Once everyone is seated, Vothrolo begins talking "I'm interested in trying to reconstruct the political and economic aspects of the Kwalmendi Empire. That does require some delving into the old ruins of the Empire. Of coure, the most interesting sites are under the Blokendrohl Forest." She says as she points toward the east. "Only a complete fool would attempt to enter that forest. That has created a problem with my research. But, I recently came across this old history in the library of the Doge of Tralbibo." The half-elf says as she picks up a small, leather bound volume. "This book was written in the early days of the Kardagen Empire, and tells the stories of some of the warlords that dominated the landscape between the fall of the Kwalmendi Empire and the rise of the Kardagen Empire."
At this point, Vothrolo pauses for a minute to take a sip of her ale before continuing "One of the warlords, a chap by the name of Woitech, was a collector and apparently amassed quite a collection of Kwalmendi artifacts. In his day, the Blokendrohl Forest didn't extend anywhere near as far west as it does today. This history claims that the forest was a two day ride east of the Pancrater River. That was the original name of the river we know today as the Tralbibo River, the river that is located a stone's throw from this inn. Anyway, when Magref Kardagen moved into this valley with his army, Woitech figured he'd hide his treasure in various places throughout the area. This book" the half-elf states as she waves the small book in her hand "discusses some of the locations and some of the authors sources. I've been able to track those down, and correlated the places they mention with modern location."
"I now believe I know the location of seven of the caches created by Woitech. But, most of them are in places where goblins and kobolds are a threat. Which is what I need you men for. I will pay for your expenses while we journey to these locations, plus a small stipend of 10 sp per day. In addition, any artifacts I'm not interested in are yours to do with as you please."
Balthazar takes a cautious sip of the wine. He shakes his head slightly to one side as if to say, 'not great, not terrible,' and focuses on Vothrolo's words. He steeples his fingers in a thoughtful pose. "These caches, are they a goodly distance from Springholde, or will we be based out of the town more comfortably? I am, of course, more than willing to be of service to you. Even if it were not expected of me, the promise of what such artifacts and knowledge would impart would be invaluable to everyone, of all peoples - and not unprofitable as well. I am glad to have found these others on the way here from Gillesberg. They have ample experience in dealing with goblins, and I am sure that kobolds will prove no more effective against their mettle. Indeed, I cannot recommend these others enough, and..." he trails off, looking around the table and judging reactions. He realizes that he probably doesn't need to speak for anyone, excepting himself.
"A damsel in need of protection from vile greenskins? I could no longer call myself a Helmite if I refused. I will gladly accompany you." says Lorgar with a hearty smile.
He pauses for a moment and the smile vanishes from Lorgars face before he continues in a serious tone: "I must confess though that I am rather curious as to the nature of your research.
You said you were attempting to reconstruct the political and economic aspects of the Kwalmendi Empire, and you have obviously put a large amount of effort and funds into this venture.
I must apologize in advance if my remark seems rude, but you don't strike me as someone who is lured by the promise of gold, nor do I believe you are researching all this purely out of academic curiosity.
You seem rather driven in this quest, yet the motive eludes me. Just what is it that you are hoping to find?"
Quiller grins at the elf, "Ah, when yer speakin' o' trinkets ye'll be wnatin' t' keeps, that'd be what kind o' things? 'r, moight be better t' say iffn' wes run int'a passel o' beasties what wants t' slice n' dice us 'nd we be standin' on a hoard o' stuff, what would ye be wantin' us t' trys n' takes wit us?" He shrugs. "Meself, I don'ts care one way or t'other what I grabs, jest wants it t' be valuabled" Taking a huge quaff, spilling an appropriate amount down the front of his shirt, he belches again. "Oi likes jewels I does."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
His stew finished, Quin puts down his spoon and looks at Vothrolo with a grin, "Sure I'll go along. It's not like I have other plans. Besides something tells me I was created for this."
A half-elf man wanders in and glances around, moving towards Vothrolo with a curious glance at the others. He's slightly above average height with a wiry build, his well-tanned face set with bright solid green eyes under dark black hair is ruggedly handsome and he moves with casual grace and self confidence. He has a well-used pack on his back along with a hunting crossbow and a pair of daggers on his belt, more unusually, the armor he wears is serviceable, but clearly old fashioned and shows signs of being recently cleaned, but not very well, and the metal spear he carries is equally old fashioned and tarnished, but also shows signs of recent cleaning and seems effective enough. As he arrives at the table he glances quickly at the others before turning to Vothrolo, "My name is Davril, a man named Makbet told me to meet someone called Vothrolo Shonid here? Recommended me for a job involving retrieving lost artifacts or some such?"
Lorgar seizes up this strange newcomer, his blue eyes darting over the half-elf and his armor. He attempts to discern what kind of armor (leather, mail, scale, brigandine?) the stranger is wearing and if the clothes and armor have any distinguishing regional features he might recognize.
"welcome newcomer, you may join us! and lady scholar, for a job like that, i will guard you best i can!" Lukas speaks, recovering his good cheer that had been lost in days prior.
When Davril wanders in and says that he is looking for Vothrolo, the half-elf excitedly answers “Ah, the final member of our team is here. Wonderful, wonderful. Please, have a seat, or get yourself an ale and stew from the bar.”
The wine is not great, nor terrible, it is worse than terrible. It is tastes like fermented vinegar gone bad. Balthazar is barely able to keep from spitting the wine out, as Vothrolo laughs wholeheartedly at the look on his face. “I suspect I am probably the last person before you to drink from that bottle. That was on my first trip to this little village, about ten years ago. The ale here is surprisingly good. Not as good as you find at the Dancing Anvil in Sarnate, but, then, there are no dwarven brewers in this town. The wine on the hand, the less said about it, the better.”
The caches are scattered around, although one of them is actually in Springholde itself. The others are in the Belgrund and Torgrahn Mountains. After we are finished here, we will relocate back to Mercer’s Tavern. It will be more comfortable to journey forth from that establishment than to stay here in Springholde. There are no rooms in the Crowing Rooster. People traveling through the area either stop in Elandmeadow or at Mercer’s Tavern.”
Turning to Lorgar, Vothrolo says “I assume when you say that you don’t believe I am ‘researching all this purely out of academic curiosity’ you are saying I don’t seem like the typical academic. I take that as a compliment. Early in my studies, I grew sick of long winded discussions about Quomorn’s text.”
Noticing the blank looks around the table, Vothrolo continues “A book written by Quomorn is the only complete text we have from the Kwalmendi Empire, so many people spend a great deal of time discussing what he is talking about. Is his text a literary work, or is it a history of the Empire? What do certain words mean?”
“While those questions do deserve discussion, we need to look for more information. So, yes, I am researching this primarily out of academic curiosity, but, unlike most of my peers, I don’t think research can be furthered by reading and rereading the same texts. Getting out of those ivory towers is what led me to find this wonderful book.” The half-elf says as she raises the small, leather bound volume again.
“But, some of my backers do have ulterior motives. There are a few individuals that think that the Kwalmendi was a utopian paradise and hope that my research will provide them a road map to recreating that paradise. I’m interested in separating fact from fiction regarding the empire. Some of our stories about the Empire are purely fiction, while others might be entirely factual and many fall somewhere between those extremes. So, to answer your question about what I’m trying to find, plain and simply, the truth, the wonderful truth.”
Then hearing Quiller’s question, Vothrolo responds “Oh, I’m sure there will be plenty for you to gain money from. Some of the items that are supposed to be in the cache’s date to Woitech’s time. That is they post-date the Kwalmendi Empire. Those, you are welcome to. Coins minted by Woitech and his contemporaries are yours. I’m sure you will come out of this venture with truly wonderful treasures.”
Lorgar does not discern any lies coming from Vothrolo. She seems truly enthusiastic and interested in the information she is imparting to you.
The leather armor that Davril wears contains a few elvish symbols on them, similar to those found on the militias most elven communities, but, none of you recognize the symbols.
At Lukas comment, Vothrolo raises her glass in toast “To knowledge and wealth!”
Balthazar is nearly able to join in the toast, but ends up just putting his cup down. Some things not even magic can redress.
"The coin sounds good, as a bonus on pay. Shall we finish here, and begin our search in town then? I... the one here isn't overrun with goblins, is it? That would be surprising, given the general lack of mischief and mayhem about the place."
"The truth is a fine thing to look for." says Lorgar in a cheerful tone, clearly pleased with Vothrolos honest answer. Moved by the moment he joins in the toast, but as he is drawing the cup to his lips he notices the sour smell of the wine and ends up taking only the smallest of sips. He attempts to show no outer signs of discomfort, yet inside he clearly regrets not ordering the ale.
After he recovers from the vinegars assault on his taste buds Lorgar turns his attention back to Davril and attempts again to discern the elven symbols, aware that if he fails it will keep on irritating him. Lorgar learned Elvish at the cloister, so he believes he should be able to recall .... well, something, about the symbols.
When he is done thinking about the writting Lorgar will stand up and introduce himself while offering a friendly handshake. He will also use this opportunity to determine how tall Davril is, compared to Lorgars 6 feet.
"Watchers blessing upon thee. I am Lorgar of the Helmite order. It appears we will be travelling together for a while."
As Lorgar stands, he finds he's a couple inches taller than Davril as he returns with his stew and simply water to drink, setting them on the table he takes his hand and gives him a firm handshake and confident smile. Taking his seat and digging in to his meal quickly, he glances up at Balthazar's comment, "That is a good point, what do you know about the defenses of this cache? Both any traps or such left over from history or current inhabitants that might not like our presence?"
Raising his fist in front of his face Quin joins in on the toast with a "Well said! Well said!" He continues as he lowers his hand, "Quiller and I can handle those traps for ya I'll bet." Quin then pats Quiller on the back.
Quiller looks at the newcomer and grunts, “Beware the wine’, I have it from a reliable source that it’s only good for polishing really crappy armour. Name’s Quillers by the way.” He turns his attention to Vothrolos, “So, one would suspect these caches are either well hidden, guarded or both; what can you tell us about the one here in town? »
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Quin pipes up suddenly, " So if I'm understanding correctly Kwalmendi artifacts are rather rare correct? The reason I ask is we recently ran into one possibly and it makes me wonder how the former owners came about possesing it. Could be they found one of your caches. If thats true we should make haste to the Springholde cache. We have reason to believe they were headed in this direction. Possible they're planning on cleaning this one out."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
**This Space for Rent**
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Quin eats his stew in silence as he listens to Vothrolo.
**This Space for Rent**
Once everyone is seated, Vothrolo begins talking "I'm interested in trying to reconstruct the political and economic aspects of the Kwalmendi Empire. That does require some delving into the old ruins of the Empire. Of coure, the most interesting sites are under the Blokendrohl Forest." She says as she points toward the east. "Only a complete fool would attempt to enter that forest. That has created a problem with my research. But, I recently came across this old history in the library of the Doge of Tralbibo." The half-elf says as she picks up a small, leather bound volume. "This book was written in the early days of the Kardagen Empire, and tells the stories of some of the warlords that dominated the landscape between the fall of the Kwalmendi Empire and the rise of the Kardagen Empire."
At this point, Vothrolo pauses for a minute to take a sip of her ale before continuing "One of the warlords, a chap by the name of Woitech, was a collector and apparently amassed quite a collection of Kwalmendi artifacts. In his day, the Blokendrohl Forest didn't extend anywhere near as far west as it does today. This history claims that the forest was a two day ride east of the Pancrater River. That was the original name of the river we know today as the Tralbibo River, the river that is located a stone's throw from this inn. Anyway, when Magref Kardagen moved into this valley with his army, Woitech figured he'd hide his treasure in various places throughout the area. This book" the half-elf states as she waves the small book in her hand "discusses some of the locations and some of the authors sources. I've been able to track those down, and correlated the places they mention with modern location."
"I now believe I know the location of seven of the caches created by Woitech. But, most of them are in places where goblins and kobolds are a threat. Which is what I need you men for. I will pay for your expenses while we journey to these locations, plus a small stipend of 10 sp per day. In addition, any artifacts I'm not interested in are yours to do with as you please."
"Are you up for this little adventure?"
Balthazar takes a cautious sip of the wine. He shakes his head slightly to one side as if to say, 'not great, not terrible,' and focuses on Vothrolo's words. He steeples his fingers in a thoughtful pose. "These caches, are they a goodly distance from Springholde, or will we be based out of the town more comfortably? I am, of course, more than willing to be of service to you. Even if it were not expected of me, the promise of what such artifacts and knowledge would impart would be invaluable to everyone, of all peoples - and not unprofitable as well. I am glad to have found these others on the way here from Gillesberg. They have ample experience in dealing with goblins, and I am sure that kobolds will prove no more effective against their mettle. Indeed, I cannot recommend these others enough, and..." he trails off, looking around the table and judging reactions. He realizes that he probably doesn't need to speak for anyone, excepting himself.
"A damsel in need of protection from vile greenskins? I could no longer call myself a Helmite if I refused. I will gladly accompany you." says Lorgar with a hearty smile.
He pauses for a moment and the smile vanishes from Lorgars face before he continues in a serious tone: "I must confess though that I am rather curious as to the nature of your research.
You said you were attempting to reconstruct the political and economic aspects of the Kwalmendi Empire, and you have obviously put a large amount of effort and funds into this venture.
I must apologize in advance if my remark seems rude, but you don't strike me as someone who is lured by the promise of gold, nor do I believe you are researching all this purely out of academic curiosity.
You seem rather driven in this quest, yet the motive eludes me. Just what is it that you are hoping to find?"
Quiller grins at the elf, "Ah, when yer speakin' o' trinkets ye'll be wnatin' t' keeps, that'd be what kind o' things? 'r, moight be better t' say iffn' wes run int'a passel o' beasties what wants t' slice n' dice us 'nd we be standin' on a hoard o' stuff, what would ye be wantin' us t' trys n' takes wit us?" He shrugs. "Meself, I don'ts care one way or t'other what I grabs, jest wants it t' be valuabled" Taking a huge quaff, spilling an appropriate amount down the front of his shirt, he belches again. "Oi likes jewels I does."
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
His stew finished, Quin puts down his spoon and looks at Vothrolo with a grin, "Sure I'll go along. It's not like I have other plans. Besides something tells me I was created for this."
**This Space for Rent**
A half-elf man wanders in and glances around, moving towards Vothrolo with a curious glance at the others. He's slightly above average height with a wiry build, his well-tanned face set with bright solid green eyes under dark black hair is ruggedly handsome and he moves with casual grace and self confidence. He has a well-used pack on his back along with a hunting crossbow and a pair of daggers on his belt, more unusually, the armor he wears is serviceable, but clearly old fashioned and shows signs of being recently cleaned, but not very well, and the metal spear he carries is equally old fashioned and tarnished, but also shows signs of recent cleaning and seems effective enough. As he arrives at the table he glances quickly at the others before turning to Vothrolo, "My name is Davril, a man named Makbet told me to meet someone called Vothrolo Shonid here? Recommended me for a job involving retrieving lost artifacts or some such?"
Lorgar seizes up this strange newcomer, his blue eyes darting over the half-elf and his armor. He attempts to discern what kind of armor (leather, mail, scale, brigandine?) the stranger is wearing and if the clothes and armor have any distinguishing regional features he might recognize.
Quin quietly sizes up the new comer.
**This Space for Rent**
"welcome newcomer, you may join us! and lady scholar, for a job like that, i will guard you best i can!" Lukas speaks, recovering his good cheer that had been lost in days prior.
When Davril wanders in and says that he is looking for Vothrolo, the half-elf excitedly answers “Ah, the final member of our team is here. Wonderful, wonderful. Please, have a seat, or get yourself an ale and stew from the bar.”
The wine is not great, nor terrible, it is worse than terrible. It is tastes like fermented vinegar gone bad. Balthazar is barely able to keep from spitting the wine out, as Vothrolo laughs wholeheartedly at the look on his face. “I suspect I am probably the last person before you to drink from that bottle. That was on my first trip to this little village, about ten years ago. The ale here is surprisingly good. Not as good as you find at the Dancing Anvil in Sarnate, but, then, there are no dwarven brewers in this town. The wine on the hand, the less said about it, the better.”
The caches are scattered around, although one of them is actually in Springholde itself. The others are in the Belgrund and Torgrahn Mountains. After we are finished here, we will relocate back to Mercer’s Tavern. It will be more comfortable to journey forth from that establishment than to stay here in Springholde. There are no rooms in the Crowing Rooster. People traveling through the area either stop in Elandmeadow or at Mercer’s Tavern.”
Turning to Lorgar, Vothrolo says “I assume when you say that you don’t believe I am ‘researching all this purely out of academic curiosity’ you are saying I don’t seem like the typical academic. I take that as a compliment. Early in my studies, I grew sick of long winded discussions about Quomorn’s text.”
Noticing the blank looks around the table, Vothrolo continues “A book written by Quomorn is the only complete text we have from the Kwalmendi Empire, so many people spend a great deal of time discussing what he is talking about. Is his text a literary work, or is it a history of the Empire? What do certain words mean?”
“While those questions do deserve discussion, we need to look for more information. So, yes, I am researching this primarily out of academic curiosity, but, unlike most of my peers, I don’t think research can be furthered by reading and rereading the same texts. Getting out of those ivory towers is what led me to find this wonderful book.” The half-elf says as she raises the small, leather bound volume again.
“But, some of my backers do have ulterior motives. There are a few individuals that think that the Kwalmendi was a utopian paradise and hope that my research will provide them a road map to recreating that paradise. I’m interested in separating fact from fiction regarding the empire. Some of our stories about the Empire are purely fiction, while others might be entirely factual and many fall somewhere between those extremes. So, to answer your question about what I’m trying to find, plain and simply, the truth, the wonderful truth.”
Then hearing Quiller’s question, Vothrolo responds “Oh, I’m sure there will be plenty for you to gain money from. Some of the items that are supposed to be in the cache’s date to Woitech’s time. That is they post-date the Kwalmendi Empire. Those, you are welcome to. Coins minted by Woitech and his contemporaries are yours. I’m sure you will come out of this venture with truly wonderful treasures.”
Lorgar does not discern any lies coming from Vothrolo. She seems truly enthusiastic and interested in the information she is imparting to you.
The leather armor that Davril wears contains a few elvish symbols on them, similar to those found on the militias most elven communities, but, none of you recognize the symbols.
At Lukas comment, Vothrolo raises her glass in toast “To knowledge and wealth!”
"may we be enriched in body and mind from this." lukas acknowledges, toasting with Vothrolo.
Balthazar is nearly able to join in the toast, but ends up just putting his cup down. Some things not even magic can redress.
"The coin sounds good, as a bonus on pay. Shall we finish here, and begin our search in town then? I... the one here isn't overrun with goblins, is it? That would be surprising, given the general lack of mischief and mayhem about the place."
"The truth is a fine thing to look for." says Lorgar in a cheerful tone, clearly pleased with Vothrolos honest answer. Moved by the moment he joins in the toast, but as he is drawing the cup to his lips he notices the sour smell of the wine and ends up taking only the smallest of sips. He attempts to show no outer signs of discomfort, yet inside he clearly regrets not ordering the ale.
After he recovers from the vinegars assault on his taste buds Lorgar turns his attention back to Davril and attempts again to discern the elven symbols, aware that if he fails it will keep on irritating him. Lorgar learned Elvish at the cloister, so he believes he should be able to recall .... well, something, about the symbols.
When he is done thinking about the writting Lorgar will stand up and introduce himself while offering a friendly handshake. He will also use this opportunity to determine how tall Davril is, compared to Lorgars 6 feet.
"Watchers blessing upon thee. I am Lorgar of the Helmite order. It appears we will be travelling together for a while."
As Lorgar stands, he finds he's a couple inches taller than Davril as he returns with his stew and simply water to drink, setting them on the table he takes his hand and gives him a firm handshake and confident smile. Taking his seat and digging in to his meal quickly, he glances up at Balthazar's comment, "That is a good point, what do you know about the defenses of this cache? Both any traps or such left over from history or current inhabitants that might not like our presence?"
Raising his fist in front of his face Quin joins in on the toast with a "Well said! Well said!" He continues as he lowers his hand, "Quiller and I can handle those traps for ya I'll bet." Quin then pats Quiller on the back.
**This Space for Rent**
Quiller looks at the newcomer and grunts, “Beware the wine’, I have it from a reliable source that it’s only good for polishing really crappy armour. Name’s Quillers by the way.” He turns his attention to Vothrolos, “So, one would suspect these caches are either well hidden, guarded or both; what can you tell us about the one here in town? »
Panic is a mechanism that strengthens the gene pool.
Quin pipes up suddenly, " So if I'm understanding correctly Kwalmendi artifacts are rather rare correct? The reason I ask is we recently ran into one possibly and it makes me wonder how the former owners came about possesing it. Could be they found one of your caches. If thats true we should make haste to the Springholde cache. We have reason to believe they were headed in this direction. Possible they're planning on cleaning this one out."
**This Space for Rent**