laid back apocalypse

The four of you enter to see T talking with an outdoorsy looking person

Reghys is visibly excited to see someone in touch with nature: "Good Morning T, good morning Traveler. Are you trying to get him to sign a contract too? What could he possibly do for you that requires settling with a contract? Oh, by the way, the name's Reghys, nice to meet you. You make me miss the forests... but that nostalgia is a good thing. Anyway, what unfortunate series of events have led you to get dragged into a contract with our private Snick here?"

Night before:

Ebele would sneak Xalkas' dinner through the door crack before he closes it. They didn't get a chance to offer him the cider, but she'd make the note to share extra with their wizard on the next batch.

The monk would shift her weight a bit, revealing a little discomfort when Reghys would ask the question. She knew the time would come eventually when she'd have to admit her truth. A soft breath would leave her lips as her facial expression would sadden. The satyr could tell that Ebele's hesitation wasn't shame due to the nature of her condition, but something else. She had come to trust Reghys. All of them really. Each one of the Argent Alliance members have treated her with respect and very little suspicion. By this point, she wanted them to know but never knew how to go about it. Then she just figured she could avoid the conversation completely...

Ebele would take a swig of her cider before tilting her head to face Reghys and handing it off to them. She'd try to offer a smile, but it would waver slightly, emitting shame. The blonde would reach up to begin untying her bandage. "I hide behind the Crying Visage." She'd finally admit to them before gently pulling the ties away from the back of her head, the mask still in front of her eyes. A breath would escape her lips once again. The monk would pull it away.

Ebele would blink her eyes open. She'd squint a little as her one eye would refocus from the flood of light. Both eyes would fall over Reghys, only one truly seeing, as she'd look them over for the first time. After some silence, she'd fill the air. "I... came into contact with a living lightning bolt..." She'd try to explain. "I only remember bits and pieces... And it's mostly flashes of light... When I woke up I was at a monastery... And there I trained." the halfelf would gesture to the cider in their hand. "Brewing was the only thing I could remember." It was the only hint she had of who she was before.

Morning:

Ebele too would do her best to wake up early. She had some training to make up for, her muscles were aching for her to get moving and this time she did not want to miss it! Last time Kerric was so efficient, she missed him. And she could swear she heard whispers from their Satyr that they were interested in participating as well. It had been a long time since the monk had others around for training. The idea of the prospect made her a little nervous, but really did excited her. It could assist with keeping her discipline in check, and of course keep here in tip top shape.

Bandages on, the blonde would trickle into the the back courtyard shortly after Reghys. She'd approach quietly hoping to not impeded on or interrupt the bard's ask. Ebele would stand politely and silent off to the side with a soft smile. Should she be welcome, she'd be more than happy to jump in with both feet. This was something the monk looked forward to doing every day, and it was even more enticing with others to share it with. Ebele had her gear on her and ready, trying to hide her anticipation to get sweating. Training always made her eager. 

(Ahhh F- I missed it again didnt I...)

Kerric:

Earlier...

Seeing Ebele off to the side getting her gear on, Kerric invites her to join as well -- as an instructor!

"Perhaps you can teach us some of your unarmed martial arts, Ebele," suggests Kerric, knowing his own work unarmed is fairly rudimentary.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker replies to Hawke , "I prefer T'chal'fronack'zcinicker thank you. And if you can't afford the fee, then here, let me adjust the contract....not gold....but, let's call it one favor of equivalent service to be called upon by the Argent Alliance at a future time.  Please fill out the details of your missing person here, and sign here.  Also, if you prefer to accompany us, I will need to bring that..oh...before..the..ahh, it appears the others are coming down.  While you sign this document and fill it out, I will speak to the group, oh, yes...hi Reghys."

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker absently corrects Reghys each time he tries to abbreviate his name, "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker".  "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker". 

He finally turns back to the woodsman, "As I was saying, if you wish to accompany our group during our mission, that can be arranged, but I will need to discuss the proposition with the rest of the group first of course.  I will motion to you when we're ready for your interview." 

Standing up, he heads over to Ebele, Kerric and calls Reghys over, and sits down, "It would seem the woodsman over there has lost a companion with the Mirabar dwarves, who had something important that shouldn't be...blah blah something important to them.  Anyway, I've offered to look for this missing person, for payment in favor, and am having them write down details about the person so we can have a better time finding them.  They uh....also want to accompany us?  It could be a good opportunity for our first junior member.  I have several terms in our unsigned, hand shake agreement already around admitting new members to the group and so on.  He doesn't seem to have any redeeming qualities, but maybe he can gather firewood or something while we're out on the road.  There's also a evaluation period where they only have partial status and receive only 1/4 shares in treasure and so on. If you'd like to talk to them first, an interview of sorts, we can have him come over for a quick chat." 

He waits for the groups approval before calling the woodsman over. 

Still earlier:

 Reghys gladly takes a sip as well. "They're beautiful." The satyr didn't want to say anything else that would make their friend more uncomfortable, so they simply added "Thank you for showing me."

Seeing Ebele join, Reghys would be very glad to pick up some moves from her as well, and since her style was as fluid as a dance, the satyr thought that this way of fighting might be more their speed... How very wrong they were. Repeatedly stumbling over their own hooves, Reghys is struggling to keep up with the drills, but is trying their very best, until they are lying on their back, panting. "Oof... I don't envy you your role on the battlefield, that much is sure!"

"No redeeming qualities!? Don't be ridiculous, T! He's clearly a self-reliant and hardy individual, with a healthy appetite for beer and little care for social customs. A diamond in the rough." Calling Hawke over, the short satyr is hopping around him, pointing out various things about equipment and gear. "The craftsmanship, it's quite exquisite, see? And with our current tasks, I'm sure the skillset of a trapper or a tracker would be a great asset to our group. I see no sense in subclauses to a hand-shake agreement, and I won't have any deal that doesn't treat each and every member of this group the same. If we accept... Hawke, was it?... then he should be compensated the same as all of us." As if to further make the point, they literally stomp the ground with their hooves and cross their arms demonstratively to indicate that they won't budge on this.

A grin teases at T'chal'fronack'zcinicker mouth, before reforming to a professional and serious look. “Reghys has voted. Kerric, Ebele, thoughts?  Is Xalkas around?”

Kerric:

"Any who share equally in the risks should share equally in the rewards," says Kerric, looking at the newcomer and asking, "Can you handle yourself in a fight?"

Hawke can't help but grin when T corrects him on his name, having a feeling that this was going to be a running thing with this guy, which was funny in its own way. "Sure, I'll fill it out just, uh, you got--" He stops himself with the satyr approaches them. Hawke give them an acknowledging nod to them after having introduced themself. "Ey, been a while since I've seen one of you 'round. Nice to meet ya. I'm sure your pal will fill ya in on the details." He gives them a cheeky smile then turns back to T'chal for his final words. At the mention of an interview, Hawke gives an expression of bewilderment, but before he could say anything, they went off to speak to the others.

"Alright..." He sighs to himself, plucking the feather from his hair to use as a quill. "You got ink or somethin'?" He asks to the barkeep had she still been around.

When called over, the druid does so, taking his (mostly empty) contract with him as well. As Reghys points out his gear, the makes a point to show just what they were talking about, though there is a heat the rises to cheek cheeks at the compliments of his work. Most of his stuff was handcrafted (save for the clothing and more ornate jewelry he had on him). Living out in the wilds, you had to rely mainly on the land and yourself, and he made sure that it showed on his person.

He stands straight when the elf questions him. "Oh, yeah, of course I can. I can, uh, turn into animals. Kinda my thing, and, uh, heal. Oh, and I don't know if T'chal introduced me, but I'm Hawke."

Kerric:

Kerric nods his acceptance and waits for the others to ask their questions, other than replying, "I'm Kerric Brightblade.  You are welcome in the Alliance as far as I am concerned."

Clad in silvery elven chain with dark green and brown hunters clothing, the hilt of a large blade protruding above his left shoulder from its baldric, Kerric's pointed ears and thin but powerful frame marked him as a high elf, and his purposeful gait marked him as a trained warrior.  A sun-kissed face and dark red hair spoke of an outdoor life, and an upright posture spoke of self-confidence and maybe...pride?

After morning training meetings proved to be difficult for Ebele. She was thirsty, hungry and struggling to focus on hearing everything going on in a flurry around her over the sound of her own chewing. Eventually she'd have ate and drank enough to mute her stomach, satisfying her to finally lend an attentive ear. The monk would catch their Satyr's excitable steps and praise, perking her attention. She'd listen in silence with her back to them from her seat. She sat with a small grin of amusement on her face as most of the members on the team flocked and observed this newcomer. And as they did, their unique personalities shone. The blonde enjoyed it with a sense of endearment. All they were missing was their wise wizard. and as a lull rested in the introductions, Ebele would turn her head as if to look back to the group. She'd stay that way for a moment as if to wait for Reghys to realize they haven't completed their formal introduction. The monk would wait a bit more to give them, and even Xalkas time to appear, to complete their introductions next.

Finally, she'd rise from her seat and pad over to the gathered bunch. Platinum blonde, porcelain skin, high cheekbones and pointed ears. At first glance, Ebele appeared to be elven, but only upon closer inspection, the curves of her frame and shorter stature would say otherwise. The half-elf wore simple cloth, a white shirt with a deep cowl and tight-fitting black pants with a mix of pouches strapped to her hips. Most curiously, she wore a band of cloth over her eyes that appeared to be weeping liquid shadows

 "Make sure you read the fine print." She'd grin, her head dipping as if she winked, before offering her hand in the direction of the new voice. "Ebele." Her hands were small, but strong with a very firm grip. Scars and callouses presented obvious clues to years of martial arts training.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker corrects Hawke when he says his name incorrectly, "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker."

He thens sighs heavily to himself at Kerric's words.  "How very Egalitarian of us.  Alright, I will ensure our groups contract have several clauses on equality to reflect this seemingly group wide affliction. Hawke, you are welcome to accompany us while we search for the missing delegation.  However...here...if you could still just sign the contract there and fill out any information on your missing acquaintance, it will help us in the locating.  And, since you apparently are being welcomed to join the Argent Alliance, let me provide a group contract for you to sign here."

He holds out a quill with ink and places the two contracts on the table in front of Hawke.

"Congratulations on joining the Alliance. We look forward to working with you." 

Hawke suppresses a laugh at the correction. "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker." He repeats, hoping his pronunciation was exceptional for the tiefling.

He turns to the half-elf that approaches him, his gaze holding onto the white cloth covering her eyes. The strange liquid weeping from underneath the cloth interests him, but he decided not to question it. It was of no business to him. "Blind buddies," He grins, chuckling while taking her hand in a firm handshake. His own hands were calloused themselves, mainly from working the land and living that wild life. Though, she would feel a few oddly shaped scars on his hand, almost like a sort of letter. At her advice, he says, "Thanks. I'll try to. Nice to meet you Ebele."

The druid's hand returns back to his side as he gives the group a slight bow. "Thank you all for havin' me. Promise I won't cause too much trouble." There is jest in his tone, then takes the quill from T'chal and begins filling out the forms to the best of his ability. His penmanship wasn't the best, but it was legible to a degree. He does also read the fine print as advised.

 After signing, he hands the contracts over to T'chal. "Hope that's okay...?"

Kaylee is passing by with more drinks  1  but slips on a combination of T'chals tail and a wet spot on the floor. the resulting slip spills a very red drink all over the bottom signatory portion of the contract

Kerric:

Completely uninterested in the contract or the drink, Kerric reacts quickly and tries to catch Kaylee before she can fall and perhaps injure herself.

Acrobatics:  18

A little self-consciously, he aids her as best he can, saying, "Are you alright?"

Earlier...

Xalkas notes after he closes the door to his room that Ebele somehow managed to slide a plate of food in before the door closed. Realizing he hasn’t eaten anything all day. Quickly devours the meal and makes a mental note to return it to the Helm at Highsun in the morning.

The next morning...

Xalkas awakens feeling refreshed from the full night of sleep, at least compared to the previous night having spent it gallivanting through a stone quarry in search of cultists. (Applied long rest)

He then spends several minutes flipping through his spell book in his room. Ensuring he has the spells that might be needed for the days journey readily available to use at a moments notice. Then gathering the plate and utensils makes his way over to Helm at Highsun. Descending the stairs towards the common room, hears the rest of the Alliance speaking with a voice he doesn’t recognize. Not ready for the seeming boisterousness this early in the morning, Xalkas gingerly tiptoes his way down the steps and makes it outside the inn without anyone noticing him leaving.

He enters the Helm at Highsun and returns the plate and utensils from last nights meal and finds a quite spot in a corner to enjoy his pipe and a small breakfast while he looks through his book.

Kerric does indeed prevent Kaylee from falling,  but does not prevent the spillage

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker looks down at the red wine spilled across the papers.  He stands there, not reacting, but notes Kerric save the waitress. He just stares at them, then sighs, and picks them up, letting the liquid drain off them.  Without a word, he pulls out a cloth and slowly wipes them off, then slips them into a scroll case and into his bag. Suddenly attempting to change the subject he turns to the group, "I have been unable to liquidate....." he stops and glances at the liquid on the table then continues, "...uh.. our wagon due to the wagon works being shut down. I was thinking, perhaps we can acquire two horses to pull it. It may come in handy as we make our way to Womford." 

He turns to Hawke, "Ahh, yes.  We have a potential lead in Womford regarding the delegation and are following it up there." 

Kerric beats Hawke to the punch in preventing Kaylee from completely falling to the floor, though now the Druid stares dumbfounded at the drink spillage that ruined his contract. “... Took me forever to figure out how I wanted to write the H...” He frowns. 

He shakes his head and looks to T’chal when filled in on what they planned to do today. “Sounds good. I could talk to the horses too, if you’d like, figure out which ones will be the best at pullin’ wagons. Get more bang for your buck, as they say... that’s what they say right?” He thinks on it, then waves a hand dismissively. “Uh, are we going now? You guys good on food right? Cause I got a few berries on me that’ll help with fillin’ you up if need be.”