The front door of the tavern opens yet again as a large figure lumbers into the building, two boxes held firmly upon the shoulders of the female Goliath.
She gives a silent nod to Greshak who returns the nod, directing her toward the kitchen. She slowly makes her way to the kitchen, stopping to avoid stepping on the drunk, small people that enter path, waiting patiently until they have passed before she continues. She gives a small smile and another nod when she makes eye contact with Ruhkis before entering the kitchen doors.
She is in the kitchen only moments before re-emerging with empty arms and an empty cup in hand. She then slumps into two stools at the bar, holding the cup and tracing the glass with her thumbs. Her face is somber and tired as she is carried away in thought.
"Tadeera working you hard again, Nalla?" The Baron asks as he raises a glass towards the large woman. There are a few wrinkles in his dark purple complexion. Moreso than one would think for a tiefling so young. His crowsfeet deepen as he smiles.
"Bah!" The gnome spits, unseen from behind the tall bar. "She works just as hard as everyone else in this town! Don't think that wetting YOUR whistle is a walk in the park... Especially when the others come in town. Last time Agnar almost drank us dry! I thought about sending Nalla here on a quick run to Luthaan, but thought better of it."
The Baron winks at Nalla. "Well the only way we can put up with you, Tadeera, is to get a little drink in us...."
"Well I think I shall retire to my room for the night, sir dwarf it's been a pleasure." Kevelor then approaches the gnome "What do I owe you for a room for the night?"
"Thank you sir knight. Perhaps I will be able to offer you similar help some day." Liet says to Theos. And also with an interest in local affairs will keep a close eye, and try to listen in, on Theos' coversation with Tadeera ((is that right for the Gnome's name?)).
Nalla gives The Baron a small smile. "Tadeera has provided many great services to all of us." Her smile broadens as she looks to Tadeera, though still speaking to The Baron. "I would gladly go to Luthaan or anywhere else if it meant keeping her and this city afloat." Nalla raises her glass in respect. "So, Baron, another tough day, huh? It must have been pretty bad if you're looking for such a strong drink."
"Just another day..." The Baron motions at Tadeera. "Nalla's next drink is on me, Dee. If only everyone was as kind as you, Nalla... I'd have no need to send men to secure the safety of trade routes. Oh by the way-"
The Baron stops mid sentence and his eyes glaze over from a deep red to a milky white. He stares at nothing for a moment before speaking.
"I see..." He says to no one present. A few 'yes's and 'mhmms' later... "I'll do my best, as always, old friend."
The Baron leans back and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Greshak..." He says almost under his breath.
"Baron?" The half orc replies, only a step away, never leaving the tieflings presence.
"I apologize for dismissing you so quickly earlier," The Baron turns around, hovers a few inches, and places a hand on the half orcs shoulders. "Warden, I'm going to need you to do some wardening. Tonight."
"Oh?" The hint of a smile creeps up on the half orcs face.
"Now don't get snart," the tiefling Huff's. "You were right. We need to secure that route from the raids. And we need to secure it tonight. Or at least start to."
"Tonight?!" The warden raises eyebeow. "It's already hours past dusk Baron... We can't..."
"I didn't make you warden to give me excuses, Greshak." The Baron interrupts. "You're more than capable of making it happen. Figure it out and let me know. I have to head home for a meeting."
"But you haven't even finished your wine!" Tadeera shouts from behind another table.
"Next time Dee," The Baron looks greshak square in the eyes. "I need this done Greshak, WE need this done, more than you know. Please don't fail me."
The tiefling winks at Nalla, gives a quick nod, then disappears in a shimmering haze.
The large half orc plops down at the bar and runs a thick hand over his bald head.
"He does this to me... Every... Time..." He looks toward the gnome bartender. "Any suggestions on this one? I sent the last two I could spare last week... And you heard what he said about them..."
"I just serve drinks Mr. Warden," the gnome appears from behind the bar washing a pint with a rag. "I'm not savvy on securing trade routes. However I'm sure I could figure it out for the right price..." She says with a wry smile.
"Nevermind..." The half orc says, and tilts up his glass.
"Ah jeez," Ruhkis mutters under his breath. His stomach starts turning knots. He's watched this scene play out before and knows what comes next. Lifting himself up out of his chair, the dwarf stretches. Bones and joints crack. Scar tissue pops. Eventually he slowly shuffles up to the bar and takes a seat next to Nalla.
"Another plate of food and some hard drink if you don't mind, Tadeera!"
Without even glancing a the goliath, Ruhkis says to her, "You know I'm an old dwarf, right? I've seen war and fought many an evil blight. If I were a goliath I'd be proper retired at this point. Plus, it's pretty cold outside. I got me a seat over there by the fire."
He turns to face Nalla with just a hint ofconcern on his face. "Why don't you join me at the table and we can debate closed die vs rolled ring? Let the night pass by without any drama? Tomorrow I'll come over to your shop and help you with that last batch of wagon wheels."
Liet will walk up to the half-orc and say, somewhat quietly "excuse me Mr. Greshak. Sorry to eavesdrop... But... From whom exactly are you needing to defend the trade routes?"
"Ah jeez," Ruhkis mutters under his breath. His stomach starts turning knots. He's watched this scene play out before and knows what comes next. Lifting himself up out of his chair, the dwarf stretches. Bones and joints crack. Scar tissue pops. Eventually he slowly shuffles up to the bar and takes a seat next to Nalla.
"Another plate of food and some hard drink if you don't mind, Tadeera!"
Without even glancing a the goliath, Ruhkis says to her, "You know I'm an old dwarf, right? I've seen war and fought many an evil blight. If I were a goliath I'd be proper retired at this point. Plus, it's pretty cold outside. I got me a seat over there by the fire."
He turns to face Nalla with just a hint ofconcern on his face. "Why don't you join me at the table and we can debate closed die vs rolled ring? Let the night pass by without any drama? Tomorrow I'll come over to your shop and help you with that last batch of wagon wheels."
Nalla
Nalla's eyebrows furrow slightly, though her expression is soft. She sighs deeply, seriously considering Ruhkis's offer. "I don't know if I can," she says softly. "I want to keep working at the forge, but I can't work if there is no forge..." She looks at her glass that is still empty, making no attempt to ask for it to be filled. A small smile appears at the corner of her lips, though it doesn't affect the rest of her face. "However, I would love to hear your opinions on the matter of the dice..." She stands and looks toward the table Ruhkis mentioned, waiting for Ruhkis to lead her.
"Ah jeez," Ruhkis mutters under his breath. His stomach starts turning knots. He's watched this scene play out before and knows what comes next. Lifting himself up out of his chair, the dwarf stretches. Bones and joints crack. Scar tissue pops. Eventually he slowly shuffles up to the bar and takes a seat next to Nalla.
"Another plate of food and some hard drink if you don't mind, Tadeera!"
Without even glancing a the goliath, Ruhkis says to her, "You know I'm an old dwarf, right? I've seen war and fought many an evil blight. If I were a goliath I'd be proper retired at this point. Plus, it's pretty cold outside. I got me a seat over there by the fire."
He turns to face Nalla with just a hint ofconcern on his face. "Why don't you join me at the table and we can debate closed die vs rolled ring? Let the night pass by without any drama? Tomorrow I'll come over to your shop and help you with that last batch of wagon wheels."
Nalla
Nalla's eyebrows furrow slightly, though her expression is soft. She sighs deeply, seriously considering Ruhkis's offer. "I don't know if I can," she says softly. "I want to keep working at the forge, but I can't work if there is no forge..." She looks at her glass that is still empty, making no attempt to ask for it to be filled. A small smile appears at the corner of her lips, though it doesn't affect the rest of her face. "However, I would love to hear your opinions on the matter of the dice..." She stands and looks toward the table Ruhkis mentioned, waiting for Ruhkis to lead her.
The two smiths have had this conversation more than once. Ruhkis starts to panic just a little because Nalla knows exactly which strings to pull. He decides to stall.
"Look, there are newcomers in town, right here in the Grip. One's even a soldier who looks like he's got plenty of soldiering left in him. They seem eager and capable and they could probably use the coin. Greshak will hire them, they'll save the day, and you and I both get to keep our innards where they belong."
Nalla doesn't answer at first and Ruhkis takes it as an opening to close the deal. He gets up and walks behind the bar, taking her empty mug with him. Filling it up with mead he says, "Look, you leave now and the next caravan goes out without spare wheels. There's a lot of obligation to go around and we all have a part to play."
Setting the mug in front of his fellow smithy, Ruhkis leans over the bar with a half smile. "Let the new-comers take an orc blade if they're so keen on it. We need you here at the forge."
Liet will walk up to the half-orc and say, somewhat quietly "excuse me Mr. Greshak. Sorry to eavesdrop... But... From whom exactly are you needing to defend the trade routes?"
"I've heard rumors, Warden, of demons around this town. Is any of this true? If so, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand. Slaying evil is my job."
Greshak looks at Liet over his shoulder.
"Wish I knew little one, that's half the problem," he takes a long draught from his pint and then looks toward Theos. "As far as demons... The Devils took care of the demon from the mine. But to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if something else showed up. You're looking for work? I certainly got the coin to pay you. But be warned, I sent out two last time and they haven't come back. You'll need more than just yourself. and you only get paid if you return, AND can tell me exactly what's happenin'. Double if you can stop it and prove you did so. That was what I offered the last folks at least. And you probably heard the Baron, you'd need to leave immediately."
"I don't care much about demons or devils... but anything I can do to hurt those gods damned slavers is motivation for me."
"Sir Knight"looking up at Theos. "We haven't officially met. I'm Liet. Though we're looking to fight different things, perhaps we can help each other. Though I have to admit..." Liet says a bit shyly "...I'm not the strongest fighter. I do have other useful skills though."
Door opens quietly, as a 5 foot brightly colored (red, yellow, and orange) Aarakocra steps in and shut the door behind him. A deer carcass resting on his right shoulder. there are 2 swords at his side and a bow and quiver on his back. Seems the quiver, and backpack must have been altered to not hinder his very large wings. He is covered in blood, and has a torn piece of cloth wrapped around his left hand.
Looking around the room assessing everyone, his gaze lingers much longer over the new comers. The whole time you can hear his talons scrape and clack across the floor as he walks towards Tadeera. He is definitely not sneaking, but not trying to draw any attention either. Once he get near her, he makes sure his back is to the nearest wall so he can still see the whole tavern, and he kneels down, so as not to tower over her.
"Much busier than normal tonight", McFuddy says halfheartedly trying to hide his irritation. "Meat, hide, bones, innards, antlers. As you requested last time, I came to you first so you could have first pick. So how much do you want, and where do you want it?" While talking to her he keeps his eyes on the others in the bar.
"The usual, please, my feathery friend,"She waggles a dirty rag toward Greshak. "The warden is hiring folks to secure the routes again. You didn't see anything when you were out, did you? He may be interested to have something new to go on..."
The two smiths have had this conversation more than once. Ruhkis starts to panic just a little because Nalla knows exactly which strings to pull. He decides to stall.
"Look, there are newcomers in town, right here in the Grip. One's even a soldier who looks like he's got plenty of soldiering left in him. They seem eager and capable and they could probably use the coin. Greshak will hire them, they'll save the day, and you and I both get to keep our innards where they belong."
Nalla doesn't answer at first and Ruhkis takes it as an opening to close the deal. He gets up and walks behind the bar, taking her empty mug with him. Filling it up with mead he says, "Look, you leave now and the next caravan goes out without spare wheels. There's a lot of obligation to go around and we all have a part to play."
Setting the mug in front of his fellow smithy, Ruhkis leans over the bar with a half smile. "Let the new-comers take an orc blade if they're so keen on it. We need you here at the forge."
NALLA
Nalla blushes slightly. She'd actually already completed the spare wheels last night. She needed to make sure they were done right and it took all night, but she got the level of perfection she wanted. (DM, I'm okay if you'd like to give Nalla a level of exhaustion because she didn't sleep last night) "Well, you certainly have a convincing tongue; I'm sure that's what made you such a great leader and soldier, back in the day." She lifts the mug in a toast. "To freedom and safety."
"No, ma'am. just this deer. I'll take the meat and innards to the kitchen, and then be on my way. I can see your busy, so when you get a free moment you can bring me my payment." McFuddy turns to the locals in the bar "Ruhkis, Nalla, Jasper, Greshak, any of you interested in the hide, hooves, bones or antlers? If so, you can find me in the kitchen"
McFuddy stands up, and walks the outside of the room to get to the kitchen. Keeping his eyes on everyone, until he disappears out of site into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen he searches through his bag for a dagger and a whetstone. He sharpens the dagger for a moment, then gets to work. Expertly sectioning off the meat from the bones.
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"Tadeera working you hard again, Nalla?" The Baron asks as he raises a glass towards the large woman. There are a few wrinkles in his dark purple complexion. Moreso than one would think for a tiefling so young. His crowsfeet deepen as he smiles.
"Bah!" The gnome spits, unseen from behind the tall bar. "She works just as hard as everyone else in this town! Don't think that wetting YOUR whistle is a walk in the park... Especially when the others come in town. Last time Agnar almost drank us dry! I thought about sending Nalla here on a quick run to Luthaan, but thought better of it."
The Baron winks at Nalla. "Well the only way we can put up with you, Tadeera, is to get a little drink in us...."
"Well I think I shall retire to my room for the night, sir dwarf it's been a pleasure." Kevelor then approaches the gnome "What do I owe you for a room for the night?"
Seeing Kevelor rise, Theos rises as well, and looks to Liet.
"You should eat more, little one. If you ever need healing or guidance, just come knocking on my door."
He then approaches the gnome.
Player: Caer Blain Campaign
DM: Stormhaven
DM: Temple of the Lizard King
"Thank you sir knight. Perhaps I will be able to offer you similar help some day." Liet says to Theos. And also with an interest in local affairs will keep a close eye, and try to listen in, on Theos' coversation with Tadeera ((is that right for the Gnome's name?)).
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
NALLA
Nalla gives The Baron a small smile. "Tadeera has provided many great services to all of us." Her smile broadens as she looks to Tadeera, though still speaking to The Baron. "I would gladly go to Luthaan or anywhere else if it meant keeping her and this city afloat." Nalla raises her glass in respect. "So, Baron, another tough day, huh? It must have been pretty bad if you're looking for such a strong drink."
"Just another day..." The Baron motions at Tadeera. "Nalla's next drink is on me, Dee. If only everyone was as kind as you, Nalla... I'd have no need to send men to secure the safety of trade routes. Oh by the way-"
The Baron stops mid sentence and his eyes glaze over from a deep red to a milky white. He stares at nothing for a moment before speaking.
"I see..." He says to no one present. A few 'yes's and 'mhmms' later... "I'll do my best, as always, old friend."
The Baron leans back and rubs the bridge of his nose. "Greshak..." He says almost under his breath.
"Baron?" The half orc replies, only a step away, never leaving the tieflings presence.
"I apologize for dismissing you so quickly earlier," The Baron turns around, hovers a few inches, and places a hand on the half orcs shoulders. "Warden, I'm going to need you to do some wardening. Tonight."
"Oh?" The hint of a smile creeps up on the half orcs face.
"Now don't get snart," the tiefling Huff's. "You were right. We need to secure that route from the raids. And we need to secure it tonight. Or at least start to."
"Tonight?!" The warden raises eyebeow. "It's already hours past dusk Baron... We can't..."
"I didn't make you warden to give me excuses, Greshak." The Baron interrupts. "You're more than capable of making it happen. Figure it out and let me know. I have to head home for a meeting."
"But you haven't even finished your wine!" Tadeera shouts from behind another table.
"Next time Dee," The Baron looks greshak square in the eyes. "I need this done Greshak, WE need this done, more than you know. Please don't fail me."
The tiefling winks at Nalla, gives a quick nod, then disappears in a shimmering haze.
The large half orc plops down at the bar and runs a thick hand over his bald head.
"He does this to me... Every... Time..." He looks toward the gnome bartender. "Any suggestions on this one? I sent the last two I could spare last week... And you heard what he said about them..."
"I just serve drinks Mr. Warden," the gnome appears from behind the bar washing a pint with a rag. "I'm not savvy on securing trade routes. However I'm sure I could figure it out for the right price..." She says with a wry smile.
"Nevermind..." The half orc says, and tilts up his glass.
Kevelor clears his throat as he was standing right beside the two "Is something the matter? "
"Ah jeez," Ruhkis mutters under his breath. His stomach starts turning knots. He's watched this scene play out before and knows what comes next. Lifting himself up out of his chair, the dwarf stretches. Bones and joints crack. Scar tissue pops. Eventually he slowly shuffles up to the bar and takes a seat next to Nalla.
"Another plate of food and some hard drink if you don't mind, Tadeera!"
Without even glancing a the goliath, Ruhkis says to her, "You know I'm an old dwarf, right? I've seen war and fought many an evil blight. If I were a goliath I'd be proper retired at this point. Plus, it's pretty cold outside. I got me a seat over there by the fire."
He turns to face Nalla with just a hint ofconcern on his face. "Why don't you join me at the table and we can debate closed die vs rolled ring? Let the night pass by without any drama? Tomorrow I'll come over to your shop and help you with that last batch of wagon wheels."
Liet will walk up to the half-orc and say, somewhat quietly "excuse me Mr. Greshak. Sorry to eavesdrop... But... From whom exactly are you needing to defend the trade routes?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Nalla
Nalla's eyebrows furrow slightly, though her expression is soft. She sighs deeply, seriously considering Ruhkis's offer. "I don't know if I can," she says softly. "I want to keep working at the forge, but I can't work if there is no forge..." She looks at her glass that is still empty, making no attempt to ask for it to be filled. A small smile appears at the corner of her lips, though it doesn't affect the rest of her face. "However, I would love to hear your opinions on the matter of the dice..." She stands and looks toward the table Ruhkis mentioned, waiting for Ruhkis to lead her.
The two smiths have had this conversation more than once. Ruhkis starts to panic just a little because Nalla knows exactly which strings to pull. He decides to stall.
"Look, there are newcomers in town, right here in the Grip. One's even a soldier who looks like he's got plenty of soldiering left in him. They seem eager and capable and they could probably use the coin. Greshak will hire them, they'll save the day, and you and I both get to keep our innards where they belong."
Nalla doesn't answer at first and Ruhkis takes it as an opening to close the deal. He gets up and walks behind the bar, taking her empty mug with him. Filling it up with mead he says, "Look, you leave now and the next caravan goes out without spare wheels. There's a lot of obligation to go around and we all have a part to play."
Setting the mug in front of his fellow smithy, Ruhkis leans over the bar with a half smile. "Let the new-comers take an orc blade if they're so keen on it. We need you here at the forge."
Theos will approach the half-orc.
"I've heard rumors, Warden, of demons around this town. Is any of this true? If so, I'd be more than happy to lend a hand. Slaying evil is my job."
Player: Caer Blain Campaign
DM: Stormhaven
DM: Temple of the Lizard King
Greshak looks at Liet over his shoulder.
"Wish I knew little one, that's half the problem," he takes a long draught from his pint and then looks toward Theos. "As far as demons... The Devils took care of the demon from the mine. But to be honest I wouldn't be surprised if something else showed up. You're looking for work? I certainly got the coin to pay you. But be warned, I sent out two last time and they haven't come back. You'll need more than just yourself. and you only get paid if you return, AND can tell me exactly what's happenin'. Double if you can stop it and prove you did so. That was what I offered the last folks at least. And you probably heard the Baron, you'd need to leave immediately."
"I don't care much about demons or devils... but anything I can do to hurt those gods damned slavers is motivation for me."
"Sir Knight" looking up at Theos. "We haven't officially met. I'm Liet. Though we're looking to fight different things, perhaps we can help each other. Though I have to admit..." Liet says a bit shyly "...I'm not the strongest fighter. I do have other useful skills though."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
"Aye. I think you're stronger than you seem to be. I'm Theos. If it works for you, we can set off tonight, but we might need a bit more manpower."
Player: Caer Blain Campaign
DM: Stormhaven
DM: Temple of the Lizard King
McFuddy
Door opens quietly, as a 5 foot brightly colored (red, yellow, and orange) Aarakocra steps in and shut the door behind him. A deer carcass resting on his right shoulder. there are 2 swords at his side and a bow and quiver on his back. Seems the quiver, and backpack must have been altered to not hinder his very large wings. He is covered in blood, and has a torn piece of cloth wrapped around his left hand.
Looking around the room assessing everyone, his gaze lingers much longer over the new comers. The whole time you can hear his talons scrape and clack across the floor as he walks towards Tadeera. He is definitely not sneaking, but not trying to draw any attention either. Once he get near her, he makes sure his back is to the nearest wall so he can still see the whole tavern, and he kneels down, so as not to tower over her.
"Much busier than normal tonight", McFuddy says halfheartedly trying to hide his irritation. "Meat, hide, bones, innards, antlers. As you requested last time, I came to you first so you could have first pick. So how much do you want, and where do you want it?" While talking to her he keeps his eyes on the others in the bar.
"The usual, please, my feathery friend," She waggles a dirty rag toward Greshak. "The warden is hiring folks to secure the routes again. You didn't see anything when you were out, did you? He may be interested to have something new to go on..."
((you didn't see anything))
NALLA
Nalla blushes slightly. She'd actually already completed the spare wheels last night. She needed to make sure they were done right and it took all night, but she got the level of perfection she wanted. (DM, I'm okay if you'd like to give Nalla a level of exhaustion because she didn't sleep last night) "Well, you certainly have a convincing tongue; I'm sure that's what made you such a great leader and soldier, back in the day." She lifts the mug in a toast. "To freedom and safety."
McFuddy
"No, ma'am. just this deer. I'll take the meat and innards to the kitchen, and then be on my way. I can see your busy, so when you get a free moment you can bring me my payment." McFuddy turns to the locals in the bar "Ruhkis, Nalla, Jasper, Greshak, any of you interested in the hide, hooves, bones or antlers? If so, you can find me in the kitchen"
McFuddy stands up, and walks the outside of the room to get to the kitchen. Keeping his eyes on everyone, until he disappears out of site into the kitchen. Once in the kitchen he searches through his bag for a dagger and a whetstone. He sharpens the dagger for a moment, then gets to work. Expertly sectioning off the meat from the bones.