Sera stepped out of Verhanna’s office without delay, exhaling as the dry air hit her face. The councilwoman had given her exactly what she needed—no more, no less. Bureaucratic, unsympathetic, and unimpressed by anything, Verhanna struck Sera as the type who had seen too much to care for pleasantries. That was fine. People like her were best left to their numbers and duties.
As the rest of the group emerged, Sera turned to them, her expression light despite the weight of their task.
“Well, I can’t tell the difference between a horse track and a wolf track,” she admitted with a smirk, exaggerating for humor. “Any of you have tracking skills? Or are we hiring a guide?” She glanced at them, crossing her arms. “Kobolds probably tried to cover their tracks, but they'd be fools to think we wouldn’t come looking for the stolen goods.”
As she spoke, her eyes drifted across the dusty outpost, landing on The Laughing Dwarf. The sight of Glynnis’ establishment made her shoulders relax slightly. If she had to spend a night anywhere in this place, she’d rather it be there. She guessed Handor already was there presenting the ingredients for brewing that he’d hauled here.
“Let’s grab a drink and a bed while we can,” she added, nodding toward the tavern. “Glynnis has the cart we’ll need to transport the crates, and I wouldn’t mind one last night of decent rest before we head out.”
Hastos takes the stone and returns it to its place in his bag.
As Merkas finishes his comment about "doing it this way and it being a right of passage” Hastos smiles down at Merkas. “Not for me, my friend.” As they turn to walk out, Hastos looks back at Verhanna. “Not with me.” And with a nod, Hastos says to Verhanna, “Good night.” and exits the room, throwing his bag over his shoulder.
Outside he hears Sera’s comment about drink and rest. “Agreed, it’s been a long day.” He replies.
“Merkas, do me a favor, will you?” Hastos hands Merkas the satchel of payment he received for delivering the refugees. “See that this gets spread around to the people around here, but do it quietly. Most folks here won’t take anything from me.” He smiles as he taps on the dragon emblem on his pauldron before pulling his cloak over the symbols and standing up.
"I know a friendly kobold in town, Kasi. She's nice, if understandably weary. It might be good for her reputation to guide us. Finding a Hachakee that knows the surroundings is like tossing a stone at the dirt, can't miss it. Still, I will guide you to our guide. I think we could take all the guidance we can."
Sharn nodded, perhaps thinking his words wise beyond what they were. He continued with the group to the Dancing Dwarf, and patted Hastos as far up as he could on the back, trying to be endearing.
"You especially, Hastos, look like you could use some rest. Don't worry though, the stars always will reveal a good day."
"Whatever you say Haz, I sure hope we can get this scattered in a way that actually helps people, thinking food may be worth more than all the coin we just collected in this place right now. You coming with us yeah?" Merkas asks as he puts the coin away. A curious smile crossing his face as Sharn mentions stars.
"Y'know, Sharn, for a dwarf, who's people tend to spend all their time underground, you sure talk about the sky and all it's differences a lot. You get kicked outta the mine or somethin' cause you were star gazing all the time?"
Sharn's smile turned melancholic at Merkas' words; his shoulders more slumped.
"I think I could use a drink or a meal before talking about that." He straightened his posture as if someone had tapped his back.
"The stars do not have to be on the sky, however. If you clear your mind, you'll be able to see them in every grain of sand. Every desert a firmament; every mote of dirt a moon."
Once they got to the Dancing Dwarf, he made sure to hold the door courteously for everyone to get in.
Hastos smiled at Merkas, “Of course I’m coming with you! And with that coin just give it to people who are in a hard way. They’ll know what to spend it on. Oh - and say something like “The dawn is coming” or something like that. Between that phrase and your genuine nature, that might start spreading a little hope around here as well as coin.”
Turning to Sharm, “That sounds like a solid first step, good idea.”
Hastos once again pulls the cloak tighter around his armor, hoping to be inconspicuous.
Sera fell in step with her party, casting an approving smile at Hastos as he donated his entire reward. A noble gesture. A true knight’s heart, she mused, though she kept the thought to herself.
As they reached The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall, the usual lively atmosphere of a tavern was missing. The mood was subdued—voices hushed, laughter scarce. People huddled at their tables, weary and worn from hardship. The scent of mead and roasted food lingered, but it did little to mask the undercurrent of quiet desperation hanging in the air.
She found an empty table and settled in, the rough wooden benches creaking beneath her. A barmaid passed by, and Sera raised a hand to order something simple—bread, stew, and somethign to drink for them all, if they had it. First round of drinks she would pay for as she promiseed the Kender by the gate. Food was scarce these days, and she wouldn't ask for more than was reasonable.
Her thoughts drifted back to Verhanna’s words:
"Ororana and Tekel have both put aside their usual missions to find out what happened to the caravan. The evidence they uncovered suggests that they were raided by kobolds. The merchants and guards were slaughtered."
She had no idea who Ororana or Tekel were, but if they were investigating the attack, perhaps speaking with them would be wise.
Now they had Sharn with them—he had been here long enough to know his way around. He even suggested they find a kobold guide.
Sera frowned slightly. That… felt wrong.
She leaned forward, elbows on the table, her voice quieter but firm. "Sharn…" she started, then sighed, rolling a hand as she searched for the right words. "I get that not all kobolds are the same. Maybe this one is different. Maybe she’s even your friend." She paused, tapping a finger against the table. "But… Ororana and Tekel—whoever they are—say kobolds were responsible for the massacre. That merchants and guards were slaughtered."
She glanced around the tavern, at the faces of people who had lost too much already. "Justice needs to be fair—and swift. If kobolds did this, bringing one along to confront them makes things… complicated."
She hesitated, then sighed. "I’m not saying no. I just think we need to be careful. If we’re walking into a fight for justice, we need to be sure who we’re standing beside."
She leaned back, crossing her arms, waiting to hear what the others thought. The barmaid returned with watered out drinks, placing them on the table with a weary nod before hurrying off to tend to other customers. Sera wrapped her hands around her mug, the warmth of it grounding her thoughts as she listened.
Merkas sets his pack on the chair before climbing onto both to get above the table, greedily grabbing at a mug the size of his head as they arrive before speaking
”Now Sera, I feel taking a kobold along, ‘specially one that needs to build some trust in the community is right up our alley. I’m already viewing this as a way to change the views of kenders so why not others?” Drawing deeply front the mug he smiles and continues “Not the best but not the worst I had, the poison ones suck the most. Anyway, if we’re goin’ to trust our Sharn gazer to travel with us then we need to trust his suggestions some to right?”
Looking about the room, Merkas tries to take stock of the overall demeanour and morale of the room before lowering his voice.
”’Sides this while place gotta get happier if we ever hope to survive. Gloomy faces are gloomy hearts and thoughts and that only brings more gloom. Just one big gloomy circle that takes hard work to get out of”
When you enter the Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall, you can't help but notice the irony. No laughter can be found inside it's vast, sparsely populated walls. Handar is already working to put together a sludgy stew (water is scarce) using lard, wine and preserved meats. You see Glynnis at the bar, looking stressed and braiding her hair to calm herself. She looks up at you as you arrive, and turns to Handar. "Hey Grimax. Yer girl is here."
Handar looks up from his work and smiles warmly. Cheered to see the girl she thought of as a daughter here. "SERAAAA!" He dropped his ladle into the stew, and rushed over to greet Sera in a tight embrace! "Come! Come! Ye must be exhausted! Take a seat!" Handar guides the group to the bar and rushes around the counter while Glynnis sets some bowls down. The options are the sludgy stew, dry flatbread, and water that doesn't seem too fresh. Glynnis blushes with embarrassment at the provisions.
"My apologies fer the fare," Glynnis remarks humbly. "Water 'n food ain't easy to come by right now. An' most o' the rations've been used up ta feed the new arrivals. Handar was kind enough ta' add 'is supplies to tha pot, so we can serve anythin' at all. Without 'em, I'd'a been forced to slaughter me own horses fer meat. Damn those kobolds. What a time ta' be gettin' greedy."
Looking around, you see that the few people in the dance hall are gnawing on hard rations.
"Verhanna says ta' keep ya' fed n sheltered fer the night. I didn't really build this place ta' be an inn, so we ain't got too many rooms. But four of 'em are yours ta use."
She finishes another ornate braid on her hair then eyes Sera's own locks. "Want me ta fix those braids up fer ye? Loose hair gets sweaty 'round here, and I could stand to have somp'in ta do with me hands."
Sharn smiled seeing that his new companions do have friends in town besides him.
After taking a seat he addressed Sera first. "I did say it was only an option. Finding a guide is not difficult, but considering how coin is plentiful and resources are scarce, I'd be more weary of humans taking from the stolen supplies more so than Kasi." He leaned back on his chair ordering some of the sludgy stew before he continued. "Besides, I've seen plenty of regular folk turning to walk into the clutches of evil; I'm not surprised that a kobold could walk into the hands of good, even if it is fueled by self interest. Not that I know of Kasi's motives, I do not speak to her often." He stroked his mustache. "I guess that is something that is worth asking. Which do you think is more important, justice or good?" He raised a finger. "And you can't say both. This is a thought experiment, not a judgement of any kind. There is only one entity in this world that deserves to be judged, and she is beyond most's reach."
Handar’s embrace was firm, unshaken by time, smelling of smoke and stew. He pulled back just enough to give her a good look, grinning like a proud father. That warmth settled in her chest, a flicker of belonging she hadn’t felt in years. "aws you make me blush Handar..."
Glynnis offered to braid her hair and the poor dwarf was fiddling her hands so much Sera agree, Glynnis gestured for Sera to sit, already pulling a wooden comb from her apron pocket. Sera gave her a nod of gratitude and sank onto a stool, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
As Glynnis gathered her hair and began braiding with the practiced ease of someone who had done this for many before, a plate was placed in front of her. The stew was… well, it was food. Soggy, overcooked, unknown what gone into it. Lizards? But it was food and warm. She accepted it anyway, the act of being served something made with care meaning more than the taste.
The moment of peace didn’t last long.
Across the table, Sharn raised a finger, his expression thoughtful. “I guess that is something worth asking. Which do you think is more important, justice or good?” He paused for effect. “And you can't say both. This is a thought experiment, not a judgment of any kind.......” and something about judge a godess she not focus on .
Sera swirled the rough drink in her cup, the taste as bitter as the memories creeping into her mind. Justice or good? The words clung to her thoughts like a thorn she couldn’t pull free.
She remembered how her family had once lived—not in wealth, but with dignity. Her father was a knight who had lived for justice, her mother’s devotion, the land they worked with their own hands. It had been enough. Until it wasn’t. Until the sickness came, and they couldn’t afford the healers the nobles could. Until Hart Goldenspear and his ilk seized their home, calling it payment for debts that never existed. It was no justice then.
Then there was the alley in Palanthas. The rough hands. The mocking laughter. The pain that still haunted her, deeper than any blade wound. Hart Goldenspear had taken everything—her home, her family, her security—and when that wasn’t enough, he tried to take her life, too. It was no justice then.
She set her cup down with a quiet thud and met Sharn’s gaze, her fingers tightening around the worn wood of the table.
“Good is a kindness we choose when the world allows it,” she said, her voice low but firm. “Justice is what we demand when it does not.”
She let the words settle before exhaling sharply. “That’s why I intend to bring justice to the merchants and guards who were slaughtered. Their families deserve to know what happened. They deserve to see their loved ones' stolen goods returned. They deserve closure.” Her jaw tensed. “Justice isn’t just about punishment—it’s about setting things right, about making sure cruelty isn’t rewarded with silence. As for judging a godess...I need more alchohol to start that debate but for now I say Thakisis is a ***** that will fail. "
Sera pass Merkas a glance "...Kenders are the most adorable fun people you just wants to pick up and hug. Loosing some trinkets doing such a move but its worth it...I can not quite compare Merkas..sorry" Sera try get a smile back "and you are right. If Sharn who been here and know who is who around advice us to bring a kobold along. Then we listen to him. Hire what guide you belive will do the best job Sharn" she adress the dwarf with the bushy mustash
She lifted her drink again, taking another sip. The taste didn’t improve, but the weight in her chest felt a little lighter.
The day passes quickly with the friendly banter. Sera's hair looks brilliant in intricate braids, and the extra air on her neck is welcome in the desert heat.
The party chats so long, that patrons begin to filter out of the hall long before anyone notices. Glynnis doesn't seem to mind the loss of patrons either. With nothing to serve, there was nothing to sell anyway. But once they were gone, Glynnis gets a twinkle in her eye.
"So, now that yer settled an' got a proper name for yer guild, we should celebrate! I saved some o' me good stuff fer just such an occasion." She heads to the back, and you can hear her shuffling around. Then she comes back with a servers tray filled with a pitcher and 6 cups. She sets it down almost reverently, and pours slowly so that no more than one copper's worth of head caps the top of each cup. "This recipe been passed down from me ma, her ma afore her, an' her ma' afore that. It heals the body an' the soul with just one cup. This 'ere's tha last pitcher of it I can make until those supplies come in. But me brew is what's gonna make this tavern a legend in Khur."
She passes the cups to each of you, including one for Grindar and one for herself. "To tha Dawnborn! May she one day be renown through all o' Krynn!"
"A reasonable take, though I did not wish to mention the Dark Queen by name. I can say that we agree, except that what you call justice I call good. Righting wrongs and all. Always saw it as something prompting one to fight, and I avoided it for long. Not that idleness is evil, but good it is not."
He stroked his mustache and looked to Merkas and Hastos, as if prompting them.
Hastos listens intently on the conversation at hand. These concepts really hadn’t been a part of his life. The only thing he’s known came at the end of his sword. Was it justice? Was it good?
“For me, those words are too malleable, too subjective. The parents who steal bread for their children to eat. Are they good? They are to their children, but possibly not to the baker. Imprisoning the parents for theft, is that justice?”
Hastos shrugs and pauses as his thoughts briefly turn inwards.
“I don’t have an answer. I suppose I fear both. Too subjective, both can be used to justify atrocities.”
As Glynnis raises her toast, Hastos raises his glass and drinks.
Hastos listens intently on the conversation at hand. These concepts really hadn’t been a part of his life. The only thing he’s known came at the end of his sword. Was it justice? Was it good?
“For me, those words are too malleable, too subjective. The parents who steal bread for their children to eat. Are they good? They are to their children, but possibly not to the baker. Imprisoning the parents for theft, is that justice?”
Hastos pauses as his thoughts briefly turn inwards.
“I don’t have an answer. I suppose I fear both. Too subjective, both can be used to justify atrocities.”
As Glynnis raises her toast, Hastos raises his glass and drinks.
Con Save: 17+3=20
Hastos feels a wave of euphoria come over him. It isn't too heady, and his thoughts remain as clear as they were before, but he feels bolstered and refreshed... like he hasn't just spent a day marching or interacting with surly beurocrats.
“Maybe buy the place a round of drinks?” Hathos whispers to Merkas as he get comfortable in the chair next to him.
Whispering back as they are guided to the bar by Handar"Don't think they going to be any happier getting what they have here currently"
Receiving the food and drinks graciously, Merkas stands his spoon up in the middle of the "stew" and lets go."One....two....three....four....five....six....seven...eight...Well it ain't moved on an eight count so I guess it's a hardy meal!" Looking into his glass of water and back at the gruel he shrugs and poors it in the bowl and mixes it up until its a bit thinner and proceeds to dip his crust into the bowl as he eats and listens to the conversation.
While finishing up his food he slides Sera's coin pouch back over to her as she talks about hugging kenders saying through stuffed cheeks "Here, you;d bropped dis" Smiling apologetically he turns back to listen Hastos take on Sharns challenge.
Once Glynnis brings the new drinks and raises the toast the Kender beams in anticipation, practically yelling"To Dawnbound, the best guild ever with one night of existence!" And downs the whole tankard in a single draw. (Con Save 13) Once finished he takes a stab at the topic of conversation
"So about judgement, I would figure it would matter what judgement you are talking about, we all make judgements all the time, Sharn, you judged it was good for you to join us, the guard judged Hastos based on the beat up armour he wears, I judged my stew based upon how long my spoon stood in it. There was the judging that happened back in Lady Verhanna's tent and the judging about whether we take a kobold to search out kobolds or not. But when it comes to the difference between good and justice then I feel there needs to be some qualifiers, Only someone or something that is completely removed from a situation, and has full knowledge of that situation can properly give justice within that situation. Like Hastos said about the parents stealing bread for their kids. Now suppose also that you move back a few more steps and see the reason that they have to steal is because the taxes are to high in the area and you think then we gotta get the lord of the land to lower the taxes so people can survive, sounds good, but then you go to the lord and they aren't keeping any of the coin cause they have the orders from the king, so you go to the king and find out that all that money is going to keep a mighty large dam from collapsing that would flood the entire region those parents live in. So what is justice in this? Every step one way or another changes the outlook. And that is a simple example. All we gotta do is our best where we are."
Looking into the mug he thinks for a second then tips it back to get the last drops out before he finishes solemnly
"But doing good is best defined as treating others how you want ta be treated, taking the hit when another can't, jumping into the time bubble to stop someone else from being stuck in it"
Once Glynnis brings the new drinks and raises the toast the Kender beams in anticipation, practically yelling"To Dawnbound, the best guild ever with one night of existence!" And downs the whole tankard in a single draw. (Con Save 13) Once finished he takes a stab at the topic of conversation
Merkas also feels a wave of euphoria. His head remains clear and sober as the rich and refreshing drink washes the dust from his throat. The dwarven brew lives up to its reputation! But then, you feel heartier... bolstered and energized.
Merkas gains 10 temporary hit points!
Glynnis nods in approval, struggling to fight off an ear-to-ear grin. She doesn't want to interrupt the insightful conversation, but you can tell she's practically bursting to brag about her secret recipe.
The banter about justice and good continued, playful jabs mixing with thoughtful musings. It was a conversation that could stretch into the night if they let it, but Glynnis had other plans. She appeared with a dark bottle, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and poured each of them a drink. The liquid shimmered amber in the lantern light, carrying a scent that promised warmth—and a kick.
Sera joined the toast, bringing the cup to her lips. The first sip burned, far stronger than she had expected, and she had to fight the urge to cough. Potent stuff. She swallowed hard, blinking away the sting, and laughed under her breath. Glynnis didn’t play around. (con save 12 )
Just as she was setting her drink down, a familiar pouch of coins landed on her lap under the table. She glanced up to see Merkas, looking far too pleased with himself.
She narrowed her eyes playfully and shook her head. That little sneak. Somehow, the kender had managed to reclaim the payment she had forfeited at the councilwoman’s office.
Sera had to bite back the urge to scoop him up in a tight hug like he was some oversized stuffed toy. He was too sweet for his own good.
“...Yeah,” she said with a small chuckle, securing the pouch. “We try our best. Many ways to do it. And I have a good feeling about this group.” She raised her glass again. “Cheers.”
As the cups clinked and the laughter resumed, she shifted in her seat, stretching out her leg beneath the table. Her foot brushed against Hastos’—totally accidental. Completely.
But when he glanced up at her, she didn’t move away. Instead, she met his gaze with a sly smile, eyes glinting with unspoken mischief.
The world was serious. Too serious. Even now, their talk had been about justice, vengeance, and war. But she had a second chance at living. And if she was going to fight for it, she was going to enjoy it, too.
Sharn took the change to fill his belly while the group explained their stances. This type of talk was the best seasoning for meals. He used to have them often with a person he wishes he had forgotten. The stew was thick just as he liked it. The one odd thing about Sharn was that his kind was known for their voracious appetite, but he seemed the opposite. Every new spoonful could've been the last. Not because how fast he went, but how slow and calculative his eating seemed. As if every dip of the spoon was like the fine hand of a physician. He didn't accompany the rest with the dwarven brew. He still partook on the merriment, but something felt wrong about ingesting something so ... dwarven.
"Just a bit of water for me. Thank you. The stars have not yet aligned for me to treat myself."
That water, though, with his glass only half full from the beginning and somewhat dirty from scrapping the bottom of the barrel (or well) felt somehow sweeter than usual. He raised his cup an additional time.
"To the Dawnbound, and the bright tomorrow that awaits them."
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Sera stepped out of Verhanna’s office without delay, exhaling as the dry air hit her face. The councilwoman had given her exactly what she needed—no more, no less. Bureaucratic, unsympathetic, and unimpressed by anything, Verhanna struck Sera as the type who had seen too much to care for pleasantries. That was fine. People like her were best left to their numbers and duties.
As the rest of the group emerged, Sera turned to them, her expression light despite the weight of their task.
“Well, I can’t tell the difference between a horse track and a wolf track,” she admitted with a smirk, exaggerating for humor. “Any of you have tracking skills? Or are we hiring a guide?” She glanced at them, crossing her arms. “Kobolds probably tried to cover their tracks, but they'd be fools to think we wouldn’t come looking for the stolen goods.”
As she spoke, her eyes drifted across the dusty outpost, landing on The Laughing Dwarf. The sight of Glynnis’ establishment made her shoulders relax slightly. If she had to spend a night anywhere in this place, she’d rather it be there. She guessed Handor already was there presenting the ingredients for brewing that he’d hauled here.
“Let’s grab a drink and a bed while we can,” she added, nodding toward the tavern. “Glynnis has the cart we’ll need to transport the crates, and I wouldn’t mind one last night of decent rest before we head out.”
Hastos takes the stone and returns it to its place in his bag.
As Merkas finishes his comment about "doing it this way and it being a right of passage” Hastos smiles down at Merkas. “Not for me, my friend.” As they turn to walk out, Hastos looks back at Verhanna. “Not with me.” And with a nod, Hastos says to Verhanna, “Good night.” and exits the room, throwing his bag over his shoulder.
Outside he hears Sera’s comment about drink and rest. “Agreed, it’s been a long day.” He replies.
“Merkas, do me a favor, will you?” Hastos hands Merkas the satchel of payment he received for delivering the refugees. “See that this gets spread around to the people around here, but do it quietly. Most folks here won’t take anything from me.” He smiles as he taps on the dragon emblem on his pauldron before pulling his cloak over the symbols and standing up.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
"I know a friendly kobold in town, Kasi. She's nice, if understandably weary. It might be good for her reputation to guide us. Finding a Hachakee that knows the surroundings is like tossing a stone at the dirt, can't miss it. Still, I will guide you to our guide. I think we could take all the guidance we can."
Sharn nodded, perhaps thinking his words wise beyond what they were. He continued with the group to the Dancing Dwarf, and patted Hastos as far up as he could on the back, trying to be endearing.
"You especially, Hastos, look like you could use some rest. Don't worry though, the stars always will reveal a good day."
"Whatever you say Haz, I sure hope we can get this scattered in a way that actually helps people, thinking food may be worth more than all the coin we just collected in this place right now. You coming with us yeah?"
Merkas asks as he puts the coin away. A curious smile crossing his face as Sharn mentions stars.
"Y'know, Sharn, for a dwarf, who's people tend to spend all their time underground, you sure talk about the sky and all it's differences a lot. You get kicked outta the mine or somethin' cause you were star gazing all the time?"
Loyalty Begets Honour
Sharn's smile turned melancholic at Merkas' words; his shoulders more slumped.
"I think I could use a drink or a meal before talking about that." He straightened his posture as if someone had tapped his back.
"The stars do not have to be on the sky, however. If you clear your mind, you'll be able to see them in every grain of sand. Every desert a firmament; every mote of dirt a moon."
Once they got to the Dancing Dwarf, he made sure to hold the door courteously for everyone to get in.
Hastos smiled at Merkas, “Of course I’m coming with you! And with that coin just give it to people who are in a hard way. They’ll know what to spend it on. Oh - and say something like “The dawn is coming” or something like that. Between that phrase and your genuine nature, that might start spreading a little hope around here as well as coin.”
Turning to Sharm, “That sounds like a solid first step, good idea.”
Hastos once again pulls the cloak tighter around his armor, hoping to be inconspicuous.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera fell in step with her party, casting an approving smile at Hastos as he donated his entire reward. A noble gesture. A true knight’s heart, she mused, though she kept the thought to herself.
As they reached The Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall, the usual lively atmosphere of a tavern was missing. The mood was subdued—voices hushed, laughter scarce. People huddled at their tables, weary and worn from hardship. The scent of mead and roasted food lingered, but it did little to mask the undercurrent of quiet desperation hanging in the air.
She found an empty table and settled in, the rough wooden benches creaking beneath her. A barmaid passed by, and Sera raised a hand to order something simple—bread, stew, and somethign to drink for them all, if they had it. First round of drinks she would pay for as she promiseed the Kender by the gate. Food was scarce these days, and she wouldn't ask for more than was reasonable.
Her thoughts drifted back to Verhanna’s words:
"Ororana and Tekel have both put aside their usual missions to find out what happened to the caravan. The evidence they uncovered suggests that they were raided by kobolds. The merchants and guards were slaughtered."
She had no idea who Ororana or Tekel were, but if they were investigating the attack, perhaps speaking with them would be wise.
Now they had Sharn with them—he had been here long enough to know his way around. He even suggested they find a kobold guide.
Sera frowned slightly. That… felt wrong.
She leaned forward, elbows on the table, her voice quieter but firm. "Sharn…" she started, then sighed, rolling a hand as she searched for the right words. "I get that not all kobolds are the same. Maybe this one is different. Maybe she’s even your friend." She paused, tapping a finger against the table. "But… Ororana and Tekel—whoever they are—say kobolds were responsible for the massacre. That merchants and guards were slaughtered."
She glanced around the tavern, at the faces of people who had lost too much already. "Justice needs to be fair—and swift. If kobolds did this, bringing one along to confront them makes things… complicated."
She hesitated, then sighed. "I’m not saying no. I just think we need to be careful. If we’re walking into a fight for justice, we need to be sure who we’re standing beside."
She leaned back, crossing her arms, waiting to hear what the others thought. The barmaid returned with watered out drinks, placing them on the table with a weary nod before hurrying off to tend to other customers. Sera wrapped her hands around her mug, the warmth of it grounding her thoughts as she listened.
Merkas sets his pack on the chair before climbing onto both to get above the table, greedily grabbing at a mug the size of his head as they arrive before speaking
”Now Sera, I feel taking a kobold along, ‘specially one that needs to build some trust in the community is right up our alley. I’m already viewing this as a way to change the views of kenders so why not others?” Drawing deeply front the mug he smiles and continues “Not the best but not the worst I had, the poison ones suck the most. Anyway, if we’re goin’ to trust our Sharn gazer to travel with us then we need to trust his suggestions some to right?”
Looking about the room, Merkas tries to take stock of the overall demeanour and morale of the room before lowering his voice.
”’Sides this while place gotta get happier if we ever hope to survive. Gloomy faces are gloomy hearts and thoughts and that only brings more gloom. Just one big gloomy circle that takes hard work to get out of”
Loyalty Begets Honour
“Maybe buy the place a round of drinks?” Hathos whispers to Merkas as he get comfortable in the chair next to him.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
When you enter the Laughing Dwarf Dance Hall, you can't help but notice the irony. No laughter can be found inside it's vast, sparsely populated walls. Handar is already working to put together a sludgy stew (water is scarce) using lard, wine and preserved meats. You see Glynnis at the bar, looking stressed and braiding her hair to calm herself. She looks up at you as you arrive, and turns to Handar. "Hey Grimax. Yer girl is here."
Handar looks up from his work and smiles warmly. Cheered to see the girl she thought of as a daughter here. "SERAAAA!" He dropped his ladle into the stew, and rushed over to greet Sera in a tight embrace! "Come! Come! Ye must be exhausted! Take a seat!" Handar guides the group to the bar and rushes around the counter while Glynnis sets some bowls down. The options are the sludgy stew, dry flatbread, and water that doesn't seem too fresh. Glynnis blushes with embarrassment at the provisions.
"My apologies fer the fare," Glynnis remarks humbly. "Water 'n food ain't easy to come by right now. An' most o' the rations've been used up ta feed the new arrivals. Handar was kind enough ta' add 'is supplies to tha pot, so we can serve anythin' at all. Without 'em, I'd'a been forced to slaughter me own horses fer meat. Damn those kobolds. What a time ta' be gettin' greedy."
Looking around, you see that the few people in the dance hall are gnawing on hard rations.
"Verhanna says ta' keep ya' fed n sheltered fer the night. I didn't really build this place ta' be an inn, so we ain't got too many rooms. But four of 'em are yours ta use."
She finishes another ornate braid on her hair then eyes Sera's own locks. "Want me ta fix those braids up fer ye? Loose hair gets sweaty 'round here, and I could stand to have somp'in ta do with me hands."
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sharn smiled seeing that his new companions do have friends in town besides him.
After taking a seat he addressed Sera first. "I did say it was only an option. Finding a guide is not difficult, but considering how coin is plentiful and resources are scarce, I'd be more weary of humans taking from the stolen supplies more so than Kasi." He leaned back on his chair ordering some of the sludgy stew before he continued. "Besides, I've seen plenty of regular folk turning to walk into the clutches of evil; I'm not surprised that a kobold could walk into the hands of good, even if it is fueled by self interest. Not that I know of Kasi's motives, I do not speak to her often." He stroked his mustache. "I guess that is something that is worth asking. Which do you think is more important, justice or good?" He raised a finger. "And you can't say both. This is a thought experiment, not a judgement of any kind. There is only one entity in this world that deserves to be judged, and she is beyond most's reach."
Handar’s embrace was firm, unshaken by time, smelling of smoke and stew. He pulled back just enough to give her a good look, grinning like a proud father. That warmth settled in her chest, a flicker of belonging she hadn’t felt in years. "aws you make me blush Handar..."
Glynnis offered to braid her hair and the poor dwarf was fiddling her hands so much Sera agree, Glynnis gestured for Sera to sit, already pulling a wooden comb from her apron pocket. Sera gave her a nod of gratitude and sank onto a stool, letting out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
As Glynnis gathered her hair and began braiding with the practiced ease of someone who had done this for many before, a plate was placed in front of her. The stew was… well, it was food. Soggy, overcooked, unknown what gone into it. Lizards? But it was food and warm. She accepted it anyway, the act of being served something made with care meaning more than the taste.
The moment of peace didn’t last long.
Across the table, Sharn raised a finger, his expression thoughtful. “I guess that is something worth asking. Which do you think is more important, justice or good?” He paused for effect. “And you can't say both. This is a thought experiment, not a judgment of any kind.......” and something about judge a godess she not focus on .
Sera swirled the rough drink in her cup, the taste as bitter as the memories creeping into her mind. Justice or good? The words clung to her thoughts like a thorn she couldn’t pull free.
She remembered how her family had once lived—not in wealth, but with dignity. Her father was a knight who had lived for justice, her mother’s devotion, the land they worked with their own hands. It had been enough. Until it wasn’t. Until the sickness came, and they couldn’t afford the healers the nobles could. Until Hart Goldenspear and his ilk seized their home, calling it payment for debts that never existed. It was no justice then.
Then there was the alley in Palanthas. The rough hands. The mocking laughter. The pain that still haunted her, deeper than any blade wound. Hart Goldenspear had taken everything—her home, her family, her security—and when that wasn’t enough, he tried to take her life, too. It was no justice then.
She set her cup down with a quiet thud and met Sharn’s gaze, her fingers tightening around the worn wood of the table.
“Good is a kindness we choose when the world allows it,” she said, her voice low but firm. “Justice is what we demand when it does not.”
She let the words settle before exhaling sharply. “That’s why I intend to bring justice to the merchants and guards who were slaughtered. Their families deserve to know what happened. They deserve to see their loved ones' stolen goods returned. They deserve closure.” Her jaw tensed. “Justice isn’t just about punishment—it’s about setting things right, about making sure cruelty isn’t rewarded with silence. As for judging a godess...I need more alchohol to start that debate but for now I say Thakisis is a ***** that will fail. "
Sera pass Merkas a glance "...Kenders are the most adorable fun people you just wants to pick up and hug. Loosing some trinkets doing such a move but its worth it...I can not quite compare Merkas..sorry" Sera try get a smile back "and you are right. If Sharn who been here and know who is who around advice us to bring a kobold along. Then we listen to him. Hire what guide you belive will do the best job Sharn" she adress the dwarf with the bushy mustash
She lifted her drink again, taking another sip. The taste didn’t improve, but the weight in her chest felt a little lighter.
The day passes quickly with the friendly banter. Sera's hair looks brilliant in intricate braids, and the extra air on her neck is welcome in the desert heat.
The party chats so long, that patrons begin to filter out of the hall long before anyone notices. Glynnis doesn't seem to mind the loss of patrons either. With nothing to serve, there was nothing to sell anyway. But once they were gone, Glynnis gets a twinkle in her eye.
"So, now that yer settled an' got a proper name for yer guild, we should celebrate! I saved some o' me good stuff fer just such an occasion." She heads to the back, and you can hear her shuffling around. Then she comes back with a servers tray filled with a pitcher and 6 cups. She sets it down almost reverently, and pours slowly so that no more than one copper's worth of head caps the top of each cup. "This recipe been passed down from me ma, her ma afore her, an' her ma' afore that. It heals the body an' the soul with just one cup. This 'ere's tha last pitcher of it I can make until those supplies come in. But me brew is what's gonna make this tavern a legend in Khur."
She passes the cups to each of you, including one for Grindar and one for herself. "To tha Dawnborn! May she one day be renown through all o' Krynn!"
If you choose to drink, please make a CON save.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sharn nodded deep in thought.
"A reasonable take, though I did not wish to mention the Dark Queen by name. I can say that we agree, except that what you call justice I call good. Righting wrongs and all. Always saw it as something prompting one to fight, and I avoided it for long. Not that idleness is evil, but good it is not."
He stroked his mustache and looked to Merkas and Hastos, as if prompting them.
Hastos listens intently on the conversation at hand. These concepts really hadn’t been a part of his life. The only thing he’s known came at the end of his sword. Was it justice? Was it good?
“For me, those words are too malleable, too subjective. The parents who steal bread for their children to eat. Are they good? They are to their children, but possibly not to the baker. Imprisoning the parents for theft, is that justice?”
Hastos shrugs and pauses as his thoughts briefly turn inwards.
“I don’t have an answer. I suppose I fear both. Too subjective, both can be used to justify atrocities.”
As Glynnis raises her toast, Hastos raises his glass and drinks.
Con Save: 17+3=20
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Hastos feels a wave of euphoria come over him. It isn't too heady, and his thoughts remain as clear as they were before, but he feels bolstered and refreshed... like he hasn't just spent a day marching or interacting with surly beurocrats.
Hastos gains 10 temporary hit points.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Whispering back as they are guided to the bar by Handar "Don't think they going to be any happier getting what they have here currently"
Receiving the food and drinks graciously, Merkas stands his spoon up in the middle of the "stew" and lets go. "One....two....three....four....five....six....seven...eight...Well it ain't moved on an eight count so I guess it's a hardy meal!" Looking into his glass of water and back at the gruel he shrugs and poors it in the bowl and mixes it up until its a bit thinner and proceeds to dip his crust into the bowl as he eats and listens to the conversation.
While finishing up his food he slides Sera's coin pouch back over to her as she talks about hugging kenders saying through stuffed cheeks "Here, you;d bropped dis" Smiling apologetically he turns back to listen Hastos take on Sharns challenge.
Once Glynnis brings the new drinks and raises the toast the Kender beams in anticipation, practically yelling "To Dawnbound, the best guild ever with one night of existence!" And downs the whole tankard in a single draw. (Con Save 13) Once finished he takes a stab at the topic of conversation
"So about judgement, I would figure it would matter what judgement you are talking about, we all make judgements all the time, Sharn, you judged it was good for you to join us, the guard judged Hastos based on the beat up armour he wears, I judged my stew based upon how long my spoon stood in it. There was the judging that happened back in Lady Verhanna's tent and the judging about whether we take a kobold to search out kobolds or not. But when it comes to the difference between good and justice then I feel there needs to be some qualifiers, Only someone or something that is completely removed from a situation, and has full knowledge of that situation can properly give justice within that situation. Like Hastos said about the parents stealing bread for their kids. Now suppose also that you move back a few more steps and see the reason that they have to steal is because the taxes are to high in the area and you think then we gotta get the lord of the land to lower the taxes so people can survive, sounds good, but then you go to the lord and they aren't keeping any of the coin cause they have the orders from the king, so you go to the king and find out that all that money is going to keep a mighty large dam from collapsing that would flood the entire region those parents live in. So what is justice in this? Every step one way or another changes the outlook. And that is a simple example. All we gotta do is our best where we are."
Looking into the mug he thinks for a second then tips it back to get the last drops out before he finishes solemnly
"But doing good is best defined as treating others how you want ta be treated, taking the hit when another can't, jumping into the time bubble to stop someone else from being stuck in it"
Loyalty Begets Honour
Merkas also feels a wave of euphoria. His head remains clear and sober as the rich and refreshing drink washes the dust from his throat. The dwarven brew lives up to its reputation! But then, you feel heartier... bolstered and energized.
Merkas gains 10 temporary hit points!
Glynnis nods in approval, struggling to fight off an ear-to-ear grin. She doesn't want to interrupt the insightful conversation, but you can tell she's practically bursting to brag about her secret recipe.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
The banter about justice and good continued, playful jabs mixing with thoughtful musings. It was a conversation that could stretch into the night if they let it, but Glynnis had other plans. She appeared with a dark bottle, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and poured each of them a drink. The liquid shimmered amber in the lantern light, carrying a scent that promised warmth—and a kick.
Sera joined the toast, bringing the cup to her lips. The first sip burned, far stronger than she had expected, and she had to fight the urge to cough. Potent stuff. She swallowed hard, blinking away the sting, and laughed under her breath. Glynnis didn’t play around. (con save 12 )
Just as she was setting her drink down, a familiar pouch of coins landed on her lap under the table. She glanced up to see Merkas, looking far too pleased with himself.
She narrowed her eyes playfully and shook her head. That little sneak. Somehow, the kender had managed to reclaim the payment she had forfeited at the councilwoman’s office.
Sera had to bite back the urge to scoop him up in a tight hug like he was some oversized stuffed toy. He was too sweet for his own good.
“...Yeah,” she said with a small chuckle, securing the pouch. “We try our best. Many ways to do it. And I have a good feeling about this group.” She raised her glass again. “Cheers.”
As the cups clinked and the laughter resumed, she shifted in her seat, stretching out her leg beneath the table. Her foot brushed against Hastos’—totally accidental. Completely.
But when he glanced up at her, she didn’t move away. Instead, she met his gaze with a sly smile, eyes glinting with unspoken mischief.
The world was serious. Too serious. Even now, their talk had been about justice, vengeance, and war. But she had a second chance at living. And if she was going to fight for it, she was going to enjoy it, too.
Sharn took the change to fill his belly while the group explained their stances. This type of talk was the best seasoning for meals. He used to have them often with a person he wishes he had forgotten. The stew was thick just as he liked it. The one odd thing about Sharn was that his kind was known for their voracious appetite, but he seemed the opposite. Every new spoonful could've been the last. Not because how fast he went, but how slow and calculative his eating seemed. As if every dip of the spoon was like the fine hand of a physician. He didn't accompany the rest with the dwarven brew. He still partook on the merriment, but something felt wrong about ingesting something so ... dwarven.
"Just a bit of water for me. Thank you. The stars have not yet aligned for me to treat myself."
That water, though, with his glass only half full from the beginning and somewhat dirty from scrapping the bottom of the barrel (or well) felt somehow sweeter than usual. He raised his cup an additional time.
"To the Dawnbound, and the bright tomorrow that awaits them."