Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[OGRE MAGE]

Orgoth

"Not leaving you Sven, but don't want to be anybody else's mule. Just seeing if the barkeep knows of a place I can meet some like minded adventurers unless you have an idea that doesn't include me carry someone else keg."

Sven pulls Orgoth aside for a moment, out of earshot of the singing hoodlums, and whispers.

“I know you don’t want to stoop to being someone’s torchbearer any more than I want to be their scribe. But I have seen guys like this before. My own brothers acted like this at one point. And I have a theory.”

“These gentlemen are clearly nuts. Overzealous to the point of being dangerous to themselves. They appear willing to take all the risks, while we simply follow along. I don’t know anything about these downs they seek, but I can’t stop thinking about the five of them dying at the hands of some horrible undead, while the two of us make off with all the treasures and coin. A quick and hopefully painless trip for us, with minimum risk of getting hurt, sounds almost too good to pass up.”

“I understand that you aren’t looking for heavy labor, and would probably rather make a name for yourself, but if we do this my way, the worst that happens is we waste a day or two out there, and end up right back here to start something else. I assure you that I am not willing to put myself in harms way for a measly half share, so I won’t be getting into anything overly dangerous, and you wouldn’t have to either. I intend to write up a short contract along our journey, excluding the two of us from unnecessary danger.”

“Does any of that change your mind?”

[Nordbo]

Cosmo

bypassing the need for an actual reply from Golgarth instead acts on what he just heard:

"...En-suite and private would be preferred."

and when it's his turn says "En-suite and private for me as well - with as neutral furnishings as possible. Preferably near to the reception if doable. Please also add the two pints of mead I do not seem to have been charged for. Do you prefer prepaid, or on checkout at this establishment ?"

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

"Barkeep, do you know if there is a local shrine or perhaps place that followers of Cromm gather?"

He will greet the warrior who carries the symbol of Cromm Cruach so boldly. He has interest in the answer as well. In Ironguard there is a chapel.

"Good sir Golgarth - have you stayed here before; what would you recommend for a humble intellectual such as yours truly?"

"I have not been in Helix before. I follow a vocation to rebuild a chapel, to dedicate a chapter of faith in the community. As to recommendations I would stay clear of those ignorant rabble over there and those 'Valhalla' seeking 'death is glory' berserkers there." He points to the two rowdy groups of Northmen and the tabard wearing LARP'ers.

Bollo, you must have seen plenty of adventurers come and go. These barrows draw folk as willing as a lamb to slaughter. What can you tell us that may preserve our lives?

"Cosmo, you do seem a bright intellectual. And gnomes have a knack for creative entrepreneurship. I must admit my penchant for action first before questions, impetuous as I am. Having a calming head to think through issues or solve cryptic challenges would be a boon if you would join with me." he offers the gnome to buddy up in adventures.

[Rex]

Orgoth

Whispering to Sven, "That sounds reasonable, I won't do anything to harm them unless it is to protect us though. But I am not going to risk my life to save the fools either. If you are willing to negotiate for us as a team then I am in."

[OGRE MAGE]

Orgoth

Whispering to Sven, "That sounds reasonable, I won't do anything to harm them unless it is to protect us though. But I am not going to risk my life to save the fools either. If you are willing to negotiate for us as a team then I am in."

“Believe me friend, I will not risk my life for any of their foolish bravado either. If you and I can watch out for each other, and let them do all the dangerous stuff, we should come outta this smelling like a rose, and with enough coin to start our own successful adventuring group.”

“They look like they’re ready to go, but don’t look too well equipped if you ask me, so I hope this destination isn’t far. To be honest, I don’t have much, myself. How are you fixed for water and rations?”

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Do you prefer prepaid, or on checkout at this establishment

you pay when you post or make the request. Prices are set and shown in the very first description of the tavern. You just note -1sp or whatever cost is and adjust on your sheet.

Bollo answers your questions as he serves.

"The Chapel of St Ygg is built on the foundations of the former Conclave of Cromm. Most adherents pray in their homes though I know the old quarry in the woods was a gathering place.

You are correct to be wary of some patrons. Yonder group are squires, hoping to elevate their status to minor nobles after their masters died in the Barrows on Krothos' last expedition.

Ragnarr and his men. Well, you would want them on your side in a raid but they are a volatile bunch.

My advice to not go to the Barrows falls on deaf ears. Adventurers bring income for which I am grateful. They come and go with each season but more come and go and not return at all. Still you can see around my walls the plaques and tokens that adventuring patrons have honoured my tavern with.

I was one once as you can tell from my shield. I keep my hammer under the bar to bring out when troubles calls. An orc arrow to my knee brought retirement early. So I bought this place and hired staff. Not all the village welcomes you though, blaming the disturbing of the tombs for the evil that stalks the Moors.

Alastar knows more than he speaks. His affliction stems from seeing his friends eaten alive."

[i]Sigrid, Mai and Cadeweed are at one table discussing the bulletin regarding the Silk Spiders. actions please

Sir Dewey, Golgarth, Cosmo at the bar. actions please

Sven and Orgoth deciding to join the Tudorz expedition. Post any 'negotiations' and if you both agree I will open an expedition thread.[/i]

[Nordbo]

Cosmo

while settling Bollo's bill and tipping him (Deducts 1 gp/6sp + tip 4sp, thanks DM for info) turns to Golgarth: "Excuse my impudence and impatience, o respected bearer of the oath. I am most appreciative of your friendly advice and manner, and freely offered to a complete stranger at that. In the din of this colourful tavern it is easy to get distracted and forget about local manners.
What you suggest tickles my restless interest in the curiosities of the world. Cryptic challenges ? What would life be without them ? If your cause is worthy, and can bring balance in the world....I will gladly contribute. What is asked of me ?"

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

He shakes his head as Alastar drops trow and pees. "Tell me that man doesn't have a map of something on his ass. Welcome to Helix, I guess."

The knight stares, transfixed on the spectacle unfolding before him until Alastar moves away to the square. "Hey! You were going to piss in my helm, weren't you!? Good lord."

Sir Dewey follows the others inside, still shaking his head at his first encounter in town.

"Good sir." Sir Dewey addresses the barkeep. "I've had a long day traveling, and I was hoping that I could do some work for you to earn a meal. I gave my last coin to someone more deserving than I."

He scans the room, looking for trouble, and lingers on the squires and the Norsemen.

[Rex]

Orgoth

"Not much better equipped then them honestly. A skin of water, a weeks standard rations, some rope and torches. Not enough coin to purchase much else. While, lets do this and see how it works out."

[Darithe]

"Spider silk you say," Sigrid arches a brow curiously as she sips her mead. "Seems a simple enough task, unless the spiders are quite venomous." She thinks a moment, "I am up for the job, if you both seem to think it worthy of our time and talents. I practice the seidr so this seem rather appropriate in a way." She pauses a moment before adding, "I am what the southlanders call a sorceress," slowly pronouncing the last word as if she is unsure she is saying it correctly. "What skills do each of you possess, if I may be so bold?," said as she finishes her stew.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Good sir." Sir Dewey addresses the barkeep. "I've had a long day traveling, and I was hoping that I could do some work for you to earn a meal. I gave my last coin to someone more deserving than I."

Bollo, looks at the knight. "It would be custom to remove headgear inside a place, it gives us chance to familiarise ourselves with customers and you a chance to eat. Besides it is not raining inside and I at least won't piss in your tin.

Charity I have in abundance but 'freebies' no. Else every poverty stricken knave might sup at my table. Still yonder squires have made a mess as per their ill manners. If you clean those tables and benches you can help yourself to all the chicken, bread and fruit they leave behind. I can arrange a stew bowl too. But if you be looking to stay, the prices are set as even the common dormitory rooms all get fresh laundered linens daily.

If you need immediate income, then the Jewelers do a pawn broking on certain items, buy gems and trinkets, act as an assayer and money lend at certain rates if you have collateral to act as leverage.

Outside the townsfolk often pin up notices for wanted help. That might be s source to earn a few coins."

He sounds austere but he is quite used to those whose misfortune has made them coin less.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

Listens to the barkeeper. "You have wise words, borne out of experience. But I fear it is true, the lure of the fables buried in the Moor is too great to dissuade those keen to explore. And what use would it be for a man to sell his tools. How would he work and provide? You don't give a starving man a fish to eat but you teach him how to fish. The same with such paladins. Bereave him of sword and shield and how will he quest?" The answer to pawn broke equipment is pragmatic but not a great solution. He thinks of the bulletin board notices he read in the way in. At least one offers straight payment.

He turns around and in his best oratory voice, announces to the tavern patrons some intentions.

"I am Golgarth, acolyte of Cromm Cruach. I have come to serve God and the people of Helix. The community Silk Trade is an essential industry and requires labourers to bring in the harvest. I will go with any group, my hammer to defend and my prayers to heal. I leave tomorrow. Who is with me?"

[Nordbo]

Cosmo

taking for granted that he has now been accepted as co-traveller on Golgarth's mission, places himself next to the acolyte, raises his gnomic fist and chimes in:

"Make that....with us! Yea verily, with time and patience a mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown! Or something."

[OGRE MAGE]

Orgoth

"Not much better equipped then them honestly. A skin of water, a weeks standard rations, some rope and torches. Not enough coin to purchase much else. While, lets do this and see how it works out."

"My own possessions are even more meager, but that wont stop my enthusiasm to adventure.

Lets go back and talk over our terms with the squires. I think they are ready to leave right away, and I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to join a party that has already been established.

If you like, I can do the talking with Eddy. He seems like the most intelligent of their crew."

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

"Ah. A notice board. Surely I would have noticed it were it not raining, thank you." Sir Dewey nods at Bollo. "Forgive me, but I have taken a vow not to remove my helm in the company of others until I complete my quest. I am Sir Dewey recently of Ironguard Motte." He bows a bit and continues. "If you would still be amenable to your offer, I will take you up on it. I would never ask for charity or 'freebie' as you say. Shall I wait until they depart, or shall I deal with them now?"

As Golgarth and Cosmo proclaim their intent to hunt spiders, Sir Dewey turns to them. "The beggar-knight's allies. I would travel with you if you'd have me."

[Rex]

Orgoth

"Sounds like a plan, talk away."

[Urson]

Mai Ronin
I am a warrior of some small skill. We should go speak to this Valeron. -2 sp.

Mai leads the way out of the Inn, to the home of Valeron the Fletcher. moved to Helix: the Village

[OGRE MAGE]

Orgoth

"Sounds like a plan, talk away."

"Excellent! But stand next to me, just in case", the mage winks.

Heading back to the excitable troubadours, Sven addresses Eddy.

"Hey guys! Good news! We have decided to accompany you to the downs, and agree to your terms of a half share of the spoils each. In fact, I will draft up a contract for the job, that you can all sign, real official like, along our journey. I can only assume you are leaving right away? Is there anything else we should know before we depart?"

Before the group departs, Sven sneaks over to the bar to discuss a quick business opportunity with the barkeep.

[Rex]

Orgoth

Orgoth will try and look like he is Sven's bodyguard.

[Bluetongue]

Golgarth

Bollo I will take another suite as well please for the two ladies, Sigrid and Mai and pay the cost of a day's stay for the halfling Cadeweed and Sir Dewey in the dormitories, all inclusive. I am sure I can recuperate the coins back from any endeavour and if I don't come back then there is nothing to worry about."

At least we can all eat and sleep without worry. I will prepare to help guard the group if we set out in the morning and for the rest of this day, I will retire to my suite for a hot bath and prayer.