Its early and for the inhabitants of Waypoint its just another day in a rather dreary life except most do know matters could be far worse.
Waypoint is a waystation one of many located between Falcon's Hollow one of the Lumber Consortium's bases and Olfden which is pretty much the Lumber Consortium's main headquarters or so some claim.
Life has been getting worse of late, the Eagle Knights who routinely patrol the trade route don't make things easier especially as the settlements main source of money comes from the very organisation thats seeking to surplant it as its done others on the trade route.
Nagina sighed and looked around, her arm still felt stiff in its cast she could still feel the blow that almost claimed her life just the other day.
She had joined the Eagle Knights after training for most of her childhood in Vudrani where she had been nothing more than some low caste cannonfodder in the society's occasional tifs between the nobles.
She had fled following the death of her parents in one such battle mostly a revenge attack striking at something neither side cared a whit for ultimately it had been merely a spiteful slap in the face that was ignored in return such had been her experiences of life.
But she had escaped and even managed to find a new life here in Andoran, her first mission had been part of a patrol but she had been assigned to Waypoint simply as part of an administrative lesson and she had used any excuse to explore the countryside around the settlement which was why when the Ogre and his pack had attacked she had been in position and armed for battle.
The Orge used his goblin minions as a diversion only pausing long enough for one blow at her before fleeing north, she had managed to slay three of the goblins in return and the rest had fled after the ogre ignoring her after he had nearly killed her.
It had been especially odd as she had warned that the goblins were especially insane but that they allied themselves with an ogre that they apparently followed so willingly left her intrigued.
Returning to the settlement she had found three of the inhabitants were missing including a waitress at the inn, a gnome merchant and a dwarven blacksmith all of whom seemed almost unremarkable except for the evidence that this hadn't been the first such raid.
With the likelihood of reinforcements being less than likely to turn up in time to save the missing inhabitants she was forced to delve deeper and question the locals only managing to confirm two of the three had been definitely kidnapped the third hadn't been seen since the attack and she couldn't remember seeing any of the prisoners except for the huge bag the ogre had evidently used to cart them off.
So using what leverage she had as an Eagle Knight she posted up a notice on the messageboard in the settlements only Inn.
"To all interested parties I Nagina Bala'Datha have authorised a reward of 100 gold pieces for each person who participates in a successful mission to rescue the maid Dale and the merchant Jonas from the lair of the Ogre any treasure recovered during the course of this mission is theirs as long as it is declared during their report on this mission. Any interested parties be in front of the Inn by noon"
She hoped for a better turn out, but at least it was a start as she walked to the Inn paying close attention to those gathered outside.
To all interested parties I Nagina Bala'Datha have authorised a reward of 100 gold pieces for each person who participates in a successful mission to rescue the maid Dale and the merchant Jonas from the lair of the Ogre any treasure recovered during the course of this mission is theirs as long as it is declared during their report on this mission. Any interested parties be in front of the Inn by noon"
'At last '
To all interested parties I Nagina Bala'Datha have authorised a reward of 100 gold pieces for each person who participates in a successful mission to rescue the maid Dale and the merchant Jonas from the lair of the Ogre any treasure recovered during the course of this mission is theirs as long as it is declared during their report on this mission. Any interested parties be in front of the Inn by noon"
'At last '
As he wanders across to where Nagina is living a Vudrani woman passes him on the way heading the opposite direction her left arm in a cast and sling dressed in a uniform covered by a cloak she seems preoccupied as she heads towards the Inn.
Tenna was heading towards the inn, intending to ask around for information on any of the old ruins or whatever people kept claiming Darkmoon Vale was littered with. She had never seen any, so there couldn't be that much out there she thought. But if there was anything out there, and anything worthwhile still hidden away in them, it could take care of her family for years. They could maybe even move to some place safer. The recent incidents had her worried for their safety. Still, the idea of digging through things left behind by the ancient dead made her uneasy...
She saw the note before she entered. She struggled with some of the words, she was not the most well-read person in Waypoint, but she got the basic idea. They're just hiring people to take care of this problem? she thought. 100 gold pieces? It was more than she had ever had at once. Much more. And someone did need to take care of that ogre before things got worse. Still, the idea of going after such a thing frightened her. But if more people come along... She bit the corner of her bottom lip, thinking things over, and finally moved over a bit from the note. Crossing her arms and leaning against the wall of the inn, she waited to see if anyone else showed interest in the matter.
Herve go several meters farther before his brain react . Bala'Datha , foreign name , uniform , foreign woman .... wait while connecting the dots ...
He turns back just in time to see the woman turn a corner. Hurrying after her , he finally arrives back at the inn
Nagina noticed the Chelish woman as soon as she got into sight of the Inn, the man she had passed on the way here had doubled back so she did wonder if he was another would be applicant.
Stopping to glance at the noticeboard the Chelish woman moved to lean against the wall of the Inn and crossed her arms her face showing she was thinking carefully about the note Nagina was sure she had been scanning.
"The reason the reward is for the rescue of those people rather than the head of the Ogre was simply because I'd rather you lived to tell the tale," Nagina spoke directly to her.
"My name is Nagina Bala'Datha I assumed you were interested in my notice, looks like your preferred weapon is the bow too, good but be careful that ogre has a pack of goblins following him around and he has no qualms about expending them to save his own neck," Nagina muttered looking a little grim as she scratched her arm highlighting the fact its in a cast and sling.
"I'm hoping for a few more volunteers before proceeding, its possible you might be lucky enough to rescue those kidnapped without even meeting the ogre but better safe than sorry, right?" Nagina addresses the Chelish woman.
Tenna looked the Eagle Knight up and down as she approached. She had never seen a Vudrani woman before, and one in a clean-cut uniform, even with the cast, cut a striking figure in her eyes. Tenna felt rather plain in comparison.
"I'm hoping for a few more volunteers before proceeding, its possible you might be lucky enough to rescue those kidnapped without even meeting the ogre but better safe than sorry, right?" Nagina addresses the Chelish woman.
Tenna was absolutely uncertain how the knights of Andoran were to be addressed, but she answered quickly, "Yes, milady." Gods, I hope for a few more volunteers too. No bloody way I'm going after that thing by myself or just with someone with a broken arm. She kept her thoughts to herself, particularly as the matter of a force of goblins worked its way among them.
'Greetings, Sir Knight, I am Citizen Herve Esterel and do volunteer to fight this ogre. I do need some further information in order to accomplish this . How much is in a pack ? Do we know where this ogre lives or do you have a tracker which can guide us to it? How long has it been since the victims were taken ?
'Bows are good weapons for those who don't have heavy armor but if you are at a distance where the ogre can charge you, I would recommand setting a long spear against it!I personnally plan to buy one here, would you want also want one ?'
"Greetings Bala'Datha mam. I'm Talden Skard, a junior member of the town militia, and I'm volunteering to go get Dale and Jonas from that ogre. I'll be damned for being out of town when the ogre attacked but I won't sit around and not do anything about it. I know the countryside about as well as most people and I've a little experience with this axe."
"Tenna mam. How are you and your family?"
"Good day sir. Will you be joining this expedition?"
A huge wagon filled with logs stops outside the inn. Four rough-looking lumberjacks get off it and head into the inn. One of the 'jacks spots the notice as he is walking through the door. He is a large man, wearing a thick flannel shirt, pants and heavy boots.
"Holy crap!" he says to one of his fellows from the wagon. "A hundred gold! That's more than we make in a year! F%@& logging, I'm goin' ogre huntin'!"
He walks into the inn and goes straight to the bar. "Where do I find this Nagina person?" he asks the bartender before he even orders a drink.
' Well, after walking several hours in this armor, it's time it becomes useful' .
Tenna looked up with a start as the richly dressed man spoke to her, offering to buy her a spear. The sudden forwardness of the rich threw her off-balance and made her slightly uncomfortable. "Um...thank you sir, but that's alright. I don't want to be a bother." She was really beginning to feel out of her element now, with all these rich looking folk about.
That was why she was somewhat relieved to see Talden. He was someone closer to her level, though she still afforded him the respect due to a militiaman. "Hullo, sir. We're alright. I'm just trying to make sure we stay that way come winter."
She can't help but grin at the loud lumberjack's reaction to the notice. The setting was becoming more familiar and comfortable now.
Ho, my dear, I was not only speaking of you , a good longspear will allow us to attack the ogre without coming into his reach. the important thing there is to save the missing people and for this we need to deal with this monster as well as we can.
There is no shame in lacking money , the ancestor of my family was someone just like you . It's more important to have a good heart than to be a rich tight purse. And my name to my friends is Herve.
' Well, after walking several hours in this armor, it's time it becomes useful' .
Talden glances at both of their armors and replies, "Well my hope is that we won't be needing them or our axes. I like the cut of your boots Herve and it'll be good to have you along."
Talden thinks for a second before plowing on, "Herve, would you happen to know anything about the Lumber Consortium's reaction? I hear they've been rather quiet about these attacks..."
Ho, my dear, I was not only speaking of you , a good longspear will allow us to attack the ogre without coming into his reach. the important thing there is to save the missing people and for this we need to deal with this monster as well as we can.
There is no shame in lacking money , the ancestor of my family was someone just like you . It's more important to have a good heart than to be a rich tight purse. And my name to my friends is Herve.
"A-alright. Thank you sir." If the man wished to buy her a spear, she couldn't refuse him. It probably is a good idea to have one anyway, she thought.
She listened intently to the talk about the attacks and the Lumber Consortium.
Talden thinks for a second before plowing on, "Herve, would you happen to know anything about the Lumber Consortium's reaction? I hear they've been rather quiet about these attacks..."
I'm afraid I don't know much about this Consortium . We'd better ask the young man over here who seems to be interested in the expedition even if for wrong reasons or maybe Dame Bala'Datha has some informations .
Sorry for the interruption , Milady , my father always said it's better to have a feel for your battle companions as soon as possible.
'Greetings, Sir Knight, I am Citizen Herve Esterel and do volunteer to fight this ogre. I do need some further information in order to accomplish this . How much is in a pack ? Do we know where this ogre lives or do you have a tracker which can guide us to it? How long has it been since the victims were taken ?
"Well of the five he came with only two left with him, I do however have a pretty good idea about where he's lairing since a local here apparently squared off with him a couple of years ago reported his position late last night before I posted that reward notice it early evening yesterday since you asked," Nagina replied as she turned to face the newcomer who was definitely the man she had passed on the way here.
[quote=]Turning to the Chelish woman
'Bows are good weapons for those who don't have heavy armor but if you are at a distance where the ogre can charge you, I would recommand setting a long spear against it!I personnally plan to buy one here, would you want also want one ?'
"Greetings Bala'Datha mam. I'm Talden Skard, a junior member of the town militia, and I'm volunteering to go get Dale and Jonas from that ogre. I'll be damned for being out of town when the ogre attacked but I won't sit around and not do anything about it. I know the countryside about as well as most people and I've a little experience with this axe."
"Good to see you, you do know Old Carter then?" Nagina nods back.
[quote=]
"Tenna mam. How are you and your family?"
"Good day sir. Will you be joining this expedition?"
Talden thinks for a second before plowing on, "Herve, would you happen to know anything about the Lumber Consortium's reaction? I hear they've been rather quiet about these attacks..."I'm afraid I don't know much about this Consortium . We'd better ask the young man over here who seems to be interested in the expedition even if for wrong reasons or maybe Dame Bala'Datha has some informations .
Sorry for the interruption , Milady , my father always said it's better to have a feel for your battle companions as soon as possible.
"I'd have my suspicions, but at the present those missing people are more important as I'm sure you'll agree," Nagina replies.
"When you're ready I'll accompany you to your guide, he's known as Old Carter and before he lost his arm he was the local guard's best trackers. As Talden knows he now works as a guard for the settlement though more of a trainer these days. But he did recognise the ogre and apparently he does know where its laired all the more interesting since he claims its been here for at least 3 years," Nagina explains.
"So that tough old goat will be leading the way, eh? I'm glad to hear it; he's as trustworthy as you get around here and has been in a scrap or two in his time. I'm kinda surprised to hear about the ogre though. If he's known about it all this time I wonder why he didn't try to do something about it sooner?"
"So that tough old goat will be leading the way, eh? I'm glad to hear it; he's as trustworthy as you get around here and has been in a scrap or two in his time. I'm kinda surprised to hear about the ogre though. If he's known about it all this time I wonder why he didn't try to do something about it sooner?"
Tenna kept her arms crossed, frowning in her thoughts. "An' why hasn't this ogre been more a problem before now? If'n it's been there for three years we shoulda had more trouble out of it shouldn't we?"
It worried her that such a thing had been living so close for so long. The thought of running into it during her treks into the woods was frightening to say the least.
Tenna kept her arms crossed, frowning in her thoughts. "An' why hasn't this ogre been more a problem before now? If'n it's been there for three years we shoulda had more trouble out of it shouldn't we?"
It worried her that such a thing had been living so close for so long. The thought of running into it during her treks into the woods was frightening to say the least.
"I wonder if something was done to upset or anger the ogre and that is why he has been attacking us. Maybe Old Carter might know."
Tenna kept her arms crossed, frowning in her thoughts. "An' why hasn't this ogre been more a problem before now? If'n it's been there for three years we shoulda had more trouble out of it shouldn't we?""Hopefully Old Carter will be able to explain more when we meet up with him," Nagina shrugs.
[quote=]
"I wonder if something was done to upset or anger the ogre and that is why he has been attacking us. Maybe Old Carter might know."
"Definitely since he was the one who helped me back to Waypoint after the raid I tried to stop," Nagina replied frowning.
Bogorin’s Background
Briefly- He's an old dwarvin ex-cleric who several years ago had a severe test of faith that he apparently failed miserably. He has never spoken to anyone of what it was though there have been several rumours, some more colourful than others, drifting through the town for years. Since then he has allowed the Drink to take him and he is now merely a shell of his former self. While not quite known as the town drunk as his former deeds do still grant him a modicum of respect he is nevertheless a permanent fixture at Bertram's tavern. He is known by pretty much all of the town's residents. Although normally particularly grim and taciturn even for a dwarf, when deep in his cups he becomes garrelous and will often ramble on for hours about many of his past deeds. Most of the tavern patrons find his stories entertaining even though they know that the majority of them couldn't possibly be true. In general, he is pitied and seen as a harmless old dwarf.
When he first hears of the last raid he was sleeping off a drunk in a corner of the tavern. His first reaction is shock as apparently he slept through the whole thing! But when he finds out the Dale was one of the kidnapped suddenly something he hadn't felt for years is inspired within him. The serving lass had always been kind to him. She was also one of the few who didn't condescend to him when she spoke to him and he looked on her as a sort of daughter. Bogorin had never much cared for that conniving Gnome but he surely deserved better than to end up in an Ogre's stew pot. When the rumors began to spread that his good friend the blacksmith was missing too that simply cemented what he had already decided.
The old Dwarf rushes home, gathering what equipment he has left, trying to fit his much bigger belly into his old armor. Maybe This can be the chance to finally redeem himself. And whatever the cost, he will see Dale safe and returned home. Plus, with the raids not many supplies have been coming in and Bertram's stocks of ale have been getting dangerously low.
The party begins to hear the faint sounds of jingling armour and cursing getting steadily louder and louder. It sounds something like “Drat tis blasted armor! I’ll git that Blacksmith fer makin’ me a set o’ mail wot shrinks!”
As the sounds get closer laboured breathing can also be heard. Finally around the corner comes barrelling an old dwarf in old armor. As he comes to a huffing stop to the locals their surprise is complete when they realize it’s none other than ‘Ole Boggo!
His wise old eyes correctly some up Nagina as the leader of the little group and he faces her yet directs his words to all
“Ach! So thought ye could steal off on ole Boggo and race tae slay that nasty Orge an’ them worthless Gobbo’s witho’ ‘im d’ye?” He hawks and spits. It’s obvious to everyone with a nose that it’s not been long at all since his last drink yet his hands are steady and his gaze is focused and grim.
“Bah! As if I’d let tat smelly bastard take me girl an do nothin'. The taut o’ ‘im having poor Dale en ‘es clutches darkens me ole heart it does.” He grunts and adjusts again his beard and his woefully straining armor over his ample belly. As he firms his grip on his weapon he says in no uncertain terms
“Well wot the Devil do we be waitin’ fer! I’ll not stand by gibberin’ while my bonny lass be in ta clutches o’ some slimy beast!” And with that he begins to stomp off. After a few paces though he realizes he has no idea where he’s going and he turns around with a frown on his face and growls “Well!”
"Well, I'll be..." Talden says as Bogorin stalks toward the group.
“Ach! So thought ye could steal off on ole Boggo and race tae slay that nasty Orge an’ them worthless Gobbo’s witho’ ‘im d’ye?” He hawks and spits.
Having never seen Bogorin get excited like this by anything other than Bertram's newest shipment of ale, Talden couldn't help but get excited and laugh!
"Ha! Well I'll be damned! Looks like we have all the riff-raff in town now. Bogorin, if you are half as good as half your tales then that foul ogre 'll be dead by the end of the day."
It’s obvious to everyone with a nose that it’s not been long at all since his last drink yet his hands are steady and his gaze is focused and grim.
“Bah! As if I’d let tat smelly bastard take me girl an do nothin'. The taut o’ ‘im having poor Dale en ‘es clutches darkens me ole heart it does.” He grunts and adjusts again his beard and his woefully straining armor over his ample belly.
Talden had seen Bogorin get angry a few times over the years but he had never, in all the years of being mocked and ridiculed, been this focused or clear eyed. As Bogorin's grim steely gaze washes over Talden a sense of grim purpose settles in. Talden felt few in town had been treated as badly as he and his mother but Bogorin, Tenna and her family had gotten their fair share of abuse. Though he didn't know much about Herve he sensed a kindred spirit and suddenly felt closer to this group of people than anyone other than his mother.
"I don't have much, Old Boggo, but may I never feel the breathe of Gozreth again if I don't do everything within my power to get Dale and Jonas back."
As he firms his grip on his weapon he says in no uncertain terms“Well wot the Devil do we be waitin’ fer! I’ll not stand by gibberin’ while my bonny lass be in ta clutches o’ some slimy beast!” And with that he begins to stomp off. After a few paces though he realizes he has no idea where he’s going and he turns around with a frown on his face and growls “Well!”
"
Having never seen Bogorin get excited like this by anything other than Bertram's newest shipment of ale, Talden couldn't help but get excited and laugh!"Ha! Well I'll be damned! Looks like we have all the riff-raff in town now. Bogorin, if you are half as good as half your tales then that foul ogre 'll be dead by the end of the day."
In between his other cursing's and grumbling's Bogorin responded to the boy's good natured teasing with a gruff "Ha! There'll be non' o' that now boy o' be tanning your hide I will!" Although his words were somewhat harsh it was obvious he was not displeased though perhaps feeling a trifle embarrassed. He had always felt that the Skard boy and his mum had got an unfair shake o things. Talden was a good lad and Bogorin had seen his sweetness on Dale and didn't disapprove. Dale would be crushed though if anything happened to the youngin so the old dwarf made a silent promise to keep a protective eye on him.
In between his other cursing's and grumbling's Bogorin responded to the boy's good natured teasing with a gruff "Ha! There'll be non' o' that now boy o' be tanning your hide I will!" Although his words were somewhat harsh it was obvious he was not displeased though perhaps feeling a trifle embarrassed."
Having never seen Bogorin get excited like this by anything other than Bertram's newest shipment of ale, Talden couldn't help but get excited and laugh!"Ha! Well I'll be damned! Looks like we have all the riff-raff in town now. Bogorin, if you are half as good as half your tales then that foul ogre 'll be dead by the end of the day."
"Welcome, looks like this party is well and truly assembled," Nagina nodded to the dwarf.
"Once you're ready we'll head over to Old Carter and he'll give you the lowdown on what he knows," Nagina explains.
Tenna smiled at the exchange. She was feeling more confident now that more locals had shown up to take part in this venture. Old Bogorin's blusteriness did wonders for her morale at least. The hard-to-shake image of the dwarf constantly downing his drink reminded her of one concern that had slipped her mind, food and drink.
She pushed herself away from the wall and let her gangly arms fall to her side as she walked over to the others. "How long of a trip through th'woods are we lookin' at? Should we be gettin' any food and water to take with us? I can hunt, but I don't know if I can feed all of us." That much was true. She often went without meat so that her siblings and ailing father could.
Tenna smiled at the exchange. She was feeling more confident now that more locals had shown up to take part in this venture. Old Bogorin's blusteriness did wonders for her morale at least. The hard-to-shake image of the dwarf constantly downing his drink reminded her of one concern that had slipped her mind, food and drink.
She pushed herself away from the wall and let her gangly arms fall to her side as she walked over to the others. "How long of a trip through th'woods are we lookin' at? Should we be gettin' any food and water to take with us? I can hunt, but I don't know if I can feed all of us." That much was true. She often went without meat so that her siblings and ailing father could.
"My understanding is that if we hurry Old Carter can get you to the ogre's lair before it gets dark, hopefully his advice will make things that much easier," Nagina nods back shifting her back slightly as turns to glance into a belt pouch she's carrying.
Tenna smiled at the exchange. She was feeling more confident now that more locals had shown up to take part in this venture. Old Bogorin's blusteriness did wonders for her morale at least. The hard-to-shake image of the dwarf constantly downing his drink reminded her of one concern that had slipped her mind, food and drink.
She pushed herself away from the wall and let her gangly arms fall to her side as she walked over to the others. "How long of a trip through th'woods are we lookin' at? Should we be gettin' any food and water to take with us? I can hunt, but I don't know if I can feed all of us." That much was true. She often went without meat so that her siblings and ailing father could.
"I've got a few days rations and some water for myself that we can share but it won't last long if this takes more than a day or two. We all might want to make sure we have something: a water skin, some rations and maybe a tent or two for if the weather turns bad. I've got a few coins left that I'm willing to share but lets talk to Old Carter first and get some more information; it'll probably make preparing easier."
"My understanding is that if we hurry Old Carter can get you to the ogre's lair before it gets dark, hopefully his advice will make things that much easier," Nagina nods back shifting her back slightly as turns to glance into a belt pouch she's carrying.
"Well, I guess we ought to get moving then. If you'll lead the way Bala'Datha mam."
Willy comes out of the inn and sees as group of people gathered around what looks like an Eagle Knight. He grabs his axe off the wagon and comes running up.
"Is this the ogre huntin' party?" he asks the group. "Are you Naigna?" he asks the Eagle Knight.
Let's not forget Torches also if the ogre live in a cave
"Good idea Herve. I forget my eyesight is a little better at night than normal. Besides, goblins can see at night right?"
Willy comes out of the inn and sees as group of people gathered around what looks like an Eagle Knight. He grabs his axe off the wagon and comes running up.
"Is this the ogre huntin' party?" he asks the group. "Are you Naigna?" he asks the Eagle Knight.
"Aye, this is the group looking to rescue Dale and Jonas from the ogre. The name is Talden Skard, looking to help?"
The old dwarf seems to be getting redder and redder as the others continue to talk. He does stop cock his head to the side somewhat worriedly for a sec when food is mentioned and his stomach can be heard to rumble but he shakes his head with a gruff "Bah!" and continues to fume. Finally at Talden's last words his anger bursts forth in a torrent "Blood and Bloody Ashes! T'iant much chane o tere be'en a Rescue if'n all we do is talk about! Wot the Devil we be waitn' fer! I plan tae ha' dat smelly Ogre's brains bashed afore yer tender bellies git tae ackin so dinnae worry yer young heeds aboot it. If'n ye needs some light tae see then be aboot it already but every second we stand gabberin' mi poor Dale's one step closer tae bein someone's dinner! If we git dere too late cuz we spent all day cluckin' like hens it's all ye I'll be holdin' tae blame" As he shakes his massive hammer at them. "Now let's GO!"
"You lass!" he points to Nagina, show da way tae Carter’s place. I know da man but I t’any ner seen his home. Now git!”
Sir Dwarf, I'm surprised at your words. Dwarven discipline is a byword of the world. If we rush headlong into fighting , then some of us will die. Taking some minutes to be sure we are ready is a good thing.
And one other thing , you will show an Eagle Knight the respect due to her station and not order her around . If you don't respect others , don't expect to be either
"Aye, this is the group looking to rescue Dale and Jonas from the ogre. The name is Talden Skard, looking to help?"
"Oh, yeah I want to help," Willy says to the half-elf. "So we're going to walk in to the ogre cave and ask 'em if we can have his prisners back? He, he, 'mister ogre, sir, we don't want you to eat our friends. Do ya mind if we take 'em home?' He, he."
"'Names Willy, Willy Barnable." he extends his hand. "I don' have much but my axe here, but I can get some rope off the wagon over there."
"Oh, yeah I want to help," Willy says to the half-elf. "So we're going to walk in to the ogre cave and ask 'em if we can have his prisners back? He, he, 'mister ogre, sir, we don't want you to eat our friends. Do ya mind if we take 'em home?' He, he."
"'Names Willy, Willy Barnable." he extends his hand. "I don' have much but my axe here, but I can get some rope off the wagon over there."
Talden gladly shakes Willy's hand and winces at the strength in his hands.
"Ha! With a mug like yours we might just scare the ogre into giving them back." Talden says in jest. "But yeah, we're glad to have you along and you might as well grab some rope. I don't think the consortium will miss it."
Bogorin flusters with rage for a moment before he manages to get his words out. He shakes his hammer in furry at the well dressed man as his spits these words. "People r gunna die if'n we stand here yammering like magpies all day! Are words n yappin sure ain't gunna save 'em! An who you be tae be tellin' me aboot respect boy! Respect yer elders I say! Why I was old 'afore yer grandpapy's papy was but a twinkle in 'Is papy's eye! Bah! tae de lot o' ya!" Ye then suddenly spins around, his shoulders shake as he seems to try and control his furry.
SM 12 to those who know him
While you have seen Ole Bogo get angry or upset before, never have you seen him this worked up. You suddenly have an insight that the old dwarf's rage is merely a cover for his worry and fear over Dale's plight. Everyone knows how dear to him the lovely girl is. It seems his shaking might actually be him weeping! Of course, then there's the fact he's in all likely hood recovering from a severe hang-over which surely doesn't help matters any
SM 16 to those who don't
Just before the raging dwarf spins around you catch a glisten in his eye. Could the mad dwarf be Crying?! Maybe there's more here than meets the eye? Could he possibly be related to one of the missing? But it was a human and a Gnome wasn't it? Regardless, it seems the old fellow's rage and bluster is more to cover up his worry and fright. Plus it seems he's likely drunk. At least he sure smells like it.
"Ha! With a mug like yours we might just scare the ogre into giving them back." Talden says in jest. "But yeah, we're glad to have you along and you might as well grab some rope. I don't think the consortium will miss it."
"Ha! Yer a funny one, almost as funny as old angry dwarfy over there. Well, I'll go get that rope then." and Willy goes back to the unattended wagon and grabs some rope.
Let us go see Mr Carter and then come back here to see if there has been any late comers then
Tenna thought Bogorin was just his usual self, if a bit livelier, as he complained, but now...
He was more attatched to some of those taken away than she thought, it seemed. She thought of how she would be behaving if it had been one of her siblings that had been taken, and it left her shivering. Unconsciously holding her arms as if against the cold, she agreed with Herve's suggestion. "Yeah, let's get goin' as fast as we can then."
She chose not to mention the scenarios her imagination was now throwing at her. She was beginning to dread what they might find.
Nagina suddenly shrugs her shoulders producing from her belt pouch a small bundle.
Carefully unfolding it she reveals a trio of vials, a small wallet similar in appearance to some kind of tobacco pouch and a couple of weird looking balls of herbs.
"Okay before we head over to Old Carter I'd like you to take these with you, they're not much but they might help," Nagina tells them holding out the gathered bundle making note to nod towards the dwarf understanding his frustration.
"These three vials contain holy water, I've had them enchanted so when shaken whilst held they'll shine a light about the same as a torch but I've been told each will last a short while enough in case you need something to see by if you don't want to risk lighting a torch. This wallet holds healing salves enough for four doses and finally these two herbal balls are designed in case you don't have time to smother your wounds but don't use these if you use a dose of the herbal salve since it would probably knock you out for a good few hours," Nagina explains.
"Once you've decided who carries which of these and I do recommend you share them out, we'll head over to the perimeter and meet up with Old Carter, I believe he's arranging the transportation and supplies you'll need," Nagina adds.
Tenna scratched the side of her nose as Nagina explained what she was handing to them. She looked at the others for any sign of what they intended to take.
She didn't understand anything about holy water or enchantments or any of that, but herbs were familiar. She had no skill in it, but she had tried paying attention when her mother tended to her wounds when she returned from hunting trips gone awry. She had no real skill in their use, but she hoped she could get by.
She slowly reached for the wallet, keeping her attention on the others in case they disapproved of her choice. She felt awkward going first, but the thought of the people that had been taken left her wanting to move as quickly as possible.
.
Better you take these , Tenna , I'll probably be at the frontline and it's best some who can move quickly to help their friends have them than someone who move slowly with a cumbersome armour
Talden takes a herb ball and passes it to Willy, studying it before handing it over, trying to figure out what herbs were used.
"Here Willy. Why don't you take one and Bogorin take the other and why don't Tenna, Herve, and Willy take the vials. I hear dwarves are able to see in the dark and my eye-sight is better at night than most."
Willy takes the herb ball and the vial. He sniffs the ball.
"Hmm. Do ya eat it?"