Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus eventually returns downstairs to indulge in the feast, his nose firmly planted into a book in one hand, his other hand gripping the staff of Set. He quickly scans the room and selects an unoccupied small table nestled in a nook of the tavern.

[Darithe]

Sigrid returns to the inn and decides to splurge and spend her hard earned gold on a premier room (if available). She wants a nice four poster bed all to herself and a long luxurious hot bath after that long journey from the Wyrdwood. Once she has bathed and dried her hair she journeys to the common room for some refreshments.

Seeing her former companion Vann, she ever the outgoing northern lass, runs up and gives him a warm bearhug, all the while chattering on in her thick northern accent. She bows to his friend Moorheeth and listens attentively to Vann's tale of the expedition, wide-eyed at all the startling events. She then answers his many questions and relates her own adventures and how it ended with Leibish finding love when they returned Harmony. And how she decided she should head out on her own way rather than wait on the lovestruck half-elf. She continues prattling on with the best of them, as she goes on to describe the caravan she journeyed with. Finally pausing for a breath she brushes back a wayward lock of hair and places her order with the waitress. Then turning back to Vann, "I guess I need to start looking for honest work again. Do you know of any prospects?"

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

Catching up with Sigrid enjoying the bearhug, keeping it just a tad longer so he can leer over her shoulder and give a lecherous wink to the paladin. does he have a vow of chastity?

"Actually your appearance is a godly boon. Not just the vivacious looks but the timely nature.

Our expedition to the Sauron Mound really is only half complete. We have a little more knowledge of the dangers and threats. It seems the mound was built as a mausoleum to an infamous knight who may be risen but bound beyond a portal inside. Many undead have assaulted the tomb to confirm his resurrection and we need to defeat him before a legion of Nergal warriors rise up once more."

I am not sure how honest work it is, but a noble task it is and not without reward. Not quite sure of any payment involved but I presume the church and state will be grateful to local heroes.

"We leave in a couple of days."

[Nordbo]

For those still around the table and for all newcomers to it,

Cosmo

spends 10 GP on a next round of drinks & snacks. Beer, mead, ale, salted Shrieker crisps etc.

-10 GP

[ravenn4544]

Jorly gratefully accepts yet more charitable kindnesses and enjoys the food wholeheartedly. The challenges that are described by the adventurers are appealing. He spends a few minutes listening and evaluating the individuals of the group discreetly. They each seem capable in their own way, so the prospect of continuing his journey in this way would make sense.

"Most interesting challenges you propose. I've never come across a Harpy before. What matter of beast is that - if it is indeed of beastly nature?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Jorly
"Most interesting challenges you propose. I've never come across a Harpy before. What matter of beast is that - if it is indeed of beastly nature?"

Sven notices Moriartus in the corner and points him out to his new friend.

"Well Jorly, a harpy is a.......well.......actually, I have no idea. I've only read about them in books myself, and have never actually seen one."

He looks the wiry old man up and down before searching around the room again with his eyes.

"You know, this might sound highly unusual, but I do have a little work I need done here in town while we are away, if that sounds a little safer to you, sir."

"I could pay you a fair price for your time and services, if you wanted to do some investigating into a pair of missing children I've heard of recently. I would even pay for a hired sword to accompany you, to make your search a little safer."

"This might turn out to be nothing at all, but I think it would be a safer way for you to get to know this area a little better. And maybe find a few secrets of your own to investigate."

"No need to feel pressured either way. I was just tossing ideas out there."

[ravenn4544]

Jorly furrows his brow at the mention of the missing children. "Hmmm. That does indeed sound like it needs rooting out. And, indeed, something worth 'doing', eh? Tell me, is the Harpy mission more important than these children? Would that add something to sway my decision here?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven speaks even softer.

"I shouldn't say this, but I don't think the harpy hunters are going to find anything other than the bones of their former friends out there."

"Of course, that is only my opinion, but I have always been a bit of a realist. I really like Moriartus so far, but I believe the man is thinking with his heart and not his mind over this."

"Still, his people seem willing to follow his lead without question, which is also commendable. Killing dangerous monsters is always a noble cause, and the less threats out there the better, I say."

"All the same, we wish them all the luck in the world on their mission."

[Rex]

Orgoth

"Agreed, eliminating the harpies will remove a very dangerous threat far to close to the village. A worthy cause. But it is doubtful they will find anyone still alive. That said if you could learn anything about the children, that would be just as important, we are talking about children after all."

[Spearmint]

I am just trying up loose ends ...

Sven notices Moriartus in the corner and points him out to his new friend.

So Jorly can approach Moriartus to enquire regarding joining the Harpy expedition.

Or follow up on this suggestion

"You know, this might sound highly unusual, but I do have a little work I need done here in town while we are away, if that sounds a little safer to you, sir."

"I could pay you a fair price for your time and services, if you wanted to do some investigating into a pair of missing children I've heard of recently. I would even pay for a hired sword to accompany you, to make your search a little safer."

Ythgar's character will start in Bogtown when ready.

Cosmo, Sigrid, Sir Dewey, post in the chapel thread prior to leaving on your expedition if you want to gain the benefit of Golgarth's memorial tribute. (+1 to a saving throw).

and with that round up, the tavern fills with extra patrons, drinks flow, the bard croons, the evenings pass.

[ravenn4544]

Jorly listens and nods as the stories unfold. "Well now, that does provide some additional perspective, indeed. The 'greater good', is, in fact, what you are saying. Investigation of the loss of these children must be resolved, surely. However, the danger that you describe with these Harpy creatures sounds like it should be dealt with first. Ultimately, a quandary where no answer is the right answer. Only that the answer seems right - right now."

He thanks the gentlemen wholeheartedly for the generous meal and moves to introduce himself to man, Moriartus, they spoke about.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus motions for the old man to sit at his table. "Jorly, is it? Yes, I can use another man of talents. Just ... what are your talents, exactly. I must also warn you, we will be exploring deep into the barrow meadow. It's quite dangerous, and the trek is boggy and uneven. It's very difficult on the legs, as I'm sure you are experienced with. You'll be entitled to a full share of treasure, however, or an heir of your choosing should such come to pass."

[Darithe]

"So a return to the Sauron Mound is it?," Sigrid pauses as if considering the proposition, and with one slim tattooed finger plays with one of the earrings in her right ear while she thinks it over. "Well, I can't just sit here all day and rest on my...um laurels. If you all can stand my company, I will come along. It sounds like a grand adven..." She stops in mid sentence as she has only just now realized Sir Dewey is sitting across the table in the shadows. Then a big grin crosses her face as she loudly exclaims, "HA my old roomate!" She jumps up and goes to the other side of the table and gives him an equally warm bearhug, though she pauses for several moments to rest her head on his breastplate, the scent of her bath soaps filling his nostrils, as she softly says, "heill ok sæll." Then she brushes a piece of lint from his shoulderpiece and retakes her seat, "In truth, I feared you dead my friend, until Vann told me your tale. Are you sure you are feeling alright? Your heart sounded as though it was ready to burst from your chest," she looks concerned for several moments, but then tears into the food the waitress has brought her. "Vann, I will gladly go, if Sir Dewey has no objections."

[Darkmane]

Moorheeth

Broken from his task of trying to see gems at the bottom of a pint of ale, Moorheeth startles as Van’s friend enters the taproom. nice to meet you Sigrid! It would be nice to have you as well!

[ravenn4544]

Moriartus motions for the old man to sit at his table. "Jorly, is it? Yes, I can use another man of talents. Just ... what are your talents, exactly. I must also warn you, we will be exploring deep into the barrow meadow. It's quite dangerous, and the trek is boggy and uneven. It's very difficult on the legs, as I'm sure you are experienced with. You'll be entitled to a full share of treasure, however, or an heir of your choosing should such come to pass."

"Talents?" Jorly sits back in his chair, smooths his robes, and reflects on that ask. "Hmm. No particular talent, per se. I can't weave a spell or bring the power of the gods down upon anyone, if that's what you mean. I can't wield a sword or charge into battle with glory at my wing, if that's also what you are thinking." He cocks his head with a small contemplative smile, "Now, if some sense of wisdom gained through a lifetime of experience can be interpreted as a 'talent', which is quite arguably debatable, then there's that. Otherwise, a willingness to influence change for the better is what I can offer."

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

His words seemed to fail him since he saw Sigrid enter, his mood weirdly darker as she embraced Vann. His armor is a bit warmer since the wink. It's not proper to ask about such things.

The Knight finds himself rooted in place as Sigrid turns her eyes on him and embraces him. He dare not move, lest the spell she weaves be broken. A bit too long after she releases and starts eating, he finally is able to speak.

"Uhh. Right. Saurons. Ok. I have no objections, and I am glad you will accompany me. Us. Them." He puts his hand to his helmet and starts to rub his head. "By Ygg. You are a fool."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus stares at Jorly for several long moments. "So ... no spell knowledge ... no divine favor ... virtually no combat ability of any kind... but, a lifetime of accumulated wisdom?"

"..."

"You're in!"

He reaches out to shake the man's hand. "Meet us here the morning after tomorrow and be prepare yourself for a long march."

https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 11&t=12061

[ravenn4544]

Jorly

"Excellent. Morning after tomorrow it is. If you'll excuse me, I will leave you to your business and to see to my own. Pleasure to meet you." Jorly then steps away and with a nod to the others make his way to leave - but then quite casually veers back around to the bar and finds an open seat.

He sits and stares a second and scratches his beard.

"Already?"
"We did have a productive morning, after all."
"I suppose"
"Then we are in agreement?"
...

"Bartender, a moment if you will. Two fingers of the house whiskey would be lovely should you have the time."

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Bollo the Barkeep pours a glass of finest malt, imported from Ironguard distilleries.

"Two fingers? Is that two measured from the bottom or the top?", he pours for Jorly and you can arrange a couple of days accommodation of choice.

[ravenn4544]

Jorly smiles with a genuine smirk, "A man among men you are - the latter of course!" After the pour and a taste and a compliment completed he continues, "ahh... thank you, sir.. fine indeed." With a head nod towards the men behind him in the common room he asks, "Tell me true, sir - those fellows, there, spun a tale of murdered children. Children! By the gods, is such a terror true? What of it?"