Allansia Wildlands Campaign.

Hatch joined in the toast to Connar, who very well may be dead now.

"They didn't say what manner of beast," he said in answer to Lindale's question, "but most likely it is the wyvern that got away from us. And if it got Connar..." He trailed off, the thought disquieting.

"Yes, we are not certain of the beast's nature."  Brocc says with a nod to his companions.  He turns to the turtle-man and shrugs.  "I would say you are probably right.  A good night's rest, and a chance to resupply, should be taken prior to setting out." He would glance to his older companions.  "It would also give those men we captured a chance to return to their people and speak with them about the agreement we made."  Turning back to the newer people to the group he explains.  "We made a deal with some of the barbarians that live in the hills you see.  If we hunt this beast, and take care of it for them, then they will allow us passage through their lands, and even aid us if we are in need of such aid.  Prior to this every time we met them we had to either scare them away with magic, or, in the latest encounter, fight them."

Picking up his ale cup, he waves a serving person over and gets a refill.  Once the new mug is in front of him he takes another pull, thinking of Conner and the likelihood their old companion is no longer among the living. 

"We should probably get rooms here, as it is cheaper than the other inns in town, or least that is what I have heard."  He glances to the new folks.  "Unless you have the availability of some sort of discount at that other inn, where we met you..."

Rufus nods as Hatch speaks. He adds, "The Hillman said their spears and arrows were deflected from its hide. So I suspect it could be a wyvern. The one we tangled with earlier, we drove away fairly easily. But the hillmen didn't have sorcery nor hardened steel at their disposal. A wyvern would probably present a real threat to them."

"If a wyvern took your friend, you would noticed," said Lindale thoughtfully, "claw marks, poison spills - there can be no mistake. You did not notice anything, so, he might have left on his own. There are, of course, other beasts less obvious." Realizing, she is not helping here, Lindale switched the subject. "We can stay here, of course, but I am sure Gilber will be happy to see you (and might offer a discount or free lodging for us as well) - we all helped him today." She smiled to Rufus: "And you did promise the second half of the story to the patrons".

"Of course, if this is your favourite inn - it is fine as well."

"We have only spent the one night here." Brocc says with a shrug.  "We stayed here before due to its low cost and not wishing to put down coin to stay at a finer establishment."  He takes another pull from his ale, deciding the fair at the Lion was definitely better than here at the Frog.

"If you think we can get discounted rooms, or even free ones, at the other place, then I am fine with checking out that option."  Brocc says, putting down the half-empty pint of ale.  "Even if it proves not to be the case, we can always just return here and get rooms after checking out the Lion first."  he glances to Hatch and Rufus.  "What do you guys think?"

Quote from Brian_Avery >>

Banzo will talk with Gilber privately and offer to pay for 5 rooms for one night for the 'Heroes of Chalice' which he and Lindale have just joined up with. He won't be able to pay until they return from a small quest which they are planning to set out on tomorrow. Having the 'Heroes' stay at his inn and tell tales of their adventures should help boost business in the meantime.

 Bargain accepted.

Rufus smiles and says, "You had me at good food. Let's go!" Rufus pushes back his seat at the table, his excitement about quality food apparent to all.

He says to some of the slower moving members, "Come on you lay abouts! Some one is going to get all the grog before we get there!"

"Then let us get a move on..." Brocc says, giving Rufus a clap on his back.  The gnome then picks up his ale mug, finishing off the last of it, and sets it down again.  "You'll have to fill us in on what you have liked so far, he tells the new members of the group as they walk towards the other inn.

"Any roasted lamb?" Hatch asked as they headed back to the Lion.

"Any roasted lamb?" Hatch asked as they headed back to the Lion.

"Broccoli," very seriously said Lindale, "and an interesting version of spinach salad." Then she looked at the horrified faces, laughed and added: "It was a joke, they have truly good fish and meat. Though Orc Weed Stew is the pride of the cook there, I think. You will see."

The five new friends gathered once more in the Lion Inn and after a hearty evening meal discussed their plans for the morning.

Gilber tended bar with a Graunie on each shoulder and the late shift barmaids, Achara and Busaba were busy running to and from tables most of the night.

OOC:

Main mission- Kill beastie in hills.

I have scattered a half dozen or so other 'side mission' options through descriptions here and there, not sure if they've been picked up on or not but they're there.

(Necromancer was obvious, but have to confess - I missed other suggestions)

Quote from BlueBayou >>

(Necromancer was obvious, but have to confess - I missed other suggestions)

 OOC: I meant between the two groups: I think you two ' newcomers' only have the necromancer and the barge tale.

(Honestly, I missed the others as well.  The reason we are doing the hunting of the beast in the hills is that I didn't see any other options.  Would you be willing to list the other missions I missed?)

Lindale let Banzo to retell the story about flash eating necrotic jello running away. It happen too recently to remember the event with any fondness, at the moment bad aspects were still haunting her and she frowned more often then smiled. "Can you imagine? The man wanted us to do some more jobs for him! No doubts another of his un-natural "experiments"! Agh!" She shudder and shook her head as if in disbelieve.

Gilber came over to the table with a tray of fortified wines and selected cheeses and breads.

" So, What are my favourite customers up to on the morrow?"

He set the tray down, " On the House."

"Much thanks."  Brocc said, giving the inn's owner a nod of thanks.  "Tomorrow we are hunting a beast in the hills."  he tells the man with a shrug, taking a bit of food from the tray.  "Somethings been carrying off children from the hill folk, and we have been asked to deal with it for them."

" Mighty civic minded of you.", Gilber smiled.

" Best get some sleep soon then."

OOC: Everyone happy to move to the morning and setting off?

Lindale wished the company good night too and went to her room - some rest was very needed.