Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

"So the corpse is still... erm, that is,

"Petrified still." mourns Red Eric. He had a previous conversation regarding the subject with some other dwarves in the more seedy rival hostelry earlier.

"Wargslayer. A mighty warrior among us. Strength as granite and a heart as big as a mountain. A generation past, I can see you are too coloured in the beard to remember but the greybeards do, when the regiments formed as ranks of axe and hammer against the horde of Tyrannids swelling from the Moor. They broke through and took refuge in the forest watching as the Saurons' were building a stronghold. Holding within many as captives for ransom or feast.

Sturgaard led the relief, assaulting the gates. They released captives and made good their escape but were harassed by the Lizardmen hunting the stragglers mounted on wyverns above and packs of beasts below. A stand was taken by the guardsmen to shield others as they made for the mountain pass under the canopy of the great Redwoods. The Saurons' beset the warriors but they stood firm though their ranks withered. Then the Saurons' on the cusp of defeat brought forth great creatures; salamanders belching fire, serpents spitting poison. Finally scaly lizards whose gaze hardened flesh to stone. There in the forest at the foot of the mountains, the braveheart stood his ground and yes, he stands still.

It is time to honour him in state and bring him home lest the lichen grows evergreen upon his brow and acid rain erode his statuesque form and memory."

Basilisk Wood is approximately 35 miles due South of Helix across the Barrow Moor.

Red Erik's intention was to leave in the coming days but commitment to such a grand undertaking has been poor, even among his dwarven kin. There is a feeling the noble task is more of a suicide mission with little chance of success. How do you find a petrified dwarf in an overgrown forest after a hundred years?

So this mission may happen behind the screens and I will adjudicate any success or it will depart later in the year as numbers commit to it. Realistically, the body of Sturgaard isn't going anywhere so there is no deadline to achieve this.

Elbart turns talk to weapons. Pikes, halberds, glaives. The Axe & Anvil Forge can craft to order. Typical base weapons are off the shelf, Duchy Broadswords a speciality (and free of inflationary price rises), more specialised and custom ware is made on demand, usually over a few days.

With Bellatrix and Berrgon remaining quiet, the conversations conclude and Elbart can take to his common room and basic tavern hosting. Later that evening a courier delivers a stamped envelope which invites him to translate some of the missives given to the church and thus you can revisit the chapel after breakfasting the next day.

[kruk]

The Brazen Strumpet

Elbart enquires regarding the Axe & Anvil Forge and dwarven community hub. Whilst Berrgon is relatively new in the village, Red Eric is a known npc and shares the forge serves practical ministry; crafting, smithing, armoury, as well as religious shrine for those of Moradinian faith. "Before dwarves go venturing, they usually commit to prayer and warrior rites, gaining the favour and blessing sorely needed upon the Barrow Moor wilderness."

Actions, any more specific interaction and greeting with Elbart, Berrgon (and Bellatrix if the player shows up)?.

Berrgon
The dwarf ponders Elbert's reply. It has been awhile since he's been forge or religious shrine. Everything he has learned to this point has been through trial and error fighting...learning what not to do and what works well when dealing with his foes. Most of the gear he wears now is from those who he killed. He scratches his beard, more so as a nervous reaction when he's in a situation where he doesn't quite know how to respond than anything else. hmmmff...yes...I will do that...blessings and talking to some of my own...would help me I think...Thank you

With that he nods to the others around him and then once more to Elbart, then turns towards the exit to head to the dwarven community.

[subaltari]

Elbart, 16 July

The human parts company with two dwarves, both the talkative one and the scarred one, and spends the rest of his afternoon touring the Village and becoming familiar with its layout. During this time he also makes an initial visit to the Axe and Anvil [separate thread].

Early evening finds the newcomer back at a long table in the tavern, and (assuming the Chapel's gold covers his supper) ordering a stew and an ale. If left to himself Elbart again takes his ease with pipe and linguistic scrolls, but this time he's more careful not to vocalize the Sauronic speech out loud.

He retires to his bunk in the Common Room well ahead of any late night revelers.

–11 sp in expenses so far, by my count.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Early in the morning of July 13th, a weary and bedraggled group enter the village just as the summer dawn hours break over the misty horizons.

Clad in crafted bearskin, Durgo leads his group of Barrowmaze spelunkers back to civilization after braving the horrors of the Harpy Shaft in search of the remains of an ancient Knight.

A hearty breakfast in store for all; breads, fresh eggs, sausages, washed down with a flagon of ale. A moments silence to reflect and another to remember those less fortunate, Yngvar the Mad, stolen away to the lower gates of the Abyss by the gatekeeping Daemon.

Rickford & Duvall report back to the mercenary guild, proving once more to be veteran stalwarts.

Dwarves Fydmar, Bhelnus & Wrathbone can check in to the Forge and bring thanks for Moradin's help and guidance. Genaromes has a cute but voracious weasel, the creature being adopted as a Familiar after Nergal's blessing randomly triggered one of the Mage's memorized spells. Wincey joins the list of arcane aides which includes a wolf, chameleon and cat. He can use downtime to gain new spells from any discovered parchments or runic tablets. Brother Symeon, retiring to NPC status will join the St Ygg chapel associates and concentrate on research into silver ore properties as the church looks to source the mineral for divine crafting needs. Durgo has various tasks, most notably reporting to authorities regarding the venture's success.

Actions each character can post in the tavern and needs to reconcile 'Upkeep' to cover them for the days 13th - 20th if they have not done so already.

Use this thread for in character tavern talk, other location threads for specific visits and the expedition thread to round up any group discussion, division of trove.

[Straither]

Wrathbone

Had not been long in the village when recruited to join this expedition. Happy to be back and able to soothe aches and pains in the comforts of the Brazen Strumpet, he will pay forward a week's worth of Deluxe Standard upkeep to secure common room sleeping and daily breakfast and evening meals. Adding in a couple of ales daily, he round it up to equate to -80sp which he counts out.

upkeep done until 20th.

Secure to know that we have minor treasure to share which will be enough to replenish any lost equipment or cover some upgrade training.

Once the group decide on 'who's doing what's (I will post in the expedition thread), he can aid any research or studies as needed.

For the first day he will rest, launder soiled garb, stitch up tears, bathe and then spend his downtime in various pursuits.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Will join those companions who have the urge to celebrate their return at the Brazen Strumpet & buy drinks for the lot of them. Good stuff too, like bottles of the fine hooch. Deducting 10gp (Spearmint, let me know if that is not enough)
He will also keep his eyes out for adventurer types

[Cwreando]

Durgo July 13-20th 1066

Durgo walks into the Brazen Strumpet and spots Fydmar, "What a trip ey? I would have liked to have all of us make it back. It was rough to see that. I think I heard some of the others thinking about a tribute ballad for the expedition and or lost friend. I'd like to help out on that too. I can pitch in some food and drink here for the gang too. I will pay for some ale and food for the group. 10gp to start us off too."

Durgo keeps an eye out for new recruits with Fydmar and will work out a planned stay with the group on how many days they might need to get organized for the next expedition.

7x8sp for a deluxe room is 56sp. 5gp 6 sp I think..10gp also removed for food and ale.

[kwll]

Genaromes is happy to show around his familiar, and fancies a double room for the week to stay (deducted 12gp for that and some food for him and Wincey).

The magic user will visit Mazzah to try to learn about the animal, and any arcane knowledge he can share. He will bring any scroll or magical item the party found to him as well, in order to obtain guidance about them.

Otherwise he will enjoy the company of fellow party members, and any newcomer, at the inn.

[Spearmint]

7x8sp for a deluxe room is 56sp. 5gp 6 sp I think..10gp also removed for food and ale.

Remember in 1st ed D&D, there are 20sp not 10sp to 1gp! A common mistake.

But you can pay forward additional ales and midday meals beyond the Deluxe standard to cover your time. Keep the extra 10gp yourself.

Incidentally, the Red Lion of Aerik' team arrived back prior to others leaving, so while some in character conversations are perhaps not possible to be scripted, be aware of those in the tavern during your stay. Not sure what has happened to Berrgon or Bellatrix, but Elbart might be up for recruiting once his translation work finishes on the 20th.

[subaltari]

Elbart appears in the tavern after noon on the 16th, a rather non-descript dun clad man in the company of a (very quiet) female Templar. That evening he's seen conversing with a couple of Dwarves and has before him a scroll with odd writing.

Being that he's not yet enriched by tomb-robbing, Elbart is counting his pennies. Starting the 17th he sleeps in the Chapel while taking his three meals at the tavern; not so frugal, though, as to eat yesterday's stew nor begrudge himself a few tankards of ale.

Hi, I'll be on holiday for the week. See you after !

[kwll]

Remember in 1st ed D&D, there are 20sp not 10sp to 1gp! A common mistake.

OK then, switched to 6gp instead if that's agreeable.

[Cwreando]

Elbart appears in the tavern after noon on the 16th, a rather non-descript dun clad man in the company of a (very quiet) female Templar. That evening he's seen conversing with a couple of Dwarves and has before him a scroll with odd writing.

Being that he's not yet enriched by tomb-robbing, Elbart is counting his pennies. Starting the 17th he sleeps in the Chapel while taking his three meals at the tavern; not so frugal, though, as to eat yesterday's stew nor begrudge himself a few tankards of ale.

Hi, I'll be on holiday for the week. See you after !

Enjoy the holiday.

Durgo sees the duo and waves them over, "Hail folks, I am Durgo my friends and I just returned from a quest. There is still more to do it seems. If either of you are interested, we could use a few more adventurers to help us. Have your fill of food and beverage here and mingle with us whether join or have other plans. Helix is small. We might as well break bread together and learn of one another."

Durgo pauses to give the other to introduce themselves as they want.

Adjusted coins per 1st Ed info..Thanks Spearmint. My mind slips these days. Grin.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Lends his voice to Durgo's, introducing himself and inviting Elbart & his companions to their table to eat, drink, and tell their tale. 5gp more deducted for food & drink

[kwll]

"I am Genaromes, and I am a wizard from overseas. Call me Gen." says Genaromes to the newcomers, with a smile.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

14 July 1066

"I know the expedition was light on coins and after we get set up for the follow up trip to the barrow. If you all are kind enough to continue the expedition, I can see about paying some of your room and board, if needed. First priority is getting all the stuff sorted out that we got. If any of you need to stay longer than up to July 20th, let me know. We should also work up a way to deal with the stuff we know is close by, namely gargoyles and ghast. Make sure our spike is still securing that door too. I'm thinking of buying a footman's mace for them gargoyles and the ghast gets some arrows sent at them."

[scottjen]

Fydmar
For the ghast how about flaming oil. Worked well against the ghouls. I have my trusty X-bow for the gargoyles, but we certainly need more than that. Would fire hurt such creatures? Perhaps we could set some kind of deadfall trap or use nets to tangle them?
I've also got some extra coins if any of you are scraping the bottom of your purse. Don't be shy about askin for help.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

"Fydmar, I like the net idea I wonder if any are reinforced nets? Might have to do with just plain nets and do a couple. I'm going to go with staff or footman's mace for them gargoyles. Flaming oil is fantastic idea too. You're spot on tonight. We need plenty of oil then, a bit of hurtloam I think it is. Do we have healer kit's still? Lantern oil too. I better restock on some arrows too. Rations for the group, water too. Everyone needs to stock up on the basics. Silvered weapons or magical weapons for those that have them are helpful too. Everyone buys a net if you can afford it. I wonder if anyone of us has a silver tongue with the
general store for supplies to get us a great deal on stuff if we all pitch in for the goods? Holy water might be a bit expensive, but the chapel might provide if they know the reason for our need of it. I'll check with the clergy when I'm there. Any other concerns or suggestions my friends?

[BaltoBruiser]

Bhelnus

My brothers, I have but 7 gold and a silver in my purse. If we are resting and recovering for a week here in Helix, I will spend most if not all of that on my meals and bed here at the Strumpet. I will contribute what I can to our cost for future delving but it may be a bit on the lighter side.

Can there be a way to play one group of gargoyles against the other? They did not seem to be aligned and perhaps we can further erode their trust in each other. I fear that my weapons even with the Azer's workmanship will not affect either gargoyles nor ghasts

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Worry not Bhelnus, I have the coin to cover any you lack.
Holy water is a good idea, Durgo. I wonder if we could find someone to make some reinforced nets...

[subaltari]

I'm back But unfortunately Elbart is alone at this time since grokkngrognard and kruk, the two other new players from this summer, have vanished. The NPC dwarf Red Eric might be there if the DM wishes. In fact, can we say though you might have first seen them on the 16th, this meeting happens the evening of the 17th? This way Elbart can provide some context by explaining the job he's doing at the Chapel of St. Ygg (until the 20th).

Durgo sees the duo and waves them over, "Hail folks, I am Durgo my friends and I just returned from a quest. There is still more to do it seems. If either of you are interested, we could use a few more adventurers to help us. Have your fill of food and beverage here and mingle with us whether join or have other plans..."

Lends his voice to Durgo's, introducing himself and inviting Elbart & his companions to their table to eat, drink, and tell their tale.

"I am Genaromes, and I am a wizard from overseas. Call me Gen." says Genaromes to the newcomers, with a smile.

Elbart & shortbow.jpg (17.89 KiB) Viewed 621 times

The stranger stands to his full height (just over 6') and picks up his plain leather scroll-case before approaching the group with a measured stride. He's not smiling as much as one would expect, in fact his countenance is rather dour, but this could just be a mask of sorts, since inwardly he's excited... to meet real adventurers!

"Hail, my name is Elbart. I come from the far Vestmark, though more recently I was a militia scout in service to Duke Ironguard." He touches the pommel of his sword, recognizable as standard-issue from the armoury of Ironguard Motte. "For the time being I'm engaged in an erm, minor errand for the Chapel across the way, but it seems as that'll be done in a few days.

"So... Durgo, Fydmar, Gen? Thank you, and do tell me about yourselves, and this... quest you speak of."