The "Thirsty Kraken" is a tavern located at the port of Ardentia, known for its rowdy and boisterous atmosphere. The tavern serves sailors and other patrons who are looking for a place to unwind after a long day at sea or to seek out some adventure in the bustling port city.  The tavern is a large, sprawling building with a thatched roof and walls made of rough-hewn timber. The interior is dimly lit and smoky, with a large fireplace at one end that provides warmth and light. The walls are adorned with various nautical items, such as ship's wheels, anchors, and maps of the sea.

The Thirsty Kraken is known for its strong drinks and hearty food, which are designed to satisfy the hearty appetites of sailors and adventurers. The menu includes hearty stews, fresh fish, and roasted meats, all washed down with generous quantities of ale and spirits.  Despite its rough and tumble reputation, the Thirsty Kraken is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It is a place where sailors can swap stories and share their adventures, and where adventurers can find work or companions for their next voyage. However, visitors to the tavern are advised to keep their wits about them, as fights and brawls are not uncommon in this lively establishment.

Overall, the Thirsty Kraken is a classic seafarer's tavern that offers a glimpse into the rough and adventurous world of Ardentia's port. It is a place where patrons can let loose and indulge in some hearty food and drink, while rubbing shoulders with some of the toughest and most colorful characters in the realm.

"Here we are good gentles, the Thirsty Kraken! We suggest getting inside and find a seat before it fills up! We've been here many a times, there are lots of fights and brawls, so keep your wits about you. Lets find a big table by the edge of the room so we can watch our backs!"

Yngvar gently applies pressure to the crowd by the door to push them out of the way and leads everyone inside. He keeps a careful eye on Rowan. "Will you lovely ladies sit with us as asked earlier?" he says to Rowan, but inviting Akira as well if she wished.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:22, Sat 06 May 2023.

Luthien wasn't planning on taking a diversion like this, but...sometimes, fate conspires to slow the young knight down and make him stop and smell the roses. Or the ale in this case. Not that he was necessarily drinking.

The table he chooses has room for others...but with an aura like his, it's plenty to cover the entire table. It's a nice side effect...the wicked never want to sit at his table.

Yngvar sits in the middle on the far side of the table against the wall to protect his back, making sure there is a seat for Rowan and Akira if they'd like to sit by him. "Nice choice Sir Luthien, we like your choice of tables. Come sit by us Lady Rowan." He holds her chair for her, being the perfect gentleman.

He knew he wasn't the prettiest man there, but he was attentive!

Rowan looked like the last thing she wanted to do was sit besides Yngvar but one look at some of the other men in the tavern (and the eyes they turned her way) made her decide having Yngvar as a barrier to some drunked sailor pinching her bum was an acceptable trade. At least Yngvar smelled nice.

Sliding into her seat Rowan looked around,  disoriented by tavern. It seemed a lot bigger than she'd remembered... Or maybe it was just that she was smaller.

Rowan glanced at her companions. Akira seemed in her own world and Rowan could relate. Yngvar was... unique. The knight Sir Luthien made her feel guilty for dome reason.

"So what sort of adventures have you been on?" she asked the table.

"What can we get you to eat and drink? A bowl of stew? A steak? Ale, or wine?" He says with a smile. "Of course it is our pleasure to take care of your tab."

Ponder took a seat across from Luthien and watched Rowan's discomfort with amusement. He didn't seemed bothered by the rowdy crowd, signalling for an ale.

This is not the first tavern that Akira has been in but it is the largest.  She finds the noise and large number of people rather intimidating.  She takes a place next to Rowan, happy to protect her friend against any gropers.

The monk removes her backpack and pulls out a plate, a bowl, a cup, and some utensils.  She leaves her chopsticks inside as she has found that food around here is not prepared appropriately for their use.  The whole stabbing and slashing at your food at the table seems a rather barbaric tradition to her but then, the people here would probably be appalled at some of her customs.

She will ask about getting some rice, steamed vegetables, and . . . she feels guilty for even suggesting it, maybe a piece of grilled fish?  Just some water to drink.

There is a bit of a pause after Rowan asks about adventures, other than Yngvar's offer, so Akira screws up the courage to offer something.  "Not long after I left the Monkery I stopped in a small fishing village on the Tai Li River.  The fishermen there do not use nets or line, they use birds.  They go out on a small raft made of a half-dozen shoots of bamboo lashed together with a lantern on the front.  They pole out into the river and have these long, aquatic birds with long necks catch fish for them.  They place a ring around the bird's neck so that it can't swallow the fish.  The lantern attracts the fish and the birds catch and then disgorge the fish into a basket," she says.

In reply to Akira (msg # 8):

Ponder listened raptly, fascinated with the tale. He was a city boy so he had no idea stuff like this happened out in the country! He caught himself staring a bit longer than was polite and returned to watching Rowan fending off Yngvar's advances.

"We'll take a bowl of stew, a platter of cheese, bread, and a tankard of ale please, plus whatever the lady would have!" he says to the server when she brings ale to Ponder.

"Should we group together for the while to find the stolen property?" he asks the table, looking from each face.

Luthien modestly orders the stew. It's hearty enough, and it's only on top of what the Temple gives him.

"It was my intention to work with you all during such an investigation. Knights stand for the light, but finding that which is hidden is typically not our strong suit."

Of course, he can find those with evil in their hearts, but evil doesn't mean it's the correct stolen property, and not all thieves are evil.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Sat 06 May 2023.

The Thirsty Kraken is abuzz with excitement on the night of Lady Mirabelle's performance. As patrons stream into the bar, they are greeted by the sight of the place transformed - the usual dingy and dimly lit atmosphere has been replaced by bright lanterns and twinkling fairy lights strung across the rafters. A stage has been set up at one end of the room, and Lady Mirabelle and her band are already tuning their instruments.

The smell of roasting meat wafts through the air, as the Thirsty Kraken has added several new dishes to its menu for the evening. A team of cooks can be seen hustling back and forth from the kitchen, preparing skewers of juicy beef, lamb and chicken, and giant mugs of frothy ale and wine are being served up by the bar staff. In addition to the usual fare, the bar is also serving up some specialty drinks, including a spicy mead and a fruity sangria that is quickly becoming a crowd favorite.

Despite the festive atmosphere, however, there is an underlying sense of tension in the air. The Thirsty Kraken has a reputation for fights and brawls, and the presence of extra security only serves to underscore this fact. Bouncers, some of them half-orcs and other formidable looking creatures, patrol the room, eyeing the patrons warily and keeping a close watch for any signs of trouble.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 12):
ooc: second campaign, you guys can decide who is doing what

As the patrons of the Thirsty Kraken prepare to enjoy the music and the festivities, there are whispers of a more serious concern circulating amongst them. The rumor is that a mysterious sickness is spreading throughout the town, striking down the unwary with strange and debilitating symptoms. The government officials and the healers of the land seem to be downplaying the severity of the outbreak, but the people are not so easily convinced.

At one table, a group of grizzled farmers exchange stories of friends and family members who have fallen ill. "Aye, mine nephew was struck down by this sickness," one man grumbles, taking a swig of ale. "He was fine one day, and the next he was shivering and sweating like a pig."

At another table, a group of merchants speak in hushed tones about the potential impact on trade. "If this sickness spreads, it could be disastrous for business," one man frets, his brow furrowed with worry. "People will be too afraid to leave their homes, let alone come to the market."

Meanwhile, a group of local healers and apothecaries huddle together in a corner, their heads bent close in deep discussion. "It's not like anything we've seen before," one woman mutters, shaking her head. "The symptoms are so strange - the fever, the chills, the rash...we need to find a cure before it's too late."

Despite the government's assurances that the sickness is nothing to worry about, the patrons of the Thirsty Kraken know better. They speak in hushed tones, exchanging rumors and theories about the cause of the outbreak. For many, the thought of falling ill with the strange malady is a constant source of anxiety, and they pray that a cure will be found before it's too late.

"It sounds like there are a few jobs now. A sickness and a thief. Should we form teams and solve both? We have not heard of an Adventurers Guild in the city, perhaps we could check to see if there is one, and if not, start one to keep us employed in future? Would any be interested in joining us in such a proposition?" He looks around the table to each individual, starting with Rowan, then around clockwise. "Would you be interested in running such an enterprise Sir Luthien, to clean up the city and perhaps a few miles around it in time? To help people and do good!"

"That sounds fascinating Akira," Rowan said, subtly shifting in her seat to place a few precious inches more of empty space between her and Yngavar.

As ate her bread Rowan looked at the others, her large brown eyes somehow growing larger in alarm as she realised Yngvar was about to offer Sir Luthien leadership of the party. A paladin! They'd be broke in a week!

"Helping people is fine I suppose but some of us need money and the opportunity to find more magic."

Ponder nodded, "Money, opportunity and magic do sound good," Ponder agreed. He sipped his ale, "Perhaps those that want to pursue the missing items one way should gather in a group while those who think that another method would be best could pursue those methods." He looked at Rowan's discomfort. "Well, I guess the lovebirds go in the same group and that will include Luthien as well, I'd wager. A lawful, honorable approach might just be the Way."

Another sip. "Personally, I don't believe that but if it works for Lord Luthien, I'm very happy for him."

Settling for a bowl of stew and a glass of watered down wine, Amalfy tries to find a seat at the table with a good view of the stage.

The crowd did seem the type to be groping at young, handsome men, and his scant wealth was strapped to his calf in a small pouch, so pickpockets weren't a risk.

He listened into the conversation, (the tale about fishing with birds was particularly evocative) but he was quite aware that the others seemed to consider him beneath their notice, as they had ignored all that he had had to say, including his introduction. That was fine, he simply wanted to keep an eye on them, and he knew such fancy folks didn't make friends with people of his class.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Sun 07 May 2023.

"The Sickness is an interesting thing. The trick is...has it spread yet? I can cure a single soul of illness, but it's only once a week. Lord Brightblade would be similarly limited, though perhaps he might be able to do it 2 or 3 times. Still, that's per week."

Still, better to cure one soul than curse the darkness.

"It is perhaps best if I investigate the illness, at least briefly. Even if all I save is one soul, it's still one soul."

As for 'running' the group?

"If you would have me run such a thing, I'd be honored to do so."

His presence will certainly keep the unsavory sorts from asking for things. Most people know better than to even try.

Lady Mirabelle and her band, consisting of a lute player, a drummer, and a flutist, stand on the small stage at the back of the Thirsty Kraken. The flickering candlelight casts a warm glow on the musicians as they work on tuning their instruments, their skilled fingers plucking and strumming at the strings. Lady Mirabelle, a striking figure with long golden hair and sparkling blue eyes, adjusts the strings on her lute with care. She wears a flowing dress of deep green velvet, embroidered with gold and silver thread that shimmers in the candlelight. Her fingers move nimbly over the strings, producing a soft and melodic tune as she checks each note for accuracy. The drummer, a sturdy dwarf with a bushy beard, taps on his drum with a practiced hand, the sound resonating through the room. The flutist, a slender elf with pointed ears, lifts his instrument to his lips and blows a few experimental notes, testing the sound.

From the corner, Grimgar surveyed the crowd, noticing the drunken patron beginning to bother other customers. He strides over to the man with purpose, his massive frame towering over the patron's slouched figure. "You've had enough for the night," he growls, his voice gruff and commanding. The patron sputters in protest, but Grimgar's grip on his arm is unrelenting. "I said, leave," he repeats, his words leaving no room for argument. With a firm shove, Grimgar escorts the patron towards the door, the sound of his boots echoing throughout the tavern.

Calgarvin finishes his latest tankard of ale and continues to observe the adventurers nearby as they discuss quests. When the big shiny fellow mentions that he is interested in the illness that is plaguing the city, he gets up from his chair and makes use of the empty path created by the bouncer as he took the troublamker out to the street.

He moves beside Luthien and clears his throat. "If you're gonna be lookin' into the sickness here in town, I'd be willin' to help," he says, his eyes looking around darting from one person to the next before back to Luthien. "I'm a local lookin' for work and I have some...skills. Name's Calgarvin," he says as he wipes his hand on his cloak and extends it to the paladin.

The Paladin having shifted his focus from the theft made Amalfy relax just a bit, but he would stick with these people until he knew if any were still on that track.

At the sound of the flute, he rather hoped the band would play Aqualung, though it was an ancient tune and he deemed it unlikely.

I assume Amalfy recognizes Woodwill, his grove being a city attraction, though it seems unlikely the man would recognize Amalfy, who was not known in any way. That he is helping to seek a cure for this disease was a good thing, in his mind, as plagues can ruin a city at the best of times, and with the Crimson Corsairs out there, the current times were already bleak.

In reply to Amalfy Scroggins (msg # 21):
ooc: lmao, maybe.  Certainly now her opening song will be based on the song Bartender

Luthien shakes the offered hand.

"Welcome, then. Ultimately, we'll need a non magical solution. 1 a week won't keep up with an epidemic of any sort at all. I'm hoping your lore might be able to help with that."

He knows a master of nature when he finds one, and the people need a cure they can replicate. Magic has limits, and is limited further by who can use it at all.

"Thank you Amalfy for leading us to the manor earlier. We may live here but we've never been up that side of town." Yngvar was disappointed when he noticed Rowan sliding away from him. His heart sank, he thought he was being a perfect gentleman. "We're so sorry If we upset you Lady Rowan, deeply sorry. We had no intention of making you uncomfortable. We were trying to be nice to get you to like us." He hung his head in shame.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:34, Sun 07 May 2023.

"Buck up Yngvar, it's been a busy day, and we're all tired I imagine after that long, fruitless trek. Tomorrow is a fresh day, and patience, in these things as well as many others, is a virtue." He offers his mug of watered wine up in a toast to his new companion.

Yngvar raises his tankard, "To new friends and adventure, may we all get fat, and rich, with bunches of our own kids to carry on afterwards!"

To her utter disbelief Rowan actually felt a tiny bit guilty about making Yngvar sad. She never felt guilty! Clearly sitting too near Lutien was addling her brain. Still, he had probably kept other leerers away...

"You uh didn't upset me Yngvar," she said quickly, then wrinkled her nose in confusion she'd said that. "Thank you for the drink, and yes you are a gentleman."

Glancing further down the table she nodded at Amalfy's words and raised her own ale to the toast. "To tomorrow then!"

"Thank you my Lady." he says quietly, and beams a smile as he taps cups in salute.

Ponder interjected, "I want to focus on finding the missing items. There is little I can do about some disease, but finding things, that's more me. Who else besides Amalfy is interested in finding this missing treasure?" Ponder was watching the drunk getting thrown out and anticipating the start of the show.

For the most part, Akira is quiet after telling her fishing story, eating her food (I assume it came and wasn't just a plate/bowl of meat) and listening to and watching those around her.  She was trying to figure out some of the conventions and social norms but they were difficult to gauge.  The different people all acted very differently.

At length, she looks over to Amalfy, "are there public baths in town?" she inquires.  It had been a long and dusty journey.  Normally she would simply bathe in a stream or river, but the salty sea water may have to do.

(OOC:  It is really helpful for me personally when people color their text, preferably in a unique but readable color.  It helps me associate posts with people and easily identify when someone said something that maybe I should respond to, although Akira is not much of a talker.)

Yngvar looks over Rowan at Akira, "Public baths? People bath together where you come from? We usually bath in privacy here. We do in any case."

Akira creases her eyebrows, "of course, it is a social setting.  How would people get enough water to their houses to bathe every day?" she inquires, confused.  She actually had a hot bath once, in a natural spring near the geysers.  It was the most fabulous thing ever, although in truth she always felt guilty about that episode.  It seemed to indulgent.

"We don't believe most bathe everyday, a couple of times a week, once a week, every other week, or every month, We bathe a few times a week at least, we work therefore we sweat, so we need to bathe." Yngvar says, he just bathed that morning.

"Finding items seems like a good idea to us as well, but we'll see Master Ponder."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sun 07 May 2023.

Adriel sits at a small wooden table near the stage, a half-empty tankard of ale in front of him. His sharp, angular features and piercing green eyes give him an air of otherworldly intelligence, and the subtle movements of his fingers suggest a mind always at work. He wears a simple yet finely crafted doublet of dark green wool, and a silver amulet hangs around his neck, bearing the symbol of the god of commerce.

His eyes were fixed on the stage where Lady Mirabelle and her band prepared for their performance. As he awaits the start of the show, Adriel knows that he has important business to attend to for his lord later that night, but for now, he takes a moment to enjoy the music and festivities of the evening.

There was another group of adventurers gathered in the Thirsty Kraken, a motley crew, united by their shared desire for adventure and the promise of a hefty reward. They ranged in age from fresh-faced youths to grizzled veterans, their backgrounds as diverse as the weapons they carried. One young woman with fiery red hair and  green eyes stands out, her leather armor adorned with intricate patterns and her bow slung over her shoulder. Another figure, a hulking brute of a man with a bushy beard and an axe at his side, seems to exude an air of danger and ferocity. A wiry, unassuming man with a sly smile and a pair of daggers at his belt looks like he could slip in and out of any situation unnoticed. The final member of the group is a tall, imposing figure with a shaved head and a tattooed face, his muscles bulging beneath his  armor.

They had heard of Lord Vandergathen's offer of a handsome reward for the recovery of his stolen goods, and they were eager to prove their worth and make a name for themselves in the city.

This group eyed the other group warily, sizing them up to assess their competition. They exchange furtive glances and whispered among themselves, wondering if these other adventurers posed a threat to their chances of earning the reward from Lord Vandergathen. Some members of the group appeared nervous, while others seemed more confident and eager to prove themselves.

ooc; didn't want you to think you were the only ones who replied to his ad

Wishing for a larger bowl of stew than he could afford, Amalfy scrapped at the dregs with his fingers, and addressed the strange woman with the fascinating tales of travel and other lands.

"There are public baths M'Lady, but they are in the wealthier part of town, and not cheap.
"Laborers and athletes tend to rub down in sweat houses with the oil of the olive, and scrape it all away with a strigil."

He used his hands to explain the shape, a cresent of the approximate size to fit around the curve of a thigh muscle.

"Myself, I rinse in the sea, at the beach most morning, which washes my clothes as well as my body. If I left them on the beach, they would be gone before I returned.
"How do people bath where you come from, Lady Akira?"

(OOC I have colors turned off, can't stand them, but I can try and remember to use the code, if someone can tell me what colors are not in use. Preferably something green?)

Akira watches the nice man who seems to be quite hungry.  She knows very well that feeling, something she has lived with her whole life.  However, in her case, it has been by choice although perhaps not exactly her choice.  While she does not have much money, ever, she certainly has enough to get this man who helped them with a decent dinner.

Waving the server over she asks, "can you please get another bowl of stew for Mr. Scroggins?  And some more ale."  She pulls some silver coins from her pocket to pay for her own meal and his.

"It is just 'Akira.'  My teacher tells me I have not yet earned respect and our order eschews titles anyway.  I am certainly not a noble.  I wanted to thank you for your assistance today, leading us to the Lord's house and then bringing us here.  Maybe you can help try to find the stolen items?  It would be very helpful to have someone who knows their way around and can obtain things," she says.  While she would of course be happy to feed the man, she has sensed that some people here are wary about accepting charity.  Something about pride.  So it seemed best to suggest the offer was compensation for a service rendered.

"As to baths, at the Monkery we bathe in a nearby stream.  The water is frigid as it comes down from the high mountains and it is quite bracing.  Normally everyone goes in the morning after our exercises at first light and it is one of the few social activities," she explains.  Her eyes lighting up at a memory, she confides, "but there are places, called 'spas' where they bathe in heated pools near to the geysers and hot springs!  They have perfumed soaps and a thing called a 'sauna' where you sit on wooden benches in a small super-heated room, it is quite purifying," she smiles at the thought of such decadence, not willing to admit that she was actually allowed in one of the hot tubs.

OOC:  It is all good.  The colors are just a useful visual cue for me, especially when there are several people talking.

The server, a young woman with curly hair and a friendly smile, nodded and headied off to the kitchen. Soon, she returned with a steaming bowl of hearty beef stew, filled with chunks of tender meat, potatoes, and carrots. The aroma of savory herbs and spices wafted from the bowl, making the group's mouths water in anticipation. Alongside the stew, she brought a large mug of ale, golden and frothy with a head of creamy foam. The ale had a rich, malty flavor with a slightly bitter finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste on the tongue.

Gorruk Stonefist, the half-orc owner of The Thirsty Kraken, slams his meaty fist on the bar to get everyone's attention. "Oi, listen up, you lot!" he bellows. "We got a special treat for ya tonight. The one and only Lady Mirabelle and her band will be performing on this very stage. So put down yer drinks and give 'em a round of applause!" His gruff voice echoes through the tavern, and the patrons hush for a moment to listen. Gorruk's intimidating figure, with his towering height, bulging muscles, and rough features, commands respect and fear from all who cross him. But his announcement brings excitement and cheers from the crowd, eager to hear the music and see the performance. Gorruk steps aside, gesturing towards the stage and allowing Lady Mirabelle and her band to take the spotlight.

Ponder tore his interest away from Akira's tale of her homeland, his natural curiosity unsatisfied, but, after all, they did come to listen to the famed bard. He paid attention to the stage now as Mirabelle got ready to perform.

An elf walks into a bar...

A rather tall, muscular elf, with golden hair and green eyes and a small smile upon his lips. In other words, he stuck out like a sore thumb in this dive. He stopped just long enough to cast his eyes around for an empty seat, anywhere, and moved toward it immediately. There was a band about to start up on stage, doubtless some dirge that passed for music in human circles, but Vanomir's intentions were a seat, a drink, and listening-in to the conversations around him - there were rumours afoot, all manner of troubles in the city. Doubtless there would be people engaged in sorting these problems, and doubtless there would be coin for those that provided solutions. He was looking for the former, and required the latter as a means to an end.

A cup of wine would satisfy for now.

In reply to Vanomir (msg # 40):

As Vanomir enters the Thirsty Kraken, the atmosphere is already buzzing with excitement. Gorruk, the owner of the bar, has just introduced Lady Mirabelle, and the patrons' attention is turning towards the stage. Vanomir takes in the dimly lit tavern, rough-hewn timber walls adorned with various nautical items, such as ship's wheels, anchors, and maps of the sea. Vanomir can smell the smoky aroma of the fireplace and the tantalizing scent of hearty stews and roasted meats on the menu. As the crowd turns their attention to the stage, the elf senses a shift in the air. Some of the eyes of the other patrons have turned towards him,  some curious, some dismissive, and some hostile. His pointed ears and graceful movements mark him as different, and it's clear that not everyone in the tavern welcomes outsiders.

Akira is pretty good at sensing moods, even if she is still acclimating to the culture here.  The shift when the Elf enters puzzles her a little.  She likes the look of the new entrant, sort of exotic like herself.  So she stands and walks over to him clasping hands in front of her and bowing politely she introduces herself, "good evening, I am Akira.  A bunch of us just arrived to listen to the entertainers, and maybe discuss some of the goings on about town.  Would you care to join us?" she inquires, indicating the others.

A half-elf half-turned and smiled at the newcomer in welcome then he looked back to the bard as her music filled the tavern.

Never too proud to accept charity, the stew and ale is well appreciated, though he preferred wine. He doesn't mention this.

"Akira it is then, and many thanks.
"Your home sounds amazing! Those hot baths particularly. Bathing in the sea has it's issues, the salt in the water dried on  your skin."

Dipping into the stew with zest, Amalfy continued to listen to the strange foreign woman as well as those around him.

"I would gladly offer my services when it comes to hunting down the stolen items. The Lord in question is known for his generosity!"

At the announcement from the bar owner, he joined in on the applause. Her music wasn't exactly to his tastes, the few he had heard tended toward the melancholy, and love tunes dripping in treacle, but he saw no reason to not be polite.

Besides, he had stew to finish.

Focusing on the stage, he was startled as Akira rose and approached the elf, whose entrance Amalfy had not noticed. He shrugged at his inclusion into their little party, and swallowed a mouthful of ale.

ooc: I am going to just go through her performance since everyone is here for the conversation that follows, the performance was just background info

Lady Mirabelle and her band took to the stage at The Thirsty Kraken to entertain the rowdy patrons with their melodious tunes. The Lady, a fair maiden with golden locks and a voice that could enchant any heart, sang of tales of heroes and villains, of knights and maidens fair. Her band, consisting of a lute player, a drummer, and a flutist, accompanied her with their own musical prowess, delighting the crowd with their harmonies.  As the night progressed, Lady Mirabelle sang of battles fought and lost, of love won and lost, and of mythical beasts that roamed the land. One of her songs was about a brave paladin who stood tall against a fierce dragon, wielding his sword with courage and skill, and ultimately emerging victorious in his quest. Her voice rose with emotion as she sang of the paladin's triumph, and the crowd was enraptured by her tale.  The patrons of The Thirsty Kraken cheered and clapped at the end of each song, and many raised their mugs in salute to Lady Mirabelle and her band. As the night drew to a close, the band bid the crowd farewell and took their leave of the stage.

As Lady Mirabelle and her band finished their performance, the respectable guests and tourists began to depart from the Thirsty Kraken. In their place, a rougher crowd of seedy-looking patrons began to trickle in, seeking to partake in the rowdier side of the tavern's atmosphere. The dim lighting and smoky interior of the establishment added to the atmosphere, with the large fireplace casting flickering shadows across the rough-hewn timber walls.

Adriel shifted his gaze from the merrymakers and instead scanned the room with a sharp eye. His purposeful demeanor and no-nonsense attitude caught the attention of those who had been previously lounging about. Pulling his table to face the crowd, he cleared his throat and spoke in a commanding voice. "Hear ye, hear ye! Attention, adventurers! I am Adriel,  responsible for handling Lord Vandergathen's affairs, and I am here to discuss a matter of great importance. His lordship is offering a generous reward for the recovery of some stolen goods, and I am seeking those brave enough to take on the task. Come forth if you are interested, and let us discuss the details."

Rising to his feet, Amalfy glances at the others to see which had chosen this path to follow.

Ponder grabbed his mug and followed Amalfy. After all, he'd declared earlier for wanting to find the stolen items. He grinned. While he felt bad for the suffering of the people diseased, he also knew he couldn't do much about it. This was more in line with his talents!

Rytel was late to the party, catching the last bit of the performance.

Now as people had started to clear out he looked around the room.  It was then that Adriel addressed everyone.

All he did was look around the room to see who took the offered job and what people were here.  His fingers were interlocked and resting on his abdomen.  He waited to see how this would play out and what the assembled adventurers would do.

ooc: there is no one here advertising for the sickness, or for investigating it, those were whispers you guys overheard.  Apologies if I wasn't clear, there will be a separate advertisement for that issue

Calgarvin watches as some of those gathered move to follow Adriel, and surveys the remainder of the crowd. He tugs on Luthien's cloak and leans into him, whispering:

Akira is entranced by Lady Mirabelle and her band.  While the music is nothing like that of her homeland, she finds it beautiful and soothing in its own way, nearly magical.  When the performance is done, she approaches the group and bows politely, placing one of her two gold pieces into the collection tankard at the edge of the stage.  While the gold could easily sustain the young ascetic for a week or more, such music can sustain her for a lifetime.

"Lady Mirabelle and good sirs," she says, addressing the group, "your music is enchanting and makes the hearts of all who hear it sing with joy.  Thank you for brightening all those here with your magic."  She bows once more.

She returns to her place but once Adriel addresses the remaining crowd, Akira rises once more to join those interested in recovering the lost items.  Such wanton thievery cannot be allowed to stand.

Lady Mirabelle and her band are delighted by Akira's words and gesture. They thank her with warm smiles and bows, touched by her kind words. Lady Mirabelle steps forward, a graceful and elegant figure, and addresses Akira directly. "Thy generosity and thy gentle words be of great gratitude, youngling," she said, "and we be honored to hast touched thy heart with our melody. We prayeth to continue to bring forth joy and bewitchment to all those who shall hearken to us, and 'tis a joy to know that we has't achieved such with thee. It lifteth up our hearts, that we has't been able to make thy spirit sing." The other members of the band nod in agreement and add their own words of gratitude.

Seeing Ponder and Kira step forward at Adreil's announcement, Amalfy does what he can to puff himself and make himself look a bit proficient than he is. He tries to make it clear that he is with the pair, and glances to the table to see if any others join them, all the while attempting to retain his meal in his stomach at the saccharine words of Lady Mirabella.

While it was possible that  her words were sincere, from the world Amalfy came from, they could only an attempt to fill her coffers. Manners were the lubricant of prosperity, for those in her line of work Besides, two whole gold?

Akira was indeed generous. He needed to try and make sure more, if not most of that generosity comes his way.

In reply to Rytel Phorza (msg # 48):

Luthien agrees with the suggestion, and nods at Calgarvin.

So, he approaches Rytel. "Greetings. Did the temples send you out here to investigate the sickness?"

Calgarvin trundles along behind Luthien, his head tilting left to right looking at those remaining who might fit the bill for their quest. When they reach Rytel, he simply nods a greeting and lets Luthien do all the talking.

Knowing all-too well of his uniqueness herein, Vanomir was more than a little surprised that the first to approach his table was a small human woman. Perhaps her rather different appearance to the other humans marked her as a kindred spirit, but she was most welcome in any case. The elf smiled.

"Well met, Akira - I am Vanomir. I would be delighted to join you, not least because I may have to fight my way out of here if I do not. And perhaps if I do, but at least it might be more of an even contest. Lead on."

As he rose and followed Vanomir noticed a half-ef nod in his direction, and returned the favour. Well, that makes a gang of three at least.

Then the band struck up their 'music', and he listened along with everyone else. When it was finally done, there was a distinct change in the atmosphere as the music-lovers left and the melee-lovers entered. If the air had been unfriendly previously, it was distinctly hostile now. When the one called Adriel made his announcement some of Vanomir's new companions rose and made their way to the stage, and thus so did he.

As Adriel waited at his table, two groups approached him, each eager to learn more about the job at hand. However, the peace is short-lived as a tall, intimidating figure from the second group steps forward, his muscular frame and tattooed face exuding power and confidence. He sneers at the first group, remarking that they look more suited to serving drinks than seeking adventure.

"Ye look more like ye should be serving mead to patrons than going on a quest," he grumbled. "Leave the task of recovering Lord Vandergathen's property to us, true adventurers. Ye can stay put and keep the tavern seats warm for us when we return."

Despite being a foot shorter than the tattooed man, Akira steps lightly forward on her bare feet with her old worn robes and little in the way of possessions.  Compared to the muscled stranger, she looks underfed and frail.

However, she bows politely to the man and his companions and smiles serenely.  "You are clearly a magnificent troop and experienced in recovering lost treasures.  While you are certainly capable of achieving this task, the important thing is for the items to be recovered and those of low-self-worth who stolen them to be set upon the path to enlightenment.  Whether we or you are first to find them is of little import.  May the Spirits guide you on your own path to salvation," she says in a quiet but confident voice.  She bows once more before stepping back to her own expanding group.

At Luthien’s approach, Rytel give him a smile and bow of his head.

“Hello.  No, I was traveling with a caravan and saw this town and felt the need to stop.   You say there is a problem with sickness here?”

A concerned look crosses his face and he acknowledges Calgarvin with a nod of his head but keeps the concerned look as he glances back to Luthien.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:16, Tue 09 May 2023.

"Yes. We aren't sure what's causing it, but I had hoped that, as a man of the cloth, you might be able to help with this. I know it takes an experienced priest...or a Knight like myself...to actually cure a disease, but ultimately we need a non magical repeatable cure for something like this. Spells have their limits."

And his own curing is once a week.

"Forgive my comrade." The redheaded woman began in a soft but clear voice.  The fiery-haired woman who spoke was a striking sight, with her vibrant red hair cascading down her shoulders in waves, and her eyes sparkling with an intense green hue that seemed to light up her face. She was adorned in a suit of finely crafted leather armor that was decorated with intricate patterns and designs that seemed to swirl and twist around her frame. The armor was fitted snugly to her form, accentuating her lithe figure and giving her a look of both beauty and strength. Her face was sharp and angular, with high cheekbones and a firm jawline that hinted at her determination and fierce spirit.

"We come not to do battle with thee or any of the other noble adventurers who may have chosen to participate in this quest. Forsooth, we all seek the same end - to reclaim the stolen goods and return them to their rightful owner. And though we take pride in our abilities and expertise, we do not claim to be of greater worth than any other party or lone soul who may also aspire to undertake this noble task."

She paused for a moment, looking around at the assembled group, her party and the other one, before continuing, speaking mostly to the burly man who had offered the insult.  "Verily, let us not expend our time and energies on fruitless debates or enmities."

The stout man who had offered the insult did not show any signs of anger or disappointment from being reproached by his group's leader. Instead, his gaze remained fixated on the other band, as he still harbored doubts about their capabilities to handle the task at hand.

"Evil spreads like fire,
When the icy stream of Good,
Crashes on itself."

"I am Akira," the monk states by way of introduction.

The red-headed woman smiled and returned the bow. "Greetings, Akira," she said. "I am Eiluned, daughter of House Arduinna, a ranger and leader of this group of adventurers.  It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."  Siobhan smiled at the quote and responded, "A wise quote, indeed. It reminds me of the importance of unity and working together towards a common goal."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Tue 09 May 2023.

Sadly sharing in the stout mans appraisal of the two groups levels of skill and ability, Amalfy stayed behind Akira and allowed her to do the speaking for himself. Luck had as much to do with such a task though as skill, and he felt that being a local might be an advantage, he would speak with his guild to see if they had any useful information that might give him group a foot up in the endevour.

Or failing that, should the guild actually be involved, perhaps he could throw a spanner into the works.

Ponder just grinned watching the exchange without comment. When the glorious redhead spoke, his grin faded and he listened to her intently. When she stopped speaking, he shook himself to break his reverie and said to Amalfy, "Wow. I wonder if she's single or has a twin sister."

Amalfy just smirked. The young men he was meeting today seemed quite the randy lot. Having gown up in brothels and surrounded by street walkers, he had worked the edge off, he suspected.

"You could ask, I suppose. I wouldn't though," he replied to Ponder.

As friendly as she was, he suspected she might not take kindly to such attention.

"Yeah, I like my liver right where it is, I think." He took another sip watching the confrontation with interest.

Hearing the words of Amalfy and Ponder made Vanomir shake his head and regard them crossly.

"Such crass words, such small minds, honestly..."

He paused for effect, then grinned broadly before offering a conspiratorial wink.

"I think you meant, sisters."

In Elvish: "You have no idea, friend." Ponder grinned.

Adriel clears his throat and raises his voice to address the gathered adventurers.

"Harken ye, brave and true-hearted adventurers! I summon thee to join in a quest of great import. Our noble Lord Vandergathen hath been wronged, for some treacherous fiend hath stolen from him a hoard of precious items. The stolen items include an ancient ivory statue, a beautiful silver necklace encrusted with rubies, a set of parchment maps, and a jeweled dagger with an intricate dragon hilt. These items are of great value and sentiment to our good lord, and he seeks their safe return."

Adriel pauses, scanning the faces of the adventurers before him, and continues in a softer tone. "As a reward, our Lord offers a small home within the city. A humble abode, yet suitable for a band of adventurers such as yourselves to establish a base of operations for future ventures. What say thee, brave warriors? Will thou join the quest to reclaim these stolen treasures and earn the gratitude of our Lord?"

"Yes," Akira responds resolutely.

A short woman enters the Thirsty Kraken, looking for companions to share her adventuring time with. Her healing skills would surely come in useful. But should her allies fall in battle, it would be the perfect time to ease their passage into the afterlife.

She makes herself known at the bar, and looks around for an advertising board.

As Rytel and Luthien discuss the sickness spreading through the city, Calgarvin spots another patron entering the tavern. He nudges the paladin gently and gestures with a nod of his head to the woman at the bar. "Another priest. Can never have too many priests," he whispers.

In reply to Morbid Woundcleanser (msg # 72):

As she sat at the bar she saw a rough-looking man with greasy hair and a jagged scar on his face looking her way from a few stools down.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" he sneered. "A little cleric come to bless our drinks?"

The Thirsty Kraken had a bad reputation, and it seemed the reputation for trouble was true.

Griff strolls into the bar like he's not 100% sure he should be there, but he's going to enjoy himself anyway, or get kicked, possibly both.  "This seat taken?" He asks the young chainmail wearing lady completely ignoring the rough looking man and seating himself on one of the stools between her and the ruffian before she can reply.  "I aven't been in this bar yet, heard it's quite rough.  Perhaps we'll see a fight.  What you drinking?

Rytel seems to be mulling over what Luthien said.

"I am all for helping solve this problem and would be happy to join you two.   Rytel Phorza, cleric of Selune, happy to meet you.   This sickness could be caused by spells, or could be from a poison and from a plant.   Perhaps it is harvested somewhere and delivered somehow.   I'm up for working on it."

He offers a handshake to Luthien and Calgarvin.

Edit:  Did not look to the bar, as I ruled I would not have heard a whisper.  Even if he did, Rytel would have respected privacy.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Thu 11 May 2023.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 74):

Morbid looks at the man, square in the eye. "You want a blessing? From my god? Okay, sure. Let me hold your tankard for a moment." replies the short cleric.

"Oops you guys talking." Griff says leaning back as Morbid ignores him and talks to the jagged scarred man.  He jumps up and back from the stool, figuring he's in the wrong seat for now.  "Sorry man, didn't see you there," he says to the ruffian as he wanders around to another place at the bar to grab a drink.

"Calgarvin, good meetin' you," he says to Rytel and shakes his hand and continues to scan the tavern for other hopefuls.

In reply to Rytel Phorza (msg # 76):

"Well, we'll be able to rule poison out fairly quickly...the first thing we should do is see one of the victims, If we can figure out which kind of sickness it is...or if it's something more malevolent like poison...we'll be able to act accordingly."

Luthien extends his hands, "Sir Luthien, of Torm's Order of Knights."

Luthien does have that trademark aura all paladins have. It's comforting for good men to stand in that aura.

Having not said anything even remotely crass, Amalfy wondered at what Vanomir's intent was. He had not met many elves though, maybe they were all on drugs or something. Magic mushrooms were an elven thing, right?

In any case, he opted to ignore the stranger, and focus on the matter at hand.

The list of stolen items sounded quite valuable. He could understand why they might be taken, and wonder at their provenance.

A small home seemed like a nice reward, but hardly something they could divvy up when all was said and done.

(Amalfy still isn't thinking of himself as a party member, you see.)

It implied the value of the items to be much higher than he had initially thought however, as a reward seldom, in his experience, came to more than ten or fifteen percent of the value of the items returned.

He nodded in agreement to Akira's response, and waited to see who else might be joining them.

"Either one of you know if many are affected, or where it started?   I also wonder if it is spreading out.  We need to be careful who we approach.  If this sickness is man made they could have agents here.  Why not look for a populated area to help spread it?"

Rytel's eyes went from Luthien to Calgarvin with raised eyebrows.  He then started to look around the room.  Not for people to join them, but for people who looked sick or were looking around sneakily.

Having arrived at the pub late missing the announcements Griff wondered what the hubbub was about until he spoke to one of the patrons.  By all accounts two adventure leads had been presented.  Disease discovery, or treasure recovery.

He quickly avoided the group of people with overt displays of holy symbols, they weren't likely to be his groove and moved over to the others milling about with no great direction.  He made eye contact and nodded to one slightly taller than the rest.

"You in the treasure recovery business?" he asks Amalfy.

In reply, Amalfy said "Yes, that is the plan at least. The reward is a weird one though, a house for us to share. Not sure that buys many mugs of ale, but what can I say? Maybe I can rent my room out."

"Yeah it is a little weird.  Mind you, there's nothing to say the whole place couldn't be rented out, or set up as a business.  Perhaps there's something in that.

I'm Griff," he says extending his fist.

A fist was something new to Amalfy, who usually shook hands, but followed suited and extended his fist, uncertain if to expect a bump, a tab or some other foreign greeting gesture.

"Well met Griff, my name is Alamfy, Amalfy Scroggins."

Griff was clearly quite young, and pretty enough to be working in some of the finer houses of ill-repute, but something in his eyes, and his aged scale armor implied that he did not. Heck, he might not even know that kind of labor existed. He wondered if he was some farmers son, but didn't feel the need to press him on the matter.

"Welcome, this here," he said with a gesture, "is Akira, so far our de facto leader I guess. And this is Ponder." he didn't introduce any of the others.

Griff does bump fists with Amalfy echoing his sentiment "Well met."

When introduced to Akira he touches his forehead briefly saying "Mam."  as if he were tipping a none existent cap to her.  To Ponder he nods his head up and gives him a greeting in elven before slipping back into common.

"Yeah I'm not as human as most assume," he finishes with a smile and a shrug.

In reply to Morbid Woundcleanser (msg # 77):

The greasy-haired man, taken aback by the cleric's response, begins to reconsider his insulting remark. He senses the underlying tone of threat in her words and realizes that his initial confidence may have landed him in an unfavorable situation. Suddenly, the man's bravado wavers, and he starts searching for an exit strategy to avoid further conflict.

His eyes dart around the room, looking for an opportunity to defuse the tension. He subtly shifts his stance, attempting to distance himself from the cleric and the impending consequences of his insult. The man's expression reveals a mixture of discomfort and uncertainty as he contemplates his next move.

"Ah, well, perhaps I spoke out of turn," he stammers, his voice lacking the previous cockiness. "No need for any blessings, I suppose. Just a little jest between strangers, eh? Let's not make a fuss about it."

Morbid nods, accepting the apology. "I see you are wiser than you were a moment ago. Apology accepted."

Once done, she heads over to the man who had tried to speak to her earlier.

"Left me high and dry there, but you look like a man that knows his way around a weapon. I'm here looking for daring adventure. How about you?" she asks Griff.

Akira seems startled by the thought of being the leader of, well, anything.  She does bow politely to Griff, however.

In reply to Rytel Phorza (msg # 82):

"I am sadly light on details, but I do wish to find out. We need to find out more about what's going on. There's too many variables."

Hmm...

"Let us, then, determine what is going on so we can get to work."

But they probably won't determine that here...

"Perhaps we should pay a visit to the temples to sort out what's wrong and how we can help."

In reply to Morbid Woundcleanser (msg # 89):

Griff has a slightly surprised look on his face when he gets the bow from Akira.  He glances to Amalfy and Ponder obviously a little unsure how to take it.  Just then he is saved from having to find the words to fill in the gap as Morbid turns up talking to him.

Not sure how she figured he had left her in the lurch when she'd ignored him he doesn't bother about it, especially since something about him made her think he looked capable with a sword.

"I'd be happy earning a little coin, and maybe something to pump the adrenalin," he agrees with a shrug and smile.

"I'm Griff, and this here is Akira," he says holding out his hand to the slight lady with the staff, "Amalfy, and Ponder wasn't it?" he says as if he was pondering to himself whether he'd caught Ponders name correctly.

"Akira is organising this group," he announces, "I think.  This is.... ummm, sorry what's your name?"

Rytel listened as he looked around the room but didn't see what he was looking for.

Looking back to Calgarvin and Luthien, a smile crossed his face.

"What if we make an announcement that we are looking for a few people to assist in matters of the churches.   The reward by of jobs that involve money and making a name for yourself in the city will be in the future, but for now it is doing good for all as a reward.   What do you two think?  We have an assembled group of adventuring types here.  Surely we will get one or two interested.  Would be the type of people we want to join us."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:48, Thu 11 May 2023.

"Seems reasonable. I was originally planning on investigating the rash of thefts, but I heard the illness was also occurring, and decided to avert my attention that way. There are probably enough people here to do both at once."

Going back to the table where he'd been conferring with those who wish to investigate the thefts....

"...I have decided to investigate the disease first. If any would like to switch quests, feel free to join me."

Seeing as no-one other than Ponder had taken him on, Vanomir decided to introduce himself to Amalfy, Griff and the woman (Morbid).

"I am Vanomir. Well met, all of you. It looks like we are in the missing items finding business...if such a thing exists. A base of operations sounds ideal...better than having to use this abominable hole."

ooc: the group investigating the missing items...the investigation will largely be up to you to get started, in terms of where to start asking questions.  Adriel has made his announcement, when you are all ready to begin the investigation let me know where you might be going and I will create a thread.  If the group has any locals PM me and I will give you some of what your character may know about where to gather information.  As for the group and the disease, let me know where you are going and I will make a thread for it.  No rush on this scene, just letting you know how to proceed when ready

I was thinking we start at the scene of the crime, see if there are any clues there.

Turning to the Ranger, Akira bows and says, "Lady Eiluned, I wish you and your group luck and good fortune and between us I am sure we will find those responsible and return the items to their rightful owner."

Returning to her own group, she addresses Amalfy, "I was hoping to get more information about where the items were located.  Whatever the case, I think we need to rely on your expertise and knowledge at least at first to try to gather some leads."

Turning to the others, she says, "let us at least depart this place so that we may speak more easily."  With that she leads the way out the door.

"Give me 5 or so," Griff says to Amalfy as Akira leads off.  "I reckon a little more info from that Adriel geezer would help a lot before we shoot off.  You wanna come with?  You a local?"

He'll wait for Amalfy to reply (or anyone else) to indicate whether (s)he (they) want to join him speaking to Adriel before they leave the tavern if Adriel is still around.

OOC:  The scene of the crime is a good place to start, but getting a little more info re how it happened, or simply questioning the man about the burglary or what else has been going on might reveal a lot.  Someone to follow along would be great, Griff isn't dumb, but I'm playing the character and he is as young as adventurers get (in human years think about 16) so I'm gonna have to try and curtail my questioning to the thoughts of a lad of that age.

OOC: Agreed. Probably a good place to start.

In reply to Ponder (msg # 100):
ooc: probably unlikely that Lord Vandergathen allows you to nose around his private study, although Adriel would have the details of the actual theft.  Well, he might let you, but Adriel would try to discourage it.

And we would point out that he must not want his stuff back very badly not to less us explore the scene of the crime.

And I will join Griff in his questioning.

Adriel's brow furrowed with suspicion as he recounted the sequence of events that led to the theft. "Verily, it doth seem," he began, his voice tinged with skepticism, "that the thieves hath received aid from within. 'Tis like that a retainer or one close to Lord Vandergathen hath granted them entry or turned a blind eye to their presence. They must hath traversed the corridors of the manor with uncanny stealth, eluding the watchful eyes of the guards stationed there."

Pausing briefly to gather his thoughts, Adriel continued, "Once inside, they employed a set of lockpick tools to breach the defenses of Lord Vandergathen's private study. Their skill doth suggest a familiarity with such covert arts. 'Tis clear that this was no mere act of chance, but a meticulously plotted heist."

His gaze swept across the room, seeking signs of disbelief or recognition among his companions. "I doth fear that a traitor doth dwell amidst Lord Vandergathen's circle, though their true identity remaineth shrouded."

Eiluned's elven ears caught Adriel's words, and her countenance turned pensive. Stepping forth, her voice rang with caution as she addressed Adriel. "Should there be a turncoat amidst Lord Vandergathen's entourage, we must not only fret o'er the stolen wares. Nay, we must also entertain the notion that our every step may be observed, and the culprits we seek are aware of our quest."  If there was a traitor close to Lord Vandergathen, that same traitor could have informed the thieves that he was hiring adventurers to retrieve his items.

The Knight does take notice of the Ranger...

"If you wish...we could also use your aid...it is probable we're going to need to find some sort of herbal remedy for the illness we seek to cure, and you have more skill than most at finding things that can heal."

He has a druid with him already, but adding a Ranger as well should secure the wilderness aspect of herb hunting.

Griff scratched his head at Lord Vandergathen's assistance words, he wasn't use to such fancy speak.  He tries his best to lift his game when he manages to get to Adriel to have a word.  "Sir, there's a group of us willing to hunt out the thieves, but we have some questions and need a little aid.  Have the household staff been questioned in the presence of a priest or mage?  You know, one of them folks that can tell if they're lying."

OOC:  He'll wait for the response, but rather than draw this part out over days RL, I'll carry on to another topic close to his heart.   

"Also this house promised in reward, it's probably vacant now right?  Given that we'll be working on his lordship behalf and we have some lady folk with us without accommodation, would it be possible to use the place whilst we're on his lordships business?"  You'll know yourself that a man does better work if he ain't concerned with where he's going to lay his head at night."

He leans in to say a few extra words.

In reply to Griff (msg # 106):

Adriel's eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance as he responded to the inquiry. His voice carried an air of confidence tinged with impatience, expressed in the language of old. "Trouble not thyself with the misdeeds of the turncoat lurking within Lord Vandergathen's abode. Those servants who remain loyal to the Lord are attending to that matter. Your focus lies in the retrieval of the pilfered treasures."


A brief pause followed before Adriel continued, his voice firm and resolute. "Concerning the employment of Lord Vandergathen's house as a base of operations during your pursuit, it presents a challenge. Verily, there exist multiple bands of adventurers fervently pursuing the thieves' trail. The manor would be filled to the brim with souls seeking glory, and the walls would tremble under the weight of ambition. I fear it would be a task nigh impossible to find solitude or respite within those walls."

Morbid follows the group leader Akira. Hopefully the blessings of Hel will be well used if she spends time with this group. The questioning, she stays well clear of. She's not remarkably intelligent, just well meaning...

"That might be true, but not everyone has the balls to ask to use the place.  You wanted the best to be on the case, it's a small consideration to allow a limited number to have access, even if at a push it's only for the ladies."

Given it seemed obvious he wasn't going to get his way and free accommodation, he's not above asking for a secure and safe place for some of the ladies he's recently met, whether they want it or not.  It's not a case of him being chivalrous, more so of him being young and trying to hustle to see if any bargain can be struck.  To his mind securing lodgings for some would raise his own stakes as being someone worthwhile to have as part of a group.

Given the rebuke in regards to the servants being questioned, I take it that line of questioning is going to be a dead end.

After the conversation (and the possible dead end with getting any accommodation grant for anyone in the group) Griff will turn to Amalfy, or this can follow on if some allowance is made.  "You know this city right?  I'm new here but I hear these big places have an underbelly, the usual suspects that know what's going on.  Do you know anyone like that?"

"I am someone like that," Amalfy replied, "and that underbelly you speak of is my home.
"But the night is getting late, why don't we plan on meeting someplace in the morning, then go get some rest?"

ooc: I will generate a location for everyone to meet the next morning.  You are free to continue this scene as long as you like.  Once the group pursuing the cause of the sickness determines their actions I will make the necessary threads for them.

"Underbelly?" Ponder asked in mock wonder. "Cities are havens from orcs and such, bastions of light and life, right?" He tried to keep a straight face.

Once they have finished with the introductions, Calgarvin gives the tavern a last look about for anyone seemingly interested in pursuing the quest. "We could make a start, and leave a message with the taverner for any others who might wanna help get rid of the sickness," he says to Luthien and Rytel.

"'Bastions'?!" Vanomir tried to keep a straight face at Ponder's words. "Possibly, but if this place is anything to go by, not of life and light but rather strife and sh...well, you get the idea."

The elf smiled, then paused for a moment as he regarded Ponder and Amalfy.

"But you two look like you might know something of the underbelly. The rest of us will no doubt have our uses, but as far as initial enquiries I think we will be relying on the two of you."

With that he followed Akira out of the door.

Ponder chuckled and followed Vanomir. "Underbelly? Sounds like something that rubs briefly through the dirt, not the dirt itself."

Amalfy follows the others out.

ooc: where is everyone going?  I assume the group investigating the stolen items are retiring for the night and meeting back tomorrow, at least I believe that is what I read.  The ones investigating the sickness I am not sure where you are going.

Amalfy will return to the slums, but he don't really have a place to live, as much as a selected collections of hiding places to sleep for the night, and none of them are big enough for two.

Given that there seem to be strangers to town in the group, I would suggest meeting back at the Kraken, as it is the one place I can feel confident everyone know the location of.

Ponder wanted to grab a cheap room at the inn. But, being a patient sort about most things, he listened in to see what everyone wanted to do.

ooc: either that or I can write you guys into the town square in the morning, vendors and what not.

ooc: Gets my vote but some people enjoy rp-ing getting a room, etc.

Akira would sleep outside somewhere.  She is not into pampering herself.

ooc: so, my DMing style usually allows for posting along two timelines.  Character building/development with other characters is important.  As such I often allow scenes, such as this one, to run while the scene for the next day has began.  Allows characters time to interact on a personal level while still keeping the story moving.  Players in my other games eventually adjusted to the fact that we are fluid with time for the sake of the story.
 Just because we have moved to a different scene the next day does not mean this one has to end.

OOC:  Cool I like that style DM.  Griff will keep going as long as anyone else wants to post, in particular Amalfy.  Cities are exciting places full of adventure everywhere, and Griff is mid teens so he can go all night and still bounce in the morning.



"Well in that case very well met Amalfy.  I think I'm probably going to need to rely on you to keep me out of trouble.  Can I buy you a drink and you tell me a little about this place, or show me something I want to see.  Large crowds haven't really been my thing until recently, but I'm willing to learn."

He looks to Ponder, "Was underbelly the wrong word to have used?"  He point to Amalfy, "You're like him aren't you, you know what I mean when I say it.  What should I have said?"

OOC:  For clarity - when he said underbelly, he really meant fences for the stolen goods, but I didn't think a farm boy would know the right word for that.

If no one else is staying up, Griff will still stay in the pub a little longer, as he wants to get to know the place a little, and perhaps watch a few faces to see who comes and goes.  Besides he might get lucky, I mean there's always that chance.

Rytel looked to Calgarvin and nodded.

"Yea.  I agree to get started now.  Let's leave a note with the bartender and head to the temple district.   I am ready."

Rytel steps away from the area and heads to the bar to leave a note with the bartender with his name and a group heading to the temple district to investigate about the sickness in the city.

When the others are ready he leaves with them and heads to the temples.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:01, Sat 13 May 2023.

In reply to Rytel Phorza (msg # 125):
ooc: the temple district, let me work on that....

Chuckling at Griff's apparent confusion, Amalfy explains a bit more.

"Underbelly is correct, in the most vile way you can imagine it, and probably worse. Not a place you want to be after the sun goes down. Even the Watch knows better."

He waves off the offer of a drink.

"Perhaps another night, I appreciate the offer, but I needs must get some rest, I expect tomorrow to be a busy day.
"We can walk together a ways if you want, I can show you the way to Maggie's, a relatively safe inn of sorts just on the outskirts of the slums. Clean enough, a bit pricier but you get your own room, and two meals."

Maggie's is closer to a cheap boarding house than than an Inn, but what it lacks in booze it makes up for hearty meals. Maggie was an old friend, a working girl who did well for herself. She runs it along with her four daughter, her sons having already having moved out. It tends to cater to transient laborers, traveling merchants and the occasional ships officer.

Ponder chuckled. "No, friend, underbelly is as good a word as any. Perhaps not strong enough or vile enough but it suits." Ponder followed Amalfy towards Maggie's for a cheap night's rest, they could begin hunting down the missing items when everyone was willing.

"We probably should start with the local fences and shady merchants. Unless the thief is some sort of collector, he or she will want to turn quick coin and get on with the next job."

Griff joins Ponder and Amalfy on the walk to Maggie's Inn.  He listens to the two men as they talk about the next days activity.  He had a few years on Amalfy, given he was human but Amalfy had big city experience as did Ponder, whilst he was green to the point of being naive.  Once Amalfy and Ponder explain what a 'fence' was and he joked about his own understanding of a fence coming from a farming background, he asked if they thought the man Adriel had anything to do with the theft given how quickly he shut down Griff's question about whether the household staff had been screened.  "I mean, he's left us no chance of seeking an inside trail to follow don't you think.  I wonder if he's just protecting himself?"

"No real opinion of him yet, but he's certainly not NOT a suspect. I don't trust that high falootin' style of talking much. I always figure people like that is making up for deficiencies elsewhere, if you get my meaning."

He made a slightly suggestive gesture with his hips.

Griff smiles and sniggers.  "It's pretty clear he thinks we are beneath him, but that don't worry me, I wouldn't care for the shallowness of his life either."

Griff is silent a moment as each of the men negotiates their way around a pile of street debris before he continues.

"So if he ain't going to give us access to the estate staff to talk to, and we aren't likely to be let into Lord Vandergathen's private quarters, watching out for a few stolen goods doesn't sound so easy.  Either of you got any idea where we start, cause I don't have a clue."

ooc: the thread for the meeting place the next morning is up, Market Square
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:29, Sun 14 May 2023.