That sounds very nice indeed, but I can't very well leave this cutthroat to wake up in my folks pub. I fear I will have to call the guard and have him trotted away. Quinn says a bit distressed If you fellows don't mind waiting till after this little mess is cleaned up I would be happy to join you.
Bofgar sighs irked at having to clean up his mess,"Well, we could always put him on the first bench-wagon we see. Ask the porter to drop him off across town at the Charter House of Our Lady o' Valor Iomedae. Girls there will take care of him real nice." The battle hardened barbarian winces at the thought of being at the mercy of the Iomedaen battle nuns.
Quinn scratches his head uncertain of what needs to be done. He looks at the middle aged halfling man at the other end of the bar What say you Da? What course of action would you have pursed? Quinn smiles happily allowing his elder to decide what should be done with the would be assassin.
"Since nobody will speak up, I shall handle this miscreant!" Krom'gosh says with a jolly, booming laugh, rising to his feet. He beckons Quinn's sister over and bows to her, taking her hand and kissing it with the grace of a cultured gentleman. "Thank you for the fine potables and victuals, my petite young beauty! Though they'll make the water and hardtack I'll eat on the road pale in comparison, the sweet succor of their memory will make my next meals go down far easier. If we meet again, I hope your face will grace my table once more, and your fine ales and bounteous meals will fill my belly."
Grinning, he turns back and hefts the blackguard that had caused the ruckus, pulling him into a fireman's lift over his shoulder. He gestures to Bofgar and Quinn with a broad grin and a nod of his massive brow. "Well, my strapping companions? I do believe we have a cultural icon to view!
Quinn shrugs as he hops from his stool Be back after awhile. He says putting down the last dried mug before a fresh tray of dripping tankards can be brought forth from the kitchen. C'mon Pepper. He says to the large black sheepdog. Pepper hops up tail wagging. They follow Krom Whatcha going to do with um Krom?
"I don't like men who seek to kill other men for no reason. I think I'll toss him off our wagon in front of a poorhouse and announce that he's a charitable donor."
Keben smiles and learns on the counter as the dwarf handles his business with ease and the decency to not split him open particularly in front of the boy. he pulls a cross bow from under the counter and removes the loaded bolt. he typically deals with trouble makers quickly enough preferring them to leave before he has to force the issue, but he doubted between the boys at the table, he wouldn't have to use it.
'Ey boyo, don't get in any trouble the three of ya can't get out of, not that the cathedral is much of a rough and tumble spot anyhow. 'ave fun then.
Katrin blushes as the gentle giant treats like a lady instead of the foul mouthed brutes that tend to come in and get not much more than a harsh word in return.
Well thank you, Krom, you gents are welcome here any old time. I suspect since you are already falling pray to my brothers pathfinder whims, we'll be seeing more of the both of ya.
Luck has it as a bench wagon, drops off a trio of halfling couples into the pub. the males tipping their hat to Quinn as they pass.
The gruff wagoner smiles at you all, where to friends?
Krom bulldogs the ruffian into the wagon then hops in himself. "Once my friends are in here with me, the Starstone Cathedral, please." He pauses, then adds with a smirk. "Passing by the nearest poorhouse, if you please."
aye Starstone it is, and with a knowing laugh he concedes to the poor house as well. I hope he deserves it. He leans over and nudges a ladder to plop down for the other two. just grab the rope on your way up if you would, lad.
The pair of large cream colored horses in the front of the wagon seem well kept and more than bored, you can tell that the steeds have been working in the city for sometime, by the fact that they don't seem to have a care in the world.
The wagoner is dressed well enough not to come off as shabby, but his relaxed country feel makes you wonder if he isn't from the city, then again maybe it is just the large straw farmers hat he has on his head.
Quinn grabs the rope and uses it to swing up ignoring the ladder Up Pepper. He says tapping the floor of the wagon.Pepper's tail wag turns into a full back half wag before he gets up the guts to take on the ladder but once he does he is up quick as can be. Good boy! Quinn says giving the dog a scratch behind his ear.
Bofgar kicks the thug off the wagon when they stop at the poorhouse. "Hey lads! Got some trash here fo' ya." He then turns to the wagoneer. "To the Cathedral, goodman!" Even the gruff dwarf is awed by the site and it's always a pleasure to see it.
The old wagoner laughs heartily as the thug plops in the dirt and the riff and the raff converge on the knocked out oaf. THey continue onward and the old man slows the beasts of burden down to a trot.
" Prepare to be amazed boys, I've seen it a thousand times this month and I don't think I'll ever be in less awe than I was the first time I saw it.his words end lust as they turn the corn that brings the cathedral in view, the old man's theatrics brought them along a path that blocked its view until it was overwhelming to view.
The building gleams with a radiance unmatched by any view you have likely seen. A feat of architecture that is without match. a view that couldn't be captured on canvas. or by story, but one that is even hard to grasp by word of mouth.
"Do mine eyes decieve me, or do I see a fellow wanderer o'er yonder?" Krom'gosh hauls himself off the wago, stomping over to stand next to the elf, gazing up at the Cathedral. "By Milani, look at the majesty of it...and whoever masters that bulwark of divinity can claim the heart of godhood..." He smiles softly. "'Tis grand, no? And grander still, when you have company to revel in with company. Krom'gosh Chainbreaker. Servant of Milani the Everbloom, at your service, friend Elf."
He extends one massive, scarred hand in a warm, friendly manner.
"Nay, I'll not hear your apologies, Sir Bru. Today seems a fine day for meeting new acquaintances, if I do say so myself!"
Throwing his head back, his ugly face twists into a grotesque grin that somehow seems infectious in its good humor, and he booms another of his jolly laughs.
"If I may ask, what brings an obvious warrior such as yourself to Absalom? My friends here..." He steps aside and gestures to his entourage. "The most skilled berserker Bofgar Morarr, and the brave young Master Quinn Thinwhistle have just come from the fine Singing Satyr Pub to steal ourselves a gander of the Cathedral's legendary grandeur. If you're not busy, mayhap once you've told us your tale, you'd join us for a flagon or two? And since Master Bofgar is paying for the wagon, I insist that the first round would be on my coin!"
He rolls his eyes. "No, no, no offense taken," he says. "After all, I was only RAISED by a smelly, vile orc who was the most loving, compassionate woman to ever draw breath, and who died far too soon. A woman who instilled in me the good graces not to slay outright the Dwarf who taught me my manners."
He claps the elf on the shoulder.
"Racism is is a very impressive sword, my friend, and very useful for vengeance. But it's so very, very sharp when you look at it from the other side. Trust me. I've been staring at the pointed end my entire life."
He rumbles another laugh and turns to look back up at the Cathedral, whistling at the sheer majesty of it.
Bofgar hops off of the wagon and let's out a small gasp. Even after seeing the Cathedral for years the barest glimpse steals his breath. The stories tell that the massive structure was created by Aroden when he raised the Starstone from the depths of the Inner Sea and that very relic is believed to rest within. The Cathedral stands on a stone column in the center of a wide and seemingly bottomless pit at the heart of Absalom's central Ascendant Court district. Four bridges span the chasm, each representing one of the four ascended gods who attained divinity at this site, though the bridge for Aroden collapsed in a massive earthquake in 4698 AR after years of poor care by the dead god's aging clergy.
He's always been awed by the sight. For this is not just the place of heros and villains, but it is where gods themselves have risen. Bofgar only hears the tale end of Krom and Bru's conversation. "Ack, swords are what little girls use to mend their bedclothes. An axe! That is a real weapon. Something you can put your weight behind."
I don't even know how you swing that thing much less wield it effectively in combat Bofgar. I'm Quinn and this is Pepper. he pats the shaggy beast next to him. She is a beut eh? Quinn looks up at the Cathedral.
The Wagoner pulls his steeds to the side as to not take up the main pass. He waits patiently and happily as he too looks upon the graceful structure just as intently as the rest.
The old man claps and laughs as he exclaims"Well would you look at that!"
The white puffy cloud filled sky parts just behind the cathedral and a beam of sunlight cuts a diagonal toward the adventures, it holds for a long moment of bright sunshine before the clouds close back up. The locals will know that a decent bit of superstition can be generated around the cathedral, a coincidence or misfortune near the cathedral can be woven into wildly tales, omens and signs of good fortune.
”Well I certainly wouldn’t be offended if the sun decided to shine just for me on a cloudy day like this. But then I’m not quite so sour. Not that it is any of my business master elf, but is there a particular reason you are picking at trouble ? ”
" now there is a reasonable man." the old man says as he sits and stares at the starstone cathedral.
"Ha! Well you know what they say in the deep tongue. It is not the size of the barrel, but how many fish it can hold!" Bofgar laughs merrily and claps the elf on the side. Then he glares a bit, "'sides, Gimthick, here is thirsty. I wouldn't let her drink earlier.
Krom laughs mightily.
"As mystical as the surroundings may be, perhaps a dusty road may not be the best place to tell our tales. As I said, once we get back to the Singing Satyr, the first round comes from my purse."
He turns back to the Cathedral.
"What is it that makes the place so impregnable? Can not a powerful wizard simply fly across that chasm? Or does some contrivance keep magic from working there?"
"Aye, she was made with dwarven hands. It seems there is a clamor for her story and I will share it when we return." The dwarf takes a step closer to the bottomless pit. "Krom you speak of the Test of the Starstone. I've seen a dozen tries to take that first step. Some mages have flown across, others have tried and hurtled to their doom when their magic failed half way. I saw a man simply try and pole-vault across. One sneaky fellow shot a grappling hook across and tried to shimmy his way until a powerful wind swept up and dislodge the rope. Perhaps the most entertaining as a towering Mwangi warrior. He had built himself a catapult at the edge of the pit and launched himself through the air. Actually survived and ran inside." Bofgar shades his eyes and looks towards the sky. "That was two years ago, nobody has seen him since."
Aye, The Master Dwarf speaks true, It has little to do with the trip itself but those who attempt it. Me, I think it has more to do with what the world needs, than what those who want to cross the pit dare to do. And Believe me, the second the world needs a god of wagon driving cart men, me and the boys will be across that pit in a hoofs beat. The old fellow lets out a laugh worthy of Krom, too much volume, but enough joy to make up the difference.
Krom grins approvingly at the wagonmaster's laugh. "Well, I expect I won't be trying anytime soon. I'd make a poor god, methinks."
The wagoner shrugs. I dunno this is where Cayden got in, if they let him in I don't think there are too many that they could say are worse. his eyes widen and he pulls out a flask and takes a swig No, offense intended, merely that you adventuring types live us sensible men, with a lot of catch up work with the ladies. No, I haven't fought a ogre, no I haven't thrown a mad wizard from his tower, no woman i haven't dived into the sea to slay a serpent, I do bring home coin day after day though. he chuckles to himself. You never know it might be a single step towards the cathedral could have you commanding temple need building. Sounds like a lot of responsibility, and a whole lot more risk to find out if you are worthy though.
All to true my good man, but it could be fun being a god you know. Think of all the possibilities. Quinn smiles I'm getting hungry again lets head back to the Satyr I will see to it that we eat well tonight. If you haven't supped yet O master of wagons you are welcome to join us you have been a most interesting guide.
I appreciate the offer young Thinwhistle, but if I am to be prepared for when the world needs a god of wagons, well I better keep at it. he smirks. Not to mention the misses holds me to that statement about bringing home coin every day.
Well at least let me run in and grab you a few meat pies you can eat while rolling. Quinn licks his lips as he thinks of the flaky crust and spiced meat with the onions and mushrooms.
Bofgar clambers back onto the wagon. Grace never being a dwarf's strong point.
Now that my friend, sounds like an offer I would be foolish to turn down. The old man grins. Bofgar just got this ride for a whole lot cheaper the wagoner thinks to himself. the old waits patiently for the rest to decide if they are ready, the patience comes easy in the splendor of the view.
Krom steps up into the wagon and hauls himself into a seat, settling into a comfortable position. "Mmm...what a fine day this has been. A fine day indeed. What other splendors might it possibly hold?"
Of course Taecuss. I'm sorry I thought you were already joining us I meant for you to be included in our victuals. Quinn says as he hops back up into the wagon Pepper following him.
"Quinn, your tavern could be a little closer to the Cathedral. This ride'll cost me a fortune!" Bofgar complains merrily.
The wagoner laughs as they take the same path they took on the way. He points to the still unconcious thug from before, He is now wearing only his pants and the vagabond children are no where to be found.
"Master dwarf, this ride will cost you very little, most of the fee will be paid in meat pies not to mention a good conversation and a better purpose, I could stare at the cathedral all day long."
The wagon pulls up to the front of the pub and he lets you all out, when he does another grouop walks out of the pub as you get out. He will wait for the meat pies and then he's off into town once more.
Once they have meat pies in hand, Krom relaxes supine across one of the wagon seats, balancing the hot meat pastry in the broad palm of one mottled, green-black hand.
"So tell me, Master Quinn," he muses in a curious rumble, his eyes taking in the pie before he actually takes a bite. "Returning to our conversation before, is the practice of slavery legal in Absalom? I've found that in many places in my travels, legal or not, it's still practiced, and I've had to..." He pauses delicately, then adds with an ominous inflection. "...take steps."
Well Good Krom slavery is illegal in our fair city, but it is also said you can find everything for sale in Absalom.Quinn notes I would happily help you in any venture to free our brothers and sisters in chains.
"Elf...you've got that look in your eyes. Like me Granfa when he remembered the old days," says Bofgar. He sits down again with a meat pie in both hands. "By the gods these are delicious. So warm and flaky...I'll need another drink to wash them down!"
Quinn comes over with a full tray. mounds of meat pies on a platter, Sharp Andoran cheese, fresh loaves of Thinwhistle rye, crocks of honey and butter. His sister follows with a tray of pitchers of assorted Ale and cider. Let us celebrate our day by feasting and sharing stories. Perhaps Illy will come by I hope for you all to meet her. She has some stories to tell. Quinn slides the food onto the table. Eat up my friends there is plenty.
A Varisian gypsy-woman with a tray full of tankards of ale appears, as if summoned by Bofgar's wish for drink, and sets a tankard right into his hand. Despite the colorful scarves, she's got a dagger at her hip and a fitted chain shirt over her tunic, and doesn't look quite like a waitress...
Greetings gentlemen, she says, handing out ales as she does with a graceful flourish and a dazzling smile, When I see an elf, a dwarf and one of the orc-kin at table, it's either the beginning of a dirty joke or a sign that there is adventure afoot. She appears ready to keep the fourth ale for herself, when Quinn suddenly arrives and she hands it to him instead, And I'd be interested in either. she finishes, putting her hand to her hip, as if awaiting the alluded-to dirty joke.
Quinn's sister's arrival with pitchers of ale and cider only makes it handy that they've now got tankards, and it almost looks pre-arranged, despite her obvious surprise at the Halfling's appearance...