Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[scottjen]

Fydmar
My name if Fydmar. Welcome to the band, cousin! You're thinking of the other word that is similar. Harpys are the foul creatures whose song befuddles you so they can eat you.

[GreyWolfVT]

Fydmar
My name if Fydmar. Welcome to the band, cousin! You're thinking of the other word that is similar. Harpys are the foul creatures whose song befuddles you so they can eat you.

Dalin looks confused "Other word? Hippies? Hoppies? Helpies? Hmm no well ok. Singing like sirens then? But I take it these are not found out at sea."

[Karaunios]

Dougal

"No... These look lake women but have wings and fethered clawed feet. Daun't let them captivet ye with their song. Ye turn stoopid if ye dae... I speak frae experience.

Name's Dougal, by the weh." He shakes the dwarf's hand. "Have been working as the scaut for this group, althogh it looks nae I'm going tae have someone to share the work with. The more the merrier."

[Spearmint]

copied from expedition thread

May 20th 1066

Durgo comes in, all of 6ft tall wearing Hide armor and strutting his young 17 yrs of age.

Man, I'm hungry for some breakfast. He waits for the server to acknowledge him and asks, "Oats, bacon and bread please. A nice breakfast drink too."

Durgo looks around the room and adds, "I'm looking for work if'n there's any to be had. I can fight good enough and I got a strong back."

Durgo goes about eating his breakfast and offers 3 copper extra for the food. He minds his own business hoping an offer is available for work.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

A new adventurer arrives in town. His shoulders so wide he has to walk through the tavern door sideways. Durgo is a big lad with an equally big appetite. As it happens, pre-expedition mixed grills are cooking and he can muscle in on the plates and hopes to muscle in on the action.

If someone is quick enough to buy his breakfast and offer him an equal share of risks and rewards, you can recruit Durgo to beef out your trip.

[GreyWolfVT]

Dougal

"No... These look lake women but have wings and fethered clawed feet. Daun't let them captivet ye with their song. Ye turn stoopid if ye dae... I speak frae experience.

Name's Dougal, by the weh." He shakes the dwarf's hand. "Have been working as the scaut for this group, althogh it looks nae I'm going tae have someone to share the work with. The more the merrier."

Dalin looks interested in the tale of Harpies "Hmm feathered women. Well met Dougal. I am Dalin or as some of the locals call me now 'The Diggler' lets just say showing off and drink don't mix some of the time. I have worked as an expert in locks and traps for two groups now."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

While feasting on the pre-expedition banquet, he notices from the corner of his eye the front door opening. Of course this is nothing unusual, except for the distinct lack of early morning light shining through the door. In fact, with the width of the man's torso twisting through the portal, virtually all light is blocked.

Moriartus seizes upon the timely opportunity and approaches the young human. "Greetings, young man! May I interest you in sharing in our breakfast banquet? You seem to be of the adventuring profession, yes?" He sizes up the man's gear and nods approvingly.

"If you're looking for work, we were leaving this morning on an expedition and could use another strong sword arm. I can offer a full share of treasure and we expect a rather good payout! How does that sound to you?"

Moriartus lays on the flattery, hoping to poach the beefy lad before another group can.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Diggler, eh? ... Ha, that Halfling, Perni thought I was one of your clan. What do ye know of Eric the Red?

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo turns to meet the man, "My names Durgo, I accept your offer kind sir. How shall I address you?

He moves over to their banquet and introduces himself to the others as he gathers some breakfast and beverage.

In between mouthfuls of food he continues, "I'm a pretty good fighter. chew chew drink, I've had some good training, but I've got more to learn. chew chew drink.
What about you lot? Thanks for hiring me. You won't be disappointed. I hope.

[GreyWolfVT]

Fydmar
Diggler, eh? ... Ha, that Halfling, Perni thought I was one of your clan. What do ye know of Eric the Red?

Dalin "Good dwarf, Erik and I play games at the Pheasant and drink, I plan to go on his expedition if we can round up more dwarven kin to go along." turning to Durgo "Well met Durgo. You been out to the mounds yet?"

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"Oh, of course, where are my manners. My name is Moriartus, a modest practitioner of the arcane arts and leader of the expedition. Please, eat and drink your fill!" He leads Durgo to the banquet table and with a wry grin leans into Dougal to whisper conspiratorially into the ranger's ear. "Big enough to be a relative of the Bennerjake twins."

[gurusql]

Cadeweed

Cadeweed enjoys the breakfast, knowing that trail food while good - it is trail food.

[Spearmint]

I will conclude the roleplay here and start the expedition thread. For want of a better title, the expedition is the 'Mummy, the Return.'

You can carry on the conversations during your trek.

[RiverGreenForest]

Traeliorn Petroris

The Traeliorn enters the tavern and looks around before finding an empty seat at a table. With a sigh of relief from traveling, the Elf waves down one of the barmaids. "Greetings, I would like a pint of your ale along with bread and cheese." said Traeliorn while lightly tapping two silver pieces on the table.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

May 20th 1066

Arriving at midday along with a convoy of merchant wagons, Traeliorn takes a seat and is served some welcoming ale and a platter of local cheese and salads.

a typical tavern day looks like this:

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

The three waitresses, Taycee, Urgritte, Merda, serve with enchanting smiles, swaying hips and low cut corsets 'overflowing with charm'.

The first looks aptly named for the tavern, buxom and red haired, tactile and flirtatious. Many an adventurer seems to have gone out to explore 'on a promise' of a fantastic date night should they ever come back laden with the jewelry that might win her favour.

Tall, blonde hair braided in long tails, piercing eyes and high cheekbones, athletic but feminine. Urgritte heralds from the icy north. She has a strong accent and can swear as good as any trooper.

The last of the trio, Merda, is more svelte. Dark hair with slightly pointed ears which betray a dual heritage. She takes time to chat with the adventuring groups, much to the chargrin of other tables as she often lingers to listen to the stories.

Each bring full tankards, plates and bowls and return to collect empties. Busier now with the outside rain driving people from the market square. Bollo serves those lingering at the bar.

On the verandah, do-gooders minister to the village idiot Alastar. He scoffs and quaffs, in between gesturing with his hands, growling as he forms a claw, swishing an imaginary rapier in lunge, parry and ripostes at monsters all too real to his befuddled mind.

Merda serves you, speaking in elvish. Around the room are various groups. None look the adventuring type as few armed patrons are present. "Most adventurers leave at first light or after breakfast, heading for the Barrows. Best to get there early and come back before nightfall," the wench says noticing you observing the room.

Among those locals and merchants that are present you see an older, gray dreadlocked man supping some hot broth. He has an owl perched on his chair, currently swallowing the tail end of a fat mouse.

In a booth by the windows, a group of dwarves, aprons singed by forge-fire sparks, taking a midday break and flagons of ale.

A table in the middle is taken by various merchants who talk of bandits in the trade routes and the news some Sauron shaman is being kept captive in the Old Manse dungeon. They debate his expected judgement, "Hanging, flaying, off with his head ..." are various suggestions offered.

On the verandah, a half dressed beggar sits cross-legged. He taps a metal tankard hopefully, mostly he is ignored but occasionally someone gives him a copper or two and rubs his hoary head.

Beyond him, a town crier tolls a bell, shouting out the news and rumours, exalting brave deeds and announcing recent deaths.

Traeliorn, meet and greet as you see fit.

[RiverGreenForest]

Traeliorn Petroris

"What can you tell me about the Barrows?" responded Traeliorn in elvish as he turns to look at Merda. Taking a sip of the ale Traeliorn continues in elvish "What can you tell me about the table of merchants? Sounds like quite a bit is going on."

ooc - 2sp deducted.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Merda responds to Traeliorn

"The barrows are ancient. Hundreds spread over the misty moor but just south of the village beyond the carp pools and quagmire lies a meadow of maybe threescore such tumuli.

Each has a unique feature, a barbarian hero, a tribal warrior, a priest of one of the old death cults.
Folks like yourself come after the winter ice melts to trek there in hope of wealth and glory.

Look around the tavern niches, those trinkets remember brave souls who went." she says.

You look around. On ledges and nooks hang various items; a plumed helm, shiny and refurbished in memory of Steban; a broken sword with a jewelled hilt marked as 'held by Bruno, to the last', a glass blown jar with a skull face lit by a candle on a stand, 'Margo, his light was snuffed out and body dragged away'.

Some tokens have a better testimony and the bard on stage strums a few notes of a recent tribute song.

About the merchants you gather some local news. (See the last settlement: Bulletin board notice). A tribe of lizardmen are blamed for a spate of murders and one of the suspected culprits has been apprehended.

You also hear patrons talk of odd goings on in the village hospice. Apparently the place is going under quarantine, even the local priests are worried.

[RiverGreenForest]

Traeliorn Petroris

Gives Merda a gold piece as a tip "Thank you for the information if I have any further questions I will be sure to find you again." said Traeliorn in elvish. Continuing to eat his meal, the elf thought over the latest facts. This barrows quest sounds a bit dangerous, but there is treasure and fame to be had.

After finishing his meal Traeliorn will go to the town bulletin board to take a look and then come back to the tavern to rest.

-1gp deducted

[samvandenberg]

Yubroh the Apprentice walks past the tavern, steering his steps instead in the direction of the market.

[RiverGreenForest]

Traeliorn

Entering the tavern, the Elf makes his way to the front of the tavern to have a seat and enjoy a drink.