The Emerald Spire

Game Master Stormstrider

@ Everybody, (except Tamlara, unless she should suddenly pop through the door) just so we're clear, I'm letting all of you play out this meeting! Have at it & have fun!

The barbarian ponders a moment and keeps his eyes glued to the table the tall, pale woman went to, and the trio that are there. When his mead is replenished he contemplates more on the odd group forming. Dis is a meeting, but a meeting ov peoples that never meet before. I vonder if dey are going to this Spire, I mus know if this is their goal. Tangar takes a swig from his mug and stands, grabbing up his gear from where it lay at his feet.

Shouldering his pack he strides purposefully towards the group. Seeing they are talking about something as he approaches he stops a mere foot behind the tall pale woman, waits for a moment to break into the conversation. He stands there looking at those in seats with his right eyebrow raised and the left down a bit, obviously in thought. Hmm.. not talking about de Spire yet, maybe dey are about to.. his mind clearly focused he crosses his arms.. his head lowered...

We will need others dear. Boudacia replies to Ozzy serenely. Gods, she really is a child. Should I really take her into the Spire? But she is alone and without family. I will at least have to talk to her about keeping out of the front line.

Then Boudacia notices the approach of the huge man behind her, stepping slightly forward and turning quickly as she is slightly startled. But calm returns quickly as he is just standing behind her, saying:-

Hello. And who would you be sir?

Now that is a front line combatant! Actually, he looks just like the barbarian adventurer I was describing as we came here.

"Tall" is a relative term. Boudacia is tall for a human woman, 5'9". Tangar still makes her look like a midget.

And Tangar may well have heard what Boudacia was saying in my last post. She had to speak fairly loudly in a crowded and noisy environment.

The north-man looks her in the eyes when she speaks to him Me, I am Tangar Tharbad... I noticed vat looked like a meeting of two groups, and did I hear you mention da Spire, near dis place. I am vanting to see it close, but I vas told I vould need .. ah, how you say it.. He goes into a short monologue in a different language for a moment, his voice is a mixture of baritone and a soft whisper as he delves into his native tongue sometimes inhaling to speak a word, then exhaling to say another, then .. Contract, or some such, I don't remember vat dat guard calls it, but it can be had from za citadel.

Indeed he is tall. she herself is possibly as tall as most of the men in the room and that's something haha

Holstering his blade, Zero smiles at the girl's antics. Wait, the spire? It would devour them whole. I can't let a child die! Giving his new fellows all a disturbed glance, Zero sighs. "I'll help."

The half elf cocks his head. It certainly seems we'd be well set with everyone here. Then as if suddenly realizing how many people are around him, Zephyrus quietly sits down at his chair, staring into his cup of mead. Wait, that will mean I'll need to deal with the hell knights. Ugh."

Good to meet you Thangar, by the look of you you are just what we are seeking. Introductions first I think. I am Boudacia, and this is Mr Blinky and Ozzy.

I was just answering a question from this Elvish...(or is it Half Elvish?) gentlemen as to whether we were adventurers. Boudacia looks at Zero as she mentions him, making it obvious who she means, and what I said was "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."

Then, as if a boon sent by a war god, a huge armed and armoured man shows up asking about going to just that place. Let us talk.

Ozzy's head tilts back, turning back and forth between Boudacia and Tangar as they trade off speaking, while still looking mostly straight up at the faces of the two tall figures. She smiles at the funny sound of the man's voice. Then in a whisper loud enough for everyone at the table to hear, she says The reward is four THOUsand gold pieces!

Yes, a giant of a tarsier, if indeed that is what he is. Mr. Blinky's wolfish body speaks of some other heritage, but the expressive large eyes and face do cause me to remember some of the true tiny tarsiers I've seen in a rich man's menagerie once... And the name is Aldhranhald. Aldhranhald explains to beautiful Boudacia. After listening to the back and forth of all the others there, and watching as the stalwart dwarf Tygyrk sits in relative silence, absorbing the scene, he smiles and nods. A warrior who examines and listens. Then he turns to the behemoth of a man, Tangar Tharbad and looks him up and down. And one that has certainly seen his fair share of frontline combat. I bet he's fought a score of battles in an Ulfen shieldwall. Looking around at all those assembled around the table he realizes this is just the sort of group that could make a go of entering a dangerous spire. Though the girl Ozzy will need to be instructed and protected, but I bet her magical beast Mr. Blinky can hold his own in combat if it comes to that, and he is certainly very protective of her. This group might just do the trick.

You know I saw a posting from a Lord Abenard Royst on the town's bulletin board outside. I was planning on seeking him out as I'm passably serviceable at creating maps, and more than adequate at jotting down extensive notes about what I've encountered. Might be we could get doubly paid for our adventure, if in fact everyone here would be agreeable to such? The dark-haired elf, with the shock of white grey hair just on the crown of his head looks from man to woman to man to child and asks them all. What say you, shall we join in a companionship for mutual goals?

Ozzy's eyes widen at the prospect of even more gold, despite the fact that her potential share is now much smaller than when the offer was originally made. She looks around to the group. Unable to imagine the threats being worse than what she experienced on the Shadow Plane, which she handled with only the help of Mr. Blinky and occasionally some of her other friends, she figures that with the help of all of those assembled, nothing can stop them from completing their mission.

Boudacia locates a couple of chairs and holds one out for Ozzy, hoping she will sit and stop running around with her spear protruding above her. When seated she replies:-

An interesting idea Aldhranhald. Perhaps before making a decision to adventure together, we can share a couple of drinks and take some time to get to know a bit about each other, history, goals, capabilities and the like.

So, what say you all.

The Witch then proceeds to order some mead from the bar which she drinks slowly. Boudacia offers to get Ozzy and Mr Blinky something, though she won't buy Ozzy alcohol if that is what she wants.

What I had in mind in the first paragraph of Boudacia's speech is more we indicate we spend time doing that than make long posts. It is a bit unrealistic to charge off into danger hardly knowing each other.

Ozzy climbs into one of the chairs that are now crowded around a table meant to seat half as many people. She swings her legs forward and back where they dangle above the floor. Mr. Blinky situates himself next to her, facing behind her and looking out for any threats. The girl idly runs her hand through the beast's fur.

"Well there you are! I've been looking all over for you three! I apparently lost sight of you somehow during the commotion back at the Juliver Arms! I see you've met some other adventurers as well! Hello good folk, my name is Alex. I offered my services in going to the Spire to this lady and her 'young' companion and this here cuddly beast earlier today, but we somehow got separated.

Now, we do seem to be a bit crowded around this small table don't we? May I suggest we ask for permission to use the back room? I'm sure it won't be a problem."

REMINDER Don't forget about the 'rumors' you have heard either! You may wish to check into some of that before leaving town. HINT! HINT! WINK! WINK!)

Aldhranhald smiles as Boudacia and Ozzy take seats. Of course Boudacia... I wasn't trying to insinuate that we leave for the spire right now. I've had a long journey to get here to Fort Inevitable, and would like to make contact with some of the local shopkeeps and authorities before I head to the spire anyway. Besides... there are few things I like better than a good drink in good company. And I must say, Aldhranhald again looks around the table at the group, one by one. This seems rather good company, at least if first impressions mean anything. After Alex's introduction and query about seeking a more private space Aldhranhald agrees. Well met Alex. Yes, I do agree, we're making a rather cloggy mess of the flow of traffic sprawled out around this small table. Why don't you go ask Kagnin if she's got a back room we could use. I could use a meal as well, anyone else? Some vittles?

Totally agree Boudacia, about the getting to know each other. I was just trying to get an indication from everybody about their willingness to join in a group at all. Also wanted to create that "open-mindedness" of Aldhranhald's character, make it clear that he doesn't judge anyone by their appearance, however strange.

"Certainly! I can go ask her, and how many meals should I order while there? If I count correctly there are eight of us here? Does everybody want a meal?"

"Certainly! I can go ask her, and how many meals should I order while there? If I count correctly there are eight of us here? Does everybody want a meal?"

Still concerned about her immediate financial situation, and afraid of receiving a bill she can't pay, Ozzy thinks about the 13 silvers in her pocket, patting the pocket to make sure they're still there. How much? She asks, sheepishly.

"Well there you are! I've been looking all over for you three! I apparently lost sight of you somehow during the commotion back at the Juliver Arms! I see you've met some other adventurers as well!

Great to see you Alex, I am not sure how we got separated. I am afraid these are not adventurers, but the staff of the local bank dressed as adventurers on a dare. Zero here is the manager and Tangar the auditor.

Ozzy, I will get your meal and order one for me too please Alex. Does Mr Blinky want or need one?

Thanks, Ozzy says, embarrassed. Mr. Blinky doesn't need any food. At least, my reading is that as a summoned creature (even though he remains summoned most of the time), he doesn't need to eat. If not, we can say he caught and ate some critter shortly before they arrived at the city

"The prices here are reasonable. You can get a 'half-plate' for 5 coppers - and that should be enough to fill your small self! - or a 'full-plate' for a silver piece. And that should satisfy any of you. ... Um, well, then again, it might not be enough for you large man that you are!" he finishes as he looks over & up at Tangar.

I am afraid these are not adventurers, but the staff of the local bank dressed as adventurers on a dare. Zero here is the manager and Tangar the auditor.

WHAT the huh??? No idea where your going there Boudacia! Or was that because Alex 'stated the obvious'?

Good to meet you Thangar, by the look of you you are just what we are seeking. Introductions first I think. I am Boudacia, and this is Mr Blinky and Ozzy.

I was just answering a question from this Elvish...(or is it Half Elvish?) gentlemen as to whether we were adventurers. Boudacia looks at Zero as she mentions him, making it obvious who she means, and what I said was "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."

Then, as if a boon sent by a war god, a huge armed and armoured man shows up asking about going to just that place. Let us talk.

Tangar notes all that is going on and then looks the tall woman over once again Is a pleasure to make your acvaintance Boudacia, perhaps you're right, I do follow a God of War, Gorum. I vould be interested in going along on dis qvest to recover tha visards. Vould give me a chance to explore dis Spire. As she had also introduced the child and her.. pet he barely acknowledges them, where he's from children should be seen not heard.

Once the conversation starts on goals and what is needed to do he seems to quiet down. Still standing at the front of the table as Alex comes to them and offers to get everyone something to eat, after giving his discourse on his skills. The north-man reaches into a pouch and pulls 2 gold pieces out, handing it to the priest Pay vhat you can vit dis, I haf 2 meads on tab as vell, and get yourself somting. Dis round is on me. He drains his mug in one downing, and sets it on the end of the table Und anoser von fer me vinsamlegast. He does chuckle when Alex makes his joke about the plate not filling one so large as he, he reassures him I am not so famished zat I vill starve.

He goes back to listening to the others, furrowing his brow each time the "child" speaks up Faser vould never allow such manners at his table.

Boudacia's joke seems to go right over Tangar's head as he merely cocked his head to the side for a moment, but says nothing..

"Half Elf." After settling his race, he glances at his blade in contemplation. I haven't fought much besides my journey here. Hopefully I'm not a liability.

Nursing his cup of mead, Zero quietly murmurs, "Thank you," to the large man buying refreshment. Turning to address the kindly man, the half elf says, "Full plate, please."May as well get some nourishment out of avoiding speaking.

After a moment, the half elf nudges Ozzy gently and points at Mr Blinky with curiosity in his voice. "Where did your friend come from?" She seems so young, yet so eager to test herself in the crucible of the spire.."

After a moment, the half elf nudges Ozzy gently and points at Mr Blinky with curiosity in his voice. "Where did your friend come from?" She seems so young, yet so eager to test herself in the crucible of the spire.."

My imagination. Ozzy says, as is this is a perfectly logical place for such a beast to have come from.

Boudacia wrote:

I am afraid these are not adventurers, but the staff of the local bank dressed as adventurers on a dare. Zero here is the manager and Tangar the auditor.

WHAT the huh??? No idea where your going there Boudacia! Or was that because Alex 'stated the obvious'?

As Tangar said, it is a joke. Tangar an auditor? Also having a bit of fun at the "adventurers meet in a tavern and decide to head to dungeon" cleche. Also, remember our discussion of Wayne having more common sense? I have decided Boudacia is smart but odd and nowhere near as good with people as figuring other things out, hence the odd remark and using obscure words.

"Kagnin has no problem letting us use the private room, of course all those orders for food & drink & thus more profit for her didn't hurt in convincing her either. She will have one, or possibly two or three? of the waitresses bring it to us in there. Shall we move in to the private room?"

Thank you Alex. Yes, let's retire to some more private quarters to get to know one another a bit better. I'm terribly interested to hear all of your stories. Ozzy, your's most especially; it seems to me you have led a most interesting life. With that Aldhranhald grabs his pack from the floor, and his oak staff from resting on the chair back, and awaits everyone else, so they can go to the Helmed Lady's parlor. Please, lead the way Alex. My stomach is grumbling already.

Excellent Alex.

With that Boudacia stands and moves into the room indicated, taking her mead.

The north-man stands back and lets Boudacia lead the way, as his mother taught him well the manners concerning a woman. He will follow in her footsteps, and if need be move people out of the way.

As he enters the room, which they have been allowed, he finds the farthest chair from the door, with its back to the wall and drops his pack next to it. He then stands there a moment watching everyone wander in. When the last of them are in the room he drops his furs on top of his pack, revealing fully, his chain shirt. Grabbing his axe he sets it against the wall, blade down. It is a beautiful piece of art as well as craftsmanship, made by his father.

Finally he takes his seat, but only after Boudacia does, the chair creaking as he sets his considerable bulk on it. He once again takes up people watching, mainly to see who starts talking first, being a patient man outside of combat, he is interested to see who presents themselves as a leader figure. In his mind the elf is a likely candidate as he has years on them all. However, we shall see..

Boudacia obviously notices Tangar's exaggerated manners, though it is not clear how she feels about it. she is actually a bit puzzled. Having placed her pack, crossbow and cloak against the wall, her attention is drawn by Tangar's weapon, which she inspects closely before saying:-

That is a fine and distinctive weapon Tangar. It isn't local, and I don't think you are either. From where do you come?

Boudacia obviously notices Tangar's exaggerated manners, though it is not clear how she feels about it. she is actually a bit puzzled. Having placed her pack, crossbow and cloak against the wall, her attention is drawn by Tangar's weapon, which she inspects closely before saying:-

That is a fine and distinctive weapon Tangar. It isn't local, and I don't think you are either. From where do you come?

Looking over at the tall pale woman Tangar slowly closes his eyes for a moment, exhaling softly, before responding, almost as if in thought.. opening them again and looking her in the eyes.. Takk, zat axe is made by my fader, a great veaposmit ov my town. I am from far nord und vest ov here, The Linnorms is mine homelands, even there I am a northerner, as my faders keep is close to the ice in the far nord ov da lands. He pauses for a moment and then asks her.. Are you from here, or haf you traveled here from afar as vell.

Awaiting her reply he glances briefly at the others as they situate themselves around the table, then directs his attention back to Boudacia.

The Linnorm Kingdoms of course. I am not so familiar with human society as nature or supernatural matters. There is so much to learn. No I have not traveled so widely, but I am young and there is time. I have lived mostly in Thornkeep, coming here to see what opportunities offer. Excuse my manners, this is Wayne, Wayne Tangar.

Boudacia, very oddly, introduces the bat on her shoulder as she would a person. Wayne makes a high pitched noise and moves his wings a little.

Aldhranhald takes his seat right next to Tangar, setting his pack on the floor by the wall, and leaning his staff against the back of the chair. He eagerly awaits the barmaid's entrance with food and drink.

Tygryk had grown somewhat sullen as the smaller conversation erupted into a louder, larger discussion. The small dwarf, even smaller than the girl and the strange companion that came with her, quietly watched the newcomers with equal parts suspicion and interest. This was an adventuring community, certainly, but that also meant that there were opportunists waiting to take advantage of those who were too willing to fall into the safety of strangers.

The tall woman was quite the looker for a human, too thin and long for his own personal tastes. She had a strangeness about her though that he could not place but was definitely there. Boudacia was her name, quite the name at that in fact.

There was the younger and smaller girl with her strange companion, a beast like nothing he had ever seen before. They seemed to dismiss her but he could see the fierceness in her companion's movements and the intelligence in her eyes. A crafty one at that but she seemed the relatively honest sort.

There was the massive man who was drinking the mug of mead, full of hulking muscles and powerful form. A warrior, through and through, and a stranger to these strange lands. He would be a useful ally, Tygryk had fought before with men such as him.

Then there was Alex, a man who said he was skilled in the arts of magic and healing...but not much else. It was a good thing still, it'd allow him to focus his divine blessings on combat and fighting.

Rising up from his seat and seemingly losing height, Tygryk would finally speak up.

"Aye, let's go to the room then."

Once within the private room, he'd settle onto one of the seats once more and take another long draught of the ale within. Looking at the others, he'd clear his throat and finally spoke in that low tone of his.

"The name is Tygryk Steelheart, a warrior of Torag. I am trained in the arts of war and personal combat, as well as gifted in some of His blessings and prayers. I seek to test my skills and knowledge here at the Spire before going back to my clan to assist reclaiming lost sections of the Darklands." Short and to the point, he looked at the others to explain what they brought to the table. His equipment; chainmail, an axe and warhammer, and heavy shield, should help explain in of itself his position in any skirmish.

Ozzy giggles with delight at the noise the bat makes. Climbing into a chair with the finely-constructed (in stark contrast to the rest of her gear) backpack still firmly affixed and spear point nearly scraping the rafters Ozzy waits for her chance to speak.

Mr. Blinky circles a bit before deciding that Ozzy is relatively safe here, and lying down on the floor behind her chair.

The barbarian chuckles a little at the bats reaction, but he's polite and responds Halló litla... Vayne, it is not a name used in mine home land. How did you come to it, for his calling.
He seems curious at her mention of "human society" and can't help but ask Vyy you say human society like zat, are you no human. You look human, you vould fit in around my faders table qvite vell axually. I do not ask dis because I haf problem vit non humans, but ust for curiosity only.

He looks up and nods at the elf as he takes a seat next to him. The north-man looks well situated and comfortable, even having thrown a leg over one of the arms of the chair, it creaks as he moves about in it.

Noting the dwarfs comments Tangar hoists his mug to him Vell met, Master Tygryk, I am Tangar Tharbad, from tha Linnorms. In my faders halls der are many d'arves that are velcome der. Most are crafsmen in armor, and veapons, and assist mine fader vit his business. Taking another gulp from the mug in his hand he continues It vould appear obvious, vat I bring to da table, I am varrior, I am a killer, I haf been in few fights, and only vatched battles from afar, but I am steadfast und villing to do vat I mus to protect those in my charge.

Looking directly, now, at the dwarf My brother Thorgir, he follows your god, as vell as my fader, but I follow Gorum. I hope dis is no problem fer you personally, Nor you Alex. At the last when speaking Alex's name, the north-man fixes his gaze upon the strange looking man.

Done with his words he drains his mug and sets it down, pushing it away a few inches.

Nodding along as if Ozzy's words made perfect sense, Zero replies, "Interesting. It's probably nice to not be alone."

Zero follows near the tail of the group, and settles on his seat in a rather textbook pose. Sipping his mead as the others talk, the half elf suddenly blinks when the liquid is absent. Strange, I thought there was more there. Doing the mental equivalent of a shrug, the half elf slowly fades into the background, content to simple be and listen to the group. The large man with the curious accent though draws a great deal of his focus, his axe specifically. A family made weapon?

Halló litla... Vayne, it is not a name used in mine home land. How did you come to it, for his calling.

He seems curious at her mention of "human society" and can't help but ask Vyy you say human society like zat, are you no human. You look human, you vould fit in around my faders table qvite vell axually. I do not ask dis because I haf problem vit non humans, but ust for curiosity only.

Boudacia, seeing that everyone is in the room and the door shut, places Wayne on the table in front of her and stands saying:-

No I am not human, I am a Werebat-kin, called the Bloodmarked, Skinwalker. Since we assembled here to discover each other's capabilities, it seems indicated to reveal I can do this.

With that Boudacia's flesh remoulds and shrinks radically, her hands growing massively in proportion becoming bat wings. The bat then flys about the room twice, joined by Wayne. The transformation then takes place in reverse, taking only a couple of seconds, leaving Boudacia and her clothing as they were, Wayne now sitting on her shoulder, and she contiues:-

A trick with some use for scouting and stealth. I can use hexes in bat form too. I don't fit well into Bloodmarked society, having little contact with the few of us there are. Werebat-kit... think and act a lot like Hellknights, I am more individualistic.

You asked about Wayne's name Tangar, it is something like a translation of the sounds he uses to refer to himself. I say something like, bats don't have anything like a full language, so the translation is a rather subjective.

At her transformation, the north-man sits up in his chair, his leg finding its way from the arm of it to the floor once again. His eyes are wide open and his jaw slightly agape. He has never seen such a thing and only heard whispers of things such as this in nightmares. His hand instinctively reached for the axe near him.

Realizing he is half standing with the weapon clutched tightly in his grip, his cheeks flush and he hurriedly sits back down the axe now across his lap.

When she lands and forms once again into a ... human... he stares at her still mystified... questions racing through his mind.. You... haf alvays been like dis? From childhood? I am sorry for mine reaction, but zat vas most unexpected. He looks her up and down once again, her transformation still lingering in his minds eye, and slowly shakes his head. I admit, I don't know vat to say, never haf I met von such as you in my life. You intrigue me, moreso than before.

He looks about to see what the others think of this mysterious woman.

Not exactly. All Skinwalkers can partially change into their beast form, for a time, gaining some advantages. I have always been able to that. The complete metamorphosis is something that I sort of discovered around the time I discovered my Witch magic. Discovered or perhaps Wayne revealed to me. A fair few Skinwalkers can do it, but most cannot.

Not quite knowing how to finish, Boudacia bows somewhat awkwardly and then sits. I should stop being surprised by Tangar having manners. Just because he looks like a barbarian does not mean he has the social skills of one.

He sets the axe leaning on his chair, and drapes his left leg over the arm of the chair again, relaxing now that .. to him.. things have normalized. So, den dis.. is your true, vat you say .. form .. you are naturally like dis He indicates her present state of being with a wave of his hand ... und can transform into da bat-like form. Dis is incredible to me.
He shakes his head again wrapping his thoughts around the concept, she can see his emotions running from curiosity, to questioning, to... to... she has thoroughly confused the northerner.

When Boudacia transforms, Ozzy inhales sharply, her mouth agape. She is surprised, but not at all fearful. Perhaps its the fact that she's spent more time with Boudacia than any of the others present, or perhaps the girl is just that fearless. Tangar's reaction makes the girl burst out laughing.

When Boudacia turns back, Ozzy gives quick applause.

As Ozzy bursts into laughter, the north-man looks over at her, but has no idea what caused her to do so, he fixes her with a tilted head and one eyebrow higher than the other. The diminutive, dusky skinned girl confuses him just as much as Boudacia does, but very differently.

Tygryk gave a respectful nod towards Tangar, having gathered so much from the mighty thews that the man sported upon his form. When he asked whether his preferred religion would be a problem to him, the dwarf would snort for a moment and shake his head.

"No, no problem with me. The Anvil-Father made us all to have our own purpose, to take our own path, and to follow the Gods we most truly believe in. If you don't mind my hymns before battle or when the day starts, I won't mind your own prayers with those you believe in."

It is then that Boudacia says she has something to show them all and her body twists and pops, transforming from the beautiful woman into this giant bat-like creature. The dwarf's eyes widen more so and anyone nearby can see him grasp at the dwarven waraxe at his side before letting his tension run out of his body. He remains quiet for a moment as she transforms back into herself. The little girl seems to laugh at the Barbarian reactions and he arches his eyebrow once more before clearing his throat and nodding.

"That...well...that is something. I admire the courage, were we of lesser stock, that may have gone poorly..." He says with a slightly scolding tone. There were better ways to reveal a strange gift like that but she didn't seem harmful. He looked away from the her and the girl to look over the others in the room. A magical swordsman, an arcane investigator, a witch, a man in touch with the divine, a girl and her imagination, a wildman from the North, and a warpriest of Torag. Their numbers were high, certainly, and that meant a lesser share of treasure but that did mean a greater chance for success.

"Now..." He'd say in a louder voice, trying to gain everyone's attention in the room. "...that that display is done, let us talk of our venture. Boudacia, you were mentioning being hired to find two missing wizards, yes? Aldranhald, you were saying a Lord here was wishing to have the Spire's different floors mapped? I think we should pursue those initial contracts, they're the ones that will lead us inevitably against this Crown group. So let us enjoy our meal, our drinks, and then we shall take to receive our Letter, yes?"

Oh, sorry Tygryk. I have figured out how to collect three rewards from going into the Emerald Spire, if everything goes well of course. If I mess something up it is normally with people, sorry if I startled anyone.

Boudacia has an intelligence of 20 and a wisdom of 9. Wayne, her familiar, has 14, so has more common sense and reads people better. So I am roleplaying her as smart with few people skills, perhaps even with mild Asperger's Syndrome a.k.a. High Functioning Autism.

Aldhranhald is intrigued by Boudacia's transformation, but not startled like some of the others. He simply smiles and watches as the bats fly around the room, and then Boudacia reclaims her humanoid form. Having seen stranger things in his travels, he simply smiles and says, Boudacia, there is a certain beauty to the flight of bats, but I much prefer the beauty of your humanoid form. He winks at her, and then listens as Tygryk addresses the reason they've all so quickly made acquaintance, strength in numbers, undeniably, and this group has the potential for great strength. Just so sir Steelheart! Before we go traipsing off to get our various contracts and license, I really do need to enjoy a meal. I'm famished. Aldhranhald says, just as the barmaids arrive with their vittles and to refill drinks. Mmmmmm, yes, thank you so much. He says, as the smells of the delicious food overtake his olfactory senses. Afterwards he raises his refilled tankard and says, To new friends, and new adventures!

Boudacia smiles at Aldhranhald's compliment, but does not reply. She thanks the serving staff for her food and begins to eat.

Hmmm. It is nice to get so many compliments on my supposed beauty. But this could get to be problematic, four men and two females, Ozzy who is just a girl and me. Men often like me a first, but then decide I am too smart, too creepy or I say something wrong. I will just have to see what happens.

As you are served by the barmaids, you notice one of them has a head of fiery red hair, and if you meet her eyes (which might be difficult, as she doesn't seem to look at anyone directly in the face) you see orbs the blue of a summer sky, the bluest you have ever seen. Her pale skin glows in the candle-light, and she moves deftly, with a grace she couldn't hide if she wanted to. She seems interested in your conversation, but tries to hide the fact as she refills your tankards. She notices the fine weapons, the various races, the child(?) with the odd (to say the least) creature and the bat.
Well, this is the most diverse group I've ever seen heading for the Spire! Maybe they'll do better than those all-human or all-dwarf groups that never wanted my help. Maybe they will want my help! Ahh, who am I kidding? No one wants an outcast like me. I'm lucky I've got this gig a couple of nights a week.

As she's apparently lost in thought, looking around the room, she accidentally spills mead in the dwarf's lap.

Oh, I'm so sorry, sir! mumbles Tamlara, pulling out a rag.

Let me know if this needs to change, Stormy, it seemed the ideal place for Tamlara to jump in!

Responding to the good dwarf the northerner smiles and nods Den dere is no problem at all my friend, I am not as devout as some, but possibly more san o'sers und I haf no problems vit da daily practices of dose aroun' me. his thick accent showing through, the north-man returns to listening.

Once the conversation turned to the task, or tasks as Boudacia points out, at hand Tangar listens to the words of those who have spoken, he nods along with the conversation agreeing silently, but visually with what has been said.

With food and more drink to be had, he digs in heartily with his hands, ripping meat apart and savoring it, he depended on prepacked rations on the trail, for the most part. A fresh hot meal was appreciated, and he'll have another brought as the first becomes more ... empty. He leaves few things uneaten on the plate.

Noticing one of the women serving them, Tangar is taken with her appearance, she seems almost a kinswoman, possibly from as far north as he. Her hair, skin and eyes almost like his brothers are hard to miss. He does chuckle at the dwarfs misfortune though, perhaps she is new to the task of serving others, but she doesn't seem clumsy to him.

Your fine here, and taking advantage of the moment.. nice intro

I am sort of an outcast in town, though I have grown up here. That's why I'm hoping this is okay, I haven't heard back from Stormstrider whether Kagnin is friendly, indifferent or unfriendly yet, but I was hoping for this chance at an introduction, so hopefully it will be okay. Also, I have left him with a lot to think about/decide on, so it might take him a little while. *Disarming smile*

*Disarming smile*

I wasn't even holding a weapon, as such, cannot be disarmed. :P

After the beautiful fiery haired barmaid spills mead in Tygryk's lap, Aldhranhald chuckles a bit, looks around at the totality of his present company and says, I can think of worse things than having a pretty lass touching my lap... A bawdy joke, for sure, let us see what reaction it gets. He thinks to himself.

Of course! Don't let Tygryk's nature make any of you think that I, the player, am irritated. He is a surly, fatherly type of dwarf at his 4'1. :P

Tygryk nods and lifts a hand to dismiss her apology, his eyebrow raising as she mentions three contracts in total.

"Are they different from the ones I have mentioned? A decent amount of gold can be found in such activities and with a large expedition like we have, we can make valuable progress."

The food is brought in and a smile spreads across the dwarf's face and his stern demeanor seems to dissipate with it. Hopping back up into his chair, he excitedly grabs his plate of meat and potatoes and goes for his drink before it is spilled across his lap.

The dwarf looks up first in a look of growing irritation and the scowl is plain across his face. Reaching for the rag, he takes it and mumbles to himself.

"A waste of good mead..." Tygryk pats his groin dry as best as he can, glad he was in his traveller's clothing rather than some clerical vestments he'd be wearing back home. "I will have another refill, right lass?" His words are firm but they aren't scornful, his eyebrow raised as he offers back the rag to her.