The stale smell of stagnate water clung to the air as gnats and the like buzzed about without a care in the world. The hum of mosquitoes could be heard followed by a swift smack of a hand as one attempted to swat it away. All around people were bustling about. What was normally a quiet town hidden deep within Arketa Swamps, now has the fire of excitement lit under them. Inns were cleaning house, shops were stocking up, the people were getting ready for more people to come. Hunting season was about to begin. Yet as excited as you can see the people are for what is about to come, there's still a sense of seriousness about it. The fence of sharpened logs jutting out from the ground surrounding the village islands serves as an ever present reminder that not all is safe right now. Just as people are tending to their homes and shops, you notice people walking the fence line tending to it as well.
((Welcome to the party guys, at long last it begins. Any Immediate ooc stuff that needs to be done will be done in this kinda format. No brackets though cause that's how you do the html editing stuff. Lets get some character introductions going and get this party started. Also you can find an actual link to the town map under campaign notes. I will admit i got lazy and didn't fill in a bunch of the residential homes, so just pretend there's a bunch in the empty island spaces.))
Reginald James Deeyo (Reg) strolled down the road humming to himself, lazily strumming his lyre. He wasn’t singing anything in particular, just stringing notes to help soothe his anxiety. Green eyes, only slightly bloodshot, ever watchful for any danger along the path. He hated traveling hungover but he knew sobriety was needed on this stretch of the journey.
He liked the outdoors well enough but he hated swamps. The bugs always swarmed him, the humidity made his balls itch something fierce, his shoulder length curly hair collected hanging moss and the idea of lizardlions (idk what you call alligators in your world so I can change later) waiting in the shallow waters along the path to ambush put him on edge. He couldn’t wait to get to an inn.
“Ok, maybe just one beer to soothe to take the edge off. Scale of the dragon, amirite?”
At 5’2”, 140lbs, he’d seem an easy meal to most of the swamp denizens. But he knew with a song and a catty remark, he could keep most threats at bay.
As the first beer started taking affect and the second was cracked open, his humming started to form: “🎶We’re off to the witch, we may never never never come home. But the magic that we’ll feel is worth a lifetime....🎶”
Hobbling down the road towards the sounds of what I guess you could call civilization, Tyrin Luniir mumbled to himself "Damn swamps and their damn moods... Of all the environments I could have wound up in it had to be this miserable place with all its 'Oh look I'm so gloomy and edgy.' and 'Hey there Mr. Druid, this root is gonna make you trip for no reason and twist your damn ankle!'" It was as though swamps had it out for him and the feeling was mutual.
Having been separated from the small trade caravan he had been traveling with days ago in a horrific storm, Tyrin found himself here and now; this was not convenient. Thankfully he happened upon this road and, discounting the swamp aspect, chose wisely in his direction of travel. "Please let there be an inn with some proper bedding and food!" he grumbled. "Some wine would be nice as well."
Making his way through what resembled a town gate, he noticed the hustle and bustle of the town. Trying to stay out of peoples way he hobbled his way towards the nearest inn/tavern and stepped inside and with a rowdy voice said to no-one in particular, "Boy oh boy, it's moister than an oyster out there eh?" - the patrons didn't seem amused - "Uh-hmm... I'll just take a bit of wine and something hearty to nibble on if you don't mind." as he glanced around the room. Tyrin went and sat at a corner table, happy to be in a relatively safe and comfortable environment. He rested his eyes as he awaited what was hopefully a tasty meal.
"Smells like money" Wheeze muttered as he reached the log palisade. The diminutive creature seemed to skulk just off the edge of the road, avoiding both attention, and the very real hazard of being trampled. Excepting his muddied boots, the goblin was clean, which was an odd sight for one of his kind, and his armament well oiled and maintained.
Finding an inn he did not immediately enter, rather he casually strolled the rest of the island. "First things first" he thought, "escape route, hiding spots, hazards." He was meticulous in this manner, it's how a goblin lived in a world of hateful giants. Being hunted was a way of life for him, and he had gotten very good at not being found.
Feeling satisfied with a general knowledge of his surroundings, he decided to head into the inn. "Money doesn't make itself, and these soft-folk won't just give it to me, lets set up shop" Finding a corner booth he ordered a few ales to avoid irritating the inn-keeper with a lack of patronage, and pulled out his sign. Stretched between two arrows was a canvas which read: "VERMIN KILLIN' AND BEAST TRACKIN' IF THEY HAVE FEET I'LL FIND EM"
"Man what a wonderful day in the swamp!" Bert cheerily said to himself as he ambled down the road to town, taking time to admire some mushrooms on a fallen log hanging halfway out of the water before poking them with his staff. The fresh smell of swamp water reminded Bert of home, others usually took offence to the stagnant smells that bubbled up from the murky waters but not Bert to him they were the smell of comfort, freedom and home. With so much humidity in the air the moss on his shell was looking extra soft and velvety and the cacophony of insects sounded like the tunes of the finest kings courts in far away lands. As Bert approached the spiked palisade he paused to take it all in, at 6ft and close to 600lbs (mostly in the shell) he wondered what was all the excitement about. He said to himself "I hope there is a tavern as warm and welcoming as the one I worked in back at home". He quickly got to moving though knowing full well that of course there would be how could you not be warm and welcoming in a swamp as breathtaking as this. As Bert moved through town picking up his pace as he walked through town giving friendly nods and slight waves to those he passed he soon found the tavern and entered picking a open place to stand at the bar where he promptly put down a sizable coin got a lager and told the bartender to keep the change. At last he was ready to see what new adventure came his way and in what better place than the Arketa Swamps!
The atmosphere inside the the tavern is quiet lively. Locals and some early travelers are enjoying meal and mead. A rather plump middle-aged halfling woman stands behind the bar and greats each of you as you enter. Her auburn hair was wavy with streaks of grey running through it and too much makeup adorned her face. Her clothes were a nice as she could keep them working the bar, bright colors with a corset that possibly a size to small for her for while they put her goods out in center view, the straps could be seen straining to keep her in one piece. "Welcome to The Favorite Aunt where I'm everyone's favorite aunt." She said before pausing briefly to chuckle at her own joke. "Take a seat where you can and I'll send one of my girls to see to ya." One by one tavern girls come to check on you, making small conversation as the time goes.
"I like you're voice," the tavern girl says with a smile to the bard strumming his lyre. "Is it just you or are you with a full band?"
"What brings you to Arketa? Are you here to hunt like the others?" She asks as she checks on the grumpy druid.
"Wow, where are you from if I may ask? We don't get many turtlefolk here." Another girl asks as she looks up at the tortle.
When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
{{Another tidbit for moving forward and hopefully reduce confusion. Whenever i do a post like this that I'm talking to multiple people more or less at once. Quote the part of the conversation that reflects your character. As the game continues I shouldn't be doing it as often in this style but just so you know. It should help keep the conversations in line.}}
"I like you're voice," the tavern girl says with a smile to the bard strumming his lyre. "Is it just you or are you with a full band?"
“Thank you, my dear” he said smiling back, “I’m flying solo for now.” *He plucked a sad little note and pushed out his bottom lip playfully, but then switched back to a smile* “But I am on the lookout for a band to join with. I’ve been on the road for too long alone, plucking my own strings. I think it’s high time I found where the booze AND the boys are!”
"When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
Wheeze gripped his sign protectively, but catching her discomfiture grinned in what he hoped was a disarming nature. "Thanks lady, know where this Bubba guy is? Does he need help hunting?"
"I like you're voice," the tavern girl says with a smile to the bard strumming his lyre. "Is it just you or are you with a full band?"
“Thank you, my dear” he said smiling back, “I’m flying solo for now.” *He plucked a sad little note and pushed out his bottom lip playfully, but then switched back to a smile* “But I am on the lookout for a band to join with. I’ve been on the road for too long alone, plucking my own strings. I think it’s high time I found where the booze AND the boys are!”
"I'd pass you along to Auntie but we're booked for months," She said as she brought him another beer. "Perhaps Bubba might have something for you? I know he usually tries to do a festivale at the opening of gator hunting season. Usually our local guys are busy with hunting to sing."
"When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
Wheeze gripped his sign protectively, but catching her discomfiture grinned in what he hoped was a disarming nature. "Thanks lady, know where this Bubba guy is? Does he need help hunting?"
"No, Bubba is very protective of his gator hunting spots. Some of the others may be interested in hiring some protection. My boyfriend said the lizardfolk are getting more aggressive. He's not the only one saying it too." She says to the little goblin.
"When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
Wheeze gripped his sign protectively, but catching her discomfiture grinned in what he hoped was a disarming nature. "Thanks lady, know where this Bubba guy is? Does he need help hunting?"
"No, Bubba is very protective of his gator hunting spots. Some of the others may be interested in hiring some protection. My boyfriend said the lizardfolk are getting more aggressive. He's not the only one saying it too." She says to the little goblin.
His grin widening into a broad and toothy smile and he started gathering his things. "Gator you say, I'll be off then! Whats my tab... I'm sorry I never caught your name."
"I like you're voice," the tavern girl says with a smile to the bard strumming his lyre. "Is it just you or are you with a full band?"
“Thank you, my dear” he said smiling back, “I’m flying solo for now.” *He plucked a sad little note and pushed out his bottom lip playfully, but then switched back to a smile* “But I am on the lookout for a band to join with. I’ve been on the road for too long alone, plucking my own strings. I think it’s high time I found where the booze AND the boys are!”
"I'd pass you along to Auntie but we're booked for months," She said as she brought him another beer. "Perhaps Bubba might have something for you? I know he usually tries to do a festivale at the opening of gator hunting season. Usually our local guys are busy with hunting to sing."
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
His grin widening into a broad and toothy smile and he started gathering his things. "Gator you say, I'll be off then! Whats my tab... I'm sorry I never caught your name."
"Just two copper for yah. And the name Erin," She said. "Good luck with Bubba!" She said as he left.
"Wow, where are you from if I may ask? We don't get many turtlefolk here."
Oh well I am so glad you asked! You know its actually funny story where I am from is a beautiful swamp covered in moss and water and giant trees growing out of the swamp. There are tupelo trees and water oaks and cypress and black gum and..... Bert the tortle drones on for a while oblivious to the fact that this girl has no idea what most of these trees are let alone cares but tortles talk slow and tip well while also drinking a lot so waitresses generally let it happen. ...SO that is how I got the name Bert. So tell me seems to be some excitement going on is there something that needs doing?
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
"Knowing him, he's around the Hunter's Lodge on the north side of the island." She said. She also leaned close and tapped on her elongated elven ears. "And don't worry, our Bubba's a cutie." she added with a wink and a playful smile.
"Oh well I am so glad you asked! You know its actually funny story where I am from is a beautiful swamp covered in moss and water and giant trees growing out of the swamp. There are tupelo trees and water oaks and cypress and black gum and....." Bert the tortle drones on for a while oblivious to the fact that this girl has no idea what most of these trees are let alone cares but tortles talk slow and tip well while also drinking a lot so waitresses generally let it happen. "...SO that is how I got the name Bert. So tell me seems to be some excitement going on is there something that needs doing?"
"Funny you should mention that." She said as she brought out another mug of ale. "Gator hunting season is about to start. It's a bit of a big deal here, usually a festival and priest from The Ranger's Temple does a blessing. Bubba always is trying to do too much for him, bless him. He'll be by the Hunting Lodge. I'm more than positive if you need work he'll have something. If not there's a bulletin board hosted by the Cazadors near by too."
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
"Knowing him, he's around the Hunter's Lodge on the north side of the island." She said. She also leaned close and tapped on her elongated elven ears. "And don't worry, our Bubba's a cutie." she added with a wink and a playful smile.
Perking up, “Well thank you for the tip, gorgeous. I’ll take one more beer, my check and the I’ll get out of your hair.” He thinks for a second and when she comes back with beer and bill, asks “what else can you tel me about this town besides the hunt? Is that anything else that goes on like festivals or events? What else is interesting about this place?”
His grin widening into a broad and toothy smile and he started gathering his things. "Gator you say, I'll be off then! Whats my tab... I'm sorry I never caught your name."
"Just two copper for yah. And the name Erin," She said. "Good luck with Bubba!" She said as he left.
Feeling grateful for the civility, Wheeze tossed her a silver and scampered off to find Bubba.
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
"Knowing him, he's around the Hunter's Lodge on the north side of the island." She said. She also leaned close and tapped on her elongated elven ears. "And don't worry, our Bubba's a cutie." she added with a wink and a playful smile.
Perking up, “Well thank you for the tip, gorgeous. I’ll take one more beer, my check and the I’ll get out of your hair.” He thinks for a second and when she comes back with beer and bill, asks “what else can you tel me about this town besides the hunt? Is that anything else that goes on like festivals or events? What else is interesting about this place?”
"Not much. Despite being the largest village in the swamp, other travelers have still called our home small compared to whats outside the swamp. We get by mainly on hunting. Gator season is probably our biggest since the gators here are pretty well renowned for their size and ferocity. Since so many people from around come we've started having a party to celebrate it's start. Then there's the legend of the Swamp-wyrm that keeps adventurers coming. Apparently it's some giant gator... thing. Anyway, the Hunter's Lodge and the Ranger's Guild pretty much work to keep the swamps tame around the village, though apparently the lizardfolk have been making that difficult lately. I'm always hearing stories about stuff out there though; turtles the size of islands, fields of the sweetest smelling flower you'd ever imagine, sunken ruins of a lost civilization. I never know what's real and what's not though. I'm sure you'll hear about it from Bubba when he calms down or some of the others. Oh, and just a little bit of advice, stay away from Mud Town. It's the smallest of our three islands. Nothing but thieves and riffraf there that'll be quick to try to kill you for what few coppers you have in your purse. We don't have a proper militia so we can't do much about them but they seem content to isolate themselves there so we just avoid it." She sighs after her talk before turning a slight red. "Sorry, I didn't meant to talk for so long.
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
"Knowing him, he's around the Hunter's Lodge on the north side of the island." She said. She also leaned close and tapped on her elongated elven ears. "And don't worry, our Bubba's a cutie." she added with a wink and a playful smile.
Perking up, “Well thank you for the tip, gorgeous. I’ll take one more beer, my check and the I’ll get out of your hair.” He thinks for a second and when she comes back with beer and bill, asks “what else can you tel me about this town besides the hunt? Is that anything else that goes on like festivals or events? What else is interesting about this place?”
"Not much. Despite being the largest village in the swamp, other travelers have still called our home small compared to whats outside the swamp. We get by mainly on hunting. Gator season is probably our biggest since the gators here are pretty well renowned for their size and ferocity. Since so many people from around come we've started having a party to celebrate it's start. Then there's the legend of the Swamp-wyrm that keeps adventurers coming. Apparently it's some giant gator... thing. Anyway, the Hunter's Lodge and the Ranger's Guild pretty much work to keep the swamps tame around the village, though apparently the lizardfolk have been making that difficult lately. I'm always hearing stories about stuff out there though; turtles the size of islands, fields of the sweetest smelling flower you'd ever imagine, sunken ruins of a lost civilization. I never know what's real and what's not though. I'm sure you'll hear about it from Bubba when he calms down or some of the others. Oh, and just a little bit of advice, stay away from Mud Town. It's the smallest of our three islands. Nothing but thieves and riffraf there that'll be quick to try to kill you for what few coppers you have in your purse. We don't have a proper militia so we can't do much about them but they seem content to isolate themselves there so we just avoid it." She sighs after her talk before turning a slight red. "Sorry, I didn't meant to talk for so long.
”No problem, hon. Thanks for the information, it might just save my life. And if you hear of anything else that might be helpful” He flipped a gold coin into her hand. “Please do come and let me know.” He winked at her playfully.
With that, Reg made his way to the door and out of the Tavern. He walked for a moment, looking around the town letting the buzz from his last beer bring about that wonderful heady feeling of day drinking. The sulfuric smell of the shallow swamp water and thick humidity seemed less oppressive now. It was time for some fun and Metal.
He turned towards the direction of the hunting lodge with earnest. Still looking around at the town and not so much where he was walking, he felt himself bump into someone. “Oh excuse m...”
He kept his gaze at eye level, looking for who he bumped into. He sniffed once and then looked directly down at a goblin holding a sign. “Oh ****, I thought I smelled meatballs. Sorry for bumping into ya buddy.”
He held a hand out to lift him up.
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The stale smell of stagnate water clung to the air as gnats and the like buzzed about without a care in the world. The hum of mosquitoes could be heard followed by a swift smack of a hand as one attempted to swat it away. All around people were bustling about. What was normally a quiet town hidden deep within Arketa Swamps, now has the fire of excitement lit under them. Inns were cleaning house, shops were stocking up, the people were getting ready for more people to come. Hunting season was about to begin. Yet as excited as you can see the people are for what is about to come, there's still a sense of seriousness about it. The fence of sharpened logs jutting out from the ground surrounding the village islands serves as an ever present reminder that not all is safe right now. Just as people are tending to their homes and shops, you notice people walking the fence line tending to it as well.
((Welcome to the party guys, at long last it begins. Any Immediate ooc stuff that needs to be done will be done in this kinda format. No brackets though cause that's how you do the html editing stuff. Lets get some character introductions going and get this party started. Also you can find an actual link to the town map under campaign notes. I will admit i got lazy and didn't fill in a bunch of the residential homes, so just pretend there's a bunch in the empty island spaces.))
Reginald James Deeyo (Reg) strolled down the road humming to himself, lazily strumming his lyre. He wasn’t singing anything in particular, just stringing notes to help soothe his anxiety. Green eyes, only slightly bloodshot, ever watchful for any danger along the path. He hated traveling hungover but he knew sobriety was needed on this stretch of the journey.
He liked the outdoors well enough but he hated swamps. The bugs always swarmed him, the humidity made his balls itch something fierce, his shoulder length curly hair collected hanging moss and the idea of lizardlions (idk what you call alligators in your world so I can change later) waiting in the shallow waters along the path to ambush put him on edge. He couldn’t wait to get to an inn.
“Ok, maybe just one beer to soothe to take the edge off. Scale of the dragon, amirite?”
At 5’2”, 140lbs, he’d seem an easy meal to most of the swamp denizens. But he knew with a song and a catty remark, he could keep most threats at bay.
As the first beer started taking affect and the second was cracked open, his humming started to form: “🎶We’re off to the witch, we may never never never come home. But the magic that we’ll feel is worth a lifetime....🎶”
Hobbling down the road towards the sounds of what I guess you could call civilization, Tyrin Luniir mumbled to himself "Damn swamps and their damn moods... Of all the environments I could have wound up in it had to be this miserable place with all its 'Oh look I'm so gloomy and edgy.' and 'Hey there Mr. Druid, this root is gonna make you trip for no reason and twist your damn ankle!'" It was as though swamps had it out for him and the feeling was mutual.
Having been separated from the small trade caravan he had been traveling with days ago in a horrific storm, Tyrin found himself here and now; this was not convenient. Thankfully he happened upon this road and, discounting the swamp aspect, chose wisely in his direction of travel. "Please let there be an inn with some proper bedding and food!" he grumbled. "Some wine would be nice as well."
Making his way through what resembled a town gate, he noticed the hustle and bustle of the town. Trying to stay out of peoples way he hobbled his way towards the nearest inn/tavern and stepped inside and with a rowdy voice said to no-one in particular, "Boy oh boy, it's moister than an oyster out there eh?" - the patrons didn't seem amused - "Uh-hmm... I'll just take a bit of wine and something hearty to nibble on if you don't mind." as he glanced around the room. Tyrin went and sat at a corner table, happy to be in a relatively safe and comfortable environment. He rested his eyes as he awaited what was hopefully a tasty meal.
"Smells like money" Wheeze muttered as he reached the log palisade. The diminutive creature seemed to skulk just off the edge of the road, avoiding both attention, and the very real hazard of being trampled. Excepting his muddied boots, the goblin was clean, which was an odd sight for one of his kind, and his armament well oiled and maintained.
Finding an inn he did not immediately enter, rather he casually strolled the rest of the island. "First things first" he thought, "escape route, hiding spots, hazards." He was meticulous in this manner, it's how a goblin lived in a world of hateful giants. Being hunted was a way of life for him, and he had gotten very good at not being found.
Feeling satisfied with a general knowledge of his surroundings, he decided to head into the inn. "Money doesn't make itself, and these soft-folk won't just give it to me, lets set up shop" Finding a corner booth he ordered a few ales to avoid irritating the inn-keeper with a lack of patronage, and pulled out his sign. Stretched between two arrows was a canvas which read:
"VERMIN KILLIN' AND BEAST TRACKIN'
IF THEY HAVE FEET I'LL FIND EM"
"Man what a wonderful day in the swamp!" Bert cheerily said to himself as he ambled down the road to town, taking time to admire some mushrooms on a fallen log hanging halfway out of the water before poking them with his staff. The fresh smell of swamp water reminded Bert of home, others usually took offence to the stagnant smells that bubbled up from the murky waters but not Bert to him they were the smell of comfort, freedom and home. With so much humidity in the air the moss on his shell was looking extra soft and velvety and the cacophony of insects sounded like the tunes of the finest kings courts in far away lands. As Bert approached the spiked palisade he paused to take it all in, at 6ft and close to 600lbs (mostly in the shell) he wondered what was all the excitement about. He said to himself "I hope there is a tavern as warm and welcoming as the one I worked in back at home". He quickly got to moving though knowing full well that of course there would be how could you not be warm and welcoming in a swamp as breathtaking as this. As Bert moved through town picking up his pace as he walked through town giving friendly nods and slight waves to those he passed he soon found the tavern and entered picking a open place to stand at the bar where he promptly put down a sizable coin got a lager and told the bartender to keep the change. At last he was ready to see what new adventure came his way and in what better place than the Arketa Swamps!
The atmosphere inside the the tavern is quiet lively. Locals and some early travelers are enjoying meal and mead. A rather plump middle-aged halfling woman stands behind the bar and greats each of you as you enter. Her auburn hair was wavy with streaks of grey running through it and too much makeup adorned her face. Her clothes were a nice as she could keep them working the bar, bright colors with a corset that possibly a size to small for her for while they put her goods out in center view, the straps could be seen straining to keep her in one piece. "Welcome to The Favorite Aunt where I'm everyone's favorite aunt." She said before pausing briefly to chuckle at her own joke. "Take a seat where you can and I'll send one of my girls to see to ya." One by one tavern girls come to check on you, making small conversation as the time goes.
"I like you're voice," the tavern girl says with a smile to the bard strumming his lyre. "Is it just you or are you with a full band?"
"What brings you to Arketa? Are you here to hunt like the others?" She asks as she checks on the grumpy druid.
"Wow, where are you from if I may ask? We don't get many turtlefolk here." Another girl asks as she looks up at the tortle.
When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
{{Another tidbit for moving forward and hopefully reduce confusion. Whenever i do a post like this that I'm talking to multiple people more or less at once. Quote the part of the conversation that reflects your character. As the game continues I shouldn't be doing it as often in this style but just so you know. It should help keep the conversations in line.}}
“Thank you, my dear” he said smiling back, “I’m flying solo for now.” *He plucked a sad little note and pushed out his bottom lip playfully, but then switched back to a smile* “But I am on the lookout for a band to join with. I’ve been on the road for too long alone, plucking my own strings. I think it’s high time I found where the booze AND the boys are!”
"When they went to check on the goblin the girl was a bit on edge. Goblins were not unheard of in the swamps, but they were always 50/50 on being pleasant or a nuisance. When she noticed the flyer this one had pulled out she sighed slightly. "I think Auntie has a board I can post that on for you if you'd like. But if you're looking for work you're better off checking the Cazador board near the Hunter's Lodge or looking for Bubba. Gods know that poor man is overworked right now getting ready for hunting season to start. Just be sure you tell him fast you're looking for work."
Wheeze gripped his sign protectively, but catching her discomfiture grinned in what he hoped was a disarming nature. "Thanks lady, know where this Bubba guy is? Does he need help hunting?"
"I'd pass you along to Auntie but we're booked for months," She said as she brought him another beer. "Perhaps Bubba might have something for you? I know he usually tries to do a festivale at the opening of gator hunting season. Usually our local guys are busy with hunting to sing."
"No, Bubba is very protective of his gator hunting spots. Some of the others may be interested in hiring some protection. My boyfriend said the lizardfolk are getting more aggressive. He's not the only one saying it too." She says to the little goblin.
His grin widening into a broad and toothy smile and he started gathering his things. "Gator you say, I'll be off then! Whats my tab... I'm sorry I never caught your name."
*Under his breath* “Gods, everywhere I go there’s a Bubba. I hope he’s better looking than the last gap toothed yokel I dealt with.” He takes a long chug, downing 3/4 of his beer and orders another. Then in his normal voice. “I’ll definitely go see him. It’s been too long since I’ve let the Metal out! Where can I find him?”
"Just two copper for yah. And the name Erin," She said. "Good luck with Bubba!" She said as he left.
"Wow, where are you from if I may ask? We don't get many turtlefolk here."
Oh well I am so glad you asked! You know its actually funny story where I am from is a beautiful swamp covered in moss and water and giant trees growing out of the swamp. There are tupelo trees and water oaks and cypress and black gum and..... Bert the tortle drones on for a while oblivious to the fact that this girl has no idea what most of these trees are let alone cares but tortles talk slow and tip well while also drinking a lot so waitresses generally let it happen. ...SO that is how I got the name Bert. So tell me seems to be some excitement going on is there something that needs doing?
"Knowing him, he's around the Hunter's Lodge on the north side of the island." She said. She also leaned close and tapped on her elongated elven ears. "And don't worry, our Bubba's a cutie." she added with a wink and a playful smile.
"Funny you should mention that." She said as she brought out another mug of ale. "Gator hunting season is about to start. It's a bit of a big deal here, usually a festival and priest from The Ranger's Temple does a blessing. Bubba always is trying to do too much for him, bless him. He'll be by the Hunting Lodge. I'm more than positive if you need work he'll have something. If not there's a bulletin board hosted by the Cazadors near by too."
Perking up, “Well thank you for the tip, gorgeous. I’ll take one more beer, my check and the I’ll get out of your hair.” He thinks for a second and when she comes back with beer and bill, asks “what else can you tel me about this town besides the hunt? Is that anything else that goes on like festivals or events? What else is interesting about this place?”
Feeling grateful for the civility, Wheeze tossed her a silver and scampered off to find Bubba.
"Not much. Despite being the largest village in the swamp, other travelers have still called our home small compared to whats outside the swamp. We get by mainly on hunting. Gator season is probably our biggest since the gators here are pretty well renowned for their size and ferocity. Since so many people from around come we've started having a party to celebrate it's start. Then there's the legend of the Swamp-wyrm that keeps adventurers coming. Apparently it's some giant gator... thing. Anyway, the Hunter's Lodge and the Ranger's Guild pretty much work to keep the swamps tame around the village, though apparently the lizardfolk have been making that difficult lately. I'm always hearing stories about stuff out there though; turtles the size of islands, fields of the sweetest smelling flower you'd ever imagine, sunken ruins of a lost civilization. I never know what's real and what's not though. I'm sure you'll hear about it from Bubba when he calms down or some of the others. Oh, and just a little bit of advice, stay away from Mud Town. It's the smallest of our three islands. Nothing but thieves and riffraf there that'll be quick to try to kill you for what few coppers you have in your purse. We don't have a proper militia so we can't do much about them but they seem content to isolate themselves there so we just avoid it." She sighs after her talk before turning a slight red. "Sorry, I didn't meant to talk for so long.
”No problem, hon. Thanks for the information, it might just save my life. And if you hear of anything else that might be helpful” He flipped a gold coin into her hand. “Please do come and let me know.” He winked at her playfully.
With that, Reg made his way to the door and out of the Tavern. He walked for a moment, looking around the town letting the buzz from his last beer bring about that wonderful heady feeling of day drinking. The sulfuric smell of the shallow swamp water and thick humidity seemed less oppressive now. It was time for some fun and Metal.
He turned towards the direction of the hunting lodge with earnest. Still looking around at the town and not so much where he was walking, he felt himself bump into someone. “Oh excuse m...”
He kept his gaze at eye level, looking for who he bumped into. He sniffed once and then looked directly down at a goblin holding a sign. “Oh ****, I thought I smelled meatballs. Sorry for bumping into ya buddy.”
He held a hand out to lift him up.