opposite side of the tender, and keep watch over both the patrons of the tavern as well as the people walking past towards other shops.
Marcy, in an attempt to overhear the conversation between Verelatessa and the tender before her departure manages to ascertain just enough information to gather that the girl had left a sack of herbs and spices with the tender for safekeeping whilst she drank. She also rambled on about how useful the herbs and spices were in a variety of salves. The particulars of the salves were missed by Marcy's ears as a nearby table of Mongrels and Gnolls begin to laugh at some jest told in their native language.
When Slin sees the guards come in, he looks around at his gear and smiles.
the sounds of whimpering gnome children that fill the air begin to fade out after just short of a minute after they started
Well thats just... whats the word for it? ...bizarre?
Looks like the next round of drinks might be on me, what do you say guys?
Draig relaxes in his seat with his longsword visible and watches Slin. As events begin to unfold and guards start wondering around, his smile somewhat diminishes; but still looking happy, confident, and unsuspicious.
Well thats just... whats the word for it? ...bizarre?
Looks like the next round of drinks might be on me, what do you say guys?
The sounds go unnoticed by Stump as he finishes his drink, he slams the mug down on the table and lets out a satisfying exhale.
Aye that sounds good lad, never pass up a free drink, just a bit of dwarven wisdom for you that you can take with you.
Upon arriving to the city of Ren, a beautiful place thriving with activity, as I ask the guards at the entrance of the city to escort me to the Grand Hall or give me some guidance if they may, after a short while and a silver piece I find a guide to take me were I need to go. After needles conversation from my guide that I don't even bother to listen, just nod when I must and be polite before I send him of with my thanks I arrive to a beautiful building, giving my horse to the stables to keep it while I go to my business inside the building walking the stairs that lead to the "Great Hall" were heroes meet.
Before walking in and listening to all the weird noises and conversation, he checks his noble dressing to be presentable and let's himself in.
"Greetings!" as he bows a little with courtesy "I have been summoned to this place and so I have come forth, as I can see, I'm not the only one..."
Approaching the Grand Hall, you notice that quite a few kiosks are being pulled down. One of the nearby citizens, a member of the Hunter's Guild by the looks of the crest he wears on the shield strapped to his back, is taking down one of the kiosks now. Looking over to Lassen at his approach, he gives his buddy the elbow then points in Lassen's direction. The two begin to chuckle to themselves. "Festivities are over, mate. You done missed the fun. Little late to be a hero now, don't'cha think?" After talking with the Hunters for a few minutes, they brief you up on the happenings of the day before. They also hand over one of the many leftover Writs to you detailing a comprehensive list of locations where the Resistance members may be at. "Don't personally believe a word the damned Imperialists got to say about it, but that ain't for me to decide. Done seen the Resistance myself at work here right after the meeting. Suicide mission, it was. Damned fools!"
Journeying half a day to the south brings you to Lake Meronia, where you come across a rather lovely outside cafe known as Meronia's Merriments. Quite a crowd is gathered here and, as you note, a cavalcade of adventuring types, looking quite the lot, with everything from a Kri'in Elf to what appears to be a Goblin they're talking to. It's easy to tell this lot is a nice group of sellswords.
As the night begins to close in, the lot of you begin to grow weary. When asking the tender for a place to stay, he refers you to an inn down the way known as the Comforts of Calavas. If left to your own devices there is also the Campgrounds nearby, a place so named for the mass of people who set up their own encampments there for the night then pack up and leave the next day.
"I've got the chance, so I'm going to find a decent room for the night. I'm heading for the inn, if anyone wants to camp we can find a place to meet up in the morning."
"I'll be more than glad to follow you to that inn good sir, if you do not mind my company along the way"
"An inn would be welcome"
"I've got the chance, so I'm going to find a decent room for the night. I'm heading for the inn, if anyone wants to camp we can find a place to meet up in the morning."
Aye it might be a good idea to get some shut eye, makes the adventuring part a bit hard when ya cant keep yer eyes open.
Draig notices one of... no two the patrons from the bar following.
One is an elf he met after dinner, and had a chance to talk over drinks. Dressed for battle, and likely on the same job as he.
The other is the strange goblin keeping his space, but matching in pace. His nature and motive still a mystery.
"Of course, good company makes an easier journey; and more friends in the field are welcome."
"I've been on the move since I passed through the wastes of Kri, my last decent bed or bath was before I crossed the northern shore. So some good rest and comfort seem pretty good to me."
Xandar makes his way to the inn along with the others his thoughts a mystery, eyes scanning each person they pass analytically.
The night comes and goes without too many worries and soon the sun breaks the horizon and greets each of you with Soleil's warmth as you enter into its light. It will take a few hours to venture to the Undine Shoal should you choose to traverse around the lake. However, alternate transport presents itself when one of the many ferries that cross the waters of the lake. Asking around, you discover the standard price of these ferries is 5 GP per person.
Stump wakes from his awkward sleeping position, apparently this particular inn was less than accommodating for an individual of his...stature, although you would never tell from the loud snoring that no doubt kept his neighbors awake. Instead he managed to find sleep on what one could only assume to be a foot rest for a human but worked quite well when propped against a wall as a chair for a dwarf. After putting his armor back on Stump leaves the room and heads for the main area of the inn.
Well lads that was a good rest, now where can I get my morning pint of ale? He bellows loudly, drawing puzzled looks from nearby patrons.
After a VERY long night with only some sleep for there was some bear roaring nearby or someone with such a grace for a snore... I finally awaken late again to find my companion already to depart
"Morning I suppose, this is becoming a habit of sorts it seems not much to my liking..." as he eyes Stump and curses him with his look for the horrible night sleep that no other creature had he heard made such terrible noise to sleep "I trust you all sleep very well, or at least better than I did" as he walks towards a chair and orders a quick meal and wine for his morning ride.
It had been quite some time since Marcy had slept in an actual bed. Over three weeks, if his reckoning was right. He awoke that morning feeling better than he had in a long while. Rubbing the stiffness out of his lower back, he dressed quickly and made his way to the dining area.
He joined the others, ordering a large helping of bacon and eggs, and a glass of ale in lieu of toast.
"So, shall we walk or shall we ride?" he asked, around a mouthful of eggs.
Draig is probably a little later out of his room than most, but looks refreshed, and much better than he did yesterday
"I am grateful that my trance and relaxation where not disturbed by the Alarm ward I place over our rooms, can't be too careful on the road."
after joining the others for breakfast, he learns about the options to get to the shoal
"Well, now that I have money to spend again, It would be nice to take the ferries."
"But five gold bits a head is highway robbery. They stand to make a small fortune with everyone passing through."
"If it where just me, I would be inclined to alternative ways of travel; not on land or sea, but over them."
He joined the others, ordering a large helping of bacon and eggs, and a glass of ale in lieu of toast.
"So, shall we walk or shall we ride?" he asked, around a mouthful of eggs.
Stump sits down to join Marcy for a meal, although his meal seems to consist of more alcohol then food.
Personally I cant say leaving land is a good idea, give me rock, sand or dirt but water you cant plant you feet on. He lets out with a grumble. But I suppose if it gets us there quicker it cant be helped. Whatever we choose lets be quick about it, sitting in a tavern is all well and good for story telling and revelry but there be adventures to have and I aim to have em.
Marcy eyed the newcomer, Lassen was it?, and grinned slightly. "You spend some time in the wilds with a good solid dwarf covering your back - well, the lower half of it anyway - and you learn to find comfort in that racket that they pass off for sleep." He chased down the last of the eggs with a long draught of ale and began considering the last slice of peppered bacon.
"Don't think of it as water." he said, apparently to Stump, though his eyes never left the bacon he was holding. "Try and imagine it as a great sea of beer. The prospect of falling overboard won't seem so bad."
Turning his attention to Draig as he chomped down the bacon, he said, "You thinkin' of flying over? Long way across."
"Well, I suppose you are right... Lucky? was it.." as he contemplates their poor table manners, but still that doesn't make him unworthy of my person, mind me.
"Well about this flying..." he rubs his chin lightly like thinking, "I'm not very fond of that type of transport yet, tho I do admit 5 gold per person is... well for lack of a better word... insulting at the least, so I think we might be for a nice walk around this lake"
"Don't think of it as water." he said, apparently to Stump, though his eyes never left the bacon he was holding. "Try and imagine it as a great sea of beer. The prospect of falling overboard won't seem so bad."
Stumps eyes grow wide and a large grin appears across his face.
You do realize lad you are now responsible if I drown.
The chuckle behinnd them announces Xandar's presence as the young man seats himself, his dark eyes catching the serving girl's attention almost causing her to drop her tray in statrled reaction to the intensity of his gaze.
"I can make it, I've been doing this for some time now; flight usually makes for quick and safe travel. Freedom to practice whatever and however I want is one of the benefits to being an unreg."
looks at Lassen
"That isn't a problem for you is it?"
"If we each travel our own way, we might see more that way. Greater our chances to find trouble, for better or worse."
Draig looks around the table
"Anyone ever wanted to learn to fly?"
he says with a grin on his face
"Well, I suppose you are right... Lucky? was it.."
"Aye. Lucky'll do, though not many call me that these days." For the briefest of moments the man seemed as if he were recalling something uncomfortable, but the expression passed quickly, replaced with his more usual dispassion.
Giving the dwarf a sidelong glance and a small chuckle, Marcy raises his mug and finishes off the last of his morning ale. Setting the flagon down with a contented sigh, the large man pushes back from the table and takes a moment to survey the growing crowd. Finally his gaze settles upon Xandar, who he regards for several long moments. It seemed that he might say something, but he must have thought better of it in the end. Instead, he only offers the man a nod in greeting and then turns his attention back to the elf.
"No disrespect, but I don't find myself liking the idea of flitting about like a bird. Least ways, not when it can be helped. And though you may make it across, I'm not so sure that I will. Swimming in chainmail is a sonofab#~&%, I can tell ya." He fell silent for a moment, his eye drawn to a passing maid. "I've no objection to splitting up for the moment though. Famous last words, though they may be. Seems like civilized enough territory."
Smiles at Draig "No problem at all, I just have a beautiful destrier that can't fly, nor I very well for I have no wings or spell for that and I think we are to many" as he rubs his chin "Besides how big is this lake? Can a fly spell get us across?"
"I'm sure I can make it, I've been flying for years and made riskier bets."
finishes the tea he was having with his breakfast, and gets ready to go
"If there are no takers, then I'm going to go see the lake."
"Well I won't mind if it's free and I can take my horse" as he excuses himself from the table.
"oh, um... I think I can make a horse fly."
turns to look at Lassen
"I haven't seen him yet, where is he?"
"Well it's right outside, my other friend is another story"
?
"Sounds good, I'll only have to use one fly spell this way. As long as we keep straight, we should have no problem."
"oh, um... I think I can make a horse fly."
turns to look at Lassen
"I haven't seen him yet, where is he?"
A flying horse eh? Now this is something I have to see. An expression of surprise and anticipation appearing on his face.