The Unseen Servant forums

Sorry for dragging my feet on this one a bit fellas. My long weekend was indeed that.

Waiting long enough for the talk to turn away from faith and the ramblings of those with any left, Alfonzo steps out from a dark shadowy wall he was resting up against as he listened to the conversation of the strangers. The dark man with the even darker colored clothing is barely discernable until he steps up to the group.

"I heard talk of an ogre, dressed as a mage. I find that notion not only preposterous but a bit ridiculous as well. I am Alfonzo, ranger from the north. What news of survival can be learned in this place? Or is this like everywhere else......where we are all doomed?"

The newcomer looks around for a place to quench his dry mouth and throat, hoping these fellows have a plan in mind that could use a good tracker and an even better archer.

Bretina Quickshadow

"Welcome Alfonzo. I am Bretina Quickshadow, Druidess. I suspect this place is like everywhere else, but not sure yet."

Gruz Axebasher

"For those that did not hear my introduction my name is Gruz Axebasher. Perhaps we can find some adventure together."

Bretina Quickshadow

"Yes, welcome Gruz, I got caught up in our discussion there."

Jorlin bows to Alfonzo "Well met Alfonzo. I am Jorlin Sparkleshield." then to all the others "Pardon my lack of introduction, Jorlin cleric of Pelor, I know I just jumped into conversation without even the etiquette of a introduction forgive my lack of manners."

Surveying the market, you notice that the mood around is grim. You overhear bits of conversation as people walk by.

...day after tomorrow...calling the farmers in...

...not afraid...wizards will take care of it...

...brother was on patrol yesterday...army of the buggers out there...

Bretina Quickshadow

Talking softly, "That couple of men are going down to a boat, to get it down river, I wonder what for."

Jorlin wonders out loud "Army of what? Hmm we should find out more information."

“Aha! Our black-cloaked man lurks not in tavern shadows but in the alley!” exclaimed Orando. “My faith is rewarded.”

“Aragorn?!” Upon seeing the man more clearly. “Oh, Alfonso… Good to meet a fellow adventurer. I am Orando Magnus Gallus, practitioner of mystic arts.”

“It looks like I won’t be the tallest in the party after all,” he said with some relief.

Upon hearing the mutterings of passers-by, Orando approached a man who looked like a resident.

“Good sir, we are new to town and are wondering what the grumblings are about, some sort of local threat that the city wizards will hopefully fix?”

Alfonzo the Ranger

Unsure what significance his height might play, Alfonzo accepts the greetings all the same.

"It is good to meet new friends in times like these. Now, lets see what kind of aid we can lend these grumbling townsfolk."

Concerned about the rumors regarding armies of buggers, the ranger follows Orando as support, but lets the flamboyant elf do the talking for now.

The local tips his hat back and scratches at his scalp.

Well, I wouldn't take it too serious. Every few years the raiders figure out how to band together and try to take the city. Thing is, they can only come at us from one direction, due to the rivers, you see. So they funnel in, like, and between the wizards and the archers they don't really stand a chance. Worst part is they tramp down the fields. Most of the grumbling is due to folks knowing there's hungry days ahead.

He glances around quickly and lowers his voice.

Now, please don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to threaten anyone, you see, I'm just trying to offer good advice. Thing is, some folks get unhappy about visitors in town when they know food will be scarce. The hungrier they get, the angrier they get. Right? Not me, I think that's when hospitality is most important. But there's those who disagree with me.

He pulls his hat back down and walks on.

Have a good day, sir.

Alfonzo rubs the growing stubble on his chin.

"I wonder if there were a way to go out and meet this rabble in battle before they cause any damage to the crops or town?"

Jorlin rubs his chin in thought "You know that sounds like a good idea Alfonzo. Perhaps that will ease the locals feelings towards us being here as well."

Bretina Quickshadow

"An excellent idea for sure. We should probably let the wizards that defend the city know first though."

Orando Magnus Gallus, pornomancer

"Thank you good sir," replied Orlando to the talkative townsman. "Don't worry, the little people here don't eat much." He waved dismissively at the demi-humans with a wry smile.

When the townsman was out of earshot, Orando said: "We should stock up on rations immediately."

A ferret appeared at Orando’s feet, slipped out from one of his many seen or unseen pockets of the half-elf’s carmine robe (allegedly woven by vestal virgins under a full moon).

“Don’t roam far Sly,” murmured Orando. "You may find yourself someone's dinner."

"HA - surely you jest?!" expounded Orando at the suggestion of confronting an army of raiders alone outside the city walls. "We are all peerless warriors I'm sure, but those odds are beyond chance. Perhaps we leave Arnolst ahead of them, and not be trapped rats in a city under seige with little food supplies?"

"I suppose, if I were in a rare moment of altruistic interest, we could offer our services to the wizard of this town as adventurers, in return for a heavy purse of gold. As long as it wasn't too dangerous."

Jorlin to Orando "I don't jest, I'm not a jester. I preach remember?" he says then smiles and chuckles.

Gruz

"It could not hurt to see if there is a well paid job that they would offer to us."

The pair that Bretina pointed out has left the market. You can still see them, at least the half-elf and the human can, heading in the direction of the docks. Glancing in their direction, you see a rough looking youthful figure approaching.

Bretina Quickshadow

Approaching us or the pair that just left?