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"Petra accept me into your grace." The acolyte cries as she collapses to the floor, her flesh burning and blood flowing freely from her earlier wound. There the young would be priestess of the Immortal Petra slips into the welcoming embrace of her goddess.
Finishing her prayer, Ralina hurls the flask of oil hard into the thick scrub just outside the cave entrance. Staying low, she once again grabs the thick bear hide and scuttles into the side chamber with the secret door.
Pulling the javelin from her chest, Ralina stuffs a bit of rag into one of her flasks of oil, the lights it using Amhal's torch. Making sure the cloth is burning well, she throws the flask hard into the mass of dense, dry scrub brush located just outside of the cave entrance. Grabbing her warhammer, she leans back against the wall, blood dripping from her mouth as she mumbles are quiet prayer to Petra and readies herself to die.
"Not rusted or rotted. My guess is they might be magical." Ralina says handing them off to someone who has a bow. Curious at the lack of a goblin hoard charging out of the nearby cavern. The acolyte take a moment to peek beyond the haphazard barrier and out into the darkness looking and listening for any sign of the little monsters.
Ralina looks at the dirty floor in front of the secret door for the usual patterns or signs of which way the door usually slides open. "Could be it only opens from the other side." She says shining her lantern over the area to discern any clues. "With no marks in this mess, we could safely assume the door swings outward." She ponders the possibility of it sliding into the wall, floor or ceiling, but with the rough stone and the way it sits flush to the natural cavern she couldn't really see how that was possible. "If we can't open it, best to just jam it on each side to keep anyone from sneaking up on us." Leaving the dwarf to further ponder the secret door, she shrugs as goes to look at the discovered arrows. Her temple training hadn't offered any real insights into how to determine the nature of magical artifacts, but she recalled one of the old priests saying such things rarely showed the usual rust, tarnish, or other signs of age or mistreatment.
Ralina goes to check the newly discovered door, grabbing whatever bit of metal or stone might be among the debris littered cavern on her way over. "Well, we could either use it to infiltrate their layer or we could jam it up." She says holding up a thick wedge of stone. "If they have divided their force thinking to come at us from two sides, then they'll be in for a surprise when they can't bust in. That'll leave us facing only half, or maybe even less of their number at the entrance."
Blinking in surprise at the sudden reappearance of the others, Ralina stays quiet and readies herself for battle.
"Stop that foolish shouting and douse that light." Hisses Ralina from a shadow filled corner of the cave. The acolyte of Petra is wrapped in a soiled mass of bear hide. Her hair, face, and neck are covered in a layer of thick, filthy mud leaving only her eyes peering into the rest of the cavern. A bag of gold lands at Amhal's feet with a heavy jangle. "I'll not be running." She says flatly. Her voice a raspy whisper in the shadows."To where do you all flee? The Keep is days away. Back to the road? It did those poor travelers no good. Caught out in the open, in the darkness, easily surrounded." She snorts derisively. "That is how the lizards caught us. We thought we were prepared with fires. but in the open, two dead and nary a blow struck in return." "No. We fought hard to secure a foothold in this place. I'll not freely give it back to the enemy. The Immortal Three did not run at the first hint of every danger. Petra gifted us a victory and a refuge in this warren of evil." Her eyes glance around the stone walls. "You don't even know what you run from." She recalls her own trick of acting like a grand force was rallying to fight the lizard folk. "Their champion is dead, yet they would suddenly sally forth? Perhaps they just make noises to try and scare us off. Many stories and tales speak of goblin cunning. They are evil and dangerous creatures. But bravery, courage to charge a strong, proven foe is not typical of their kind. If they were going to charge, they would have done so while their champion distracted us. Instead, with a few noises, they broke our band. Sent everyone fleeing and scurrying into the night. Turned their killers into easy prey to be hunted down beneath night's shroud." "Here there is only one way in and out...although we hadn't completed our search before everyone ran off. Still, even a second entrance is easier to defend than the open road. They may not even search this place for some time, for who knows how much they feared their own ally. So, I will accept Petra's gift. I will fight here. Die here, if that is my fate. Or I will see sun rise again. Should that happen, then I will hunt the beasts and teach them to again fear my goddess and her chosen holy warriors. " A bag of coin lands at Amhal's feet. "The ogre's treasure." She adds. "You should go. If they truly come, they will be here soon."
The shouted calls to retreat echo within the small cave. Finnin, Regnar and Drusilla are gone in a flash. Quickly the acolyte dims the light of her lantern and hurries over to the large bear hide. Wrinkling her nose at the stench of the thing, she still picks it up and moves to the nook in the far southeast corner of the cavern. She blocks the dim light of her lantern with the heavy hide, draping it over her body. Quickly dipping a hand into the mud soaked floor, she holds her breath while slathering a layer of the cold filth upon her face, hair, neck, hands and clothing until all that peers from the hide wrapped mound are a pair of eyes. She was a warrior of Petra. The Immortal Three did not flee from the beasts and evil creatures of the world. They'd fought to establish a beachhead upon evil's shore. She would not simply give it up again at the first sign of danger. Besides where was there to run? A soft prayer to Petra whispered passed her lips that the crashing sounds of running feet echoed down the ravine. She would wait here. She would either die defending herself, her land, her goddess or she would see the sun's return upon the morrow.
I'm operating under the assumption that we could try to hole up within the ogre's cave for the night. Given it is almost night, it seems doubtful that we can outrun any pursuit and this seems easier to defend than an exposed campsite in the open.
"Finnian, get in here and use those supposedly expert eyes to check this place for traps or any hidden doorways." Ralina says to the hired rogue. She keeps her eye on the scoundrel as much as she does the creepy larder and rest of the ogre's living quarters, not forgetting how he ran earlier and managed to steer well clear of danger when the big beast came after them. "Everyone take a good look through everything. If we are going to try and hold up here for a bit, I don't want anything sneaking up on us from some trap door or other hiding hole." She says. Joining in the search, the acolyte takes her time to examine the lair for any signs of hidden objects or doors. Telltale footprints suddenly ending, odd air flows, marks in the dirt, unusual cracks along the wall, fur covered trapdoors, or anything else that might catch her wary eye.
Ralina secures the gold with a sad smile. "How many unwary travelers and merchants did you rob in order to amass such a tidy sum. She says quietly to the dead creature, not expecting an answer from the headless beast. At the entrance to the ogre cave, she pauses to tie a kerchief around her neck, slipping it over her nose and mouth to cut the stench a little. A nod to the others making sure all are ready and soon enough she steps into the ogre's former lair turning the wick up on the lantern to the let light shine bright and reveal any other inhabitants, doors or other dangers.
After a quick prayer of thanks to Petra for their survival, Ralina quickly searches the corpse for anything of value or interest. Once finished with that grim task, she grabs her lantern and moves next to the second cave opening from which it emerged.
Seeing an opening as the ogre over extends trying to strike at the nimble elf, Ralina steps up quickly striking low. A grim grin crosses her face as she once again feel her heavy warhammer hit. It's steel head cracking against the beast's meaty leg.
Ralina offers a prayer of thanks to Petra when she feels her hammer strike with a solid thud against flabby flesh. Stepping back and forth quickly, she readies to block or duck away from the creature's counterstrike, but the ogre focuses its fury upon Amhal instead. She steps forward in an attempt to continue the pressure on the beast. But the creature suddenly lurches aside just as she swings causing her blow to bounce harmlessly off its bulky hide.
With the mirror and lantern ineffective, Ralina says a brief prayer to Petra as she grabs her warhammer. She shakes her head at Drusilla. "More likely to hit one of us." She says to the elf, her eyes taking in the scrum surrounding the ogre. "Better to grab your club and try to take the beast down quickly." She adds punctuating her words with a charge and swinging her warhammer.
Ralina offers a quick preyer to Petra, then angles her mirror to reflect its bright light into the ogre's eyes. The acolyte does her best to keep the glaring light focused on the monster, adjusting the mirror to match its moves in order to keep it blinded and distracted. Not sure I agree with all of this. I assume we are talking about 'recreating' the Blinding effect in the 1st level Light spell. Until I just now looked it up, I didn't even know that was part of the spell. That said, I don't think my action is a straight up 'recreation' of that effect. First, there is no lasting duration, I have to give up my action every round in order to attempt to continue the effect. With the spell, it's one save and done for the full duration/effect of the spell. Second, I'm fine with a negative modifier to attack vs complete lasting blindness, I was kind of assuming that would be the case, but this certainly differs from the spell where it is full blindness and subject cannot attack. But with only a -1 modifier, I think the chance for success should be at least 3 in 6. I'm unsure if the enemy also gets a Save on top of the chance of success, but your suggestion reads that would be the case. So, right now I'm seeing a tiny chance to 'hit' at 1:6 plus he gets a chance to Save and at the end the effect is only a -1 to hit. With all of that, there is no point. I'm better off just using my sling or charging in and swinging with my hammer vs. trying to find an alternative way to potentially help the whole party. Finally, I don't totally understand the issue with trying to 'recreate' some spell effects with mundane means. Does that mean sand in the eyes, is nearly impossible because that can 'blind' a person as well? How about a dwarf knocking out the only lamp in a dark room or cave filled with human enemies? That's recreating the Darkness spell. I would assume a molotov cocktail (similar to Fireball?) might not be as damaging and would likely require a hit or a save roll but will there be other stipulations because it's recreating a spell? I realize you said 'in most cases' but where's the line? I guess in the end I just don't think an oversized, two-handed 'flashlight' or any of the other mundane 'recreated spell effects' that might typically come up are going to be way overpowered or take the spotlight away from any Wizard or other caster if/when they get past 3rd or 4th level.
Ralina offers a quick preyer to Petra, then angles her mirror to reflect its bright light into the ogre's eyes. The acolyte does her best to keep the glaring light focused on the monster, adjusting the mirror to match its moves in order to keep it blinded and distracted.
Ralina's lips compress together in a frown as the big lumbering beast comes snuffling from his cave. Keeping calm she hooks her warhammer back on her belt and grabs the lantern. The acolyte of Petra takes a few steps back from the cave entrance, sure to keep the wall of the ravine on her left. While moving back she turns the wick up on the lantern so it burns bright in the growing night and slips her mirror into her other hand. "Here we are you big ugly spawn of a hag." She mutters. "Come and get us." "Drusilla, Finnin, fall back with me a bit. If we're lucky he'll charge and the others will be able to flank him shortly. I'll see what I can do about making a few spots dance before his beady eyes."
Ralina dims the light of her lantern. As she gazes out into the shadow filled ravine, she contemplates what it would take to add a pair of swiveling arms that could hold the mirror in place so she could redirect the light on her own. If the mirror mount could also be angled...hmmm...locked into place. If she survived to return to the Keep, she'd have a chat with the blacksmith. The thoughts whirl in her mind after she tucks the mirror back into her pack freeing her hand to once again take up her hammer. Seeing the others still stuck within the first few feet of the cave, she turns back to watch the ravine. Odds are, I'll be meeting Petra's face to face in the afterlife instead.
Understanding that any element of surprise has now been lost, Ralina simply waits for the warriors to find their courage and decide what they will do. Standing at the side of the entrance, she watches the other cave openings within the ravine to see if anything emerges as the light of day continues to fade into darkness.
With an incredulous look in her eyes Ralina bites back a scathing remark as she sees her companions already falling back out of the cave. For a moment her gaze looks down the eastern tunnel. Her knuckles go white as they grip her warhammer. For a moment it is certain she will simply charge, into the darkness with lantern and hammer. But after a few further heartbeats, she turns and falls back to the entrance, saying not a word. When she reaches Finnin, she hooks her hammer on her belt and snatches the mirror from his hands.
"Aye, they know we're here alright. Sounds more like they're suprised and frightened." Ralina growls with a smile. "It's time to show the beasts we mean business. We retreat now into the night, they'll be upon us from every side in seconds. Best to press forward." She waves to the thief holding her mirror and steps up against the rock nook next to Drusilla. She quickly makes sure the wick on the lantern is set to burn as bright as possible. "Finnin, get over here and angle the mirror so it beams the light right down that east tunnel past Regnar. Keep the monsters blinded. Drusilla, Dobin fire at anything that moves." Her hand grips her warhammer tightly, ready to strike at anything that might come charging out of the shadows of the second tunnel.
Ralina moves cautiously behind to the others up to the edge of the opening. She holds the lantern a bit off to the side so that Finnin can continue to use the mirror to reflect the light deeper into the cavern.
I'll do it to begin this combat, but to be honest, I have neither the time or inclination to track everyone's equipment and double check what everyone is planning to do going forward. Based on what everyone has written here is the plan: Ralina and Finnin are 15' outside of the cave in/near whatever cover is available. Regnar and Amhal are on the left side of the cave (Regnar now has Amhal's shield and is in front). Drusilla and Dobin on are the right side of the cave entrance. (Drusilla in the lead, using Dobin's shield.) Ralina will light the lantern, Finnin will use her mirror to illuminate the interior of the cave as best as possible. If no enemies immediately spotted, then the four enter the cave led by those with darkvision. Amhal has a torch ready to light once inside or just before he enters (player's choice, I would assume.). Ralina will follow with the lantern. If there are enemies, then Finnin will use the mirror/light to try and blind them while everyone else engages (ranged attacks first, then move into melee to avoid penalties for hitting allies.)
While the others move into position on either side of the cave entrance, Ralina uses the last light of the day to examine the ground for any signs of recent footprints near her position about fifteen feet off the left side of the entrance. She waves her hand holding the unlit torch at Finnin to have him do the same. With Ahmal accepting her idea of lighting up the cave with the lantern, she pulls her mirror from her pack and begins to ready the lamp wishing it was one of the nicer bullseye versions. While adjusting the wick, another quick idea strikes her. Shifting her position slightly she spreads her heavy cloak wide around the side of the lamp facing away from the cave. "Might help shade the light from the rest of the area just a little." She says at Finnin's questioning look and handing the nimble fingered thief her mirror. "When the others are ready I'll light the lamp. You angle the mirror so the light shines directly in the entrance." Kneeling with her cloak spread around the lamp like a mother dragon guarding her brood and tinder at hand, Ralina nods to those outside the entrance signaling she was ready.
Ralina pulls a torch from her pack, but doesn't light it straight off. Instead she holds torch and tinderbox ready as they quietly move toward the cave selected by Regnar. "I'd say Regnar and Drusilla move close enough to see inside. The rest of us, just ten paces behind. Everyone stay low and stick to cover is possible." Ralina whispers to her companions before pausing in thought. "I'd avoid the most direct route, since it's most likely to be trapped." She adds as an afterthought before continuing. "If dwarf or spot something, then we light a couple of torches and toss them in right as we charge. If there's nothing there, then we move in cautiously and light the torches once inside." She looks around to see if anyone has other options. "It's possible they are ready for us and hiding, so stay alert even if nothing is seen right away." Her face suddenly crinkles into a thoughtful frown. She pulls out her lantern and mirror. "I suppose another option would be to light my lantern and try to use the mirror to reflect light into the cave to see if anything is lurking there." She offers a shrug. "Probably more risky as it exposes us a bit farther out from the cave and to others who might be watching from other openings." She adds glancing back along the walls of the ravine and its numerous dark openings.
Ralina expresses her knowledge of the lizardmen and their threat by tossing a soft curse in the general direction of the swamp followed by a prayer for their fallen comrades. "They don't always drum before they attack." She adds quietly. Near the second caravan site, she points out to Finnin and Amhal the odd and unsettling tracks they'd found after their previous visit. "I've no desire to meet whatever those tracks belong to so best we camp a little further on." On the second day, when they reach the third ambush site, she merely nods at Finnin's comment and then proceeds to offer quick and heartfelt prayer to Petra to shield the fallen souls and guide them along their journey into the afterlife. Upon each marker she places one of the little symbols of her faith she'd crafted and attempted to sell at the Keep before being called to a higher purpose. "Perhaps, here they will do a little good and keep these folk safe in death where they were not in life." Looking up and down the rubble filled ravine with it scattered dark openings, Ralina couldn't help but feel the place was judging her with the same cold calculation she was judging it. Her hand tightens around the handle of her warhammer as she whispers another quick prayer to her goddess. "Chaos is right." She says to her companions, looking along the cavern filled ravine. She tries to pick out any opening that looks different or more unusual to the others. Or one that shows signs of being constructed or carved out of the stone of the cliff. "Best we pick one of them openings, hopefully unoccupied, to camp in for the night. I don't wish to be caught down here in the open once darkness is upon us."
After introducing Finnin to the others and knowing they've got a lot of road to travel, Ralina checks her map and gear one more time, then urges a steady pace along the road toward the suspected location of the Caves of Chaos.
I already have one. :)
Let me know what you plan to do next, gang. I'm ready to move on, if others are. Meeting Finnin and hitting the road for the Caves early so we have as much daylight as possible.
”Well, I guess I’m not one to talk, given to you I’m also an unknown quantity. But a desperate man on the run makes a poor companion both ways - danger from him and his pursuers. That Bumbo seems helpful, but I don’t trust him in the least, so a “family member” feels even more like a set up.” Ralina nods at the warrior's words. "Aye. The thought's crossed my mind." She says remembering Finnin's nervousness and hurry to leave. "We've evidence there might be a spy within the Keep working for the bandit's. For a bit, I thought he could certainly fit the bill." Her shoulders shrug as she taps the table with her knuckle. "But then why even agree to join us on a journey outside the walls? His value would be inside, not outside the Keep." She shakes her head. "Nah, I've a hunch he's troubled someone he shouldn't have and now he's looking for a quick getaway or hideout. I'm just hoping his trouble doesn't become our own." She add, her mind still curious as to who the spy might be.
The man's restlessness doesn't escape her eyes, nor the way he scurries back into the shadows like a rat caught in a lantern beam once the deal is made. Her eyes gaze into the evening sky as she prays for Petra's watchful eye when dealing with the young Finnin. Bumbo had mentioned he was trying to lay low. From what or who? She wonders. She turns to try to follow the man, but as she takes in the evening crowd, he's disappeared without a trace. With a sigh and a head shake, she would put her faith in Petra. Heading back to the common room of the inn, she meets up with the others and tells them of the additional recruit. Her nose crinkles as she runs a hand through her hair. "He's a scoundrel no doubt. And not a stout adherent of personal hygiene. But Bumbo the Barkeep called him a cousin and vouched for his talent with traps and such. He seemed a bit cagey and desperate for a bit there, so be sure to watch your purses and our backtrail when were on the road." She adds rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
He's certainly the look of a scoundrel, and one who's barely scraping by. Ralina thinks to herself as Finnin approaches. A moment of sadness drifts through her mind as she recalls Kallum. A quiet, but well kept young man. She didn't know him long, but he seemed a scoundrel of a different caliber. Now all she can really recall is the lizardman's javelin piercing the young rogue's chest, his blood seeping into the mud. As Finnin speaks she clears away her dark thoughts and offers a smile. "Aye, well now. We've a band that is setting out to clear the Caves of Chaos of the beastmen and bandits that have taken up residence and now harass trade and travelers along the road. And to liberate whatever treasure and goods they've managed to hoard these past months." She adds that last with noticeable importance. "We've word that those evil creatures more often favor traps to fighting. Thus a man with the talent and skill to deal with such mechanisms would earn himself an equal share of what we recover if he's willing to take a little risk." "You'll need to bring your own gear, but you receive a full share as I said." She tips her head toward the gate. "If you wish to join us, We'll be setting out first thing in the morning." She waits for the man to make his choice, all the while keeping a close eye on his manner and her hand resting on the few coins left in her purse.
I'm happy to move on from the hirelings/purchasing if people want to push things forward. Either way works fine for me.
Total = 540cn, which means Movement Rate 90’ (30’) Ha! So it is. I must've looked at the chainmail number three times and only saw the 40 not the 400 next to it. Will update my sheet in a moment, although my move was already set at 30' so no real change there.
Obermind: Just to clarify, we are using the Detailed Encumbrance rules? Is that correct. So for Ralina, her total weight in coins carried is 180. Chainmail (40), Warhammer(30), Dagger(10), Sling(20), plus 80 for the rest of her adventuring gear. That puts her under 400 coins so full movement.
Ralina slips her eyes toward the shadow filled corner to catch a quick look at the barkeeps cousin. Her gaze doesn't linger. Just long enough to be sure of which table and chair he occupies. Then her eyes move on as if still looking over the crowd for a familiar face. Soon enough she's back to watching the tavern keeper pour another mug full of ale from barrel behind the bar. She gives the man another warm smile. "Every family has their black sheep." She says with a laugh knowing her folks would certainly consider their wayward and adventurous daughter to be just that. She scratches a quick note on the back of one of her temple flyers and folds it around another silver coin. Bumbo says you've a talent for tricks and traps. I've an opportunity if you're interested. Might be a bit dangerous, but rewarding. Outside the smithy at the next bell if your interested. R. "You've a good heart to look out for him. Too many kin just turn away. If he should decide to come with us, I'll try to see him safe as I would my own kin." After a few minutes she leaves the barkeep and winds her way slowly toward the shadowy corner stopping occasionally to say hello to an acquaintance from the prior evening. Eventually she ends up in front of a chair near to Finnin. Pleasant evening to you sir." She says smiling at Bumbo's cousin. Sitting there quietly watching the scene within the tavern her hand slowly reaches down. When she's certain no one is watching she drops the note wrapped coin to the floor. Glancing down she offers another smile to Finnin. "Oh, it seems you dropped something." She says picking up the note wrapped coin and handing it to Finnin before returning to her drink. She spends a few more minutes finishing the mug of tea before nodding a goodbye to Finnin and making her way out of the tavern. The next bell shouldn't be too long, so she finds a quiet corner near the blacksmith and waits to see if Finnin comes to the rendezvous.
Ralina breaks into a smile and nods at Bumbo. A few moments later a trio of silver coins stamped with the Duke's sour mug are sitting on the bar. "I wouldn't ever want to be seen as not appreciative of hard working folk such as yourself my friend." She says with a quiet chuckle. "I'll be sure to add you in my prayers to Petra as one who works in her constant cause. And if we are successful in our endeavor, I'm sure you'll end up benefiting by all the food and drink that will flow to celebrate such good fortune upon our return." She adds with a quick wink. "We'll likely be leaving first thing in the morning." She says thinking of the long journey to the caves. "If your...ehh...friend is interested, have them meet us outside the main gate soon as the gates open for the day. We're offering a full share of the spoils. But best they bring their own gear. If we've got to pay for gear, it'll have to come outta their share." She adds with a sorry shrug. Her coin was running dry, it was the best she could offer for now. With Petra's blessing and a little luck, she hoped that sorry financial state would soon turn around.
Ralina returns to the bar waving Bumbo over. Leaning in a bit closer to the man who helped point out Amhal earlier, she quietly asks if he knows of anyone handy with handling locks and traps. "It would be for nothing illegal within the walls of the Keep or surrounding homes." She adds quickly to assure the barman. "It's just we expect the monsters we might face to be clever trap setters and having such a person along might save a life or two. I know most folk with such skills don't necessarily like to advertise their talent. But if you know of one willing to put their effort into a good cause for a share of whatever we recover in treasure, I'd be much obliged."
Ralina will purchase a 6-pack of torches and a small knife for carving/whittling. I'll assume the cost of the knife is the same as a dagger. So spending 4gp from her personal coin.
Do we still want to try and hire on a Thief or Halfling retainer to help with potential traps?
Ralina pauses thoughtfully to consider Amhal's words regarding her gods. It was an argument she'd heard many times since stepping into Petra's service. An argument she'd wrestled with herself. And yet she still choose to give your life and effort in support of the Church of Traladara and Petra herself. Her head tilts in understanding at the warrior's words. "A common enough belief. Even understandable given what our people have suffered over the years. And one used by many to turn instead to the easier faith and false peace offered by the Karameikans." She says. "Still, it is often easier to blame the gods for our own mortal failings. Was it the Three who turned from us or we who turned away?" Her gaze scans the room filled with merchants, travelers, adventurers, and others. "Despite the known threat of beastmen and bandits encroaching from nearly every direction, how many here are willing to lift a sword and stand firm against the tide?" Her hands take in their small group. "Us few. The others hunker behind the walls praying to the gods and the Karameikan Duke to do the hard work of securing their land for them. Even the Castellan would rather hire the likes of us rather than risk his own men or his own hide rooting out the evil. The Three made incredible sacrifices to save our home and lands, why should they not ask us to at least take on a little risk and hardship to do the same?" She gives the warrior a smile and offers a shrug of her shoulders. "Still, who can truly know the minds and ways of the gods. You could be right. No need to apologize, I will not hold your doubt against you. My hammer will be ready to guard your flank against the enemy no matter. Yet, I will still place my faith in Petra and hope that one day I will earn her faith and blessing as well."
Welcome aboard OSW.
Ralina nods in sympathy as Amhal shares a bit of his story. It was one all too familiar to the young acolyte. The Duke may have set forth decrees stating that all would be equal, but such things were still far from reality in many places. There was no place where this was more true than among the wealthy merchants and the nobility. She'd bunked with two other acolytes at the Temple whose families had been similarly treated by Karameikan moneylenders. Debt easily offered, nearly impossible to escape. "Ralina Biggins." She says nodding her head in greeting. "The Karameikan's have taken much from our land, but the Immortal Three still watch over us. Queen Petra's hand has surely brought us together." With a smile for the warrior and fellow Traladaran, she sits down after ordering another round of ale. "For our goal is to drive out the beastmen and bandits that currently hold this land under a siege of fear and death." She leans in a little, not wishing to speak too loudly for fear of other listening ears. She hadn't forgotten the possibility of a spy within the walls. "We plan to venture to the Caves of Chaos. A den of beastmen, evil, danger...and treasure." Her eyes sparkle in the dim light of the tavern. "An equal share of whatever we recover will be yours, but I will be honest, it will be hard earned. Already blood has been spilled and companions have crossed into the halls of the dead."
Ralina nods her thanks to the barkeep leaving a couple of silver coins on the bar. "Aye, another sword arm is always welcome." She says to Dobin. Tucking the usual wayward strand of hair behind her ear, she brushes at her coat and with a quiet prayer walks over to greet the big fellow. "A good day to you sir." She says tilting her head to the warrior with a friendly smile. "I apologize for interrupting your drink, but the man at the bar implied you might be looking to offer your sword for hire." Her brown eyes take in the worn, but well kept weapon leaning against the chair. "If this is true, then might I buy you another drink to discuss what my companions and I might offer?"
I figure our retainer needs might change depending on what Al'lan rolls up next.
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