A simple enough request delivery job has peeked the interest of a small number of individuals for various reasons. Perhaps easy work for impressive pay, an opportunity to get out of the city of Neverwinterunsuspected or the chance to challenge one's mettle.
For whatever the person's goal they have been informed to meet the source of this bright idea, Gundren Rockseeker. This would be a casual meeting if the the venue wasn't the The Mucky Pig, that lies under another, much more pleasant, establishment, The Golden Rooster.
Below the cobbled streets, The Mucky Pig is small, stale in smell and off-brown in colour. Straw had scattered about on the floor, in a vague attempt to deal the constant damp and drips from the ceiling. Torches and lamps were few and far between, but it may have been for the better to avoid seeing the horrific state the ever-damp wood was in or to hide the rue number of rats that scuttled about.
Gundrensites in the far corner. Holding the only booth, with a map out in a tablecloth and his own lamp that gave off a cooler blue-ish light. A mature, armoured man sits next to him; more alert, but also calm. Four stools have been set out in front of him. He sits in waiting for those who he agreed to meet with, his fingers lightly tapping as his grand plans unfold in his head...
Hausa enters the Mucky Pig with a definite look of concern. It’s one thing to be given purpose in knowing and exploring the world: it’s another to actually be confronted with the dirty realities of said world.
Hausa sees the dwarf he was sent to meet, and approaches. He starts in elvish, before remembering to switch to accented common. “How you are doing? My name is Hausa. I was telling by my teacher you have good job for doing. I have many... ways. Talents. Yes, talents.”
The door to the Mucky Pig slams open, a large, stone-like figure striding in confidently. A pristine golden monocle hangs from a chain around her neck, bouncing against the woman's faded, sleeveless tunic as she walks. Her apparel may have once been bright and colorful, but years of use or grime has long since hidden its former appearance. Dark leather straps hold a greatsword and its simple scabbard to her back, along with several javelins, and a shortbow, the quiver hanging on her belt with several pouches. She grins as she spots the dwarf, the man, and the elf seated at the booth, her somewhat yellowed teeth contrasting with her stone skin, marred by crawling cracks.
"Geo heard Gundren paying gold for guard," the earth genasi sits on a stool unceremoniously, the wood creaking under the sudden pressure. A glint from the monocle flashes in her eye, and she quickly scrambles to put it on. "What Geo meant to say was, Geo is interested in the job opportunity you listed. Geo is honored that you agreed to meet with her, and is certain you will find her qualifications more than satisfactory for the given task."
The genasi procures a rectangular ripped piece of parchment, laying in gently before the dwarf. Messily handwritten and misspelled, the scrap paper reads "GEO STEELFIST, MERSINARY, POWURFL WIZIRD, BIG SWORD."
The door of the Mucky Pig opens once again and the clattering of hooves can be heard by the patrons. A richly dressed tiefling makes his entrance, a slight expression of disgust on his face that quickly vanishes as he starts to loudly speak to the barkeeper.
"My oh my. What a lovely slum this is. Is that fresh mud is see on the floor? No no, don't tell me. I can recognize high quality mud like that. Anyway, I'm here to meet a friend. Short, hairy, goes by Gundren. Do you know him? No no, wait. I can see him hiding in the booth over there. It's been a pleasure talking with you but works call."
Alexei quickly walks over to the booth, glances at the elf and the genasi already sitting there and sits on the farthest empty stool from the rocky creature.
"So Gundren, I've heard you need hands for a well paying job and I'm here to recommend to you one of the best in the business. Me! I'm sure my fame precedes me so I won't be needing any introduction. Nice bodyguard by the way, looks like he could take a beating. Where can I find one like him? Or is he costum made? .. My my, my throat is mighty dry."
The man notices Hausa first before Gundrenlooks up with a welcoming smile and gestures him to a chair, "Wonderful, lad! I am just wonderful. Hausa, is it? Very nice! I'm sure your... talents will come in handy on this trip!"
As the dwarf gestures to the stool for the elf to sit, there's another person entering with mighty strides. Gundren's companion goes to stand but it eased down, "Welcome Geo, you have heard correctly, yes..." While the smile keeps, it seems more tense in the cheeks. His eyes widen as the paper is received. He nods while making large gestures of folding the paper and putting it away securely before confirming with a wink and thumbs up to the genasi.
The finely-dressed tiefling was welcome as the others, "You have heard correctly, lad. Thank ye for coming all this way." He lets out a chuckle at Alexei's remark, which was clearly a joke, "oh aye, custom made through a few scraps and mishaps, eh Sildar!" The bodyguard himself, though still, cannot help but have his lips curl into a smile.
The barkeep suddenly places eight flagons of some sort of ale that looked very much dirty water. "Keep up coming!"Gundrenexclaims as he flicks over a shiny coin that is fumbled, but retrieved by the barkeep.
"One more..." Gundren eyes the door still while rubbing his hands...
"Geo is doing quite wonderful," the genasi offers a mix between a nod and a bow to first Hausa, then with a second thought, to the tiefling as well. "Certainly a pleasure to meet you both. Geo believes we will be working together on this mission, hmm?" With a sudden realization, she repeats her half-bow gesture to Gundren and Sildar as well, in doing so accidentally knocking her monocle lose. Her gaze lingers on the bodyguard for a while longer.
"Sildar look strong," she admits, sitting one of her arms on the table with a grin, challenging the man to an arm-wrestling match. "Strong as Geo?"
"I'm doing great,boy. I just arrived from Neverwinter, where I had a meeting with the Lord's Alliance. They wanted my help with a minor question but I had to refuse as I already accepted Gundren's quest. Oh you should've seen how they pleaded me to stay .. oh our drinks are here."
Alexei eyes the drinks with visible distaste. He takes a flagon, cheers and pretends to take a sip. As the flagon gets near his lips, Alexei cross the index and medium finger on his free hand and for a brief moment the blood-red gem at the center of the golden medallion on his neck glitter ominously as he cast Minor Illusion. Suddenly a gruff voice with a dwaven accent from behind them can be heard shouting "Hey! You with the rock head, the knife ear and the feckin' demon! If yer a real dwarf cmere if ye 've the guts, ye're disgrace to all dwarves to talk with scum like that!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Losing all interest in Sildar, Geo stands, the stool screeching loudly against the floor.
"Coward call new friends mean names!" the genasi growls, taking position beside Hausa as she cracks her knuckles, scanning the crowd. "Geo show you what guts look like!"
Investigation: 13
"You!" Geo points to a particularly gruff looking customer, clearly (to her) the culprit. "Looking for fight, coward?"
Craith almost falls over as he enters the Mucky Pig, near having second thoughts about his choice for work. He Tightens his Priest's Vestments and weaves his way through the tables, listening to the increasingly angry chatter between a Bar Patron and... One of the individuals at The Table Of People he was asked to meet with.
"Oh good grief..." He says under his breath as he slinks down a bit further into his Vestments. Worriedly watching the table he was supposed to be at by now.
For a moment, there a raucous noise which you're all sure is going to come bounding around the corner!
The customer stands, ready to take on Geo's challenge... only for his eyes to suddenly glaze over and he drunkenly salutes the genasi before keeling over.
Both Sildarand Gundrenis distracted by the noise for a moment, but he is more concerned of the sudden opening of the door. He stands as the human man barely manages to come through the door!
"Craith! You made it! I'm so glad... Come, lad. Sit, sit!" The dwarf stands with excitement.
Once all are gathered around Gundrenclaps loudly, "Right! I've got all here because the cargo is a few things, necessities you could say. Once we get these bad boys to Phandelin, the plan will be out into motion." And he gestures to the map...
Making space for display, he clears his throat and gestures, "Now, as you can see, it shouldn't take you more than a few days to get there; it's the end of summer, so the weather should keep. Once we're in the town, we can discuss the second part, where we will start seeing the sparkly stuff..." He chuckles and rubs his hands together. He gestures to the broad man beside him, "Sildar and I will be with ye, so we won't have any dragons swooping in and stealing our gold..." He wheezes a chuckle before swigging on the beer. He openly sprays out with a sound of disgust, and coughs while Sildarhands him a hipflask.
Sildargives the people a nod, "Happy to answer any questions." But he's quick to smirk at the genasi, "The arm-wrestle will have to wait to Phandelin, I'm afraid..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Taking advantage of the rockus fAlexis moves away the flagon from his lips and tries to furtively pour its content on the floor beneath the table. Sleight of Hand18 Having done pouring the foul drink, the tiefling returns to his previous position and puts the flagon on the table, feigning having drank all of its contents. "Well, I must say. This surely has killed my thirst. Couldn't take one more drop of this poor man's ambrosia. I leave the rest of it to you gentlemen. A toast to our final companion if you will?" He turns to the elf, offering him one of the flagons. "I'm afraid there won't be any fighting for now, my ungrammatical friend. Here sate you bloodthirtst with this." He then listen to Gundern while casually playing with his amulet, seemingly paying very little attention.
"Hmmph," Geo sits, scowling at the incapacitated drunk, before turning to address Sildar. "Geo hold you to that."
Noticing the new man approaching, Geo pats the empty stool next to her, placing the monocle once again on her face and turning her attention to the map.
"Geo believes this to be a fine plan," she traces the roads with a stone finger, "Down the lovely coastal High Road, til a northeastern jaunt along the Triboar Trail, finally arriving in Phandelin, the town of..." the genasi pauses, visibly struggling to recall any information of the place. "ahem, the town of Gundren's quest."
With a sudden thought, Geo glances between Gundren and Sildar. "Geo believes you make this journey seem easier than it is...a peaceful wagonride does not require four guards, additional to the clearly capable warrior you have already befriended," she nods towards Sildar, dislodging her monocle. "Cargo is dragonbait?"
Both Gundrenand Sildarbreak into laughter, but both either end of the scale; the dwarf erupting and the human quietly.
"No, lass, no. I don't think there's been a dragon in these parts for five? ten...?" The dwarf looks away thought.
The human shakes his, his silver hairs catching the dim lights, "Decades at least. In honesty, bandits are the worst things on the roads these days... " Sildar goes to takes a swig of drink, but thinks twice.
Sildarlets the humour drain before answering with a slow nod, "I've got to be honest, we'll be transporting good. Meets, oil, equipment; nothing special, sure. But a bandit doesn't know until they pry it open after stepping over our bodies. That's something we're trying avoid, obviously."
“Bandits not problem for Geo,” the genasi smacks her fists together with a loud thwack. She looks to the others sitting beside her, sizing them up, then turns back to Gundren and Sildar. “When journey start?”
"Well!"Gundrenclaps, the dwarf and human stand, "first thing tomorrow morning! Meet us at the southern stables tomorrow morning and we'll all head off together. I have some room in the place above this pisshole, The Golden Rooster. Just wanted to ensure you were all the real deal before saying so." He grins.
"Oil the whistle before tomorrow, it'll be the last time you can get some of your favourites for a while. Night, lads!" The human and dwarf roll up map and head off on out the squalid pub, leaving you to your own devices for the night...
The Tyrannical Trilogy:
The Mine
A simple enough request delivery job has peeked the interest of a small number of individuals for various reasons. Perhaps easy work for impressive pay, an opportunity to get out of the city of Neverwinter unsuspected or the chance to challenge one's mettle.
For whatever the person's goal they have been informed to meet the source of this bright idea, Gundren Rockseeker. This would be a casual meeting if the the venue wasn't the The Mucky Pig, that lies under another, much more pleasant, establishment, The Golden Rooster.
Below the cobbled streets, The Mucky Pig is small, stale in smell and off-brown in colour. Straw had scattered about on the floor, in a vague attempt to deal the constant damp and drips from the ceiling. Torches and lamps were few and far between, but it may have been for the better to avoid seeing the horrific state the ever-damp wood was in or to hide the rue number of rats that scuttled about.
Gundren sites in the far corner. Holding the only booth, with a map out in a tablecloth and his own lamp that gave off a cooler blue-ish light. A mature, armoured man sits next to him; more alert, but also calm. Four stools have been set out in front of him. He sits in waiting for those who he agreed to meet with, his fingers lightly tapping as his grand plans unfold in his head...
Hausa enters the Mucky Pig with a definite look of concern. It’s one thing to be given purpose in knowing and exploring the world: it’s another to actually be confronted with the dirty realities of said world.
Hausa sees the dwarf he was sent to meet, and approaches. He starts in elvish, before remembering to switch to accented common. “How you are doing? My name is Hausa. I was telling by my teacher you have good job for doing. I have many... ways. Talents. Yes, talents.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
The door to the Mucky Pig slams open, a large, stone-like figure striding in confidently. A pristine golden monocle hangs from a chain around her neck, bouncing against the woman's faded, sleeveless tunic as she walks. Her apparel may have once been bright and colorful, but years of use or grime has long since hidden its former appearance. Dark leather straps hold a greatsword and its simple scabbard to her back, along with several javelins, and a shortbow, the quiver hanging on her belt with several pouches. She grins as she spots the dwarf, the man, and the elf seated at the booth, her somewhat yellowed teeth contrasting with her stone skin, marred by crawling cracks.
"Geo heard Gundren paying gold for guard," the earth genasi sits on a stool unceremoniously, the wood creaking under the sudden pressure. A glint from the monocle flashes in her eye, and she quickly scrambles to put it on. "What Geo meant to say was, Geo is interested in the job opportunity you listed. Geo is honored that you agreed to meet with her, and is certain you will find her qualifications more than satisfactory for the given task."
The genasi procures a rectangular ripped piece of parchment, laying in gently before the dwarf. Messily handwritten and misspelled, the scrap paper reads "GEO STEELFIST, MERSINARY, POWURFL WIZIRD, BIG SWORD."
The door of the Mucky Pig opens once again and the clattering of hooves can be heard by the patrons. A richly dressed tiefling makes his entrance, a slight expression of disgust on his face that quickly vanishes as he starts to loudly speak to the barkeeper.
"My oh my. What a lovely slum this is. Is that fresh mud is see on the floor? No no, don't tell me. I can recognize high quality mud like that. Anyway, I'm here to meet a friend. Short, hairy, goes by Gundren. Do you know him? No no, wait. I can see him hiding in the booth over there. It's been a pleasure talking with you but works call."
Alexei quickly walks over to the booth, glances at the elf and the genasi already sitting there and sits on the farthest empty stool from the rocky creature.
"So Gundren, I've heard you need hands for a well paying job and I'm here to recommend to you one of the best in the business. Me! I'm sure my fame precedes me so I won't be needing any introduction. Nice bodyguard by the way, looks like he could take a beating. Where can I find one like him? Or is he costum made? .. My my, my throat is mighty dry."
"Barkeeper, some drinks if you please and quick!"
The man notices Hausa first before Gundren looks up with a welcoming smile and gestures him to a chair, "Wonderful, lad! I am just wonderful. Hausa, is it? Very nice! I'm sure your... talents will come in handy on this trip!"
As the dwarf gestures to the stool for the elf to sit, there's another person entering with mighty strides. Gundren's companion goes to stand but it eased down, "Welcome Geo, you have heard correctly, yes..." While the smile keeps, it seems more tense in the cheeks. His eyes widen as the paper is received. He nods while making large gestures of folding the paper and putting it away securely before confirming with a wink and thumbs up to the genasi.
The finely-dressed tiefling was welcome as the others, "You have heard correctly, lad. Thank ye for coming all this way." He lets out a chuckle at Alexei's remark, which was clearly a joke, "oh aye, custom made through a few scraps and mishaps, eh Sildar!" The bodyguard himself, though still, cannot help but have his lips curl into a smile.
The barkeep suddenly places eight flagons of some sort of ale that looked very much dirty water. "Keep up coming!" Gundren exclaims as he flicks over a shiny coin that is fumbled, but retrieved by the barkeep.
"One more..." Gundren eyes the door still while rubbing his hands...
Hausa looks at the other new arrivals. “How you are doing?” He says with a nod and a smile
Paladin - warforged - orange
"Geo is doing quite wonderful," the genasi offers a mix between a nod and a bow to first Hausa, then with a second thought, to the tiefling as well. "Certainly a pleasure to meet you both. Geo believes we will be working together on this mission, hmm?" With a sudden realization, she repeats her half-bow gesture to Gundren and Sildar as well, in doing so accidentally knocking her monocle lose. Her gaze lingers on the bodyguard for a while longer.
"Sildar look strong," she admits, sitting one of her arms on the table with a grin, challenging the man to an arm-wrestling match. "Strong as Geo?"
"I'm doing great,boy. I just arrived from Neverwinter, where I had a meeting with the Lord's Alliance. They wanted my help with a minor question but I had to refuse as I already accepted Gundren's quest. Oh you should've seen how they pleaded me to stay .. oh our drinks are here."
Alexei eyes the drinks with visible distaste. He takes a flagon, cheers and pretends to take a sip.
As the flagon gets near his lips, Alexei cross the index and medium finger on his free hand and for a brief moment the blood-red gem at the center of the golden medallion on his neck glitter ominously as he cast Minor Illusion.
Suddenly a gruff voice with a dwaven accent from behind them can be heard shouting "Hey! You with the rock head, the knife ear and the feckin' demon! If yer a real dwarf cmere if ye 've the guts, ye're disgrace to all dwarves to talk with scum like that!"
Spell Save DC 13
Hausa looks around (investigation 9 )
”There is a fighting now?” He looks at the others optimistically.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Losing all interest in Sildar, Geo stands, the stool screeching loudly against the floor.
"Coward call new friends mean names!" the genasi growls, taking position beside Hausa as she cracks her knuckles, scanning the crowd. "Geo show you what guts look like!"
Investigation: 13
"You!" Geo points to a particularly gruff looking customer, clearly (to her) the culprit. "Looking for fight, coward?"
Craith almost falls over as he enters the Mucky Pig, near having second thoughts about his choice for work. He Tightens his Priest's Vestments and weaves his way through the tables, listening to the increasingly angry chatter between a Bar Patron and... One of the individuals at The Table Of People he was asked to meet with.
"Oh good grief..." He says under his breath as he slinks down a bit further into his Vestments. Worriedly watching the table he was supposed to be at by now.
For a moment, there a raucous noise which you're all sure is going to come bounding around the corner!
The customer stands, ready to take on Geo's challenge... only for his eyes to suddenly glaze over and he drunkenly salutes the genasi before keeling over.
Both Sildar and Gundren is distracted by the noise for a moment, but he is more concerned of the sudden opening of the door. He stands as the human man barely manages to come through the door!
"Craith! You made it! I'm so glad... Come, lad. Sit, sit!" The dwarf stands with excitement.
Once all are gathered around Gundren claps loudly, "Right! I've got all here because the cargo is a few things, necessities you could say. Once we get these bad boys to Phandelin, the plan will be out into motion." And he gestures to the map...
Making space for display, he clears his throat and gestures, "Now, as you can see, it shouldn't take you more than a few days to get there; it's the end of summer, so the weather should keep. Once we're in the town, we can discuss the second part, where we will start seeing the sparkly stuff..." He chuckles and rubs his hands together. He gestures to the broad man beside him, "Sildar and I will be with ye, so we won't have any dragons swooping in and stealing our gold..." He wheezes a chuckle before swigging on the beer. He openly sprays out with a sound of disgust, and coughs while Sildar hands him a hipflask.
Sildar gives the people a nod, "Happy to answer any questions." But he's quick to smirk at the genasi, "The arm-wrestle will have to wait to Phandelin, I'm afraid..."
Taking advantage of the rockus fAlexis moves away the flagon from his lips and tries to furtively pour its content on the floor beneath the table.
Sleight of Hand18
Having done pouring the foul drink, the tiefling returns to his previous position and puts the flagon on the table, feigning having drank all of its contents.
"Well, I must say. This surely has killed my thirst. Couldn't take one more drop of this poor man's ambrosia. I leave the rest of it to you gentlemen. A toast to our final companion if you will?"
He turns to the elf, offering him one of the flagons.
"I'm afraid there won't be any fighting for now, my ungrammatical friend. Here sate you bloodthirtst with this."
He then listen to Gundern while casually playing with his amulet, seemingly paying very little attention.
"Hmmph," Geo sits, scowling at the incapacitated drunk, before turning to address Sildar. "Geo hold you to that."
Noticing the new man approaching, Geo pats the empty stool next to her, placing the monocle once again on her face and turning her attention to the map.
"Geo believes this to be a fine plan," she traces the roads with a stone finger, "Down the lovely coastal High Road, til a northeastern jaunt along the Triboar Trail, finally arriving in Phandelin, the town of..." the genasi pauses, visibly struggling to recall any information of the place. "ahem, the town of Gundren's quest."
With a sudden thought, Geo glances between Gundren and Sildar. "Geo believes you make this journey seem easier than it is...a peaceful wagonride does not require four guards, additional to the clearly capable warrior you have already befriended," she nods towards Sildar, dislodging her monocle. "Cargo is dragonbait?"
Both Gundren and Sildar break into laughter, but both either end of the scale; the dwarf erupting and the human quietly.
"No, lass, no. I don't think there's been a dragon in these parts for five? ten...?" The dwarf looks away thought.
The human shakes his, his silver hairs catching the dim lights, "Decades at least. In honesty, bandits are the worst things on the roads these days... " Sildar goes to takes a swig of drink, but thinks twice.
Hausa looks at Sildar. “We are being guarding for bandits?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Sildar lets the humour drain before answering with a slow nod, "I've got to be honest, we'll be transporting good. Meets, oil, equipment; nothing special, sure. But a bandit doesn't know until they pry it open after stepping over our bodies. That's something we're trying avoid, obviously."
“Bandits not problem for Geo,” the genasi smacks her fists together with a loud thwack. She looks to the others sitting beside her, sizing them up, then turns back to Gundren and Sildar. “When journey start?”
"Well!" Gundren claps, the dwarf and human stand, "first thing tomorrow morning! Meet us at the southern stables tomorrow morning and we'll all head off together. I have some room in the place above this pisshole, The Golden Rooster. Just wanted to ensure you were all the real deal before saying so." He grins.
"Oil the whistle before tomorrow, it'll be the last time you can get some of your favourites for a while. Night, lads!" The human and dwarf roll up map and head off on out the squalid pub, leaving you to your own devices for the night...
Hausa just sits there staring at the rest of you expectantly. “Why for needing wet whistles?”
Paladin - warforged - orange