Tygryk snorted for a moment, shaking his head as he looked at the brew. "Too much light..." He said with another shake and a sigh, taking a sip of it again and nodding as if he knew what he was saying. "...Dwarven Stout is to be made in the dark, deep in the earth. Without it, everything tastes off."
He listens to the older elf explain his particular skillset, nodding along in time with what the man has to say. Divine magic, a skillset that would allow for them to bypass the many traps within the Spire itself, and a brain full of knowledge. There was potential in all of that and the man didn't grab the bar wench's ass as she walked by serving drinks, so maybe he and his colleague were not the deplorable sorts.
"I see. Quite the list of assets indeed." Reaching under his tunic, beneath the chainmail, he'd pull out a small holy symbol of Torag and raise it for both to see.
"Much like yourself, I've been trained in the divine ways. Torag blesses me and my comrades in battle and allows me to fight in the front lines against the enemies of order and creation. I am hoping to find riches to bring back to my clan as well as hone my faith and my blade against the foes within. I may appear small...but I am mighty."
While mapmaking sounded slightly...dull, the dwarf didn't dismiss it out of hand. What was a plan without a good map? It would set them up for further incursions into the Spire, for certain.
"I see nothing wrong with that plan, would help give us a lay of the land for certain." His dark gaze moves from the elderly elf to the quiet one beside him, his head nodding. "What about you? What do you bring to the table?"
Aldhranhald smiles at Tygyrk's mention of the gods' blessings. Smiles even wider when he realized the Steelheart clanned Dwarf is a warrior of both muscle and soul. When Tygyrk asks Zero his question, Aldhranhald pipes up quickly. Besides one of the strangest looking broadswords I've ever seen in my life. He jokes while taking another long draught of his Stout.
If it were not for the full faced helmet, you would see the guard gets a somewhat puzzled look on his face for a moment, and then suddenly brighten up as if in comprehension. "Ah! Your from way up north aren't you? Caught me by surprise there for a moment! Let's see, if I understood you correctly your wanting to check out the Emerald Spire correct? Well, that certainly is allowed! You will need to get a license permitting you to go adventuring in the area. You can get that at the Citadel. If you look just so between the building's here you can see that very tall building almost due west and just a bit to the south from here. Largest structure in town! You can't miss it!
Now, you'll need to get some companions as well! The Spire is too dangerous to go by yourself! Even for a good sized experienced group it's very dangerous! If I may suggest, either check the message board by the fountain in the large plaza, or stop in at the Juliver Arms Inn, or The Red Shield Tavern, or The Helmed Lady. You should be able to find some others looking to go to the Spire. There always is! As a matter of fact, they make-up a portion of our town's income.
He pauses for just a moment, and suddenly kind of gives a start & a shake of his head. In a lower tone, Sorry, I'm being so talkative! It's just that you remind me of Asger. He used to be one of us, until we lost him to a certain demon we were fighting. He was from the North as well! I guess that's why I'm being so helpful to you! Mind you, do NOT expect the other Hellknights to be so helpful! Their as likely to arrest you and make you 'disappear' as they are to say g'day to you! Then in a louder, gruffer voice, obviously putting on a sudden 'show':
Taking the advice of the guard, even if it was blustery and meant as a show of force for his fellow guards, Tangar takes his leave of them with a simple Takk and moves into the city.
As he wanders the street he notes the places near and around him. He sees to his right a place that looks like an inn and then across from it a tavern, a red shield out front.. obiously what the guard meant. He keeps walking forward though looking for this fountain, he liked things like this in a town or village, maybe this one would give him inspiration.
As he neared the town center he nodded at passers by, whether or not they returned it was inconsequential to him. When he passes the place that looks like a general store he commits it to memory as he may need supplies as he nears his time to head to the Spire. The stable had a fresh familiar scent to it, he remembered cleaning out the stable at his fathers keep with fond memories as it gave him tome to be around the horses, and his favorite mare Inger.
When he finally turns his attention to the fountain he is surprised to see such a figure there, it was interesting and a bit intriguing.
As he circles the fountain he stops a passerby Please, can you show me vereda Helmed Lady is, I vas told der vas a place vit dis name here. He waits for their response and when they timidly point to the building beyond the Arms shop he thanks them with a kindly Takk.
Now knowing where the tavern was he could take his time getting there. He looked around some more as he moved throught the buildings and found the front of the place. He quickly opened the door and walked in letting it close behind him. He took a moment to let his eyes adjust so he could see the people inside, and where he might be able to sit.
After a minute he walks purposefully to the bar and takes a stool and orders. Mead... if you have it
Mead... if you have it
Glancing at the two men, Zero silently place his blade on the table before forming a sizzling green orb. Letting his drip on to his weapon which remained unharmed, a few drips hit the table with a sizzle. "I can fight fine." Taking a moment to lift the weapon with his free hand, Zephyrus pointed at the two drinks with his other.Well, one must give in order to take. I have no idea what true Stout tastes like, but hopefully that improves their drink Letting green energy coalesce on his fingertips, the half elf tapped their drinks before sitting back, hands placed in his lap.
...Letting green energy coalesce on his fingertips, ...
As your walking towards it, you see the sign for "The Juliver Arms Inn". It is a very well kept sign, colorful, with a painting of a coat of arms on it. By the looks of the establishment, only the wealthier people would be able to stay here.
When you walk in, it becomes immediately obvious that this business, at the very least, employs halflings, as you see some of them moving about quickly and efficiently in the dining room. You also can't help but notice that the dining room itself is quite opulent and has tables sized appropriately for both humans and halflings. The tables are covered in nice white cloths that hang down over the sides of it. When you see a halfling coming to serve at a human occupied table, he pulls out a step-stool conveniently stored nearby, and steps on it so as not to have to be stretching up or across the table so much. You start to feel as if you are not adequately dressed or that you are in the wrong place, when you hear a voice from behind you, "Ah! Yes Mam, how may I be of service to you and your, young ... companion? Are you seeking to spend a night in one of our luxurious rooms? Or perhaps you just wished to have the finest dining experience available in all of the River Kingdoms area?" And you notice he briefly scans Ozzy a little closer before returning his attention back to Boudacia. But she's not so young is she? She makes me think of our kind, but yet she is clearly not a halfling, though she has that smaller body structure that confuses so many people into thinking us younger. I wonder what's her story?
As you both turn to face your speaker as he begins talking to you, you see he is a halfling as well, perhaps about middle aged, but quite pleasant (other than the way he scanned Ozzy) and very well dressed. You feel fairly certain that what he says about both the rooms & the dining experience, could very well be true by all that you can see. You then explain that you are actually here to speak to the Lady Iliara Starcloak about a job posting.
"Ah! Yes, good! The Lady Iliara must leave soon to go back to Thornkeep I believe she said, and has been looking to hire someone locally before she leaves. She will be most pleased to hear of this! I will send one of the girls to let her know you are here! Please, if you will wait just a moment?" As he looks back and forth between an empty table in the dining room nearby and your clothes. You get the impression that he's worried you may go sit in his beautifully, upholstered & cushioned chairs.
Ozzy glances around nervously. She's never been in such an opulent establishment, and fears that just standing here will cost more than she has. Stay close, she says to Mr. Blinky. Ozzy situates herself off to the side, out of the flow of traffic, and makes sure she's not tracking dirt behind her.
"By the way, in my excitement I forgot to introduce myself! My name is
Doliver Reedbank and I am the proprietor of this fine establishment. ...Now, ahem ... is that ... 'creature' with you? Could you please be so kind as to put it outside? Nothing personal, I am an animal lover myself, but it is not sanitary to allow such in the restaurant."
You have noticed various stares and people pointing, not to mention staff going up to Doliver and pointing at Mr. Blinky and whispering in his ear with wide-eyed stares. You also start to realize that there seems to be no humans or any other races on staff, they are all halflings.
Your not certain if what he is saying about Mr. Blinky being in here is what he really means or not.
Ozzy comes to the conclusion that it must be true. After all she's not accustomed to civilizations standards about sanitation in such a nice place as this.
Mr. Blinky's not sure.
Mr. Blinky steps out from where he is hardly hidden behind Ozzy. I stay with the girl. Mr. Blinky says, giving one of his quadrupedal bows, which barely brings his head down to the height of the halfling's.
Ah, a bit of arcane magic, an acid splash, and a little prestidigitation. Arcane magic is a great power, never to be taken lightly, and you say you have some martial training as well. Truly a deadly combination. I wonder though, Mr. Zephyrus, how is it you carry such a strange blade, and know nothing at all about it? Surely you must know some of the blade's history?
When Mr. Blinky starts to move, one of the women in the dining room will scream, and many patrons take a move away from the creature. You do notice that none of the staff members back away. Some do get a look of concern on their face. You also notice you can't see any of their hands, as they all seem to be reaching into either a pocket, a sleeve, behind a curtain, or whatever it may be.
When Mr. Blinky actually speaks, two of the woman patrons pass out, another female patron screams, and some patrons start trying to either hide under tables or get out. While you notice some patrons just sit there calmly observing the scene and you even over hear one man saying, "Look at that! He talks just like our 'monkey' used to do!"
None of the staff make a single move, except for Mr. Reedbank, who slowly brings his hands back out from under the counter he is standing at. He starts looking around and puts a big, fake smile on his face, "It's ok folks! It's a magical beast! I'm sure it means us no harm! Look at how cute it is! Aren't those eyes adorable? ... Now as a magical beast he of course understands the necessity for maintaining sanitary conditions in an establishment such as this! So I am sure he will agree to kindly stay to the side out of the way of the staff and everything will be fine! Drinks on the house for everyone!" As he is speaking you notice the staff starts to relax again & empty hands become visible as well. Staff members start to rush around trying to re-assure all the patrons that had panicked. Mr. Reedbank quickly steps over to one of the waiters and even though he is whispering you manage to hear: Make sure they get the watered down stuff! And it is only ONE free drink per customer!" Mr. Reedbank then turns back to Ozzy, but clearly keeping an eye on Mr. Blinky, "I do apologize! I had not realized he is a magical beast! Now we understand each other okay right? He will agree to kindly stay to the side out of the way of the staff?"
Boudacia is obviously worried at the disruption. She speaks to the patrons, trying to be re-assuring:-
"Ladies and gentlemen, there is nothing to be concerned about. Mr Blinky is, as Mr Reedbank says, a magical beast and none of us are going to harm anyone."
Then continues more softly to Mr Reedbank:-
"Perhaps if the three of us wait outside while you fetch Lady Starcloak, the sooner we see her the sooner we can conclude our business without disrupting your establishment further."
Boudacia places her body between Mr Blinky and most of the customers and is gently urging her two companions back out the door.
Mr. Blinky won't make any trouble. We'll happily wait outside if it will make everyone more comfortable. In truth, Ozzy is more nervous about her own presence inside the obviously expensive Inn than Mr. Blinky's.
When safely outside, Boudacia seems both relieved and exasperated, saying:-
You both behaved very sensibly. Can't say the same for that collection of self-important, stuck up slime.
Tygryk watches as the somber elf shows a little bit of his magical prowress, an eyebrow rising as he touches the dwarf's drink. Tygryk didn't assume the worst, otherwise this man would be the worst assassin in all time. Taking a sip of it, he flicked his eyes back up to him and nodded.
"It isn't stout...but it is good. Thank you. What is your name though, chap? Zephyrus? Zephyrus what?" The blade upon the table was of an interesting make and his eyes scanned it for just a moment. He was an armorsmith but he had learned the basics of weaponry before.
I've never seen a place like that. I was a little afraid they would hand me a bill I couldn't pay just for standin' in there.
The half elf sighs, taking a small sip of his drink. "Amnesia." Rapping his knuckles on the blade at his side of the table, he adds with a twinge on melancholy. "Only thing I had."Come on, it's been months. You may not have found out anything about yourself, but you've done good work and righteous deeds.
Zero stares the dwarf, his eyes glowing with an discernible emotion. "Zero, Zero Zephyrus."He doesn't seem like a hell knight type. Gruff, but well intention-ed.
After a trip or two to the Emerald Spire we can eat there if we choose. Or maybe buy the place.
Ozzy looks up at Boudacia with a huge grin. And Mr. Blinky will have his own seat at the table?
Indeed. We could even have a seat built to suit his shape.
While you wait for Lady iliara, you overhear different bits and pieces of conversation.
As you are waiting, a young halfling girl comes out the door, "You are waiting to see Lady Starcloak? She is now waiting in our private dining room. Would you please follow me and I will show you the way in?" You notice she keeps looking & smiling at Mr. Blinky. She looks at you two, "Before we go in, may I scratch him behind his ears? Or is there something else he prefers?" Just as she is saying this last part, by the look on her face it is obvious some idea has just struck her, and she turns to face Mr. Blinky fully while still smiling, "Oh! Or should I be asking you directly? I'm sorry! I meant no offense! I'm just not used to dealing with creatures that can speak!"
The girl takes you inside and leads you to a door off to the side of the main dining room. As you enter you see a dining room which could fit about 10 people and it is even more ostentatious than the main dining room.
You also see a reasonably good looking woman sitting at a table by herself. As you approach you find that you have trouble determining the woman's age range at all, but she appears to be human. "So, you are the 'valiant adventurers' that have come to offer to try to find our missing wizards? Well, I must be heading back to Thornkeep soon, so I guess you will have to do." While her words would seem condescending, there is something in her manner that makes you realize she does not mean it in a bad way. To her it is simply a fact, neither good or bad, and somehow, you do not find yourselves offended about it, even though those would normally be 'fighting' words. It becomes quite obvious that she is used to being in charge at all times & no one dares to question her. There is a feeling of power about her, which neither of you can begin to comprehend. "I arranged to use the private dining room so that we can speak of this matter without any prying ears about.
Let us get down to business shall we? Some time ago our order sent two mid-level wizards, named Jharun and Tiawask to the Emerald Spire. They were sent to do research on the different portals to the planes that are rumored to be in the Spire. They were supposed to send a report every week at minimum, but we have not heard from them in 3 weeks now. I have been looking for them myself here around town to no avail, and I simply cannot go to the Spire. So for the last two weeks I've had that post up looking to hire someone to search for them. You are the first who have come.
Now I know you are simply in this for a reward. The order will pay 2,000 Gold pieces to know the whereabouts and condition of each of them, for a total of 4,000 Gold pieces. We will accept no argument on this price. If they are dead, you must bring us the ring that each of them wears. We know they would not part with them. The rings have their names inscribed on the inside of the band. It may help you in your search or it may not, but I can tell you that Tiawask, was fond of putting her 'T' mark on things. Here is a parchment where you can see her rather unique mark.
There is a bonus for you if you can also bring us some knowledge or research into the portals as we would still like to learn about them as well. The bonus will vary depending on the quantity and the quality of the research you bring. Research from more than one point of view is always a good thing. Do you hve any quetions and also, so that I my report back to my order, how many more are there in your adventuring group? And what kind of abilities are represented?"
As you sit, drinking and chatting, passing the time away, you overhear different bits and pieces of conversation.
Taking the advice of the guard, even if it was blustery and meant as a show of force for his fellow guards, Tangar takes his leave of them with a simple Takk and moves into the city.
As he wanders the street he notes the places near and around him. He sees to his right a place that looks like an inn and then across from it a tavern, a red shield out front.. obiously what the guard meant. He keeps walking forward though looking for this fountain, he liked things like this in a town or village, maybe this one would give him inspiration.
As he neared the town center he nodded at passers by, whether or not they returned it was inconsequential to him. When he passes the place that looks like a general store he commits it to memory as he may need supplies as he nears his time to head to the Spire. The stable had a fresh familiar scent to it, he remembered cleaning out the stable at his fathers keep with fond memories as it gave him tome to be around the horses, and his favorite mare Inger.
When he finally turns his attention to the fountain he is surprised to see such a figure there, it was interesting and a bit intriguing.
As he circles the fountain he stops a passerby Please, can you show me vereda Helmed Lady is, I vas told der vas a place vit dis name here. He waits for their response and when they timidly point to the building beyond the Arms shop he thanks them with a kindly Takk.Now knowing where the tavern was he could take his time getting there. He looked around some more as he moved throught the buildings and found the front of the place. He quickly opened the door and walked in letting it close behind him. He took a moment to let his eyes adjust so he could see the people inside, and where he might be able to sit.
After a minute he walks purposefully to the bar and takes a stool and orders. Mead... if you have it
Boudacia politely thanks the Halfling girl who shows her in to the Juliver Arms. She listens attentively to Lady Iliara, nodding thoughtfully at times. When the lady has finished she replies:-
"Thank you for seeing us Lady Iliara. I am Boudacia Chieroptrix and I hold a modest position in the Goldenfire Order of Thornkeep as an initiate. I am a Witch, and this is Ozzy and Mr Blinky. They can tell you their capabilities better than I.
As to our adventuring group, it is ... embryonic as yet. It would be foolish for the three of us to venture into the Spire. We plan on recruiting some others, we know an Oracle who may join us, and we will need some front line combatants.
On the contract, it seems acceptable to me. If you are prepared to contract with an incomplete group, I am agreeable. Given the nature of your contract the Order may not care. We find your wizards or return their rings if they are deceased and collect a reward. We provide information on the portals and we collect a reward. How many of us there are or who we recruit does not seem to affect the Order. Is this acceptable to you, Lady Iliara, or do you want to inspect the full group before contracting with us?"
Meanwhile, back at 'The Helmed Lady':
As the Elf, the half-elf and the dwarf sit there having their drinks, chatting & unintentionally (to all appearances at least) listening in on other people's conversations, they start to take notice of the decor of the tavern.
Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is the head of a Minotaur, horns and all. On top of the mantelpiece, rests what appears to be some kind of head made out of metal parts. At various locations mounted on the walls you will see a flail with 5 heads; a long sword with very detailed snakes on the grip & crosspiece; an ordinary, but shiny looking rapier; a large steel shield with the image of a foaming mug of ale, and some other assorted items, but these stand out the most. Also in one corner you see a life size statue. While the pose is different, it obviously represents the 'Helmed Lady' of the statue in the fountain.
The bar tender, is a dwarf, who was very busy until a just a bit ago when she finally came over to your table personally. "G'day Tygryk! I see you've met the ever-quiet Zero and made another acquaintance as well! My name is Kagnin Alemaster and I own this here tavern! Don't make trouble - & that includes molesting the waitresses! - & we'll treat you right as we can! By the way Tygryk, thank ya for running those rascals outta here! She turns directly towards Aldhranhald, "And what might your name be? And everybody always end up asking, so I go ahead and tell you now. The walls and fireplace are all decorated with mementos of special occasions in my son's lives! Their great adventurers you see, and every time they vanquish some great foe or find some great treasure it goes right up there on the wall somewhere! Yes indeed! Gettin quite famous my boys! The Five Kag's! You ever heard of them? - And I'm sorry, what did you say your name is again?"
After the introduction Kagnin goes back to work behind the bar.
Soon everybody in the tavern notices a very tall, muscular man comes striding in. He is wearing a nice chain shirt, though it is somewhat covered under the furs he is wearing. He also has a shiny battle axe tucked in his belt, among some other weapons and a large wooden shield strapped to his back. He simply walks up to the bar, sits down and looking down at the dwarf he orders a drink of Mead.
The dwarf is caught staring up at the north-man, and seems kind of flustered when suddenly she gives a start, "Of course we have Mead! My! What kind of a tavern would we be if didn't have Mead! Certainly! Here you go! ... Now don't mind me, but I must say you are a tall strong one aren't you?! We don't get many around here that quite match up with you. Well, except for Little Jamie of course! But then again he's worked the fields all his life! So we kind of came to expect it out of him. Would there be anything else I could get for you?"
The right side of Tangar's mouth rises slightly as the flustered dwarfess makes her comments, the youth isn't used to people noticing or watching him as he moves about. He puts it down to the shorter height of these lowlanders.
Being talked about as such is also new to him as many in his homeland are tall. He laughs a little as he replies to her. A poor excuse fer one I vould say Vere I come from der is always mead, and no, I am fine vit dis fer nao. I am no so tall vere I come from, many are close, and few are taller. My fader is taller dan me. he pauses to take a long drink off the mug and nearly drains it, setting it down he continues.. I verk da bellows, ven a boy, at the forge vit my fader. He is a veaponsmit of great skill vere I come from in da nort.
He watches as the dwarf goes back about her business, he didn't order anything else yet but may try whatever was cooking and smelling up the place, a good smell mind you.
Soon he spins around on his seat and takes in the tavern, there seemed to be some good people here. He hoped there might be some with an adventurous heart willing to join him in his desire to see the Spire.
"Well, I'm glad to know you are apparently honest and also wise enough to know what you can handle. And a group that is 'embryonic' you say? I like that!" And you see the slightest hint of a smile as she makes the embryonic comment. "Don't worry, I certainly understand the meaning of the word, its just that I've never heard that word used to describe an adventuring group before!
You are correct in that the size of your group does not affect the contract, it is only that I am supposed to make full detailed reports back to the Order, for record keeping purposes you understand? And if I send them a report saying that I'm sending a Werebat-kin Skinwalker, and a Fetchling Summoner with her Eidolon into the Spire all by themselves, I would become the laughing stock of the magical community! And I mean worldwide!
There is no need for me inspect them, just send me a note giving me all the names, races and are they a fighter-type; spellcaster-type - and specify arcane or divine; 'problem-solver, etc. etc. please. You get the idea.
Two more things.
As I may have already made clear all this information matter to the order! As I said, we keep very detailed records as much as we can. So I can't just say I sent a group of adventurers to look for them, you see.
Last, just so we are clear and you don't think I'm trying to cheat you. This is a contract with the order, but the receiving end, in other words, who receives the reward is not in stone. I'll explain. The reward goes to whatever group, brings back the requested information. So that means that tomorrow another group could be contracted for the same purposes, and if they came back before your group, and meet all the requirements, than they would get the reward. Do you understand?" She asks as she looks to all three of you in turn.
"That is all perfectly clear my lady. You say you have to return to Thornkeep "soon". When will you be leaving? I need to know if I can leave a note for you here or if I have to try to find a way to get a message to you at Thornkeep. Apart from that I think we can take our leave and see if we can nurture our adventuring band into a more appropriate size to tackle hazards such as the Spire."
She gives almost a full smile when you talk about 'nurturing' your band."Yes, you go 'nurture your band' my child. You can send the message here and if I'm no longer here they will be certain to forward it to me in Thornkeep. No worries there." As she skillfully avoids saying when she is leaving.
Zero silently place his blade on the table before forming a sizzling green orb. Letting his drip on to his weapon which remained unharmed, a few drips hit the table with a sizzle.
- So it is apparently Acid resistant or proof
A massive weapon nearly as wide as man's chest, and nearly five feet in length, this weapon is obviously a one of kind. Seemingly made of gray stone and some green metal, its edges are lined in razor sharp spines that extended and receded into the weapon, while two larger protrusions extended to form the guard. The handle, a rope like extension ending in a dull spine that curved upwards, seems almost elfish in design, perhaps an ancient relic. It was the strange center that confirmed that theory. A split circle of stone engraved with elven runes and two emeralds surrounded what appeared to be a closed eye engraved in the center.
- It is apparently also unrealistically, almost comically wide and made in ways the DM does not understand.
The DM has been told absolutely nothing else about this weapon nor received any kind of request to allow this weapon. There is nothing on his character sheet to justify this weapon, and his profile page has nothing other than the same description as given here. His profile page also list the cost of the sword as 35 Gp. This DM has been patiently waiting and holding back to receive some sort of request or explanation for this sword. This DM is currently quite upset about this sword & a player thinking they could have such a sword for only 35 Gp and - not having consulted the DM in any way about this. Let it be clear that I was already planning this post before Tygryk asked about it, so in no way should there any repercussions on him due to this! A serious PM is also about to go out to Zero's player in regards to this serious breach of etiquette.
At the request to scratch him behind the ear, Mr. Blinky smiles and wordlessly lowers his head, turning it away from the girl to present the spot in question for said scratching. When the scratching commences, Mr. Blinky swings his wolf-like tail back and forth and thumbs one hind leg to show his appreciation.
"Many thanks my lady, we had best be about it. Good day to you.
With that Boudacia leads the trio from Juliver Arms into the street and sets out west, saying as she goes:-
"Well, the next stop would appear to be the home of Lord Abernard Royst at the western end of town. He wants maps and information on the Emerald Spire and is prepared to pay for it. Finally we should go to the Citadel to see the Lord Commander, who promises a reward for making Golarion free of a group known as the Crowned Skull. While there we can see if we can obtain a Letter of Warrant from the Lord Commander. That is sort of like a letter of marque and reprisal for a group rather than a ship. It means when you roam around murdering and looting it is all legal and government approved, and the crown get a share of the spoils, 30% in this case.
Are we not a band with a myriad of skills, wizard retrieval experts, extra-dimensional explorers and sages, cartographers, assassins and after this monologue I think I qualify as a cultural and legal adviser of standing and note.
However, before we go to the dwelling of Lord Abernard Royst I have a detour in mind. That is to the establishment ahead, the logical inverse of Juliver Arms, a place where more stereotypical adventurers can be found in large numbers, clad in loincloths, heaving broadswords, drinking huge amounts of anything intoxicating, fighting probably, just the thing to fill out our embryonic adventuring group into something mature, full grown and properly realised, I present The Helmed Lady".
Boudacia has timed her speech to conclude just as they reach that establishment. She then enters. The tall, attractive woman with pale skin and hair, a hooded cloak partly obscuring her face, a bat on her shoulder and a crossbow hanging from her backpack, slowly surveys the patrons.
Once the girl's attention is elsewhere, Ozzy whispers in Mr. Blinky's ear, in a tone of mock dissaproval, Ham. Then she smiles at the beast and smooths down the fur on his back.
Ozzy stays quiet during most of the meeting with Iliara, letting Boudacia do most of the talking, while Ozzy simply nods along with the conversation. Her eyes get wide at the mention of 2000 gold pieces, more money than she has ever seen. Before she can regain her composure, the number is doubled, and her eyes briefly widen even further before the girl is able to force a neutral expression back to her face. What surprises her even more is when she is described as a Summoner, and her companion as an Eidolon, but she decides to ask Boudacia about it privately later.
Stepping into the Helmed Lady, Ozzy is fascinated by the trophies on the walls. She runs over to the nearest, darting around and between other patrons like a liquid flowing between rocks in a calm stream. The long spear extending above her head sways back and forth, nearly hitting several patrons, but always changing direction at the last moment. After a moment, it is the only way for Boudacia to track the girl's movement through the room. Mr. Blinky follows more slowly, the crowd parting to let him pass.
The girl inspects each curio in turn, working her way around the room until she is passing a table where she sees something even stranger: an enormous green sword. The girl stops in her tracks and stares at the weapon.
As he was turned to "people watch" the north-man notices quite quickly the child and then the tall attractive woman enter, his eye linger on her like a man appraising a fine work of art, he doesn't see many tall women here in the southern lands. He smiles and nods her way as she scans the place over, whether she sees him or not isn't important.
Now dis is a voman to my liking, she mus be a mage, dat bat is clear give avay. I vonder vhat she is doing here, maybe looking for assistance vit someting. She needs to keep an eye on dat child tho..
He finishes off his mead and as he sets the mug down he motions for another to the matron ..
He also notices where the child has stopped, her tell-tale shaft pointing to her every location as she zips through the crowd nearly batting many, and then, also, the strange blade with which she is obviously fascinated by. He scans the group of individuals and then glances back at the tall pale woman to see what she does next.
Aldhranhald barely keeps up with the whirlwind of speech and action that is Kagnin Alemaster. He barely finds time to yell at her back as she walks away... Aldhranhald! Hoping she heard him before she went back behind the bar to work. As she did so the keen eyed elf noticed the northman that sat at the bar, a warrior no doubt, he'd seen the kind many times before, able to take wound upon wound, trade slash for slash, and never fall. He might be a man to seek out for his brute strength and his sword arm.
Turning back to the table, he looks at Zero Zephyrus and says Amnesia and what, to me, appears to be an almost unwieldy-sized broadsword. My guess is when you start getting back your memory, there will be quite the tale to tell... All I can tell you about that sword Zero, is that I've never seen its equal. Can you wield it in battle effectively? He asks after draining his first mug of Dwarven Stout. At just that moment a small, young girl walks up and begins staring at Zero's sword.
Hello young lady. Aldhranhald says, standing in a gesture of gentile manners. That's one strange sword, is it not? Have you ever seen its like before? I know I never have, and I've seen over 170 years on Golarion. Name's Aldhranhald. What's yours?
Is that a tarsier following you around? It certainly resembles one.
Ozzy clasps her hands behind her back and leans in to expect the strange sword. When addressed by Aldhranhald, she straightens up and rocks from foot to foot before pulling Mr. Blinky close. Ozzy. The girl says, matter-of-factly. She ignores the man's other questions.
Mr. Blinky walks up just as Aldhranhald is questioning Ozzy. He moves in close to her protectively, then he licks his eye, leaving his mouth open enough to let his teeth gleam in the light of the tavern, though not yet showing their wicked points.
Boudacia makes her way through the crowd, guided by the spear. She notices Tangar looking at her and nods politely, but demurely. She arrives near Aldhranhald's table as he finishes speaking, replying:-
That is Mr Blinky. He does resemble a tarsier doesn't he, but he is an absolute giant if that is what he is. I am Boudacia, Ald... I am sorry, I missed your name with the noise in here.
Boudacia is actually looking Aldhranhald and those with him over to establish what armour, weapons and other accoutrements they bear, although she is not being too obvious about it.
"Yes." Zero glances at his blade, before returning to the two before him. I'm not a fan of fighting, but I also don't want them to get hurt. Rolling his shoulder, the half elf asks inquisitively, "Adventuring?"
Seeing the young girl's interest in his blade, Zero gently grab it and hesitantly offers the hilt to her. "Heavy, Ozzy." He says her name slowly, as if double checking himself over every verbalization. Turning to attractive woman, the half elf bows his head in greeting.
Ozzy takes hold of the hilt and slides it toward the edge of the table. When the blade's center of gravity is off the edge, she lowers the hilt until it is almost vertical, then lifts it unsteadily into the air. Woooooaaaaaah, she says, admiring the sword, then offers it back to Zero, still held upright because she would not be able to keep the heavy blade from falling to the floor otherwise. You have a very pretty sword.f
[/i] Rolling his shoulder, the half elf asks inquisitively, "Adventuring?"
Your intuition seems well tuned, sir. Well, we aim to be. We have been contracted by the Goldenfire Order to try and find two wizards they sent into the Emerald Spire, with added rewards if we can provide information on inter-dimensional portals reputed to be there. But we need to recruit more people, the three of us hardly suffice. We need warriors with melee skills for instance.
Boudacia raises her eyebrows, looking pointedly at Zero's sword.
We can do may-lay! Ozzy whines to Boudacia, indicating herself and Mr. Blinky.