Thom suddenly let out a laugh that appeared to fill the entire room and the tension that was building up in Thom seemed to have left with it. "If this was about the coin I wouldn't have targeted the men. I would have tracked down this man myself. 500 gold only goes so far when you have to split it with six people. Seven, if we let the other one in. 70 gold isn't worth my time. "
Back in his younger days, when he first set out to be the world's greatest gleeman it would of, but not now. Not here in this godforsaken place. "Money may seem like the driving force in this world, but it is actually information." Thom held up the parchment he had placed in the center of the table earlier. "When you have information, you have the ability to control things just with a simple whisper, no matter how much gold is on the table." Thom returned the pamphlet to the table and pulled a book from inside his clock the name Loial son or Arnet son of Halan was written in gold lettering across the front with Thom's hand covering the title. "A King and his largest rival were killed in one night, just based on a rumor. To this day the people do not know how it happened, but I do."
In truth, it happened all because a farm boy that refused to play Daes Dae'mar, played it without even realizing what he was doing. They had come after Thom for information after he was seen talking to the boy and killed one of his only loves just to get to him. He lost his best knifes that night. He wasn't sure what stung more, losing the knives, or his woman.
"Very well... Thom threw his arms into the air tossing the book that he had forgotten he was holding onto. He quickly bent down and picked it up before anyone else could get their hands on it. "... all of you say we do not have enough information to act. It sounds like our only option is to continue gathering it. Jadyn when you go to the temple tomorrow I would like to go with you. I have some questions for the priest, I promise to keep it civil. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble with a temple, to much trouble in that."
"Tonight I will offer my services to the inn. People are open to talking when they have entertainment and a few drinks in them. The more of us mingling with the locals the more information we are likely to entertain. This Inn may be quite most nights, but tonight it will be one of the busiest."
"Is this the plan of the loathsome turd-pile?" spoke a soft voice from the entrance into the dinning room. A woman, garbed in black and brown, gazed interestingly at the maps and notes littered about the table."Hopefully, I am not interrupting anything. I asked where to find the room containing hollow bones and I was directed here. I wasn't expecting to find a group of milk skins, a bearded goblin, an Ankle Biter, and a half breed." With a wide smirk on her face the woman entered the room and introduced herself. "My name is Salida and I was informed you were in need of a guide." She waved her hands widely as if to invite everyone in. "It is dangerous to go alone. It was also wise to seek me out. Orc-y bag is correct. Information is valuable these days. However, not much is known by many about those woods. It's largely uncharted. It will take more then banging a halfling's sister to get a complete map." Standing 5ft 4 inches tall, this fit 120 lb Port Nyanzaru local gave off the looks of a seasoned explorer.
Damien looks at the new arrival and walks forward to stand in front of her, gazing down at her.
"Damien. I'm the one that asked for you." He reaches into a pocket and pulls out 5 gold coins, "If you would help fill out the map for us, I can't offer my evening, but I can make it worth your help."
Gairlik slaps his knee in delight and lets out a hearty laugh after the string of insult are thrown the party's way. "Hahaha... I like you already!"He stands and brings her the untouched mug of ale he had sitting on the table, and then flags down a servant for another for himself.
Thom glanced at the newcomer with little to no interest as he began gathering all the parchments scattered on the table. "I apologize Salida, but last I checked it doesn't take six people to make travel arrangements. Thom took everyone into his final glance as he proceeded to the door."Remember, as Salida said, information is valuable." Thom hoped they picked up the emphasis he added to the word information as he headed out. Hopefully, these fools will keep their mouths shut. Information is important, but knowing when to give it, even more so.
"Damien".. Salida let it flow along her tongue before responding in kind. "A good strong name among your whore-race is it not?" Refusing the coin Salida gladly takes the mug and gulps out down in a matter of seconds before refilling it. "Thanks for the Drink, Mountain Fairy. I cannot complete the map for you Damien. Truth is not many have gone very deep into the forest. It is highly dangerous. I have probably gone further then most but I am no choreographer." Salida pointed to the shy looking girl at the table. "If I am not mistaken it seems Discount Dwarf may have some skill at it. If you ensure she has the right tools for it she may be able to keep one for you when you finally enter the woods. My skills have always been in different areas. Survival mostly." Salida folded her arm and threw a question out at anyone who felt like answering it. "Tell me what you know about the forest?"
Thom approached the innkeeper. His Lute case in hand. Giving a bow he announced himself, continuing to use the name he had given the maid "Rand Althor at your service. I am in town only for a short time and wish to spend the night entertaining your guest. In exchange, I ask for just a meal." [Background: Entertainer] The innkeeper greeted Thom with enthusiasm and accepted his offer, after sharing a rumor he heard about a man covered in poop claiming to be an entertainer. Thom ensured the innkeeper Bob McBobbin that though he heard the store he didn't know about the man himself before hurrying unnecessarily quickly to the location that was set aside for his performance afraid that Bob McBobbin might put two and two together.
Thom shared stories throughout the night and finished off by playing music, taking request from the locals. Though he made a good deal of money (Performance Pass) he failed to hear anything new or of any value (Perception: Failed).
Mostly unmoved with the talk of this great game, she understood why Thom was upset. Caught off-guard by the flurry of lashes by the new woman, watching her with a careful eye before understanding who she was.
"An explorer as well. Tell me, on this island have you heard of something called Kir Sabal. I heard about that walking around today."
Remaining in her seat as she waited for a reply, hoping to gain as much as possible.
Salida nodded at the half-elf. "Far south from here. It's close to a Dragon Boneyard. At least that is what they say. I have never been there myself but I know where it is. Almost a months journey unless you plan on running the entire time there. You will want to make sure your well prepared if you plan on traveling that far. The forest can kill anyone who isn't prepared."
"What about any sort of control over adventuring through the jungle? Seems like something as untamed as this place their wouldn't he any sort of regulations of that sort, but I heard some mention of this Flaming Fist that hauled one off to Fort Beluga for not having some papers."
"The Flaming Fist is a nuisance, Dwarf. They work from Fort Belurian and believe they hold full Authority here. They are the ones who require the Charter and only at Fort Belurian can you buy one." Salida took a swig of her mug and continued. "If they catch you without one they seize any treasure they believe you found well out exploring. Then they haul you to the Fort for punishment. Even with the Charter you still have to pay a hefty fee on any treasure you find. If you refuse to pay or try to hide any of it they cancel your charter and confiscate anything of value on you. The Charter is a joke and most Explorers take their chances without it."
Damien crosses his arms, having put the coin away, "Is there anything you can tell us about the area regarding the undead, souls, ruins or the like." He looks her up and down, "Or do you need pay before such information can escape your grasp?" His gaze keeps an uninterested tone, checking her body for information, not pleasure. This woman would be the one they'd be trusting their lives to, there was no such thing as knowing enough about someone.
Salida watched unconcerned as the coin dispersed from view. She knew if they hired her there would be plenty more then just 5 Gold Coins. It was her job to convince them they needed her. She was good at what she did. She just had to prove it to them. "Better question would be where are they not? The Undead is a plague which has not ceased in years. The farther you go the worse it has become. There are no reports of Dinosaurs and Apes becoming infected." She sniffed giving an idea of what she thought about those reports. "Either way your bound to run into them one way or another. If your looking for some cure to this undead plague your bound to have to go deep into those woods."
OOC: Replying to Thom's post at the top of page 7, not his most recent one
Jadyn rolled her eyes at the bard. "You've made lots of vague boasts about information, but the only piece you've delivered--Wyrmheart--you don't want to pursue. I asked why you were interested in Artus, and you didn't answer." Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you here, bard? You claim it's not coin, but it doesn't seem to be the Soulmonger, either. So either there's a link you're not telling us about, or your motivation is something else." She lifted her chin, looking "down" at the bard, despite being shorter. "As for the priest... I can't stop you from following me, but neither can I endorse you. I won't be making any introductions."
OOC: Replying to Salida's entrance and following
Jadyn sipped her ale as the new human insulted the other humans. "Let's not lose focus people. The undead are coming from Wyrmheart--that's our best lead." She turned to Salida. "What can you tell us about it? Do you know where it is? Could you take us there?"
"Wyrmheart mine is on the other side of the island." Salida pointed to the far side of he half finished map. "Over in the far side of the island. Further then that Dragon Boneyard but the Bearded Goblin may find it more important. It's believed a Dragon stole the mine from his kind long ago. There is an Albino freak in this very town that can't stop talking about how he needs to go there to reclaim it." Salida smirked. "Your welcome to journey with him if you like. But if you mention going anywhere but that Mine your going to have a hard time. He will abandon you and go on alone. All he cares about is that mine."
"If you hadn't been able to piece it together, I knew about that man already. We don't need a narrow minded dwarf with hoarding issues. We need someone that can keep us going to where we need to be and stay alive while doing so." He locks eyes with Salida, his gaze, not as uninterested as it normally is, it carries with it a hint of a challenge. He's done with dancing around the question of information, "You up for it?"
Salida smiled at the man. "I assume you know about the cost? You see, we have to pay the Merchant Rulers whenever we take anyone into the forest. The cost is 5GP a day with a payment of 30 days paid upfront." Salida Shrugged her shoulders as if to say that's that. "You will find the same cost with anyone you hire. It's just the way things are on this Island. You could always go yourself but the chances of getting lost on your own is extremely high."
As the discussion turned to matters of payments, Quill decided to make herself scarce, saving a silent goodbye to the group before going into the main room of the inn where she found Bob, the inn keeper. Smiling, she saved him over and explained her desire to help out around the place for a while in exchange for his earlier kindness before shyly asking if there was anything she could do to be of her around the place.
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Thom suddenly let out a laugh that appeared to fill the entire room and the tension that was building up in Thom seemed to have left with it. "If this was about the coin I wouldn't have targeted the men. I would have tracked down this man myself. 500 gold only goes so far when you have to split it with six people. Seven, if we let the other one in. 70 gold isn't worth my time. "
Back in his younger days, when he first set out to be the world's greatest gleeman it would of, but not now. Not here in this godforsaken place. "Money may seem like the driving force in this world, but it is actually information." Thom held up the parchment he had placed in the center of the table earlier. "When you have information, you have the ability to control things just with a simple whisper, no matter how much gold is on the table." Thom returned the pamphlet to the table and pulled a book from inside his clock the name Loial son or Arnet son of Halan was written in gold lettering across the front with Thom's hand covering the title. "A King and his largest rival were killed in one night, just based on a rumor. To this day the people do not know how it happened, but I do."
In truth, it happened all because a farm boy that refused to play Daes Dae'mar, played it without even realizing what he was doing. They had come after Thom for information after he was seen talking to the boy and killed one of his only loves just to get to him. He lost his best knifes that night. He wasn't sure what stung more, losing the knives, or his woman.
"Very well... Thom threw his arms into the air tossing the book that he had forgotten he was holding onto. He quickly bent down and picked it up before anyone else could get their hands on it. "... all of you say we do not have enough information to act. It sounds like our only option is to continue gathering it. Jadyn when you go to the temple tomorrow I would like to go with you. I have some questions for the priest, I promise to keep it civil. The last thing I want to do is cause trouble with a temple, to much trouble in that."
"Tonight I will offer my services to the inn. People are open to talking when they have entertainment and a few drinks in them. The more of us mingling with the locals the more information we are likely to entertain. This Inn may be quite most nights, but tonight it will be one of the busiest."
"Is this the plan of the loathsome turd-pile?" spoke a soft voice from the entrance into the dinning room. A woman, garbed in black and brown, gazed interestingly at the maps and notes littered about the table."Hopefully, I am not interrupting anything. I asked where to find the room containing hollow bones and I was directed here. I wasn't expecting to find a group of milk skins, a bearded goblin, an Ankle Biter, and a half breed." With a wide smirk on her face the woman entered the room and introduced herself. "My name is Salida and I was informed you were in need of a guide." She waved her hands widely as if to invite everyone in. "It is dangerous to go alone. It was also wise to seek me out. Orc-y bag is correct. Information is valuable these days. However, not much is known by many about those woods. It's largely uncharted. It will take more then banging a halfling's sister to get a complete map." Standing 5ft 4 inches tall, this fit 120 lb Port Nyanzaru local gave off the looks of a seasoned explorer.
Damien looks at the new arrival and walks forward to stand in front of her, gazing down at her.
"Damien. I'm the one that asked for you." He reaches into a pocket and pulls out 5 gold coins, "If you would help fill out the map for us, I can't offer my evening, but I can make it worth your help."
Gairlik slaps his knee in delight and lets out a hearty laugh after the string of insult are thrown the party's way. "Hahaha... I like you already!" He stands and brings her the untouched mug of ale he had sitting on the table, and then flags down a servant for another for himself.
Thom glanced at the newcomer with little to no interest as he began gathering all the parchments scattered on the table. "I apologize Salida, but last I checked it doesn't take six people to make travel arrangements. Thom took everyone into his final glance as he proceeded to the door. "Remember, as Salida said, information is valuable." Thom hoped they picked up the emphasis he added to the word information as he headed out. Hopefully, these fools will keep their mouths shut. Information is important, but knowing when to give it, even more so.
"Damien".. Salida let it flow along her tongue before responding in kind. "A good strong name among your whore-race is it not?" Refusing the coin Salida gladly takes the mug and gulps out down in a matter of seconds before refilling it. "Thanks for the Drink, Mountain Fairy. I cannot complete the map for you Damien. Truth is not many have gone very deep into the forest. It is highly dangerous. I have probably gone further then most but I am no choreographer." Salida pointed to the shy looking girl at the table. "If I am not mistaken it seems Discount Dwarf may have some skill at it. If you ensure she has the right tools for it she may be able to keep one for you when you finally enter the woods. My skills have always been in different areas. Survival mostly." Salida folded her arm and threw a question out at anyone who felt like answering it. "Tell me what you know about the forest?"
Thom approached the innkeeper. His Lute case in hand. Giving a bow he announced himself, continuing to use the name he had given the maid "Rand Althor at your service. I am in town only for a short time and wish to spend the night entertaining your guest. In exchange, I ask for just a meal." [Background: Entertainer] The innkeeper greeted Thom with enthusiasm and accepted his offer, after sharing a rumor he heard about a man covered in poop claiming to be an entertainer. Thom ensured the innkeeper Bob McBobbin that though he heard the store he didn't know about the man himself before hurrying unnecessarily quickly to the location that was set aside for his performance afraid that Bob McBobbin might put two and two together.
Thom shared stories throughout the night and finished off by playing music, taking request from the locals. Though he made a good deal of money (Performance Pass) he failed to hear anything new or of any value (Perception: Failed).
Mostly unmoved with the talk of this great game, she understood why Thom was upset. Caught off-guard by the flurry of lashes by the new woman, watching her with a careful eye before understanding who she was.
"An explorer as well. Tell me, on this island have you heard of something called Kir Sabal. I heard about that walking around today."
Remaining in her seat as she waited for a reply, hoping to gain as much as possible.
Salida nodded at the half-elf. "Far south from here. It's close to a Dragon Boneyard. At least that is what they say. I have never been there myself but I know where it is. Almost a months journey unless you plan on running the entire time there. You will want to make sure your well prepared if you plan on traveling that far. The forest can kill anyone who isn't prepared."
"What about any sort of control over adventuring through the jungle? Seems like something as untamed as this place their wouldn't he any sort of regulations of that sort, but I heard some mention of this Flaming Fist that hauled one off to Fort Beluga for not having some papers."
"The Flaming Fist is a nuisance, Dwarf. They work from Fort Belurian and believe they hold full Authority here. They are the ones who require the Charter and only at Fort Belurian can you buy one." Salida took a swig of her mug and continued. "If they catch you without one they seize any treasure they believe you found well out exploring. Then they haul you to the Fort for punishment. Even with the Charter you still have to pay a hefty fee on any treasure you find. If you refuse to pay or try to hide any of it they cancel your charter and confiscate anything of value on you. The Charter is a joke and most Explorers take their chances without it."
"Sounds like quite the racket. You know where this Fort is so we can steer clear of it?"
"It's to the North from here on that unfinished map you had spread out on the table before I came in."
Damien crosses his arms, having put the coin away, "Is there anything you can tell us about the area regarding the undead, souls, ruins or the like." He looks her up and down, "Or do you need pay before such information can escape your grasp?" His gaze keeps an uninterested tone, checking her body for information, not pleasure. This woman would be the one they'd be trusting their lives to, there was no such thing as knowing enough about someone.
Salida watched unconcerned as the coin dispersed from view. She knew if they hired her there would be plenty more then just 5 Gold Coins. It was her job to convince them they needed her. She was good at what she did. She just had to prove it to them. "Better question would be where are they not? The Undead is a plague which has not ceased in years. The farther you go the worse it has become. There are no reports of Dinosaurs and Apes becoming infected." She sniffed giving an idea of what she thought about those reports. "Either way your bound to run into them one way or another. If your looking for some cure to this undead plague your bound to have to go deep into those woods."
OOC: Replying to Thom's post at the top of page 7, not his most recent one
Jadyn rolled her eyes at the bard. "You've made lots of vague boasts about information, but the only piece you've delivered--Wyrmheart--you don't want to pursue. I asked why you were interested in Artus, and you didn't answer." Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you here, bard? You claim it's not coin, but it doesn't seem to be the Soulmonger, either. So either there's a link you're not telling us about, or your motivation is something else." She lifted her chin, looking "down" at the bard, despite being shorter. "As for the priest... I can't stop you from following me, but neither can I endorse you. I won't be making any introductions."
OOC: Replying to Salida's entrance and following
Jadyn sipped her ale as the new human insulted the other humans. "Let's not lose focus people. The undead are coming from Wyrmheart--that's our best lead." She turned to Salida. "What can you tell us about it? Do you know where it is? Could you take us there?"
"Wyrmheart mine is on the other side of the island." Salida pointed to the far side of he half finished map. "Over in the far side of the island. Further then that Dragon Boneyard but the Bearded Goblin may find it more important. It's believed a Dragon stole the mine from his kind long ago. There is an Albino freak in this very town that can't stop talking about how he needs to go there to reclaim it." Salida smirked. "Your welcome to journey with him if you like. But if you mention going anywhere but that Mine your going to have a hard time. He will abandon you and go on alone. All he cares about is that mine."
"If you hadn't been able to piece it together, I knew about that man already. We don't need a narrow minded dwarf with hoarding issues. We need someone that can keep us going to where we need to be and stay alive while doing so." He locks eyes with Salida, his gaze, not as uninterested as it normally is, it carries with it a hint of a challenge. He's done with dancing around the question of information, "You up for it?"
Salida smiled at the man. "I assume you know about the cost? You see, we have to pay the Merchant Rulers whenever we take anyone into the forest. The cost is 5GP a day with a payment of 30 days paid upfront." Salida Shrugged her shoulders as if to say that's that. "You will find the same cost with anyone you hire. It's just the way things are on this Island. You could always go yourself but the chances of getting lost on your own is extremely high."
As the discussion turned to matters of payments, Quill decided to make herself scarce, saving a silent goodbye to the group before going into the main room of the inn where she found Bob, the inn keeper. Smiling, she saved him over and explained her desire to help out around the place for a while in exchange for his earlier kindness before shyly asking if there was anything she could do to be of her around the place.