The Briarstone Tavern

[Starbeard]

Odium Contemptus

Varas is quiet for an unacceptably long period of time. Sorry all. "Unfortunately, I have little to offer in the way of advances. My travels have yielded magical items of use to others, but not to me. Dragons equal gold and magic. Hence my interest."

He looks at the wizened man skeptically. "Can you make such a journey on foot?"

'I could, and would, if there were enough by way of assurances that we could reach the lair in time. Otherwise it will be a wasted journey.'

He lowers his voice conspiratorially, drawing in those around him.

'In that case I would be more inclined to view the dwarven ruins and tomb to the east; I have heard that the last expedition to that place became pitifully frightened, and and left before exploring the tomb fully. They did this despite being surrounded by evidence that the armies of undead within the hold had already marched off toward the Finger! From the rumours that have just returned from the mountain, I doubt we will ever see that army again. The dwarven tomb now sits empty, waiting to be plundered.

I admit, this is in part why I am interested in beginning with the dwarf-pit for my catalogue of magical sites.'

'If, however, you think we can still make good enough time on foot to the dragon den, don't worry about me. I may look old, but I am in my prime and fit as a fiddle. This ungainly visage is merely a curse set upon me, for reasons best left unsaid. I fear it will shaken your resolve.'

Sorry, heading out of town on vacation, so I have to accelerate this...Varas does feel that they can make it. He is happy to leave with just Odium and Dorvar. He does not want to go investigate dwarven halls, as his past expeditions have unearthed items of interest but he keeps getting no treasure - which is of course what any good thief wants.

Great. In that case, Odium will sign on and make haste to leave before he has to show up for the public hearing. Hopefully all that money I blew on extra spells and scrolls will prove useful!

[Marullus]

"I am somewhat distressed, however, to hear that the whereabouts of Fangir's son are unknown. I do not believe we have heard the full story of what happened in the burial chamber in Bromric's expedition, but it was my understanding that Fangir went into that chamber to inter the remains of his son. The lad died before Fangir, as I hear it told. Drove the poor dwarf mad. When we were there last, the burial chamber was guarded. If the boy's bones are not in the tomb, where could they be? I do not even know where to start to look for them, if they are missing."
...
"What do you say, Bromric?"

Bromric mulls over his cups, considering thoughtfully. "When the expedition I was on arrived at the tombs, there was a box of bones with Fangir's cursed glyphs already scribed upon it - a horror to even contemplate such an act upon one's ancestry. I do not know much of Fangir's story and was not there when he went to inter his son. Would the bones left in the box have been his sons, to power the runic curse he engraved upon it? A horrible thing. I thought we assumed those bones were of the dead cleric or somesuch."

He concurs with their plan. "Venturing to return the gem and lay this curse to rest, thus going east, is well-served. We will pass near the dwarven watchtowers, which I'd appreciate us seeing on our return trip, I will share the bounty for their recovery, but ask you honor my request to establish a hold there, should we reclaim it. I have sent word South to my kin and my heart yearns for their coming. Going north to the Dwarven Halls is quite a different direction, but aiding these new creatures must come second to the call of our kinfolk."

He inquires if Martin will join the cause, as they go to serve Feles. (Retainer check, in this case, now that he's NPC?) "That gives us four - a square number," he says, approvingly.

[Zhym]

Dangit! I'm still getting Bromric and Bertram confused! Bertram was with Quirin and Fangir when Fangir tried to inter his son and Quirin was, well, naughty. Bromric wasn't.

"Thre were two skulls in that chest," says Ulf. "We decided that they were the bones of the elf Quirin and the cleric Crivit. We might have been wrong, but I doubt that we would have mistaken the remains of an elf and a human cleric for those of a dwarf child."

Ulf gives Bromric another queer look when he speaks of calling his clan north as being more important than aiding trapped creatures. "I am compelled to disagree," says Ulf. "Your clan have places to live now. The creatures in the mountain need help more than your kin need a new hold. I would not have the 'thringrinir' wait longer than necessary. But that decision is in the far future. We can mine that vein when we reach it."

"On the business of the dwarvenheim, how much could we raise to improve the structure and make it a suitable place for its purpose? Seadu, was the structure you commissioned to be constructed of stone? I do not know that I would feel entirely at home in a building made of wood!"

[Keehnelf]

Martin is not an NPC at this point, so he can't be hired on as a retainer. Dogma is just a-little-bit-here, a-little-bit-not at the moment

Martin indicates that he would prefer if the mission were focused on the halls to the east more than on the Finger, but he will accompany the group especially if Seadu believes it fits with Falles' wishes.

[Marullus]

Bromric looks stoically at Ulf for a long moment before he finally speaks. "Replacing the emerald and seeing these Watchtowers that the ArchDuke offers a bounty for both lie East, do they not? The Dwarven Halls in the volcano lies north. We choose one or we choose the other. You cannot choose both."

He nods in confirmation to Martin and Seadu. "All express desire to see Fangir's curse ended first, so we go east. I would have us arrive with haste, before anything worse were to happen there... Enough Ill fortune already lies upon the place. I will have my pony packed for a two week journey, and have supplies for excavating, as needed. Let us leave with first light."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Assuming Grhym or his daughter give the unsavory-looking elf at least a nod in the right direction... If the fellow asks if they are Kennit and Rhodri, he answers "We might be. Who's asking?"

Sure. Let's pretend the proprietress directed me to you two, and that I know you are thinking of hunting for bounties...

Perthrin
Having been directed to the table by the barkeep, the gaunt elf is not fooled by the ploy. My name is Perthrin. And since you are the only pair of elf and halfling here, I will just assume I have the right duo. I have heard whispers that you two will be hunting for the leaders of the army that marched on Vaul. If you would have me, I would join the effort for an even share in the rewards. He hovers while the two decide whether to invite him to sit or not.

[Spartakos]

Rhodri shares a brief glance with Kennit, then shoves a chair out with one boot. "Sure, have a seat. We could use another pair of hands and eyes; life can get dicey for just a pair, out on the moors."

Rhodri gives Perthrin the thumbnail description of their plan--to head east and hopefully take some heads worth a bit of coin--and buys him a beer (1 sp deducted for a round of drinks and tip). "We can leave at first light; no point giving them a chance to drown or get stung by a scorpion or otherwise die a boring death somewhere, with us unable to cash in on it."

[Starbeard]

Seadu Erana

"On the business of the dwarvenheim, how much could we raise to improve the structure and make it a suitable place for its purpose? Seadu, was the structure you commissioned to be constructed of stone? I do not know that I would feel entirely at home in a building made of wood!"

'The wooden construction was only intended as a temporary investment, and to lay a claim on the site. We should certainly aim for a more permanent structure. And bigger, much bigger! With holds underground!.

After he stops waving his arms violently through the air to describe just how big the dwarvenheim should be, Seadu mentally counts his coin.

'After supplying for our expedition and ensuring my upkeep for another two weeks upon return, I am willing to put forth just about all of my coin on the project. This should allow me to invest at least 600gp now. Since we've bought into the elf treasure from the other members of the Visitor expedition, we might consider using that to fund the project as well. Have we decided on a plan of action for having the treasure's magical properties analysed?'

[Marullus]

Bromric nods to Seadu. "Abi Sadira holds the treasure and studies it for us. Hopefully in a few weeks it will be known and we can make decisions then. I suspect it's true value is far more than the human assayer offered, and it will be for quite a grand purpose." He smiles. "Those questions are weeks ahead of us, however, and as Ulf points out, there are lives that need help in current days. That is coin enough for the next expansion to begin while we set out with haste."

[KingOfCowards]

Kennit smiles at the newcomer. "Another set of hands is welcome, especially another spellcaster. We'll set out soon. I'll meet you two at the gates."
Kennit gets up and drains his beer before heading out to restock for another adventure.

[Zhym]

Bromric looks stoically at Ulf for a long moment before he finally speaks. "Replacing the emerald and seeing these Watchtowers that the ArchDuke offers a bounty for both lie East, do they not? The Dwarven Halls in the volcano lies north. We choose one or we choose the other. You cannot choose both."

"The dwarven tomb lies east, yes, but the broken Finger lies northeast. We could easily loop northwards to go there on our return from our primary goal," counters Ulf.

"I can contribute another 150 gold to construction of the hall," he offers. "Orrin also offered to contribute; I do not know if that offer is still valid. Perhaps Dorvar might also want to donate? A thousand gold would build a grand hall indeed!"

[Marullus]

Bromric smiles softly at Ulf. It mist be difficult indeed, to live with so many arguments inside you at once. Our current course is decided by your fervency in returning the gem, which only serves the dead, who need it least. Now you argue for aiding the living - I concede. I suggested that at first, anyway. If you desire to go serve the living, we can go first to the mountain and save them, then to return the gem after. The Watchtowers and their bounty are still on our way home."

He turns to Seadu, "I have the excavating gear. Either route will work. See to your preparations and we can depart on either course. You are speaking for Feles, your vote may decide. I will see you in the morning."

He rises to depart.

[Scott308]

Dorvar Thduum

Perhaps Dorvar might also want to donate? A thousand gold would build a grand hall indeed!"

Hearing his name from another table, Dorvar excuses himself, getting up and joining this conversation. After hearing an explanation for what the group wishes a donation, the dwarf shakes his head. Unfortunately, our expedition to rescue Orrin did not get us much in the way of treasure. I barely have enough to buy food for our next expedition. However, if we are able to find the dragon's hoard, I should have gold with which I can help build the hall. I believe that to be a worthy cause. With that, he returns to the other table to continue planning their journey.

[Zhym]

Ulf gives Bromric a sour look. "Irony does not become a dwarf," he says. "Especially one who would wear that armor. I wonder if the glittery plate is blinding your vision."

"There is no inconsistency in my arguments. Aiding whoever it is that is trapped in the mountain and restoring this gem are both more urgent than claiming old towers to serve your personal glory or your clan's. Of the two tasks of urgency, I would rid myself of this gem first and visit the mountain on our return. Either mission may fail. If we fall, I would rather the inhabitants of the mountain find other rescuers than prolong the tomb's curse by losing the gem to who knows what."

Just before Bromric leaves, Ulf asks again, "Seadu has pledged 600 gold toward the Dwarvenheim and temple. I have offered 150. What can you contribute to the cause?"

Hearing his name from another table, Dorvar excuses himself, getting up and joining this conversation. After hearing an explanation for what the group wishes a donation, the dwarf shakes his head. Unfortunately, our expedition to rescue Orrin did not get us much in the way of treasure. I barely have enough to buy food for our next expedition. However, if we are able to find the dragon's hoard, I should have gold with which I can help build the hall. I believe that to be a worthy cause. With that, he returns to the other table to continue planning their journey.

"Thank you. I shall consider that a most generous pledge. But please hold a moment before leaving, if you would," asks Ulf. "You say that you wish to travel to the mountain to loot the dragon's hoard. We intend to go there to free some—people?—who have been trapped. But we also have an urgent holy quest that requires us to travel to the dwarven tombs and return that which was wrongfully taken from it. Perhaps our quests are compatible. Joining forces, we would each be stronger than either is alone. And we have with us three who have been to the mountain and returned to tell of it. Would you be willing to detour for a brief stop at the dwarven tombs on the way to the mountain?"

Also, consolidating expeditions might make life easier on Keehnelf. The only downside is that some players would have to choose one PC to go instead of having two active. Well, that and treasure & XP dilution.

[Marullus]

Bromric grows more somber, no smile on his face any longer as he looks down at the still-seated Ulf. "I speak no irony, and I place our choice of route with the prophet of Feles. I am sorry for your confusion, and will overlook your ill words as part of it. If you choose to insult me, my honor, or my kin again, then you and I will resolve your grievance with an honor duel. That is all I shall speak of this. If you decide to travel in our party, I hope to not hear of this... Confusion... Again." He raises an eyebrow in silence for a moment in case of another ill-advised retort before departing.

[Zhym]

Ulf waits for Bromric to leave before speaking again.

"Something is not right with him," he tells Seadu in a low voice. "Did you notice how quick he was to take offense, to speak of 'his halls,' and how he ignored my questions about contributing to the Dwarvenheim fund? Almost like he thinks himself the king of old. Tell me more about that armor and axe he has now. We have seen enough people taken over by their weapons. It's happened to him before. I fear it may be happening now. If so, our mission would be in danger by allowing him to join us."

[Scott308]

Dorvar Thduum

"Thank you. I shall consider that a most generous pledge. But please hold a moment before leaving, if you would," asks Ulf. "You say that you wish to travel to the mountain to loot the dragon's hoard. We intend to go there to free some—people?—who have been trapped. But we also have an urgent holy quest that requires us to travel to the dwarven tombs and return that which was wrongfully taken from it. Perhaps our quests are compatible. Joining forces, we would each be stronger than either is alone. And we have with us three who have been to the mountain and returned to tell of it. Would you be willing to detour for a brief stop at the dwarven tombs on the way to the mountain?"

Also, consolidating expeditions might make life easier on Keehnelf. The only downside is that some players would have to choose one PC to go instead of having two active. Well, that and treasure & XP dilution.

Dovar pauses upon hearing Ulf's offer. I have no problem with combining groups in order to present a stronger force. That expedition was put forth by my friend, Varas, so I need to bring this proposal to him. If he is willing to take a different route and accept smaller shares of treasure, I will be happy to join you. If not, then I will continue on our original path since I committed to it and will not go back on my word. If we do find the dragon's hoard, there should be far more treasure than our group can carry...

Dorvar will sit back down with Varas and Odium, bringing the surprising suggestion to combine quests.

Unfortunately, Ale Belly is on vacation for a week so no decision from that expedition can be made in the near future.

[Zhym]

Unfortunately, Ale Belly is on vacation for a week so no decision from that expedition can be made in the near future.

Understood. I think it's worth considering, though, especially since one group is full of casters and a thief in need of some muscle, the other is a bunch of dwarves and clerics, and neither group is terribly large. But Starbeard would have to choose between Odium and Seadu and Marullus would have to chose between Deliah and Bromric.

[AleBelly]

Dovar pauses upon hearing Ulf's offer. I have no problem with combining groups in order to present a stronger force. That expedition was put forth by my friend, Varas, so I need to bring this proposal to him. If he is willing to take a different route and accept smaller shares of treasure, I will be happy to join you. If not, then I will continue on our original path since I committed to it and will not go back on my word. If we do find the dragon's hoard, there should be far more treasure than our group can carry...

Dorvar will sit back down with Varas and Odium, bringing the surprising suggestion to combine quests.

Unfortunately, Ale Belly is on vacation for a week so no decision from that expedition can be made in the near future.

Varas crosses his arms. "I've risked life and limb many times. And for what? A tree? Swords and armor for others? Heirlooms that my companions forbid me to sell? I cannot even afford to join this adventurer's guild. Exploring the dwarven halls sounds just like the thing that is to yield junk I can't use or sell. I will agree, but only if I get first selection of any items of treasure. And I choose what to do with said things. I am tired of risking my life for the enrichment of others. Dragons mean gold. That is what I seek. Dorvar, you are my friend, and I will trust your judgement as you did mine in our encounter with Numen. Do you think this visit to the dwarven halls will be brief?"

Sorry, don't have much time to post. To be clear, Varas is not putting those restrictions on the trip with Dorvar and Odium to the dragon's hoard. Just for the combined expeditions where the goody two shoes won't allow him to sell anything.

[Marullus]

The two clerics on the DwarfQuest, Martin and Seadu, now serve Feles, who has prohibitions on stealing from the dead. I expect Varas to not last long with a joined group.