Folsorm grabs a mug of ale from the barkeep and moves over to a quiet corner of the bar, he looks around to see if anyone is watching the group as they talk to Vex, as well as if anyone is acting very sucpicious.

Perception 23

Stoopeed walks subtly towards the back table where games of luck are played. He mentally counts his personal gold.

Vex's eyes widen at the mention of the legendary weapons.  "The Arms of the Guardians!  Yes, that's one of the stories that usually gets someone in the game.  Whelm, the trident; the Drake's Bane, sentient sword; the Oathbow, which hunts sworn enemies; Aegis-fang, the flying hammer; and the Black Staff of the Archmage.  Hunting that loot would take a lot of risk, though, so most adventurers resort to monster hunting or devolve into banditry soon enough.  You would have to be working for a moron to take on that task, though." 

Folsorm notes Kenrick's ears pricking up as Lyoko speaks to Vex.  Kenrick tries to hide his interest by loudly ordering another drink, irritating the stout bartender.

Stoopeed moves through the beaded curtains and sees several games of chance being played.  Attractive half-elf females serve as dealers at each table.  A burly full-blooded orc  with two half-orc associates makes the rounds, inspecting each table for signs of cheating.  Soon enough, the orc spots a halfling fidgeting.  Seizing the halfling's arm, the orc pulls back the sleeve to reveal a hidden card.  Before the halfling can even protest, the orc picks up the halfing, slams him on the table, and takes the halfling's arm and extends it over the  table, using the edge as a fulcrum while he slams his hand on the wrist, breaking the halfling's arm.  "Take his coin, and show him out", commands the orc to his subordinates.

The scene shocks all in attendance save for an elf who continues sipping ale.  He is dressed in black, with a green cloak.  He chuckles and says "Now that our best gambler has left the table, I would like to up my ante."  The elven gambler pushes forward a pile of coins and a pearl.  

Lyoko shakes his head, "you said it, lady... we're working for the biggest moron of them all.  Any idea where might start our search for the Arm of the Guardians?  These people are plenty dumb, but they're also plenty rich and powerful, if you could serve as our guide I'm sure they'd reward you handsomely."

Folsorm chugs his current ale, moves to the bar next to Lyoko under the pretense of ordering another drink, he whispers to Lyoko "That fellow over there has taken an interest in your discussion with Vex here, have a care"  He take his beer back to the corner and continues looking over the room.

Vex replies, "One moment, I need to confer with my ... boss."  In a flash, the sword appears in her hand, she looks flustered for a moment, and then says, "Really?!?  I was hoping for a break from the road.  Well, my plan was to go back there, play some cards and get you a bit of gold to wallow in this evening like you requested.  Don't even dare start calling me high-maintenance, you' demand as much luxury as any mortal I've ever met!"

She pauses her seemingly senseless tirade and says, "He wants to talk to you.  Stand by."

Before Lyoko can object or say anything, a rich, gravelly, baritone voice enters the minds of not only Lyoko but also the rest of the party:

"Greetings.  I am Vorpa, patron of Vex.  It is my understanding that you seek the Arms of the Guardians.  I know of one of the weapons' locations.  The Drake's Bane is in Ostoria, Realm of the Jotun.  Long did that blade terrorize the dragons in the wars of days long gone by.  There is a powerful warlord who wields it as a badge of office.  His name is Ymir, chieftain of the frost giants.  You will find him marauding the borders of your kingdom with his band of warriors.  Vex, although she now protests, will see the wisdom of assisting you as a guide.  She is dear to me, however, so don't expect me to risk her safety recklessly.  The last time I had a wielder I liked was back when the Ducons still had straight teeth."

Kenrick realizes that his ruse has been detected by Folsorm.  He raises a glass to Folsorm and says, "Well played, guv.  I will be on my way."  

Kenrick leaves the tavern.  

Digg watches, a bit confused. 

Arcana check, please, Digg.

Stoopeed asks: "Hello Good people, this looks fun! Can I play? Eee. How is it played actually?"

Behold, Digg the Magnificent!

Arcana:18

Digg recognizes the sword is sentient and likely gained its sentience from a dragon imparting its spirit into a sword over the course of the sword being stored in his treasure trove.

Digg lets out a low whistle. “That blade is magnificent,” he utters abruptly, jostling the others out of the way as he moves closer for a look. “Truly amazing.”

He may or may not have a chubby. 

Rhogar orders three of the best whiskeys, three legs of mutton, and takes them over to the dwarf and hobgoblin.  “Halo patrons?  Mine name is Rhogar.  It appears I have accidentally ordered much to food and drink.  Mayhaps you would like to help me consume it?  May I have the seat?”

“Yes, and perhaps you can settle a debate,” says the dwarf.  “What’s worth more compensation: the loss of an ear or an eye?” As he speaks, he points to the ragged ear of the hobgoblin and lifts his own eye patch, revealing a ghastly hollow orbit. 

Rhogar scratches his scaley chin and takes a bite of mutton.  “Well you see mine friend, that is tricky queston.  I guess it really comes down to who’s eye or ear it is.  You see?” He turns his head from side to side.  “I have no ears lobes like your pal here,  But I still hear. However, if my eye was taken it would be very very bad.  You see, I am mighty warrior and depth perception is key!   On the other hand there are some creatures that rely heavily on hearing to survive.  The fierce Grimlock has no eyes.  It relies mostly on his ears to capture prey.  So...I would say that it is all a matter of perspective da? All in the eye of the beholder....or ear...wait do beholders have ears?”

He takes a loud gulp of his whiskey. 

Stoopeed, being ignored at the table, tosses in platinum on the table. “That’s all the platinum I got. Can I get some coins and play?”

The dwarf guzzles his ale.

“Yer opinion’s ‘bout as helpful as this hobgoblin as an ear ring model.  Oh, well.  That’s what we get for tryin’ to rob a drow temple.  Those uppity women can keep their treasure, bah!  Oi, another round for me and handsome here, bah hahah!”