The sun has descended below the horizon of the great city of Neverwinter, a welcome respite from the heat of the day.  People emerge from their close rooms in search of better air to swallow.  Above, the sea birds squawk and circle food vendors on the street, hoping to catch them distracted.  Children, released from their various duties for the day, scamper around the street.  Several old men stand along the wharves, fishing poles in hand, hoping for a catch for dinner.  Men and women of the night ply their trade, shooting comely looks at passersby from windows and alleyways.  Roughnecks and longshoremen haul cargo from ships to carts, and then on to their respective destinations, their muscles heaving in protest.  Crews and captains march along the street and wharves, looking for a place to spend their hard-earned coin. 

One such establishment holds a prime location facing towards the bay and the open sea beyond, watching over the moored ships as a shepherd watches over her flock.  It is in this establishment that you all find yourselves when, over the growing din and bustle, you hear a chair scrape along the wooden floor.  Onto this chair steps a middle-aged human male, graying at the temples and perhaps past his prime, but clearly fit and strong and a longsword at his hip.  A few sets of eyes turn in his direction as he starts to speak, spreading his arms as he does so.   "Ahem.  Good evening patrons of the Driftwood Tavern and Inn!  My name is Sildar Hallwinter.  I am in search of a few stout-hearted and brave adbeturers for a task of utmost importance!  Gold," a few more looks shoot his way, "will be paid to those who accomplish this task.  If you are interested, I invite you to my table where my associate and I will outline the details.  I thank you, and merry evening to all!"  Sildar climbs down and looks around, nodding to the few who still watch him.  He backs away to a sheltered semi-private table.

You notice another figure at the table - a dwarf.  You squint your eyes and recognition flares in your eyes.  You know this dwarf!  You rack your brain before coming up with the name: Gundren Rockseeker.

You are not familiar with Sildar.  You all know of Gundren in some capacity, but dwarves know a lot of people and tend to live to a ripe old age, so you'll need to introduce yourselves to them both.  You do not know each other at this point but you're all drawn to the offer.  After waiting for your turn to speak to them, it is finally your turn.  Sildar stands and raises his hand in the common sign of greeting.  He counts five and bids you to sit around the large table with them.  Sildar smiles at each of you as you sit down.  Gundren seems lost in thought, writing something down.  He does not look up but feels Sildar's gaze move to him.  Sildar clears his throat.  Gundren sighs and makes a "let's get on with it" gesture with his hand.  Sildar sighs and shakes his head, chuckling a little:  "Welcome to our table.  I apologize for my associate - he finds this part extremely...tedious.  But it is necessary to find the best fit.  I am Sildar Hallwinter and this is my associate, Gundren Rockseeker.  Please, tell us a bit about yourselves."  Sildar waits expectantly...

.     

A big muscular goliath with a trimmed beard sits ..he has tribal tattoos on his both arms..he leaves his big greateaxe on his side and   stretches his fingers "You can call me Krull..I came here recently mostly to rest and find some nice drinks..and a bit of work.."

"I'll go second then shall I." A young handsome man says after a few moments of awkward silence, shuffling a well-used deck of cards while smiling confidently at the others at the table. You notice his clothes are likely haute couture, latest fashion of the Sword coast. He has dark well-trimmed hair and icy blue eyes, wearing a mostly purple coat over a ruffled white shirt. He is wearing a golden signet ring on his left hand and is wearing a strange medallion of some sort in a golden chain. "The name is Oberon, Wolfe Oberon. I'm from Baldurs gate and I've been travelling the Sword coast in search of excitement and adventure. Some would say I've been blessed. In any case I now wield divine powers that most likely will be of help with whatever endeavour you are about to contract us for. As long as it is decently paid and takes us away from Neverwinter me and my...associate will be interested." He finishes glancing over at the woman beside him.

"Umm... yea."  Standing beside Wolfe is a young woman.  Where the man is dressed in haute couture, she is...  well, she is not.  She wears a plain, slightly tattered, woolen dress and a pair of sturdy but well-worn shoes. A simple cord is cinched about the waist. This gives a hint of her thin shape, but little else. The dress is brown and she adds a lighter brown hooded mantle over the top.  The woman is about average height (5'9") and of slight build.  Her skin is very light and kind of pale, while her black hair is scraggly and unkempt. She keeps it roughly cut to just less than shoulder length.  Her eyes though are striking. A rich grey color, they are not a uniform shade, but seem to be cloudy swirls of lighter and darker shades tones.  They are bright and vibrant.  

She looks at Sildar and Gundren. "As mister Wolfe here said, I would be very interested. My name is Rabbit - that's what everyone calls me. I work, umm... various jobs you might say. I can hold my own with a dagger in my hand. And have been known to..." She pauses a moment, a slight grin coming to her face. "Well, to get into places quietly, you know?  I'm sure I could be of use."  She glances at Wolfe. "Long as the gold is good of course." 

“You may call me Mau, I have travelled far in the search for those who took my child from me but have found myself in need of further resources.  Your offer of gold has piqued my interests, what is the task you require aid for? ”.  An average height figure stands amongst the group wearing a simple outfit of wool trousers and shirt covered by freshly oiled leather armour and a raised hooded cloak.  Under his hood you see bright golden eyes and a tired Tabaxi with black and white fur.

As the others finish their introduction a rather thin man shakily stands up. His eyes are nervous darting from each side. He is wearing worn and broken mismatched armor. Both the man and the armor are filthy. He has a head of dirty (literally) blonde hair with a poorly kempt beard. The front of his armor and the shield on his pack bear the emblem of Selune which is very poorly painted on both. He stands carefully avoiding the touch of others and tries rather hard to keep himself separated and says in a soft, raspy voice, "If you need help I am here, I do not need or want you gold. In exchange for my assistance I only ask you open your mind to the night and welcome the Moon Maiden into your heart." He then sits down at the table, though as far as possible from the others. His eyes jumping erratically side to side waiting to see what happens next.

Rabbit laughs as the unnamed man refuses the gold. "Hey, I'm more than happy to take his share of the gold if he doesn't want it!" She then gives the man a quick look over, but stays where she is at, standing near Wolfe's chair. 

"Yes, that is very generous of you sir, offering your service to a merchant not likely to become a true follower of Selûne just yet. But I didn't quite catch your name there Mr..." Wolfe says smirking to the filthy man, glancing quickly at Rabbit. "But as Mau here said, what is it you need stout-hearted and brave adventurers for?" He adds looking at Mr. Rockseeker.

" I believe in my greataxe! That's my god.." says Krull proudly..he looks at his potential boss "as long as I ll got paid I am interested. Do we have to bash someone's head?"

"With time and guidance I hope all will come to her open arms and see the glory of the night." He looks to the black haired women and continues, "I was called Edryd once. If you need a name, that one will do."

"Yes, you at least seem like no mystery Mr. Krull, and we all have our own religion I guess. Mine would be cards...and women, time for both before we set out I hope?" Wolfe says, casually shuffling his deck while glancing over at the lovely barmaid.

"Edryd, excellent, then you wouldn't mind risking your gold in a friendly game of cards?" Wolfe asks the priest, ready to deal cards as soon as business are finished.

Sildar smiles and nods as each of you tell your respective tales, his eyes gleaming at times like a man half his age.  He glances at Gundren every so often, scribbling something down in what looks like a ledger of sorts.  At Edryd's mention of taking no gold, Gundren glances up quickly, taking in the nervous man's bearing before returning to his ledger.

As Wolfe finishes, SIldar begins to talk, "Well, Gundren and I here have found -" but is cut off by Gundren, who grunts and glares at SIldar.  "Oh, okay.  Please."  Sildar smiles and motions to the table.

Gundren closes his ledger.  "The task before ye is straightforward.  I and me brothers be plannin' something down around Phandalin, somethin' big, a couple a days ride from 'ere.  We need a leave earlier in the mornin' to take care 'o some business.  I gots a wagon provisioned up out back with me supplies, an' I need ye to escort it down to Phandalin.  Ye need to deliver it to Barthen's down in Phandalin, an' it'll get ye 150 gold fer doin' it.  The route should be easy, ye take The High Road south to Triboar Trail.  Ye take that fer about 20 miles before turnin' south again down to Phandalin.  So that's the job.  What say ye to that?"

Sildar grins at Gundren, who glares back at him.  "What?  ye never know who be listenin'!  Ye cannae be too careful, you old goat!"  Gundren growls a little, shaking his head.  "Methinks all them years ridin' them griffons messed with yer thinker.  Methinks they gave ye all them medals on account of feelin' sorry fer ya losin' yer wits.  At least ye can still ride and swing a sword!"

Sildar continues to grin, bemused at the dwarf.  "Ah, don't get your beard in a twist.  I'll never get tired of you.  Who are you to call anyone old, anyways?"  Sildar laughs, a deep booming laugh that sets you at ease.  "Okay, you heard him.  That's the job.  We'll be going on ahead to arrange some things but everything will be ready in the morning for you.  Set off as the sun rises and we should meet you in two days time."  He gives you one final look before standing up and extending a hand to each of you.  Gundren does the same.  Assuming you all seal the pact, Sildar will mention that they have arranged for rooms here in the Driftwood, if you require them.  Just ask the bartender for the keys.  

If there is nothing else for Sildar or Gundren, the evening is yours to do as you wish.

Wolfe listens to the briefing of their task, still shuffling his deck of cards. He then shakes the hands of the two men as they leave before returning his attention to the others. "So that's settled then, caravan duty for two days. At least it takes us away from here." He says, looking at Rabbit. "Now who's ready for a game of cards, the night is still young and we have time for plenty of adventures right here." He says smiling, dealing cards to those who are in while getting the barmaids attention, ordering a bottle of the best wine the house has to offer, graciously sharing it with his new companions. "A toast then, to the heroes of Phandalin." He says jokingly before downing a glass and immediately  filling it up again.

Rabbit readily agrees to the deal and shakes on the deal once Wolfe has.  When Sildar mentions arrangements for a room she says, "One room for all of us?  'Cause I can just find my own spot to rest and meet up come morning." 

She nods to Wolfe at his comment. "Yea, off to Phandalin and gold to boot! You ever been to Phandalin? What's it like there?"

She hesitates to join the card game at first, but the offer of free wine changes her mind. "I guess I'll play, but you'll have to explain it.  I'm not much for cards." She tries to give the others an innocent, confused look as she slides into a chair. (It's an act. Deception roll if anyone wants to see if they see through it: 8).  She gives Wolfe a strange look at his toast, but happily drinks the wine. "Wow, this stuff is pretty good." 

"I ain't good with cards but I will drink a nice mug of cold beer before I ll go to my room" says Krull and lift his hand to call the waitress 

He listens carefully to their hosts proposal, being generally paranoid he watches the men closely trying to see if they are hiding something in their proposal 

Insight 22

Regardless, he nods at the men as they pass a hand in front of him saying, "Even the smallest of tasks can bring glory to Selune. I will help; you have my word." He will not shake the man's hand even backing up a little as they come closer. "I will say starting a journey with the rise of the Sun is a bad omen. It would be better to start under Selune's light."

When the wine is brought about and poured to a glass in front of him he looks at the red liquid curiously. He sticks two fingers in the glass, smells the liquid carefully before tasting it off his fingers. Intrigued by the taste he then proceeds to drink rest, using his fingers rather than drinking from the glass.

"I will sleep under the moon you do not need to worry about my lodgings." He will sit quietly with the group drinking with his fingers. When everyone retires for the night he will go out back to where Gundren indicated the carts were and will find a quiet place to rest and watch the sky. 

"No no, he definitely said rooms, and if that is not the case I will get you a room myself little Rabbit, if that's what it takes to get you off the streets. Your life in squalor is over, I'll see to that." Wolfe says like the topic is not up for discussion. "And Edryd, that's an interesting way of savoring this excellent wine, I admit I haven't seen that before. What do say about getting up and preparing the carts under the light of your goddess and we will all join you at dawn? Is that good enough for you?" He suggests to the cleric, sounding a bit tired now over the peculiarities of this servant of Selûne. He then starts to deal cards, possibly only to Rabbit, taking care to teach her the game, just a little suspicious over her being an actual card shark herself. Insight: 19

After hearing the Dwarves proposal Mau nods in agreement to the task at hand and sits at the table with the rest of the newly formed party.  “Cards would be a welcome activity to pass the time until rest is needed.”  He motions for Wolfe to deal him into the game.  Still unsure of the new party he keeps a close eye on each persons actions to try and gauge their intentions (Perception: 6).

“Preacher, this Selune you speak of, I would care to hear more of her followers, perhaps you would indulge me while we travel?” Mau directs the question towards Edryd.

@Wolfe - a bottle of fine wine in this establishment will cost you 5gp (deduct it from your inventory).  Your drink threshold is 3 drinks before you might show signs of intoxication.  A card game is definitely possible, if you wish!  In fact, several sets of eyes drift towards you as you mention the possibility of a game, but only 5 seem to linger.   
You also see through Rabbit's feigned innocence, smiling to yourself.  
Do you want to invite others to play or keep it to yourself?  Right now, you, Rabbit, and Mau are playing.  Are you playing for fun or making it interesting?

@Rabbit - you'll each have your own small room if you want.  These rooms are tiny but offer privacy, a bed, a washing bowl, but no window or anything.  But you could just find your own spot to rest if you like.   Your drink threshold is also 3 drinks before you might begin to show signs of intoxication.

@Krull - despite being the largest of all of your new companions, your drink threshold is 2 drinks.  After your beer (deduct 2 cp from inventory), you get your key and make your way to your cramped room.

@Edryd - you definitely can tell they aren't telling the entire story and Gundren especially is careful with the information he offers you.  You don't get the feeling he or Sildar are being deceitful, however, but rather careful.   At your avoidance of cementing the deal with the common handshake, Gundren looks cross but Sildar puts a hand on the dwarf's shoulder.  "We'll take your word then, instead of the usual handshake."  He smiles and nods at you.   Edryd, your drink threshold is also 3 drinks.  Your companions watch you "drink" and it's all they can do to refrain from laughing at the sight.  You easily see through Rabbit's feigned innocence, smiling appreciatively.    The question from Mau brings your eyes upwards...How do you respond?

As for your rest, you can find a nice spot in the stables' staging area and hunker down.  The night brings you comfort and joy, the rays of the moon wash over your face and you feel completely at peace.  The toll of the day's events combine with the excitement at something new, but eventually you close your eyes with a smile and enjoy the long rest.

@Mau - your drink threshold is also 3, should your wish to take a toast.  You watch your new companions carefully but you find it hard to concentrate completely - it is very off-putting and disconcerting, usually you're better at these things.  You ask your question of the cleric, waiting for an answer...