Cinder went to Alkathla, as she planned, but the rest of the group decided to stick to adventures and dutifully reported back to the Guild. The Tower did not change in those few days the group was away, and Will and Sam both looked as if they never moved from their spots. Will was working on another application with a newcomer, patiently answering his questions and waiting for a badge. Sam, commenting everything as usual, was the first one to notice the group. "Ah, the Great Monster Slayers! We here heard all about your great first adventure. Not bad, nod bad, kids. Did not I tell you the contract was worth it? By the way, you do remember our 10% fees right? From official reward, of course, all the spoilers are yours. And what is 10 gold when you get all the loot, right? Will can collect the coins (don't forget, Will). Now where was I? Ah, yes. Tell me, did that hydra really had 8 heads? Too bad you did not get one of our painters with you - would be a great picture for our wall." He first turned to the eastern "memorial" wall, but realized his mistake, made a full pirouette and for a few seconds was lovingly looking at the western "Glory" wall, as if he meant it all along.
"Oh, well. I am sure this was not the last time. In fact, I can bet my hat that you came for more, amirite? And more should you get!"
At this point the newly born member of the guild just had to look - the group Sam was so enthusiastically talking to, was colourful enough to attract attention even on the crowded square of Waterdeep - a leathery skinned, bat winged adorned gruff looking tiefling brute with a fancy rapier on his side, a taciturn Githyanki with the great sword at his back, and a young elven girl with the most delicate features, long white hair and an albino raven on her shoulder.
That bat winged scarred tiefling brute wanders across the floor with a twisted look on his face. It may be he's trying to smile, but it comes off all wrong. He plunks 10 gold down on the table. "There's yer cut. And yes, you can keep your hat, we want another contract." He glances towards the other man registering at the guild, assessing him, and then looks back to Sam with an eyebrow raised, "So....what do you have."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Bernard continues to lean against the table in his well worn, black leather armor. Two shortswords handles stick out horizontally from his back and a number of smaller blades are strapped to his waist and several other places.
He runs a hand through his hair which is just a mohawk strip running through the middle of the head. He then moves forward holding out his hand to shake anyone's. As he does so several small beatles scurry across both his hand and forehead causing not a twitch the Bernard. "Names Bernard, but most call me Ash. Least they wood if they stuck around long enough."
"Well, Ash, I think you will forgive me if I don't shake your hand." Leon says with a grimace at the bugs. He adjusts the greatsword sheathed over his shoulder. He nods to Sam. "We dealt with that little issue, so what do you have next." He places his own ten gold on the counter in turn.
Sam looked at Ramious and Leon importantly preparing him (and everyone else around) to the greatest of news. "A lost and forgotten dwarven fortress! And an army of orcs!" He looked at each of, probably expecting excitement. "Pays well too. Might not be as cozy as your previous quest, but it's the real stuff - cold, blood and all the glory one can ever wish for!"
At Bernard's words, though, Sam suddenly slapped himself at forehead "Just remembered - they told it too! - you lost your fiery one! Hm... You would need more ... You see, three is a good number - one of my best adventure was done in a group of three. Just imagine, we were down in that Forsaken Temple, when ... " "Saaam," growled Will, just give them someone else! We can ask those in living quarters!" Sam coughed, covering embarrassment but immediately lightened up again: "Why asking anyone else if everything we need is right here! Bernard, my boy, this is your lucky day! And you, guys, this is your lucky day as well! This young man is something very special! (What is he doing usually? - whispered Sam to Will, but waved the answer off). "I am absolutely sure you will work perfectly together!"
Bernard pulled his hand back, slightly disappointed. "Don't worry I get that a lot. They aren't really bugs if ya can believe it. Really they are tiny fey spirits, these ones just like to look like bugs. Believe it or not they liked my father too but his appeared as teeny tiny little purple octopi. Imagine that, and he ain't ever been to the sea." He just shrugged his shoulders.
Ramious makes a grunting sound and reaches out to grab Bernards hand, "Don't worry, my hands been in worse places." He sighs, looking around, "The way this adventuring stuff it done makes my head spin. Bernard, you're not as good looking at our previous companion, and not as fiery..." he says this wistfully. "But, if you wanna go smash orc heads together..."
He turns to Sam, "Very well. We will take the 'forgotten' dwarven temple....though...doesn't sound too forgotten to me."
He pauses to think for a moment, "Hmmm, I got a couple debts to pay, but...if I don't pay them all off, and try leavin with this fancy blade, I doubt I'd get too far so, I'm just as inclined to go as soon as the rest of ya lot are.."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Alyssa was sad for them to part with Cinder, but knew she could count on their paths crossing again one day. The young, new adventurer felt a sense of pride striding through the doors of the guild with her two stoic companions at her side. She was beaming with excitement to report in to Will and Sam.
”Oh! Of course...” The elf would count out the ten gold, plopping it down on the counter with a smile. “Actually yes it did have 8 heads! And...” Alyssa would pull out her notebook. She’d flip through the pages from beginning to end of all the different creatures and characters they met along the way. The Archaelogist had a habit of sketching and noting the world around her; her mother taught her it was best practice for their profession and preservation of knowledge. Alyssa would babble on to will about the Lost Knight, the Princess and the monster flower they battled. Of course, as she did, she would show him the drawings.
Eventually she would trail off realizing the conversation had moved on. Alyssa would tip toe closer to the others in hopes she hasn’t missed out of too much of the discussion. The elf would lift her hand up in a small awkward wave. She would lean forward in curiosity to try to catch a glimpse of these tiny fae spirits she might have missed. “Hi. I’m Alyssa.”
”Listen Lyssa. Listen! CAW!” Squawks the albino raven on Alyssa’s shoulder. Her cheeks will go pink.
”And this is my familiar, Hue.” She’d gesture to the Raven.
Bernard looked at his hand after Ramious shook it and then smiled. "An invite for a job? Sure, sounds good, I'm in," he says. When Alyssa addresses him he returns her wave, " Pleasure Ms. Alyssa and familiar Hue."
Both Sam and Will did look at Alyssa's picture with appropriate admiration and Sam's "well, can be worked with" (he was talking about the future picture of course). Blushing Will was ready to listen everything down to the cider recipes, but Sam, after "I knew you are perfect for each other - have an eye for those things, you know?" was already on his sale pitch: "North! The big great North. Not the wilds, mind you, it's near Mirabar, and there is a town and all that, still, you might want to pack some warmer clothes."
"Well, the main details I already told you - the fortress, the orcs... What else? Ah, payment. They are paying for two things - every orc you can kill (25 gp per orc, keep the ears as a proof) and an additional 100 gp if you can provide detailed maps of the Fortress. Guess they plan to move in there or something. And I see you have that covered," Sam pointed at Alyssa's notebook. "Sounds good? Ah? Then off you go. Here, your teleportation scroll. Just sign the contract - and onward, to the new adventure!"
In case someone does want "to pack some warm clothes" - the shops around the Tower exist just for that very purpose. Price can be higher than in other parts of the city, but a good deal is possible too - after all, "adventurer" is a dangerous profession.
A moment of familiar feeling being turned inside out - and instead of fancy marble and noble oak panels, you see around you something resembling warehouse, full of mining equipment, as far as you can tell. In front of you on the floor is a young human peasant girl (she looks as if she tripped and foll) - looking at you with wide eyes and open mouth.
"Here, let me give you a hand up." Leon says, holding out a hand to the girl. "Arrivals like that can be a might surprising." Once he has her on her feet, he will glance around the warehouse. "Lots of mining gear here..." He comments needlessly. Then he turns to his companions. "Ready to go and see what the lay of the land is?"
The girl sheepishly accepted help, continuing to stare at Leon and Ramious - probably the most exotic creatures she ever saw. She immediately pulled back her hand but then the the wide-eyed shock expression suddenly changed into a sign of realization. "You must be them!" She rushed out of the door, yelling "they are here!".
The cold wind (let inside when the door was opened) proved the group indeed reached the "Great North". The town outside the warehouse was obviously of a northern type as well - thick walls, small windows, smoke coming from chimneys everywhere. It felt as if the news about seasons changing to spring did not quite reach that part of the continent - snow (quite dirty snow), freezing wind, pale cold sunlight. A complete and utter contrast to the warmth and hospitality of Crabapple Valley.
There was probably one similarity - mountains. Not "covered with fragrant forests" type, more like "cold barren rocks and ice" but still mountains. Anyone who ever opened one book about travelling around Faerun would recognize The Spine of the World and it's four sister peaks.
Despite the girls yelling, people on the street did not pay that must attention to the strangers for the simple reason - the town looked busy. If it was not workers on the way to the mines, it was someone carrying something, buying or selling something, or doing something else. Another interesting thing about that town was the population: a mix of all races you could think of, adding to the feeling of a frontier, where small active settlements attract pioneers of all kind.
In the midst of this well organized chaos, one figure attracted your attention - actually, was actively trying to do so. A big half-ork, judging by the shape, was waving to you to come closer. The peasant girl was standing near him, still pointing in your direction and talking.
Ramious delays their departure for a few moments. "We should get the right gear...I'll be back in an hour or two."
Though he'd never admit it, the cold in that underneath place had bothered him and the idea of going to the north without appropriate dress was worrying. Also getting stuck in that magical maze with one day of rations had made him realize he should maybe be a bit more prepared. With 90 gold in his hands, he wandered about purchasing 20 days of rations, an extra water skin, and cold weather gear. Unconcerned about appearing like a novice, since...he really was, he spoke with the man in the cold weather shop about what sort of gear he might need. Clawed attachments for his boots, new clothes, fur lined boots, under clothes and over clothes, hoods and even an insulated backpack, special blocks of wrapped coal to make fires even in the wet cold and wind. The hardest find was the special jacket that allowed for his wings, but he's managed to find something in a speciality shop. All in all he probably left with more gear than he needed but he'd be damned if he was going to die because of the weather, and he didn't have a logistics unit to show up with all the gear they needed like in the army...he had to do a bit of thinking for himself.
Ready with an extra large backpack filled with gear, he returned and was ready for their next adventure to begin. He glanced at Leon and Alyssa, ensuring they seemed to have the right stuff, otherwise, "Uh, we're goin north and ain't no logistics wagon full o' fur gunna show up. Make sure you won't freeze to death.." He looks specifically at the thin looking Alyssa.
As they arrive, Ramious stares down at the girl as Leon helps her to her feet. He watches as she runs off, looking around the warehouse in wonder, curious about what all this stuff was for. As the cold wind hits him, he puts his pack down, pulling out a nice new fur lined jacket with a big fuzzy hood, and pulls it on. The special flaps wrap around his wings and need to be buttoned up, but the shop owner had shown him how to do it. Ready, he trotted after the group as they head towards the girl and the half-orc.
He puts his heavy pack down at his feet as they reach the half-orc. He holds out his hand, "Ramious. Here ta kill some orcs. Say, do they want the left or the right ears....."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Leon shoulders his own pack, filled with cold-weather gear, and follows Ramious over to the half-orc. he nods to the man, but doesn't speak, as Ramious seems to have that under control.
"I was well... hoping to have tagged along but..." Alyssa's cheeks would redden a little bit before she'd bow out to head to the vendors to purchase some furs for the colder climate, some extra rope and some pitons. She had her hopes of finding her own Bag of Holding but may not have time to seek one out before leaving for their next journey.
Alyssa would take the queue to bundle up like the others. "There was a fortress to map out as well."
Bernard, checked his pockets. He didn't have much money and while he didn't want to spend it, this was an investment. He either died, which case what use was the money, or he survived to make more on what was spent. (How much is cold weather gear?).
When the spell hit to transport them, Bernard felt the world went upside down and when it was all finished, he felt like he had drank a whole cask of wine. He nearly threw up before everything settled again. Once that was finally over Bernard followed the others. As the new guy he figured he'd just follow their experienced lead.
(Cold weather gear and clothes - 16 gp for each. Could be even considered reasonable - one orc, and your investments are returned. Bernard is a bit tight on money (why would he be here otherwise?) but an extra 20 gp for equipment he can find)
"Just be consistent - all left or all right and it'll be fine," answered half-orc seriously, his grip firm but not crushing, "welcome to Blasingdell". He looked the group up and down and probably found you satisfactory, at least he nodded and did not commented. "Sergeant Grendar Kuln, chief of the town watch. The mayor is out of town, so, I'll explain the problem. Come inside and let's talk." He caught the peasant girl by the shoulder: "Leslie, bring us something to eat."
The house was as simple inside, as it was outside - rough very sturdy table, chairs, something like a desk for what passes here for a paper work. No decorations, all business.
"Ok, here is the thing. Our town is not that big - yet! You can say we are just starting out. It's tough life, Mirabar is so afraid of competition, even small fish like Blasingdell got watched and pressed on every trading opportunity. But this we can deal with." (Leslie brought the meal - still hot meat pies (northern style - fat, ground meat, potatoes, gravy, carrots, peas) and thick beer. Sergeant bit the pie and chewed, making a welcoming gesture - feel free to join. Fancy table manners were not popular here.
"What we can not deal with - or, to say it right - have no time to deal with - is the bands of orcs, interrupting our work. We can defend the town, if need to be half of the town can be in a fight on a moment notice, but we have to work too and it's not like orcs are coming as an army and give us one final battle."
"Last time they came, we captured an orc left for dead by its comrades and questioned him. The pest divulged the location of the monsters’ lair, a fortress inside or on the hill called the Stone Tooth - you can see it from here, I'll show later".
"Now, our smarties searched the the legends and came up with the story about Khundrukar - a dwarven fortress. If it's not a myth... Let's say we are interested in that fortress as well. Here is what they found." Sergeant gave you a paper with a short text on it:
"Durgeddin was a master smith who forged blades of surpassing quality and power. Centuries ago, his home was sacked by orcs. Durgeddin led the remnants of his clan to the mountains and established a small, secret stronghold somewhere in the trackless wilderness.
From his hidden redoubt, he waged a decades-long vendetta against all orc-kind, until his enemies discovered his fortress and attacked it after a long siege. Durgeddin and his followers perished, and much wealth was carried away by the conquering hordes. But it’s said that the deepest and best-hidden vaults and armories escaped the looting, and that some of Durgeddin’s extraordinary blades still wait in the darkness for a hand bold enough to claim one".
"See why we want it? He must have find quite a vein of quite a metal to make that legendary blades. Blasingdell needs it. So, we want you to find the fortress, clear it from orcs and bring the map of it. Any questions?"
"Seems fairly straight-forward." Leon says with a nod. He wonders to himself if one of the silver blades of his people might have found its way to this ancient fortress.
Bernard, standing at the side, begins pacing, counting on his fingers and talking to himself. As he does a little cloud of reddish lady bugs cloud in his wake. "One, establish direction of the fort. Two, head that direction. Three scout for enemies. Three A, kill enemies or three B, tail enemies to hide out. Four, map the area. Wait no Three A subsection 1 collect orc ear. Five, find Fort, Five A clear out fort, five A1 collect ears, six locate vault. Six A open vault and Six A 1 collect blades. Seven return blades to town. Eight return to guild. Eight 8A deliver ears, collect payment "
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And so the heroes returned.
Cinder went to Alkathla, as she planned, but the rest of the group decided to stick to adventures and dutifully reported back to the Guild. The Tower did not change in those few days the group was away, and Will and Sam both looked as if they never moved from their spots. Will was working on another application with a newcomer, patiently answering his questions and waiting for a badge. Sam, commenting everything as usual, was the first one to notice the group. "Ah, the Great Monster Slayers! We here heard all about your great first adventure. Not bad, nod bad, kids. Did not I tell you the contract was worth it? By the way, you do remember our 10% fees right? From official reward, of course, all the spoilers are yours. And what is 10 gold when you get all the loot, right? Will can collect the coins (don't forget, Will). Now where was I? Ah, yes. Tell me, did that hydra really had 8 heads? Too bad you did not get one of our painters with you - would be a great picture for our wall." He first turned to the eastern "memorial" wall, but realized his mistake, made a full pirouette and for a few seconds was lovingly looking at the western "Glory" wall, as if he meant it all along.
"Oh, well. I am sure this was not the last time. In fact, I can bet my hat that you came for more, amirite? And more should you get!"
At this point the newly born member of the guild just had to look - the group Sam was so enthusiastically talking to, was colourful enough to attract attention even on the crowded square of Waterdeep - a leathery skinned, bat winged adorned gruff looking tiefling brute with a fancy rapier on his side, a taciturn Githyanki with the great sword at his back, and a young elven girl with the most delicate features, long white hair and an albino raven on her shoulder.
(Bernard Ashwind - it's your stage call)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
That bat winged scarred tiefling brute wanders across the floor with a twisted look on his face. It may be he's trying to smile, but it comes off all wrong. He plunks 10 gold down on the table. "There's yer cut. And yes, you can keep your hat, we want another contract." He glances towards the other man registering at the guild, assessing him, and then looks back to Sam with an eyebrow raised, "So....what do you have."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Bernard continues to lean against the table in his well worn, black leather armor. Two shortswords handles stick out horizontally from his back and a number of smaller blades are strapped to his waist and several other places.
He runs a hand through his hair which is just a mohawk strip running through the middle of the head. He then moves forward holding out his hand to shake anyone's. As he does so several small beatles scurry across both his hand and forehead causing not a twitch the Bernard. "Names Bernard, but most call me Ash. Least they wood if they stuck around long enough."
"Well, Ash, I think you will forgive me if I don't shake your hand." Leon says with a grimace at the bugs. He adjusts the greatsword sheathed over his shoulder. He nods to Sam. "We dealt with that little issue, so what do you have next." He places his own ten gold on the counter in turn.
Sam looked at Ramious and Leon importantly preparing him (and everyone else around) to the greatest of news. "A lost and forgotten dwarven fortress! And an army of orcs!" He looked at each of, probably expecting excitement. "Pays well too. Might not be as cozy as your previous quest, but it's the real stuff - cold, blood and all the glory one can ever wish for!"
At Bernard's words, though, Sam suddenly slapped himself at forehead "Just remembered - they told it too! - you lost your fiery one! Hm... You would need more ... You see, three is a good number - one of my best adventure was done in a group of three. Just imagine, we were down in that Forsaken Temple, when ... " "Saaam," growled Will, just give them someone else! We can ask those in living quarters!" Sam coughed, covering embarrassment but immediately lightened up again: "Why asking anyone else if everything we need is right here! Bernard, my boy, this is your lucky day! And you, guys, this is your lucky day as well! This young man is something very special! (What is he doing usually? - whispered Sam to Will, but waved the answer off). "I am absolutely sure you will work perfectly together!"
"So, what do you say?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Bernard pulled his hand back, slightly disappointed. "Don't worry I get that a lot. They aren't really bugs if ya can believe it. Really they are tiny fey spirits, these ones just like to look like bugs. Believe it or not they liked my father too but his appeared as teeny tiny little purple octopi. Imagine that, and he ain't ever been to the sea." He just shrugged his shoulders.
Ramious makes a grunting sound and reaches out to grab Bernards hand, "Don't worry, my hands been in worse places." He sighs, looking around, "The way this adventuring stuff it done makes my head spin. Bernard, you're not as good looking at our previous companion, and not as fiery..." he says this wistfully. "But, if you wanna go smash orc heads together..."
He turns to Sam, "Very well. We will take the 'forgotten' dwarven temple....though...doesn't sound too forgotten to me."
He pauses to think for a moment, "Hmmm, I got a couple debts to pay, but...if I don't pay them all off, and try leavin with this fancy blade, I doubt I'd get too far so, I'm just as inclined to go as soon as the rest of ya lot are.."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Ready when you are." Leon says with a shrug. He glances to Sam. "Got any nice and quick travel methods to this one as you had for the last?"
Alyssa was sad for them to part with Cinder, but knew she could count on their paths crossing again one day. The young, new adventurer felt a sense of pride striding through the doors of the guild with her two stoic companions at her side. She was beaming with excitement to report in to Will and Sam.
”Oh! Of course...” The elf would count out the ten gold, plopping it down on the counter with a smile. “Actually yes it did have 8 heads! And...” Alyssa would pull out her notebook. She’d flip through the pages from beginning to end of all the different creatures and characters they met along the way. The Archaelogist had a habit of sketching and noting the world around her; her mother taught her it was best practice for their profession and preservation of knowledge. Alyssa would babble on to will about the Lost Knight, the Princess and the monster flower they battled. Of course, as she did, she would show him the drawings.
Eventually she would trail off realizing the conversation had moved on. Alyssa would tip toe closer to the others in hopes she hasn’t missed out of too much of the discussion. The elf would lift her hand up in a small awkward wave. She would lean forward in curiosity to try to catch a glimpse of these tiny fae spirits she might have missed. “Hi. I’m Alyssa.”
”Listen Lyssa. Listen! CAW!” Squawks the albino raven on Alyssa’s shoulder. Her cheeks will go pink.
”And this is my familiar, Hue.” She’d gesture to the Raven.
just an unstable unicorn.
Bernard looked at his hand after Ramious shook it and then smiled. "An invite for a job? Sure, sounds good, I'm in," he says. When Alyssa addresses him he returns her wave, " Pleasure Ms. Alyssa and familiar Hue."
Both Sam and Will did look at Alyssa's picture with appropriate admiration and Sam's "well, can be worked with" (he was talking about the future picture of course). Blushing Will was ready to listen everything down to the cider recipes, but Sam, after "I knew you are perfect for each other - have an eye for those things, you know?" was already on his sale pitch: "North! The big great North. Not the wilds, mind you, it's near Mirabar, and there is a town and all that, still, you might want to pack some warmer clothes."
"Well, the main details I already told you - the fortress, the orcs... What else? Ah, payment. They are paying for two things - every orc you can kill (25 gp per orc, keep the ears as a proof) and an additional 100 gp if you can provide detailed maps of the Fortress. Guess they plan to move in there or something. And I see you have that covered," Sam pointed at Alyssa's notebook. "Sounds good? Ah? Then off you go. Here, your teleportation scroll. Just sign the contract - and onward, to the new adventure!"
In case someone does want "to pack some warm clothes" - the shops around the Tower exist just for that very purpose. Price can be higher than in other parts of the city, but a good deal is possible too - after all, "adventurer" is a dangerous profession.
A moment of familiar feeling being turned inside out - and instead of fancy marble and noble oak panels, you see around you something resembling warehouse, full of mining equipment, as far as you can tell. In front of you on the floor is a young human peasant girl (she looks as if she tripped and foll) - looking at you with wide eyes and open mouth.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Here, let me give you a hand up." Leon says, holding out a hand to the girl. "Arrivals like that can be a might surprising." Once he has her on her feet, he will glance around the warehouse. "Lots of mining gear here..." He comments needlessly. Then he turns to his companions. "Ready to go and see what the lay of the land is?"
The girl sheepishly accepted help, continuing to stare at Leon and Ramious - probably the most exotic creatures she ever saw. She immediately pulled back her hand but then the the wide-eyed shock expression suddenly changed into a sign of realization. "You must be them!" She rushed out of the door, yelling "they are here!".
The cold wind (let inside when the door was opened) proved the group indeed reached the "Great North". The town outside the warehouse was obviously of a northern type as well - thick walls, small windows, smoke coming from chimneys everywhere. It felt as if the news about seasons changing to spring did not quite reach that part of the continent - snow (quite dirty snow), freezing wind, pale cold sunlight. A complete and utter contrast to the warmth and hospitality of Crabapple Valley.
There was probably one similarity - mountains. Not "covered with fragrant forests" type, more like "cold barren rocks and ice" but still mountains. Anyone who ever opened one book about travelling around Faerun would recognize The Spine of the World and it's four sister peaks.
Despite the girls yelling, people on the street did not pay that must attention to the strangers for the simple reason - the town looked busy. If it was not workers on the way to the mines, it was someone carrying something, buying or selling something, or doing something else. Another interesting thing about that town was the population: a mix of all races you could think of, adding to the feeling of a frontier, where small active settlements attract pioneers of all kind.
In the midst of this well organized chaos, one figure attracted your attention - actually, was actively trying to do so. A big half-ork, judging by the shape, was waving to you to come closer. The peasant girl was standing near him, still pointing in your direction and talking.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ramious delays their departure for a few moments. "We should get the right gear...I'll be back in an hour or two."
Though he'd never admit it, the cold in that underneath place had bothered him and the idea of going to the north without appropriate dress was worrying. Also getting stuck in that magical maze with one day of rations had made him realize he should maybe be a bit more prepared. With 90 gold in his hands, he wandered about purchasing 20 days of rations, an extra water skin, and cold weather gear. Unconcerned about appearing like a novice, since...he really was, he spoke with the man in the cold weather shop about what sort of gear he might need. Clawed attachments for his boots, new clothes, fur lined boots, under clothes and over clothes, hoods and even an insulated backpack, special blocks of wrapped coal to make fires even in the wet cold and wind. The hardest find was the special jacket that allowed for his wings, but he's managed to find something in a speciality shop. All in all he probably left with more gear than he needed but he'd be damned if he was going to die because of the weather, and he didn't have a logistics unit to show up with all the gear they needed like in the army...he had to do a bit of thinking for himself.
Ready with an extra large backpack filled with gear, he returned and was ready for their next adventure to begin. He glanced at Leon and Alyssa, ensuring they seemed to have the right stuff, otherwise, "Uh, we're goin north and ain't no logistics wagon full o' fur gunna show up. Make sure you won't freeze to death.." He looks specifically at the thin looking Alyssa.
As they arrive, Ramious stares down at the girl as Leon helps her to her feet. He watches as she runs off, looking around the warehouse in wonder, curious about what all this stuff was for. As the cold wind hits him, he puts his pack down, pulling out a nice new fur lined jacket with a big fuzzy hood, and pulls it on. The special flaps wrap around his wings and need to be buttoned up, but the shop owner had shown him how to do it. Ready, he trotted after the group as they head towards the girl and the half-orc.
He puts his heavy pack down at his feet as they reach the half-orc. He holds out his hand, "Ramious. Here ta kill some orcs. Say, do they want the left or the right ears....."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Leon shoulders his own pack, filled with cold-weather gear, and follows Ramious over to the half-orc. he nods to the man, but doesn't speak, as Ramious seems to have that under control.
"I was well... hoping to have tagged along but..." Alyssa's cheeks would redden a little bit before she'd bow out to head to the vendors to purchase some furs for the colder climate, some extra rope and some pitons. She had her hopes of finding her own Bag of Holding but may not have time to seek one out before leaving for their next journey.
Alyssa would take the queue to bundle up like the others. "There was a fortress to map out as well."
just an unstable unicorn.
Bernard, checked his pockets. He didn't have much money and while he didn't want to spend it, this was an investment. He either died, which case what use was the money, or he survived to make more on what was spent. (How much is cold weather gear?).
When the spell hit to transport them, Bernard felt the world went upside down and when it was all finished, he felt like he had drank a whole cask of wine. He nearly threw up before everything settled again. Once that was finally over Bernard followed the others. As the new guy he figured he'd just follow their experienced lead.
(Cold weather gear and clothes - 16 gp for each. Could be even considered reasonable - one orc, and your investments are returned. Bernard is a bit tight on money (why would he be here otherwise?) but an extra 20 gp for equipment he can find)
"Just be consistent - all left or all right and it'll be fine," answered half-orc seriously, his grip firm but not crushing, "welcome to Blasingdell". He looked the group up and down and probably found you satisfactory, at least he nodded and did not commented. "Sergeant Grendar Kuln, chief of the town watch. The mayor is out of town, so, I'll explain the problem. Come inside and let's talk." He caught the peasant girl by the shoulder: "Leslie, bring us something to eat."
The house was as simple inside, as it was outside - rough very sturdy table, chairs, something like a desk for what passes here for a paper work. No decorations, all business.
"Ok, here is the thing. Our town is not that big - yet! You can say we are just starting out. It's tough life, Mirabar is so afraid of competition, even small fish like Blasingdell got watched and pressed on every trading opportunity. But this we can deal with." (Leslie brought the meal - still hot meat pies (northern style - fat, ground meat, potatoes, gravy, carrots, peas) and thick beer. Sergeant bit the pie and chewed, making a welcoming gesture - feel free to join. Fancy table manners were not popular here.
"What we can not deal with - or, to say it right - have no time to deal with - is the bands of orcs, interrupting our work. We can defend the town, if need to be half of the town can be in a fight on a moment notice, but we have to work too and it's not like orcs are coming as an army and give us one final battle."
"Last time they came, we captured an orc left for dead by its comrades and questioned him. The pest divulged the location of the monsters’ lair, a fortress inside or on the hill called the Stone Tooth - you can see it from here, I'll show later".
"Now, our smarties searched the the legends and came up with the story about Khundrukar - a dwarven fortress. If it's not a myth... Let's say we are interested in that fortress as well. Here is what they found." Sergeant gave you a paper with a short text on it:
"Durgeddin was a master smith who forged blades of surpassing quality and power. Centuries ago, his home was sacked by orcs. Durgeddin led the remnants of his clan to the mountains and established a small, secret stronghold somewhere in the trackless wilderness.
From his hidden redoubt, he waged a decades-long vendetta against all orc-kind, until his enemies discovered his fortress and attacked it after a long siege. Durgeddin and his followers perished, and much wealth was carried away by the conquering hordes. But it’s said that the deepest and best-hidden vaults and armories escaped the looting, and that some of Durgeddin’s extraordinary blades still wait in the darkness for a hand bold enough to claim one".
"See why we want it? He must have find quite a vein of quite a metal to make that legendary blades. Blasingdell needs it. So, we want you to find the fortress, clear it from orcs and bring the map of it. Any questions?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Seems fairly straight-forward." Leon says with a nod. He wonders to himself if one of the silver blades of his people might have found its way to this ancient fortress.
Bernard, standing at the side, begins pacing, counting on his fingers and talking to himself. As he does a little cloud of reddish lady bugs cloud in his wake. "One, establish direction of the fort. Two, head that direction. Three scout for enemies. Three A, kill enemies or three B, tail enemies to hide out. Four, map the area. Wait no Three A subsection 1 collect orc ear. Five, find Fort, Five A clear out fort, five A1 collect ears, six locate vault. Six A open vault and Six A 1 collect blades. Seven return blades to town. Eight return to guild. Eight 8A deliver ears, collect payment "