Helix: The Brazen Strumpet

[ateno]

Cosmo comes into the tavern wearing a green buttoned vest, dark brown pants, leather shoes and a black fabric hat with a gold turn.

He looks aroundthe room, orders he usual at the bar and heads to his friends.

Ambles over and sits with Gerdal.


"Morning, the others left on thier anarcho-syndicalist commune adventure?

Cosmo

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

"Morning, the others left on thier anarcho-syndicalist commune adventure? Cosmo asks Bollo! the bartender after returning from his vespers in the church.

"Gerdal, Sven, Vann & Co have indeed left." confirms the bartender. He pours Cosmo a favourite ale and serves him the remnant pork ribs taken from last night's hog roast which Cosmo paid for.

"There is however a young priest. Over there on his lonesome. I pointed him towards the ranger chap as he enquired about scouting the Barrow Mounds for the church.

You have been a few times, maybe your knowledge will help him or you can deter him from any foolishness."

He gives you any extra plate of barbecued spare ribs and a jug of honeyed sauce to share.

your actual knowledge might be limited to a specific pair of Barrow Mounds but having survived the two treks, you are considered a season's veteran.

Cosmo & Callen can make introductions to each other.

[OGRE MAGE]

"Have you been spying on me Sven?! Very well, let's bury the hatchet on this one. That's actually why I asked you all to bring holy water. I discovered this - don't ask - yesterday. Any magic, holy or unholy brew or elexir poured into the goblet will loose its powers but instead turn into anti venom. A very useful item!"

To conclude this, as we are already away…..

Sven almost jumps into his friends arms.

“Gerdal! Really? I could almost kiss you! If you…..you know……..weren’t….old.”

But seriously…..that’s awesome!!!

[Hadarai]

Callen

Seeing Bollo speaking with the newly arrived Gnome and the fingers pointing his way the cleric approaches their table. "Greetings sir blessings of St. Ygg upon you, I believe I had seen you . He makes the sign of his god in greeting.

My name is Callen, I'm looking to make a trip to the Barrow Mounds and our fine innkeeper here had mentioned that you've had your fair share of visits to that area. I was wondering if you'd possibly interested in an excursion once more?"

[ateno]

My name is Callen, I'm looking to make a trip to the Barrow Mounds and our fine innkeeper here had mentioned that you've had your fair share of visits to that area. I was wondering if you'd possibly interested in an excursion once more?"

Walking over with ceramic jug and plate and stting across from the priest.

Callen, I am Cosmo, I could be interested. You and me won't do it though. Is there something specific your looking for? Do ye have a area? And equal shares.

He thinks for a second, then turns and gets the barkeeps attention. "Bring this man a bigger meal. whatever he wants, on my tab."

Turning to Callen, "I know how it is coming up, first time and all. If you must, buy me one when you can afford it."

He sticks a piece of pork rib in his mouth and pulls it off, chewing the meat.

[Hadarai]

Callen

The Half-Elf takes a seat at the table. Equal shares, of course, and thank you for you generosity." The Half-Elf takes a seat at the table.

"Brother Gamdar has requested any information pertaining to ""a particular obelisk in the Mounds meadow."" It seems that it is being used in the worship of the death god Nergal and the Church would be interested to know more about it's design, what it does, and who's tried to use it." Callen takes a long swig from his mug, he hadn't realized how thirsty his travels had msde him until now.

"That is about the long and short of it, Brother Gamdar had no more information to offer and having never been there myself I can only go on vagaries.

I cant promise you that there will be spoils to be had or that Brother Gamdar will compensate us, as it being a direct request from my Church it was not my place to ask such a thing. But seeing as my funds are low at the moment perhaps an exchange of services could be made? I could pledge my services to one of you expeditions in return."

[ateno]

"I understand, I understand."

Thinking...

"So do you expect hiding in bushes on a overnight on a worship day of Nergal to see thier actions or a summer stroll and picnic thing? How much info do you need? Do you want to take the oblick home or destroy it or anything?"

[Hadarai]

Callen

"Brother Gamdar asked only for information for now, I think it'd be best to search for the Obelisk during the day so we might inspect it up close without any disturbance, hopefully. If we can record any runes etched upon it and perhaps find any evidence of what sort of offerings or sacrifices are performed at the site should satisfy the Church for now. I'd like to not have to stay the night observing necromancers and the like in unfamiliar territory."

[ateno]

"That is the correct answer! Lets finish up our meal, I'll get my gear. I want to buy some more thowing daggers and buy you some first aide kits.

Looking around the inn.

"we might want to get a couple more swords to come with us, just in case."

Cosmo

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

Cosmo and Callen talk plans and options, agreeing to support each other for a common cause.

At this time of day, close to midday, the tavern is full but the patrons are mostly local villagers and merchants rather than hardy adventuring types seeking their fortune. Bollo did point out an elf who is seconded to the local bowyer as a ranger apprentice. Traeliorn sits in a corner by the hearth.

Other swords for hire could be obtained from the Mercenary Guild (see its location thread).

[Hadarai]

Callen

"Yes that would be most wise I think, Bollo pointed out another fellow here that might be of some help," Callen points out the elf Traeliorn We'll see if he has any interest and I'll with the Mercenaries Guild if funds permit. I'll meet you back here once our errands are finished."

The Cleric rises from his seat and approaches Traeliorn. "Greetings sir, I am Callen,
Acolyte of St. Ygg and I was looking to investigate a Obelisk supposedly devoted to Nergal located in the Mounds meadow. Bollo had made mention that you're quite an experienced tracker and guide. I was hoping you would have an interest in joining myself and the Cosmo on this expedition, given that we can come to acceptable terms of course."

I suppose we can start using the Expedition Planning thread now.

[Spearmint]

I suppose we can start using the Expedition Planning thread now.

This would be for more ooc player actions or suggestions rather than in character which is fine in the tavern.

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

June 27th 1066.

Traeliorn looks up from his ale. "Not too experienced I am afraid. But I survived trekking across the Moor to the Merisc delta hunting the Orphidian lair. For dealing with that threat, Lord Krothos awarded me this Yew longbow from Valeron the bowyer. I have apprenticed to him since, familiarising myself with the local paths, boggy marshes. I know the Mammoth graveyard which lies just south of those burial mounds. I can take you there.

To be honest, I have yet to loose an arrow in anger in a month and my fingers itch to test how the bow pulls."

You can small talk between you. He would agree to go with you, carrying little in the way of kit beyond basic supplies, he is able to go when you are ready taking any equal share of reward with the risk and dangers of going.

for mercenerary hires you will need to post in that specific thread.

[Hadarai]

Callen

"Very good then! We can offer equal shares for an equal share of the risk. My partner is gathering his gear and buying some supplies for the trip and I will be off to the Mercenaries Guild to see if we can get a hold of more hands to accompany us. We will meet back here once we're all prepared to set out."

Callen gives his thanks once more to the Elf and excuses himself to head back out into the town.

[Spearmint]

The Brazen Strumpet Tavern

June 27th 1066.

Almost at closing time and the last draining of dregs from frothy flagons, a quintet of weary adventurers return to town.

Callen and Cosmo along with npc aides, share a welcome half keg to celebrate their safe return. You have handed the two prisoners over to the Militia guard for safekeeping. After a handshake and division of trove, the group split up, merceneraries Rickford & Duvall returning to the Guild Headquarters, Traeliorn to his own shack on the far edge of town.

Callen is injured, -5hp. You will recover in town at a rate of +1hp per full day of rest. Added to this any days activity such as following up on the cultists and the Sauron patrol, you are probably going to be in town for at least a week.

Please subtract coinage that covers the upkeep of choice for this time period. (see very first tavern page for details of prices). Cosmo, you may already have accommodation booked here but check and mark off one week's upkeep in like manner. covering June 27th - July 4th 1066.

actions, address above and post any out of expedition chat and fellowship as you recuperate from the expedition.

I know Callen is a priest and could cast a CLW upon himself but from a game roleplay standpoint, this is frowned upon by the church hierarchy and gods when you are in a safe civilized location. It can be done to expedite health but comes at a cost to the cleric of 'a tithe offerings' of 100gp or taking on 'an act of penance'

[ateno]

"Callen, the agreement going in was a equal share, besides, you saved a person's life, that is more than any spell, we all did our share, next time, it could be you taking the lions share. 33 Gold each, take it and one of the healing polices that we did.not use as my thanks.

And drink up, the ale won't drink itself.

"We need to check into the two tomorrow, I will study my Hypnotism tonight and we should talk to the boss, and convince him of the danger.

GM: I took money off for a week of the private room and added 33 gold.

[scottjen]

Fydmar
Will buy his companions drinks to celebrate their returning alive. And whatever is hot and smells good to eat.
10gp deducted

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Thank you Fydmar, most generous my friend. I've been working on a poem and I see if we can find a bard to put it to some music. It's about our exploits to the quarry.
Durgo pays for 2 weeks stay but most likely will need more. He sets up a deluxe room if available. 180 sp. deducted. (-9 gp if my conversion is correct.)

Durgo will see if he can find a bard to work with that will do it justice.

Brave heroes seven, on a quest so true,
Durgo, Fydman, Brother Symeon too,
Ozzie, Meatloaf, Plantie, and Lemmy bold,
And BabeRuth, the donkey, they called their hold.

They journeyed forth to the north of Helix fair,
To mine for silver and silk so rare,
Into the forest they did tread,
Where dangers lay in wait ahead.

At the Xvart mining camp, they met,
Blinky and Carkden, the Xvarts, and yet,
Their mission was not yet complete,
For they sought the Chief's audience, to entreat.

Trakratos, the Chief of the Sinkhole mine,
Received the heroes with a gaze so fine,
They shared their tale of trials and strife,
And their quest to secure mining rights and life.

The ogre, ghost, and cockatrice they did defeat,
Salamanders, wights, and golems did they meet,
Cave fishers and willow wisp did cross their way,
But they fought with valor, and won the day.

Meatloaf almost drowned, in the stagnant pool,
With ghostly apparitions that played it cool,
But the party stood strong, and gave their all,
For the sake of the mission, they would not fall.

In the end, the deal was made,
To mine for silver, in exchange for trade,
The heroes were hailed, as they made their way,
Onward to new adventures, come what may.

So raise a glass, to these brave souls,
Who faced their fears, and reached their goals,
Their deeds will be sung, for years to come,
The heroes of the north, whose mission was won.

An appropriate fee for sure.

OOC - Generated from my input to Chatgpt.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Durgo meets up with Brother Symeon to see if he can join him when he goes to settle up on the mining expedition either at St. Ygg and/or the Old Manse.

Brother Symeon, I'd like to join you if you don't mind when you go to settle up your arrangement for the silver at St. Ygg and/or the Old Manse. I'd like to work with you on making this a regular job or if your moving on to maybe get your blessing to do it myself.

[Spearmint]

Durgo

Thank you Fydmar, most generous my friend. I've been working on a poem and I see if we can find a bard to put it to some music. It's about our exploits to the quarry.

see Tributes & Memorials thread.

C. Tributes to Expeditions

Helix and Iron guard Motte are populated by those willing to travel here to find something... more. The legends, in tale and song, that arise from expeditions into the wilderness are popular tavern fare. If a dramatic tale or song is composed and told in the tavern (written and posted by a player from the expedition), the teller gets 100xp and everyone on that expedition gains 50xp. [A 4d6 vs CHA check will be made by the GM, modified by the quality of the post, to see if it is catchy enough. If it succeeds, the XP is awarded and the tale will be immortalized in the bard's tales thread. If it fails, they get heckled instead. The group can pay 100gp to a minstrel in the tavern and ensure the test passes instead. Only one test per expedition.]

So make a [4d6] vs 12 Charisma check, succeed and gain extra xp, fail and get heckled offstage by the unimpressed local yokels. Or pay Bublé the bard -100gp to ham it up for you with jazzy accompaniment and sound effects as it is retold and be immortalised in word and deed across the Duchy taverns and cultural hotspots.

[Cwreando]

Durgo

Drugo will find Bublé the bard and pay 100 gp to showcase the poem in song. "I've been working on a poem and thought you might be able to put it to music.
Here is 100 gp for your assistance." Durgo pays the money up front. -100 gp