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A large man rides into town and leaves his donkey and two hunting dogs tied up outside the tavern as he enters.

Hello master dwarf! I am Buryl, master hunter and trapper........and drinker! I hear there is a wolf problem in these parts and I've come to stake my claim.

Set me up with a tankard of your finest ale and tell me what you know about all these wolves if you would good sir!

A tall man, clad in flowing robes over armor, walks into the tavern and takes a seat at the bar.

"Ho, barkeep! A flagon of your finest." He places a silver piece on the bar, to ensure that both the drink is fine and the service is prompt. When the dwarf brings it to him, he drains it in three long draughts.
1s deducted for drink and tip; he'll drink whatever Ghrym brings him.

"A long and dusty trail to get here, friend dwarf. But glad I am to be here, in the northernmost region settled by men. I look forward to expanding the lands seen by human eyes to even further extents. What can you tell me of the lay of the land here, and of any who explore to the north?"

Ghrym settles a couple of tankards down in front of the two men and says, "if you gentlemen would bear with me, I'll be closing up shop in less than an hour to get all ready for the Harrowing feast, which begins at noon sharp. I would encourage you both to attend: all are welcome, no need to pay. And perhaps we can discuss work and danger on the morrow?"

Buryl

Well, I'm not much for handouts myself. If there is anything I can do to help you out..... I will work for ale! The large hairy man lets out a hearty laugh and drains his mug in a few gulps. He puts a silver coin on the bar and grins at the dwarf.

March 30, 1 VC - 2:00pm

The party led by the eccentric priest Crivit, that departed only a handful of days earlier headed west, returns through the gates of Vaul nursing some minor injuries but with some loot in hand. When asked, party members respond that they wanted to return earlier than planned to participate in the Harrowing Festival.

The expedition thread is now closed--please check the last post for rewards, and make any discussion of loot divvying in the appropriate thread. Members of this party can now engage with town activities once more.

Quirin will seek out Zirina at the tavern and ask her about the mercs that are available for excursions.

Zirina doesn't look like much--a slender young woman with short-cropped dark hair and rounded Salisian features with a bit of a bored look. When Quirin sits down at the table across from her, she seems to actually slouch a bit more as she appraises him in turn. Only when she makes eye contact does the faint horizontal scar running across her face between mouth and nose become visible, and when her mouth twitches momentarily into a wry smirk, instead it's the scar that actually smiles.

"We've got three here in town, though we're actively recruiting both here and across the mountains for more. We offer three rates, and do all kinds of work. First rate is per-day, for contracts not guaranteed to last at least one month; second rate is per-month; and the third rate is when it's a high-risk speculative assignment, adventuring you'd call it. In addition to these rates, food for the hired hand will be provided. Other than that, we bring our own gear. Both the individual or the guild may refuse a contract at any time, no questions asked, but once a contract is signed we will honor it and, more importantly, enforce it. Any questions?"

There is probably more of it than can currently be acquired with the resources at hand, so just check in when you arrive!

Bertram returns to the tavern to discuss plans on further expeditions with his associates, now that everyone seems to be healed up.
He orders a round of drinks and sits at a corner table.
"What do we think? One more visit to the dwarves to return the Archduke's message? We could take a more southernly route to avoid our canine friend and possibly find some new places to explore. If we don't like that idea just yet, we can always head west instead."

4 gp removed for drinks

Constance cools her heels and takes a seat near the fire. "I'm just going to sit a while," she tells her party members after their loot is properly distributed. She leans her ten-foot-pole against the wall so no one will trip over it.

***

Numen lingers on the periphery of Bertram's table and keeps a close eye on the merc Zirina. Mammon sits at his feet, gnawing on a bone.

KingOfCowards wrote:Bertram returns to the tavern to discuss plans on further expeditions with his associates, now that everyone seems to be healed up.
He orders a round of drinks and sits at a corner table.
"What do we think? One more visit to the dwarves to return the Archduke's message? We could take a more southernly route to avoid our canine friend and possibly find some new places to explore. If we don't like that idea just yet, we can always head west instead."

Quirin picks up a drink and nods in appreciation at Bertram.

I'm game for another trip to see the Thane. He at least needs to know that the Arch-Duke has given up on fighting the Black Beast and his shield-brothers are on their own.

Galen, who was seated at a table enjoying a mug of ale, pricks up his ears as Bertram discusses venturing forth. Standing, he heads over to where they are gathered.

"Well met, gentlefolk. May your sight be unhindered," this last is accompanied by a hand gesture, a benediction of sorts. "I am Galen, a cleric of Koios; I am but recently come to these lands, but am eager to see more of it, and I hear you are headed eastward. Would you be interested in my company? I am not unskilled in combat, and know many useful prayers, for healing and other purposes, by the grace of my god."

Abi sits quietly at Bertram's table, drinking her ale and listening to the conversation.

"Who is Koios?" Numen asks Galen casually, never once taking his eyes off of Zirina's table.

Bertram answers Galen with a smile, "You would be most welcome company. We were looking for a cleric, the wild has been treacherous beyond belief. A man of your talents is in high demand. Come sit with us."

When Numen speaks up, Bertram appears to have just noticed him, "And what of you Numen? Are you with us or no?" He gives the man an uncomfortable look, finding the elf very hard to read.

OK, it sounds like we have consensus on returning to the dwarves--who will lead and what's the departure date? Then we can get folks officially signing on in red text.

Numen turns towards the group briefly. "Dwarves promised you more coin. You should go and get it from them now. They may be...unavailable later," he replies knowingly. "Travel safe. We'll meet again." He coolly saunters off to the mercenary table, snapping his fingers for Mammon to heel.

"A monthly contract," he says abruptly to Zirina. "Who is in your company?"