(13) The Last Plank (Docks Tavern)

[shaidar]

Xenos

"I've heard of an abandoned fortress to the north east. It used to belong to an Ixian warlord. It might be worth checking out."

He tries to catch the attention of any serving folk.

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus

"Yeah, I wanted you to refresh my memory on that. I'm in."

[shaidar]

Xenos

"Good" he looks at Drest "I hope you'll join us too." he looks around the table "... anyone else interested in joining us, or have other suggestions of what to do?"

[OGRE MAGE]

The Last Plank

While the conversation continues outside the tavern, the windblown sand still flying through the dry desert air, a few folks from the group head inside for food and drink. The still filthy Tuurma excuses herself in a rather unladylike fashion so she may evacuate.

Inside, the tavern is half filled with rowdy sailors and drunken revelers. Xenos nods to the as-of-yet unknown barkeep, a gorgeous redhaired beauty who demands respect from even the toughest brigands and ruffians. (I don't think anyone actually asked her name yet)

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She points to a table in the back large enough to accommodate 12 people and fills a few pitchers of ale to start you off.

A three piece band is playing on stage, pounding out a few crowd favorites for the cheering and dancing patrons. They gladly allow Valkrina to sit in on a few tunes, not the most talented troupe she's ever played with, but they are definitely loud.

Patrons of all walks of life sit around talking and drinking whenever the band is on break, giving the group of strangers inquisitive stares from time to time.

Tuurma's one-eyed Rel worshiping friend Amos is nowhere to be seen this day.

Actions?



It might help for players to decide who to team up with if I keep a running tally of who wants to do what.

This will be the initial draft, so feel free to change where you are in the line-up until we get this sorted.

Kainaxarthos (wishing to clear out the Forgotten Mausoleum)
Maxon
Ceana

Tuurma (wants to seek out the Grotto of Rel)
Cyril

Xenos (seeks an abandoned fortress of a long forgotten Ixian warlord in the desert to the north east)
Akhilleus

Noncommittal?
Drest
Valkrina
Cormag
Taibhse (Ghost Bear)
Kang

Did I miss anyone?

[Monsieur Rose]

Kainaxarthos

Kain laughs heartedly as Tuurma exits the conversation in the way only a berserker could. "We can't promise to not drink all the ale before you get back!"

Once inside, Kain approves of the choice of venue. "Who suggested this place again? I can only assume you enjoyed the view the last time you were here."

I'm going to assume introductions unless anyone is against that.

"We found and scouted a Mausoleum just outside town. Lots of tracks where there shouldn't be any, plus a lovely mosaic of a green comet. I'm looking for someone of a more...larcenous nature to assist in making sure it's safe." He looks around, and not getting the attention he had hoped for, decides to sweeten the pot. "Oh. And a fortune teller led us to it, describing forgotten treasure."

[Rex]

Drest

"Yes Xenos the Ixian warlords fortress sounds interesting indeed."

You can add Drest to Xenos' list, but he is open minded enough that someone might be able to convince the Scout to switch expeditions.

[shaidar]

Xenos nods at Drest's reply and listens to Kain.

"The Old City can be dangerous, full of undead. What you need is someone who has a spell that renders the target invisible to such horrors. Of course, we don't necessarily need to do one thing or another, we could do one thing and then the other. Expeditions into the desert aren't cheap, and I'd like to at least get myself a bow before we head off, even if I end up settling for a crossbow."

[Rex]

Drest

"Some sort of bow is a necessity for me as while. Maybe we could figure out which might be the fastest and safest to go after first."

[OGRE MAGE]

Very true.....

Groups could also combine to tackle multiple missions.

Kainaxarthos (wishing to clear out the Forgotten Mausoleum)
Maxon
Ceana

Tuurma (wants to seek out the Grotto of Rel)
Cyril

Xenos (seeks an abandoned fortress of a long forgotten Ixian warlord in the desert to the north east)
Akhilleus
Drest

Noncommittal?
Valkrina
Cormag
Taibhse (Ghost Bear)
Kang

[redwarrior]

Cormag speaks up. I have a bow! Tell me more of this warlord and his fortress!

Cormag is in for the fortress

[Tamerlaine]

”Xenos, I would go with you,” Kang states. “I wish to see the desert.”

[shaidar]

Xenos

"It seems to trip to the desert is getting quite popular. I know little of the fortress, apart from the fact that it has been abandoned for many years. I'm not even sure how far it is."

[Monsieur Rose]

Kainaxarthos

He nods at the conversation, getting the feeling that some of these people have been together for a while. "If you're looking for a short trip, a known distance, the Mausoleum is about an hour outside the city. A quick pop-over, test the desert, take a peek, then reassess."

Kain puts his palms up. "I've been in the desert, not in a huge hurry to wander around more to find an unknown location at an unknown distance." He turns to take in the bartender. "What it sounds like you need is more information. From someone who usually knows a lot of it."

"But we have time for all that. Some of you are friends, I sense, and others are quite new., and some come from far away. Tell me your stories, and I'll tell mine so that your bard there has more songs to sing. "

[Ahlmzhad]

Taibhse

The Dark young man catching bits of conversation between outbursts from the table of adventurers. He hears Masoleum and Undead words that tempt him. So picking up his courage he approaches the table. Mindful of his appearance both as scarred and a foreigner. He is dressed in simple homespun black with a raven's skull hung around his neck. His scarred face (from burns) is evident, and black and white makeup can be seen as he draws closer. Coming up opposite the priest talking about the Masoleum. "Hi. I am Taibhse, I come from the Boreal Coast. I have travelled far to find this city of undead that I hear you speak of." In a surprisingly low voice, and with a smoothness of delivery that belies his appearance. "If you have need of someone with a desire to study this place and some skills that could be of assistance I would like to join you on this journey."

Those of you that speak Keltic, will recognize his name as given to be Ghost.

[shaidar]

Xenos

Now indoors, the Ixian has removed the head scarves usually used to protect him from the desert winds to reveal a plain face with a bushy beard definitely not in the usual Ixian style.

"I am Xenos. I was born within the boundaries of the Zakath desert, and I have some knowledge of Xambaala having spent time here in my youth. More recently I was in Port Zangerios, where I met Drest, Akhilleus and Valkrina. We embarked on a sea journey to an island...well, we're not quite sure where it was but ultimately we ended up ship-wrecked just down the coast. I have skill in sword and spell, and to be blunt about it I seek coin and magical knowledge."

[Urson]

Maxon
Maxon doesn't order any food or drink- he's out of coin- but he sits with the group to trade stories and plans.
The Mausoleum is my first order of business.
His attention keeps wandering back to the barmaid, admiring the sway of her breast and hip, the twinkle in her eye.

[shaidar]

Xenos has 2gp for food and drink for all. OM, let me know if more is needed.

[sastaz]

Tuurma joins the fray, catching up on what has already been discussed. She'll chip in on the drinks if the 2 gp are not enough of course.

"Kain, tell me more about this mausoleum of yours. What are we to expect there?"

She turns to the rest of the people at the table.

"My name is Tuurma and I recently arrived here through a not too pleasant boat trip. Believe it or not but I came here looking for riches and companionship. And some answers. I am a trained warrior since birth and I do not fear the enemy. But I'm also no fool. Well, normally not. *cough*"

She turns back to Kain and Cyril to see what they have to say.

[hedgeknight]

Cormag steps up to the obvious Kelt in the group, inclines his head politely, and says Greetings my fellow Kelt!, I am recently down form the Gal Hills, looking to carve my name into the legends of our people! Would you be so kind as to share with me your name and the customs of this place? Perhaps you might be in need of a strong sword arm and bowman?

Ceana
(Key-Ah-Nah)

The druid frowns at Cormag and then her face softens. "The Gal Hills? That's my home! Who were your parents?"
She is very interested in her fellow Kelt, hoping she recognizes the man.
"Erm, I am Ceana Inghean Searcan, druid of Yoon'Deh. Even though I do not need a warrior to protect me, it is good to see a familiar face!"
Smiling, she walks toward the Last Plank, bowing her head in respect toward the two Kelt elders sitting outside. "May Yoon'Deh smile upon you, grandfathers."

Once inside, Ceana orders ale and listens while the others plan about where to go. She can't help but keep looking at Cormag, examining his face and voice.
(Rob, how large are the Gal Hills? She should know him, right?)

When Taibhse approaches, Ceana notes the scars and burns. Her face softens a bit in pity, but she doesn't speak such so as not to embarrass or shame the young man. Instead..."I am Ceana and it seems Yoon'Deh has brought us together on this adventure. Sit with us. This is Cormag from the Gal Hills, like myself."

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus

"I'm Akhilleus, from Kimmeria. I was a mercenary in my homeland, although we traveled around in service of different warlords. Our company disbanded some time ago and I'm now looking to make my own fortune. Fighting für money is what I've been doing all my life.

I came to Xambaala along with Xenos, Drest and Valkrina, after surviving some difficult situations."

The Kimmerian takes off his helm. His skin is weathered, his eyes are gray-blue and his hair and pointy beard black. He wears be a scale mail and carries a broad sword, mace and large shield.