“Good day” Varis replies to the dwarf. “It would not surprise me if they do miss it,  given all of the carousing and carrying on that was going on earlier this morning.  I personally found it a much better use of time to do some research on these strange creatures everyone is talking about.”

Varis politely declines the meat “Ah, where are my manners, I am Varis Naillo, scholar and soldier.  I too would like to find out what plagues this town.  We will see what the Lady has to say. And what shall I call you?”

Seigfried [at this point I think I have spelled my own name differently at least 3 times] replies to Neveah.  He takes her slightly unusual body language and personal space invasion in stride, without discomfort.

"Well, I was not seeking out Vera, no.  It is just that her name seems to be on the lips of everyone today.  Apparently she plays some role in all this?"  While Sigi has not heard directly about her hiring mercenaries, would he be familiar with her role in local government from his prior trips to town?  History 12

"Thoradin speaks true - we are both conduits for the divine power of Sothel and we have a duty to help where we can.  If you are indeed planning to assist these people in their hour of need, then I agree that our meeting is not by chance.  The powers would have us make common cause.  Since we are becoming allies, please call me by Seigfried or Sigi for short, whichever pleases you."  He looks back to the minstrel.  "And what about you, Mori?  I suspect there may be the makings of a good song or two in the coming ordeals.  And mayhaps we will have need for a pleasant melody to lift our spirits now and again.  Will you be joining us?"

Sigi - You know that Vera is the leader of Aoswell. That is pretty much all that mattered to you about her before.

Mori looks to Sigi, answering his question, “I will indeed join you. If there’s a chance to put some smiles on a few faces here, I’m surely in. And the best songs do seem to come from adventures such as these.”

As Braci finishes his meal he stands, stretches and leaves the establishment. Time to meet Lady Vera; I am going to need some help tracking these beasts and defeating them.

As usual Braci walks with his hood up and a quarterstaff strapped to his back. He walks swiftly and with purpose toward the Hall of the Guard. To anyone looking he is slight above average in height about 5'10" but very thin. His skin is bronzed by the sun and he has a wild and unkempt beard. Similarly his hair is a long tangled mess. His robes were probably white at some point but now they are a grey brown coated with dirt and dust from the woods. On top of the robe he wears a deep blue cloak with a hood that is in considerably better condition. If it weren't for the cloak and his staff which is rather ornately carved with shockingly fine details spiraling throughout the wood he would easily be mistaken for a common vagrant.

Unless he is stopped Braci will proceed to the Guard House and head inside and wait patiently for an audience with Vera. While waiting he would meditate on the beasts he fought, preparing for the battles that are sure to come.

Tayvello continues his wanders around town taking note of any strategic points if he were to defend or even attack the town. As his wandering takes him to the market area Tayvello watches for a time, thoughts turning to the coming job. He had not heard much in the way of details as of yet, but it was becoming obvious to him that something was most certainly going on that was affecting the town. Seeing not much left for himself to do Tayvello makes his way back to the Hall of the Guards joining the two outside that he recognizes from the inn earlier. 

Sigi will clap his hands.  "Most wonderful!"  

He walks slowly around the table, stroking his beard as he speaks.  "I propose we get to action immediately.  Given the recent struggles of the town, I am concerned there may be injured or ailing citizens who need care.  I would like to visit the local shrines and see if my healing skills are in urgent demand.  I may also learn something more about what is happening here.  Thoradin, you would be welcome to join me or stay with our new friends, as you feel best."  His eyes turn to the other Mori, Kairynna and Neveah.  "Would you three be willing to pay a visit to this Vera person and see what aid she requires?  If I have not joined you by then, please feel free to speak on my behalf and commit me to whatever course of action you deem the right one.  Though we have only just met, I feel the hands of providence at work and know you will steer us on proper course."

He finishes his circuit of the table, pauses for a moment before clapping his hands again.  "Excellent.  If that is agreeable to the group, I will be off at once for the local shrines."  He pauses once more, with an eye toward the innkeep.  "After, of course, I have paid for the promised tabs."

(What is the tab... for Sigi, Neveah and Kairynn?)

Sigi - For all three of those tabs it would be a total of 1 gp.

“I believe I have an idea of what faces the town, but am not quite sure.” Varis responds, but pauses when another he recognizes from the inn this morning approaches them. “Good afternoon, you were at the Busy Rabbit this morning, were you not?  I am Varis.”  He motions toward the dwarf “We were just discussing what we believe threatens the town.  The Priest shared with me that he found traces of Abyssal magic on the wounds of some of the injured. That, along with the other descriptions going around town, leads me to suspect Gnolls, but I don’t know much more beyond that.  We shall see what the Lady Lonsvell has to say. What have you two heard?”

"Tayvello," Tayvello replies pulling back his hood. "I have not heard much only that Lonsvell is looking for blades. Dealing with things coming from the abyss is not what I was assuming but if it pays well I will throw my sword in."

Sitting near on the stoup to the Hall of the Guards Braci notes others seem to be gathering, presumably for the same purpose. As he approaches the group he quickly recognizes the dwarf he saw leaving the hospital. Surely he was the one speaking to Old Ivtan. Walking toward the group he lowers his hood and smiling says, "Well met friends. I believe we share a common purpose. Are you here to answer Lady Lonsvell's call? My name is Braci and I have seen and fought these creatures on my way to the city. They are quite fearsome I was lucky to survive"  

'I can help you heal those who may need it," Kariynna responds to Sigi. She quickly gets up form her table, swiftly gliding to stand beside the dwarf. Turning to Neveah, "I would suggest you go to Vera, I shouldn't be long. Or we can go to the wounded together and then to Vera.... Although, Vera might know more of the wounded than wandering shrines...."

"'Tis a conundrum, to be sure. 'Haps we adventurous vagabonds could do more good excising the source of the wounds, those hellions that hath burnt the fields and hurt good, honest folk. 'Tis noble indeed to heal the sick and wounded, certainly, but verily, the disease must be cured to prevent further suffering... I should go to this Vera, I think. But, knowing my poor senses, I would be lost in a minute without thee, dear Rynna. I do think I shall accompany thee. I do so enjoy watching thine healing powers at work. 'Haps I could help as well? Light from the Void doth possess some measure of curing luster."

Thoradin thinks for a moment, then replies. "I'll go with you... I'm not much good with medicine, as you know, but I'll help - and maybe I can provide moral support." He looked at the others thoughtfully. "Mor... why don't we all go together? Sig and Kairynna can tend the injured while we two lift their spirits? What do you think? Then we can go from there to see Vera together."  

Sigi considers what his new friends have to say.  "Fair points, all.  Perhaps rather than splitting up, having just met, it would be wiser to go together to Vera first.  If their be ill or wounded, she may be able to point us in their direction more quickly."  He ponders this a moment more.  "Yes, I think you found a flaw in my reasoning.  Look at that!  We've only just met, and already we are improving one another.  Truly, the hand of the divine was at work in bringing us all together."  

Sigi strides purposefully toward the bar to see Stira about the tab.  He hands her 1gp... and then hands her 2gp more.  Quietly he adds, "There may be some rough waters ahead for Aoswell.  If you know anyone in need, please consider sharing these coin.  If not, then toss them into your own rainy day fund for when the time comes.  Thank you for your hospitality, and may Sothel watch over and protect you."

He then dashes up the stairs to don his armor before heading back down to join the group.  When he returns 5 minutes later he is wearing chainmail which is considerably more drab than the stylish outfit he had worn to breakfast.  Hanging from his hip is a warhammer.

Mori grabs his lute and follows them. "I shall accompany you all to the wounded. I cannot do too much to heal them." He turns to Thoradin. "But a healthy spirit can often be equal to a healthy body. I will do my best to raise their morals with you." 

Sigi - Stira looks at the amount of coin you just handed her. "Why thank you very much. I will make sure to do so."

Quote from TaniHeron >>

Sigi - Stira looks at the amount of coin you just handed her. "Why thank you very much. I will make sure to do so."

 OOC: I hope that isn't a ludicrously small amount to offer.  It was intended as a modest gesture but not to be inconsequential or offensive.  If 1gp covered the meals and drinks for 3 persons at a tavern, then I thought 2gp might be enough to get, say, a small family enough basic food and water for a few days.  Like $20 USD or so.  If I should offer more like 5 or 6gp to accomplish that I'd be happy to do so as that was Sigi's intention and he would know the value of gold in the setting better than I.  

Also OOC: Have you provided a full list and description of the pantheon?  No rush, but I'd like to see it.  What other gods is Sothel aligned with?  Any gods diametrically opposed to Sothel?  Also, I think you mentioned Sothel is the only god not represented in the town's temple.  Would Sigi be aware of that?  Would he know the story behind Sothel's exclusion?

"Does anyone know where we can find this Vera?  With the tabs paid I think we can be off."