Fort Blackstone - The Adventure Begins!

[spanningtree]

Grenda - Elf

Yes, friend Fastolph, let's retire to the Vulgar Harpy for a round or two...

[Pulpatoon]

Aldredus had an elaborate screed of flattery, lies, and bluster mapped out in his head, but now, confronted with this austere and demanding presence, his confidence falters. Feeling like a child called before the school's headmaster, he can't help but but speak plainly, as demanded. "We intend an expedition into the Mines. We seek treasure, as a fortune never hurts, but also the knowledge and magic of powers long past. Living on the Mines' front stoop, as you do, you must have information that would be helpful to those in our position." Brightening a little as it occurs to him that there might still be some room to negotiate, he continues, "But, further, you must surely have interest in the Mines. In exchange for information, we can act as your agents."

[alver]

Cedric tugs on Paul Paulson's sleeve. "Let's go to talk to these Gefrey and what's the other guys name was. See if they wanna come with us."

"Hey I got another great idea. We can buy a mule and put lots of heavy stuff on the mule. Like everybody who gots heavy stuff puts it on the mule."

I can fork out the 30gps for the mule + whatever is needed for the mule to carry things (200 lbs max). A 6-way split would be nice though. DM, should we be worried about encumbrance in this game?

[rossik]

Enchanted by the little girls flame, Firefingers follow the path.

After the Masters question, he could only answer the truth
"We of the mysterious ways have long and obscure paths to walk. Your knowledge and power sure could help us in our journey. In exchange, we can give you our eyes and hears...metaphorically. We are sure desalinated to greatness, so i believe we must first step into your shadow, sir".

[Rusty Tincanne]

Paul nods to Cedric. He thanks Mr. Odger shrugging.We'll be off to the gaoler then, I guess. When we get back to town, we'll be sure to come right back here with our gold and silver to restock.

Nothing specific in mind. Just brainstorming ideas.

[Tamerlaine]

"But, further, you must surely have interest in the Mines. In exchange for information, we can act as your agents."

Your knowledge and power sure could help us in our journey. In exchange, we can give you our eyes and hears...metaphorically.{/quote}

There's a pause before the mage speaks. "Words are all well but deeds speak louder and truer. The mines run deep and death waits 'round every corner. Many have attempted to breach its depths and none have returned save a few one can count on the fingers of one hand. And still your proposition bears some interest to me for reasons of my own. Go journey to Dhondaruhm if you dare, explore it's depths. Should you return after an initial foray, I shall know your measure and be inclined to a beneficial arrangement.

I grow weary. Islaith, show our guests to the street. Give them my parting gift. May you two find success where little has ever been found before."

The young blind girl leads you out of the chamber and into the darkness until the heavy door is opened once again. She hands you a small lacquered case and without another word closes the door.

[Tamerlaine]

Grenda - ElfYes, friend Fastolph, let's retire to the Vulgar Harpy for a round or two...

With Fastolph in tow, Grenda and Norzak head back to the Vulgar Harpy. There's a pained look on the barkeep's face and Fastolph grins at him while rubbing his hands together. "An ale, old friend, an' keep them coming!"

He shakes his head. "As I've told you before, you're cut off till..."

"It's all on these two!" Falstolf roars with glee. "And some grub!"

"Now then, I reckon you need me. There's only one way into the mines and as far as anyone can figure I know where the entrance lies. I know the way and 'cause I were a warden, I know every rock, tree, hill, river, stream, path, and game trail between 'ere and there. I'll take ye but seeing how 'effing dangerous it will be, I want an equal share. At least till I've enough to buy me a place of me own and still have a little left over. I know I don't look like much and by the old gods I sure do reek, but once I'm outside these walls and I've got me bow and blade I can hold my own."

[Tamerlaine]

Cedric tugs on Paul Paulson's sleeve. "Let's go to talk to these Gefrey and what's the other guys name was. See if they wanna come with us."

Paul and Cedric leave the outfitter and with some directions from passing townsfolk make their way down an alley. There they find a taproom; a rough bar fronting the alley with a tattered awning. Stools line the bar and a couple of trestles are in the alleyway, all which are occupied by some very rough looking men and women. A name dropped and someone points you to a tall muscular man sitting at the corner of the bar nursing a wooden cup of beer. This is Gefrey.

[rossik]

Igneos Firefingers is amazed by what he imagine is the power of that wizard.
He gives a brief look to his fellow, and analise the case as if it was made of the fragile material ever made. But the, after his first impressions, he grows aware of the surrounds, and get a little nervous about thiefs and such. He keeps the gift in his secret pocket number 3.

"Well, m friend, it looks we have something to prove. I say we get to our band to see whats going on, and prepare to our journey"

[Pulpatoon]

The young blind girl leads you out of the chamber and into the darkness until the heavy door is opened once again. She hands you a small lacquered case and without another word closes the door.

As he is shuffled out of the wizard's presence, Aldredus calls back his thanks and assurances that they will return and begin a mutually prosperous engagement.

As the door is shut behind them, he glances eagerly from Firefingers' face to the lacquered box. "What do you think it contains? A chained demon bound to our will? An elixir to raise a fallen comrade? A ring that that will tempt our very souls with its authority?"

Seeing Firefingers tucking the box away, his face sags in disappointment, and he shoves his excited hands in his pockets to keep them from fidgeting, so anxious is he to see what the box contains.

"Then back to the Vulgar Harpy."

[alver]

Cedric, at the Crooked Man taproom.

The halfling climbs on a barstool next to Gefrey. "Hi Gefrey! I'm Cedric Noakes and this here is Mr. Paul Paulson and we want to hire some men. We gots our gang back at Vulgar Harpy. You wanna be a guard for us?"

[rossik]

"My brother in the arts, we must inspect those with care, by the light of a candle in the safety of our room. Lets get back and then study our little gifts"

[Rusty Tincanne]

Cedric, at the Crooked Man taproom.

The halfling climbs on a barstool next to Gefrey. "Hi Gefrey! I'm Cedric Noakes and this here is Mr. Paul Paulson and we want to hire some men. We gots our gang back at Vulgar Harpy. You wanna be a guard for us?"

Paul holds out a hand to the mercenary. Parson, actually. But anyhow, Cedric and me heard that you and your friend might be looking for a bit of work. We're headed to the Mines of Khunmar to get rich. The gods tell us that great risk means great reward. Interested?

[spanningtree]

Grenda - Elf

I don't think my comrades would have an issue with a full share, but we will need to consult with them Fastolph. Let's relax here for a bit, they will be along in due time.

[tarlyn]

Grenda - Elf

I don't think my comrades would have an issue with a full share, but we will need to consult with them Fastolph. Let's relax here for a bit, they will be along in due time.

Norzak

I agree. Let's drink up a bit forst!

[Tamerlaine]

"My brother in the arts, we must inspect those with care, by the light of a candle in the safety of our room. Lets get back and then study our little gifts"

With haste, the two fledgling mages enter the Vulgar Harpy and without a word or nod to anyone they spirit away to their room. The case is retrieved (I should have described it more in detail as it would have not fit the pockets of the robe) and with (trembling?) fingers the clasp is undone and the lid lifted. Inside is a rolled up scroll and a potion. Upon closer examination, the scroll bears all the markings of a Protection of Evil 10' Radius while the potion as the universal wax seal and stamp identifying it as Gaseous Form.

OOC: I rolled these two randomly and telling you so you don't think they are integral to the adventure.

[Tamerlaine]

Cedric, at the Crooked Man taproom.

The halfling climbs on a barstool next to Gefrey. "Hi Gefrey! I'm Cedric Noakes and this here is Mr. Paul Paulson and we want to hire some men. We gots our gang back at Vulgar Harpy. You wanna be a guard for us?"

Paul holds out a hand to the mercenary. Parson, actually. But anyhow, Cedric and me heard that you and your friend might be looking for a bit of work. We're headed to the Mines of Khunmar to get rich. The gods tell us that great risk means great reward. Interested?

Reaction Roll (and there is no CHA modifiers)
Reaction [2d6] = 7 Result: Reroll

Reaction [2d6] = 9 Result: Decline offer

Gefrey seems to speak for Isok as well. "Standard wage for something like this is what? Three gold a month for spearmen. We'd take it, but yer talking the mines, mate. Nobody's been coming back from them mines, not in a good long while. Sorry, but we say no."

OOC: I'm inclined to let you reroll with a modifier if you sweeten the deal.

[Tamerlaine]

Grenda - Elf

I don't think my comrades would have an issue with a full share, but we will need to consult with them Fastolph. Let's relax here for a bit, they will be along in due time.

Norzak

I agree. Let's drink up a bit forst!

Grenda and Norzak are with Fastolph and as he drinks, he regales you and anyone who will listen with tales of the mountains; the tough people who still eke a living in the valleys and woods, the cannibals who have never been seen, and the creatures that roam the mountains. Some of his stories seems fantastical, perhaps some truth mixed with lies, or maybe, just maybe he has seen and done the things he shares with those who listen.

OOC: Okay, the rest of you, Grenda and Norzak are waiting for the rest of you.

[rossik]

"Amazing gifts, i must say!"

(OOC: do we already know this spell?)

"I suggest we had back to our group, and see whats going on. Also, i think i smelled spiced potatoes"

[Pulpatoon]

Aldredus looks a little crest-fallen that the gift failed to live up to his extravagant daydreams. "Yes, it's fine. Just... no, it's fine. Shall you take one, and I the other? I bet you'd like that scroll, wouldn't you? That's a very fine scroll, isn't it? Doesn't make all those awful sloshing sounds, the way a potion does. Here, I'll burden myself with the potion, and you can have that lovely scroll."

rossik, Igneos should feel free to ignore Aldredus' wheedling. He's being a jerk.