DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Hall of Fame - Latest Top 10 completed games LMP: Lost Mines of Phandelver N-Intro-Driftwood Inn

DM

The Driftwood Tavern in Neverwinter is both an inn and tavern that caters mainly to longtime locals. Madame Rosene takes pride in having kept its doors open since before the Spellplague. When the cataclysm struck, innkeeper Madame Rosene, a serious woman now in her late fifties, sheltered refugees within her walls. The Driftwood offered people a makeshift city hall and gathering place during the troubled years.



Madame Rosene and her regulars have filled the inside of the tavern with bric-a-brac, curios, and relics of Neverwinter before its fall. The statue from a favorite fountain stands in a corner. A wineseller’s planter boxes, filled with flowers, brighten the walls. A knob and a knocker from a noble’s estate are attached to the privy door. Ornate doors pulled from the wreckage make fine tables; unbroken panes of stained glass hang overhead as chandeliers, lit by hundreds of carefully placed candles. Though the decorations have been salvaged from all over the city, the tavern does not feel junky, and no one thinks Madame Rosene is taking advantage of Neverwinter’s fall. Quite the opposite—the Driftwood is considered a monument to old Neverwinter, like a dusty painting of a beautiful girl hanging above the deathbed of an aged noblewoman.

Prices for room and board at the tavern are high. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection, rather than boisterous merriment. The Mintarn mercenaries stay away, preferring to eat and drink at the Moonstone Mask or some other cheaper place. Visitors to the city stop at the Driftwood to marvel at the museum of objects, or to learn about old Neverwinter from Madame Rosene for the (expensive) price of a drink and a meal.

You have been asked to meet up with Gundren Rockseeker here. Gundren is a dwarf and a friend. He has promised you work.


Madame Rosene is engaged in an animated discussion with a turbaned, Calishite merchant sitting at the bar. A few stools over are a pair of middle-aged humans. The larger of the two is wearing beige satin robes and the smaller man, who is bald, is wearing dark pants with a matching vest that covers all but the collar and arms of his white shirt. Both look well to do. The bartender serving them is a large, serious man - the type you want on your side in a brawl. A pair of tieflings, a man and a women, are drinking together at the far end of the bar and they're talking to a bubbly barmaid. Six common-folk eating at the big dining table. They seem to be by themselves, people who came in for a quiet, midday repast. Sitting in a far corner of the taproom are four people drinking with vigor. One's a pretty elven woman, a remarkable looking bow rests against the table and a quiver is strapped to her back. A tall, thin wearing a black velvet robe sits opposite her, his black goatee is waxed to a point. To his left is a giant-sized man with long blond hair held away from his face by a brass circlet. He's wearing fur pelts and has a battle axe that's nearly as large as the half-orc that rounds out the table. The half-orc is wearing black leather armor that is darker than the night. He has no readily visible weapons.

Into this scene several people wander in...

A dragonborn, a dwarf, a human, a half-elf and a tiefling. They all come in within a few moments of each other. It's as if they were all told to be here at the same time.

Karok Battlehammer

He'd been surprised at Gundren's request to meet. He of course knew him well, but they haven't spoken in a while. He suspected something of import. The words from the messenger had not sounded like a meeting for drinks.

Karok like most dwarves was stocky, standing barely 4' tall, weighing close to 200 pounds in his armor and as always carrying his battlehammer and shield with the symbol of his God emblazoned on it. His blue eyes scanned the room, his long blond beard swinging from side to side.

If he saw Gundren, he'd stride to him and take a seat, if not, he'd take a seat at a table away from others and wait.

[ooc: Will add a greeting if he's there]

Kriv Norixius

The massive figure of a Dragonborn strode into the inn, ducking carefully beneath the lintel. He wore an elegant suit of chainmail, masterfully crafted in imitation of the golden-gleaming scales which formed his reptilian skin. His eyes, nominally black, reflected the candlelight from the gleaming stained-glass ersatz chandelier above as they swept the room, seeking the Dwarf to whom all who bore the name Norixius owed so much.

He strode into the main body of the inn, moving with the coldly assured confidence of old nobility. An ornate signet ring gleamed on one of his thickset, taloned fingers, and at his back was scabbarded a massive hammer intended for battle.

There was little about his emotional state to be read from the scales of his face, but he did seem to radiate a cold disdain as he looked across the passel of humans, tieflings and singular species inhabiting the room. Not seeing the one who had sounded the call, he took up a position with lines of sight to interior and exterior doors, and set to patiently waiting for Gundren Rockseeker.

Jaliera



She steps into the inn, immediately sidestepping away from the door and she stands and scans the room, noting each person and their relative positions. She could easily be overlooked with her slim build and five feet two height, especially as her dusky skin and leather armour tend to blend into the background. Only her bright green eyes move as she looks around.

Further examination may reveal a rapier at her belt and the top of a quiver and a bow peeking up above one shoulder, although they are dwarfed by the backpack, looking large with bedroll and rope attached to the outside.

Her scan of the room has only revealed one dwarf and she sets off in his direction. One might be forgiven for expecting her equipment to impede her movement but either she is used to it or has a natural balance as her progress across the floor has a graceful flow.

She makes her way over to Karok, standing before him.

"Are you Mr Gundren Rockseeker Sir?"

Her voice, though mostly sounding local, has a trace of accent that suggests origins further afield. It is also a little breathy, maybe with excitement or nerves.

Karok Battlehammer

While waiting for a serving girl, he saw the slip of a girl approach him. He eyes her speculatively, raising an eyebrow when she asks for Gundren.

*Interesting.* he thinks. He did not expect anyone other than himself to be meeting his friend.

"I am not, but I am waiting for him." he rumbles his voice deep.

"Sit lass. We shall wait for him together if you don't mind my company."

"Ahh forgive my manners" he said standing and offering a bow.

"Karok Battlehammer."

Despite her size, she was at least a foot taller than he was.

Jaliera

She smiles at him, looking a little more at ease, and she shrugs off her pack, setting it down beside her as she takes a seat.

"Thank you Karok. I am Jaliera Kassan."

Her leg slides out from the table and she threads it through her backpack for safe-keeping. Her fingers lightly tap out a rhythm on the table top as she steals glances at her companion.

"Are you hiring on for this job too?"

She manages to find something to say.

Kriv Norixius

The name of the honoured dwarf, spoken clearly and nearby. His eyes fixed themselves on the speaker as fast as a viper, taking in the other dwarf as he, too, spoke up. It seemed that the debt of Norixius Keep was not the only marker called in by their ally this day.

He was over by the Dwarf's table in a handful of strides, and perhaps surprisingly, bowed deeply and with courtly grace to the two people present.

His voice was a deep, gravelly bass, but his words had the impeccable erudition of expensive tutelage.

"I beg your pardon, but I could not help but overhear mention of one Gundren Rockseeker. As I am here at the behest of that selfsame individual, I wonder if I might have the honour of your company as we await his presence? I hight Kriv Norixius, of Norixius Keep."

Karok

He shrugged.

"I know nothing of what he wishes. He is an old friend. I had hoped it was nothing more than to catch up on news. It seems it was not." he said eyes suddenly moving to look past Jaliera, his hand moving to the hilt of his battlehammer.

He let it go slowly when the Dragonborn bowed and spoke surprisingly eloquently.

Like he had done for Jaliera, he rose and bowed slghtly, looking up at the towering figure.

"Karok Battlehammer. And yes, sit yerself down so I don't have to crane my neck looking up at you as we wait."

"It seems my friend has been busy." he said waving a thick hand at a serving girl.

Jaliera

She is aware of someone moving closer even as Karok's eyes move, her ears already alerted by steps drawing closer. Her head swivels first around and then up as the fierce looking Dragon warrior stands beside her. Karok's initial reaction had been to lay a hand on his weapon; Jaliera is more inclined to duck under the table as she shies away from the dragonborn.

That is until he speaks, which seems to put Karok at his ease also.

The words of her mentor are clear in her mind.

**Never judge a book by its covers**

"I am Jaliera Hassan."

She manages a faint smile and her voice doesn't really quaver. She is glad that she hasn't had to face Kriv alone. She has to set aside her fears and any preconceived ideas because her whole future depends on doing a good job here.

Kriv

The Dragonborn lowered himself into a chair, mitigating the height differential but perhaps not quite as much as might be hoped. He inclined his head to the human female as she gave her own name, then answered the Dwarf's statement.

"Very. His name is honoured amongst my people, for we owe him much. I won't be going into too much detail in that regard, but suffice it to say that my services here to him, whatever they may be, I count as paid for many times over."

Kallista



A woman enters the bar shortly behind some of the other recent arrivals. She pauses in the entryway, glancing around the room. She is dark and exotic looking and she has a slight sardonic smile on her face as if she knows something others do not.

Her head turns as her ears catch a name, repeated more than once, from a certain area of the bar and she moves, well saunters is the best word for it, in that direction.

Sliding up to the small group containing a dwarf, human female, and a dragonborn she slips up next to the girl, one hand lightly touches the girl's arm, trailing lightly down her forearm as she offers a smile. Her voice, when it comes is a sibilant, throaty whisper.

"My pardon good people. I thought I heard the name of someone I seek mentioned here among you. Are you looking for Gundren Rockseeker as well?"

Something seems to move oddly behind her, and it is only at this moment those turning to face her can see the tail curling around her leg, not to mention the small horns jutting from her forehead.

Karok

He noticed the woman approaching and his eyes nearly bulged. As she introduced herself he was heard muttering under his breath.

"Ahh Gundren, what have you get yerself into my friend."

Then to the woman, he waved a hand dismissively.

"Aye, that we are. Join us. It is not like him to be late."

"I am Karok Battlehammer." he said looking warily down her leg where he spotted the movement.

Kriv

He turned at the sound of the fresh approach, and then just sat there, still, eyes taking in the new arrival, devilish horns down to wickedly animate tail. He held position like that for a number of heartbeats, and then simply shrugged.

"If Gundren Rockseeker is your vouchsafe, I'll not gainsay him. Be welcome, we shall await our ally together. Know me as Kriv Norixius, of Norixius Keep."

Jaliera

Another person joins their group, this one even more unsettling that Kriv but in an entirely different way, especially the intimacy of that touch from a stranger. The shiver is involuntary.

The first two she met both gave their names but the newcomers has yet to do so, so for now she stays quiet.

Kallista

She chuckles at the shiver she can feel through her fingertips. "Shy one, aren't you? I like the shy ones."

Turning to the others she replies. "Karok, Kriv", her head tips at the speaking of each name in a sort of formalized recognition. "My name is Kallista, but you can call me 'Despair' if you like."

She looks back at Jaliera with a grin. "Come on little one. I don't bite....., much. What is your name?"

DM
The barmaid didn't seem to notice the newcomers and that triggers a throat clearing from Madame Rosene. The barmaid then seems to notice the new customers, excuses herself from the conversation with the tiefling couple and moves with exaggerated haste towards the dragonborn, dwarf, human and tiefling.

"Hi!"

She raises her right palm and waves it quickly, looking rather silly. Then as if that wasn't enough, she follows it with a childish giggle. She didn't look like any child, though. She was all woman and she seemed to know it.

"You're new! Welcome, welcome! What can I get you all? Food or just drink? We've got some tasty mutton today! Can I temp you?"

Jaliera

This.. woman unsettles her. She is not sure how she should respond but if she is going to be working with these people she should at least be polite and professional.

She is about to answer and then the barmaid arrives. She is not sure what to say to her either. Are the others eating here? Who is going to pay? Do they each pay for their own.

Best to wait to see what the others do. This place might be expensive.

So instead she turns to Kallista, assuming that the 'Despair' name she offered was just for effect. Who would have a name like Despair anyway?

"I am Jaliera Kassan."

She nods politely.

Kriv

As the barmaid approaches, he watches her approach, weighing her words.

"I could go for the mutton. That, and an ale good enough to get me recommending this place to those I favour. And I'd like the mutton rare, if you please."

Kallista

"Jaliera", she repeats, with the same formalized nod of the head. She says the name as if she is tasting it. She hasn't used, or even repeated, anyone's last name, and she did not offer one for herself.

"Nice to meet you." The yellow cat-like eyes linger on her.

The barmaid's arrival causes her to turn her attention that way, and away from Jaliera.

"Just a glass of wine for me, thank you." She says to the barmaid.

Glancing around the room she muses softly, though out loud, "I don't suppose there are any takers for a game of Wizards and Wenches?" Wizards and Wenches being a fairly scandalous card game that can be played in a 'tame' version simply for money, or in it's most disreputable version that can include extremely personal acts of all sorts.

Karok

He could see how the horned one was affecting the young girl. It was none of his business, at least not yet, so he let it go.

"Ale for me lass." he said deciding to pass on the mutton for now.

He chuckled at the mention of the game.

"Not me. Not me kind of game."

Kriv

Looking at the Tiefling, his scaled face betraying little if any emotion, he deadpanned, with the merest hint of disdain in his voice,

"You're right, I don't suppose there are."

Jaliera

She listens to the others give their orders considering what she might order for herself, and how much it was likely to cost. She has no idea what this game is that Kallista is suggesting but suspects that she wouldn't like it; besides this is surely not a time for games?

She wants to be accepted by this disparate group, wants to be liked but not at the expense of being something she is not. Either they accept her or they don't.

"How much is the mutton stew please?"

Barmaid

"The mutton is eight silvers but it comes with a healthy serving of roast vegetables and a pitcher of the finest ale north of Waterdeep."

She turns to Kallista and says, "Would the house wine be to your liking? I've not heard any complaints about it. We do have some fine wines but those are all sold by the bottle."

"Oh, and if it's a game of chance you seek, Groch and Bom over there have been known to enjoy those." She indicates the half-orc and the barbarian at the table in the corner. "One thing, they are not good losers. They seem in a good mood today however. They've just returned after being away for a tenday. Word is they cleared out a fire giant lair at Mount Hotenow and now they seem to have extra gold that wants to burn a hole in their coin pouches."

Jaliera

Eight silvers is a lot to her but a hot meal would be good. She doesn't know what will be happening; maybe they'll leave from here or maybe she will go home after the meeting. Either way she will miss a meal.

"Yes please, I will take the stew."

And whilst she is communicating she turns to the dwarf.

"Would you buy a second ale from me for a silver?"

It will offset the cost and as she doesn't touch alcohol, it is no loss to her.

Kallista

"House wine", she replies, then glances to the other table. "Anyone want to come gamble a bit with me?" She asks those present. "No telling how long until Gundren shows up."

Karok

He gave Jaliera a toothy grin.

"Aye, be glad to lass. I think you and me going to get along well." he added with a chuckle.

Then his attention turned to the other woman.

"I could be up for a game." he said getting up. "Perhaps they play some Three Dragon Ante. Do ye know the game yerself?"

Kallista

She smiles. "Indeed I do." She replies, a bit relieved that someone else would be coming with her in case of trouble. "Shall we see?"

She turns to head over to the other table, calling back to Kriv and Jaliera. "We'll be right there when Gundren shows."

Arriving at the other table, she stops. "Groch? Bom? My name is Kallista, and this is Karok. The barmaid told us you might be interested in a game? My friend likes 3 Dragon Ante. Do you play?"

Jaliera

She smiles at Karok, feeling that maybe this will all come together after all. She is also torn between going to watch the games, she might learn something, and this new found freedom and independence she has even for a short while begs to be lived - and staying here with Kriv, especially with their meals ordered. She also feels it would be impolite to leave him on his own.

So she nods to Kallista, still unsettled by her but admiring her confidence. Maybe she could learn something from her too?

Not sure what to say to the large dragonborn beside her, she just smiles instead.

Kriv

Looking down at the little human woman, he offered her the closest approximation of a kindly smile that a toothy draconic maw could muster.

"So, Jaliera. If we are to be colleagues in whatever scheme the esteemed Gundren has planned, it would make sense for us to be cognisant of each other's abilities, and those of our gambling colleagues in due course. I am something of a student of history, and have been trained in the duties of the nobility as befits my place as heir to Norixius Keep, including the arts of warfare. May I ask what Gundren sees in you?"

Jaliera

She thinks how well spoken Kriv is. That has certainly surprised her but then given what he has just said, it makes sense.

"I have never met Gundren so I don't expect he sees anything in me.. yet."

She likes that last touch. But then Kriv has been forthcoming with her and so it would be polite to reciprocate.. and professional as she agrees with him that it makes sense; so she elaborates.

"My mentor knows Gundren though. He has been training me for exploration. Warfare is not my speciality but I can use a bow and a rapier. I am quite good at getting into and out of places. I also know history and a number of languages and hope to prove myself useful."

She hopes that sounds confident. It is a question she had been expecting, though from Gundren.

Chandan

Next to the large, copper-hooded fireplace, a pile of blankets twitched and groaned. Presumably complementary blankets at first glance, now it seemed as though they were occupied.

A grubby old man, Easterly in appearance, crawled out from under the blanket. His long grey hair was unkempted and matted into coils, and his beard was going the same way. His clothes were rough, threadbare and earthy coloured (as in, coloured by dirt).

He looked like a smell.

This was contrasted by a rather fine silk scarf, in bold red and yellow, that he wore around his neck.

Bleary-eyed, he staggered over the table where Kriv and Jaliera sat and collapsed into a chair. He looked at the other two, then sank further into the chair with another groan.

Jaliera

She is startled by the appearance of the odd looking old man that has just joined them. And her nose wrinkles. She looks at Kriv with raised eyebrows wondering if this is someone he knows. But maybe the man is hurt?

**If you want to know something, ask the right question.**

Again her mentor's voice sounds in her head.

"Sir? Are you hurt?"

That seems like the right question.

Kriv

He turned to assess what to all appearances looked like a mendicant vagrant imposing its company upon them, nostril slits narrowing as if to attempt to lessen the affront.

"By what right do you dare claim a place at this table, stranger? By what name are you hight?"

Chandan

"I gave birth to myself the second time around. It was very painful!" He rasped in reply to Jaliera, looking weakly around the room with bloodshot eyes.

To the Dragonborn, he answered, "Perhaps I dreamt it, but did I not hear the barmaid offering drinks for the thirsty?"

Kriv

His black, reptilian eyes narrowed, and he inhaled deeply, angling his head away from the man then moving back in line.

"The barmaid is over there. If your business is with her, then by all means go and carry it out. We will not detain you here."

He looked at Jaliera, his scaled features doing their best to radiate disappointment and a modicum of disapproval at her words.

Jaliera

The look from Kriv suggested that she had not asked the right question. Furthermore, the man's response to Kriv's challenge seems to suggest he is either inebriated or delusional.

She is about to challenge his tale, asking how someone could birth themselves and at such a.. late stage in life.. but perhaps she should not try to prolong the conversation any longer as Kriv has already suggested that the man leave.

[Sorry, cross-posted with AJ. Edited above and clarified.]

Chandan

His frowned as he tried to focus on the barmaid across the room, as if she perhaps stood on a distant peak, separated by cloud-veiled gulf.

"Yes..." He said unsurely, nodding and wincing to Kriv.

"But you know what I can't stand?" The old vagabond asked anyone.

DM

Kallista and Karok make their way over to the table where Groch and Bom are. The other two people sitting with them, he elven woman and the slick, dark man with the waxed goatee, glance at each other for a moment. With a knowing nod of the head, the man says, "And our gold is not good enough for you to swindle?" he says with a glance over to the elf.

Before anyone else can answer, Bom, the barbarian, grabs a large furry purse and slams it on the table. The purse itself is magnificent looking, made of several different colored furs sewn together expertly. He opens it and with his gigantic hands reaches inside, almost impossibly deep, and pulls out some of the treasure that the bag contains. Gold necklaces and other trickets of glittering gems dangle between the fingers of his gauntlet. He turns his hand palm up and opens it and with his other hand he pushes aside large diamonds and emeralds to select 10 platinum pieces. He clenches his fist again and puts the excess jewelry back into the bag before pushing all of the platinum coins towards the center of the table.

"We will start small," he says.

The half orc smiles broadly revealing his sharp fangs and asks, "So, what is your game?"

Kallista

She smiles at the other two, then replies with a chuckle to the man with the goatee. "No. We will happily swindle your gold as well, if that is your desire. I just wasn't given your name by the barmaid. Or that of your Elven friend?"

She turns her head as the Barbarian rifles through his pouch, eyes widening slightly at what it contains. When he pulls out several platinum pieces and plunks them down, she stops reaching for the chair back. "I fear that I", she glances at Karok to see if he disagrees, "have not been as fortunate in my recent dealings as you clearly have. I can play for Silvers. Platinum is a bit out of my reach."

Kriv

He considered the vagabond's words before replying, biting back on his own.

"I am tempted to answer that question, but none of the answers I would give would amount to more than derogatory slurs as to your appearance and demeanour. As such, I advise you to seek out those who would give you a fairer answer elsewhere, or who would give ear to your own."

Jaliera

It might have been a few years ago now but she could remember when she was alone and on the streets, probably not looking much better than this man.. well probably not as bad.. but she does have some sympathy. However she doesn't feel that she should counter Kriv's authority.

As she looks at the scruffy man, she raises her eyebrows and shrugs slightly, looking at least apologetic.

Barmaid
She heads to the back and comes out with two large plates with vegetables piled high atop sliced mutton, servings worthy of the steep price, and brings them over to Jaliera and Kriv and places them down on the table. Steam rises from the plates.

"I picked out some rare pieces for you sir. I hope it's seasoned to your liking."

She looks over to the vagabond for a moment. He didn't look like he belonged with the other two but then she snapped out of whatever line of thinking she was having and asked, "Did I hear you are waiting for Rockseeker? Which one?"

Chandan

"I would, but I can't stand."

He makes a grumbling, groaning sound in the back of his throat -- a sort of laboured sigh -- and for a moment it looks as though he might be in danger of expiring right there at the table.

The barmaid's timely attendence perks the smelly old man up though.

"I once spoke with Gundren Rockseeker on the side of a mountain. That day he waited on me. Today I wait on him.

"Do you sell wine by the flagon?"

Kriv

He diverted his attention from the disreputable stranger to the barmaid, and nodded his approbation to her.

"Thank you kindly, your efforts are appreciated. And you are correct, the lady and I, together with our two associates over there, are indeed waiting for someone of that name. Has the gentleman in question left a message?"

Jaliera

As Kriv talks to the barmaid, she smells the aromas coming from the plate with appreciation. The portion size is somewhat on the large size for her. Then she listens as the scruffy man speaks again.

"Are you here to see Mr Rockseeker too?"

She cannot quite keep the surprise from her voice. Then she recovers herself to ask again.

"Sir, you say you can't stand - are you injured?"

She is puzzled because surely he walked over here in the first place?

Kriv

Draconic faces, by their nature, tend to be less expressive than mammalian ones, as scaled skin lacks the flexibility of the soft flesh common to most of the civilised races. With that in mind, it was nonetheless impossible to disguise the look of stunned disbelief that crossed the Nobleman's face as the mendicant named their patron.

"Oh, Gundren Rockseeker, what have you gotten yourself into?"

He leaned forward, massaging his temples with his right hand, and then looked at the vagabond, his tone edged with exceedingly reluctant contrition.

"I do wish you had said that you were waiting for him earlier, that would have saved us a great deal of trouble. I accept that any personal preferences are overruled by Gundren's intent in this regard, so by all means, be welcome at this table. I hight Kriv Norixius: What name are you known by?"

Kallista

She shrugs and turns to Karok. "Guess we need to find a game we can better afford."

Turning back, she returns to the table with Jaliera and Kriv, noting their new companion. "So, I see you've found a new friend Jali." She says, shortening the girl's name. "Or is this Kriv's buddy?"

She sidles up to Chandan, "My name is Kallista, though you may call me 'Despair'. My dwarf friend is Karok." As she reaches the man, the unwashed odor reaches her and she takes a step back. "Where have you been?" She asks.

Chandan

"I am Chandan." He answers Kriv, nodding in polite if shaky greeting. Then likewise to Jaliera, Despair and the not-Gundren dwarf, Karok.

"Old bones need oil for walking." Chandan says to the Calimshite girl with a cherubic smile.

"I have been in Katakoro Shan. Now I am here, as are you. We are the birds, and in Gundren Rockseeker's beard is our roost."

Jaliera

She is a bit relieved that Kriv is now talking to the old man. Chandan might not be fully right in the head but he seems pleasant enough and also might be their companion if Gundren hires them all. Then the others come back and their table is feeling crowded.

She withdraws a little, deciding that she should eat her food whilst it is hot, though she does make occasional eye contact and is obviously listening to the others as her eyes follow the conversation.

Kriv

He held off on trying to puzzle through the obfuscating metaphors of the stinking mendicant, turning instead to his meal and ale, fastidiously eating with an etiquette more often seen at a polite society banquet than a tavern repast.

Karok

He watched the barbarian and half-ogre show off their treasure and he shook his head as he turned with Kallista.

"That pair won't have that for long. Give them 2 weeks at most."

He returned to the table to find a new addition. Not one he'd expect, which only made him think that Grundren was truly desperate. Which wasn't a good thing.

Despair

She pauses at Chandan's reply, a bit puzzled, but shrugs and pulls up a chair on one side of the group, her tail curling around one of the chair's arms. Speaking to the table at large, she says, "So. Seems we're all here to meet Gundren. Maybe we should chat a bit. How about starting with how you all know him?"

Barmaid

"Oh. Gundren Rockseeker. Alright. There are three of them, you know. Brothers they are."

She giggles as the would-be gamblers returned to the table. She responds to Karok, even though he was not speaking to her."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, but they took that hoard from a red dragon that had been keeping a wakeful eye on it."

Looking back to the table which they just left, Karok and Despair see an amused look on the face of the quartet who then returned to the conversation that they were in before they were interrupted.

Jaliera

"I've never met him. He and my mentor know each other."

That nicely finishes that bit of conversation but she wants to hear what the others have to say, especially Chandan and his side of the mountain story - if it is true.

She goes back to eating her stew.

At the mention of a red dragon, the spoon pause mid flight and her head swivels around to look at the two gamblers. But the surprised expression fades into a frown. She doesn't believe it and turns back to her food.

Karok

He a bit more respect for the men hearing the tale. He could believe a dragon had been involved, of course that pair might have just got what they had at the expense of a dozen others who hadn't made it or from someone else. Of course on the other hand, the both looked physically formidable. If they had a few good friends especially a mage and a healer then perhaps.

He brought his attention back to the old man's question.

"My father knows him well, I've met him from time to time most of my life."

Turning his attention to his pair of mugs, he dipped into his small coin purse and produced the coins for the beer and slid some to Jaliera and some to the barmaid.

Kriv

He placed his eating utensils down, dabbed at his maw with an elegant kerchief, and then replied,

"All who abide in Norixius Keep owe him a tremendous debt due to his actions in our favour. I will not be going into precise detail on the matter. Suffice it to say that my people hold paying debts in full to be an absolute, and my presence here in answer to his call is a downpayment."

He resumed eating, in curiously genteel fashion.

Chandan

This was the fifth time that day the barmaid had ignored Chandan, but the manky old man was not offended and maintained an amiable, if hopeful smile while she was stood at their table.

In truth, to him it seemed entirely normal to be ignored.

He listened to the others with as much attention as he could muster, considering they were drinking and he was not.

Despair

She listens to some of the others tell how they know Gundren, nodding. Turning to the disheveled man at their table, she replies to something he said earlier, taking a stab at it's meaning.

"Girl", she says to the barmaid. "Bring the old man an ale. On me."

When the girl returns with the drink she takes it from her hand and places it on the table in front of herself, looking at Chandan. "If you tell me how you know Gundren. Without hyperbole. This is yours."

Kriv

He did not pause in his repast, but he did watch the proceedings between Despair and the vagrant with interest, and perhaps a hint of approval.

Jaliera

She smiles at Karok and take the coin as agreed. Then having eaten about two thirds of the meal, she puts down her spoon, full now. She isn't sure whether she should offer the remainder to anyone, they might be offended, but seeing Chandan sitting opposite she thinks he might be needy enough and there was a time she would have been happy if someone made that offer to her.

"I cannot eat any more. Would anyone like to finish it? It is very good."

She looks at Chandan although the offer was to anyone

Chandan

It wasn't that the barmaid was a bad barmaid. She'd only ignored him five times after he'd admitted he had no coin. And they had found him sleeping on the doorstep when they opened up that morning, so perhaps they felt they'd already provided one night's free stay.

Innkeepers could be capricious in their business dealings, but Chandan was all the more fond of them for it, and never had a bad word to say about any keeper of an inn, tavern, hostelry or other taproom.

When he saw Jaliera's left-overs, his stomach grumbled, "Waste not, want not. Wise saying. Perhaps I could...?"

Despair had the ale though. By nature he was a wine drinker, but some of the ales he'd found in the North were stronger than the wine!

"A sad tale. A sky burial on the mountainside. Gundren mourned and was grim, for he did not understand this way. The way of the dwarves is of tombs beneath the earth and preserving this one form.

"He asked me many questions in those days, and that is how I know him."

Chandan shrugged, lightening the mood a little. "Still, no convincing some people. 'Bird-scattered, bird-crappered' so they say, and they not lie!"

Jaliera

Her lips twitch slightly at his tale.. and his odd way of talking.. but she pushes the plate over to him.

Barmaid
The barmaid returns with the ale for Chandan. She also brings a small plate of crackers that are topped by various chutneys, jams, cheeses and fruit. It's not a large plate, but certainly nice for the price, since it was free.

"Madame wanted you to try some samplings."

She left it on the table, turned and walked away.

Despair

She smiles slightly and pushes the ale across the table to Chandan. "Thanks." She says. Stopping the waitress before she can leave she asks, "Three? Where are the other two?"

Kriv

His eyes flicked from Chandan to Despair a couple of times, but seemed satisfied that the terms of the transaction had been met, and directed his efforts to finishing the food placed before him. Once complete, he placed the utensils together at the centre of the plate and once more applied the kerchief to mouth and those fangs which by nature rested outside his lips.

He did not comment on Jaliera's charity, his expression generally neutral this time. He looked at the plate of crackers, intrigued, and commented to the barmaid,

"Our thanks to Madame."

Obliged to accept the offered hospitality of the one under whose roof they presently resided, he picked out a chutney-topped cracker and consumed it, savouring the flavours.

Chandan

It's said that the gnomes of Gond make the most accurate time-pieces in Faerun.

If such a time piece was at hand, it would record that Chandan drank his tankard of ale in 3.17 seconds.

He reverently placed the empty on the table.

"Very nice, thank you." He said to Despair, then inspected the plate of left-overs, making happy clucking noises.

"Ah yes, thank you, thank you."

He bowed his head to Jaliera, Kriv, Karok and Despair in turn.

"This is good company. I am honoured."

Chandan also bowed with a sincere smile to the barmaid, "And the blessings of the Four Elements on this house and its keepers."

If a moment presented itself, he'd ask Despair and Karok of their Gundren tale.

Barmaid

"The other two? I'm not sure about what happened to any of them. I just remember seeing the three of them here a tenday ago. They seemed very excited about something and they finished about a dozen pitchers of ale and ate like horses. They were quite the happy lot."

Davroar



The larger cities make him nervous at times. There are too many sounds and people to count, but at least his thick furs hide his nervous movements to some extent. It will take him awhile yet to acclimate to so many people around after two and a half years alone in the wilderness.

The setting sun warms his youthful face with a thin covering of stubble. One day he hopes he can have a full beard much like his father, but for now on his sixteenth summer, he can only wait for it to grow. Turning a corner he finally finds the Driftwood Tavern the tabby had described to him after he got lost for the second time.

Throwing back his brown bear fur hat sewn to reveal his long jet-black hair, as he steps inside he takes a moment to let his turquoise-coloured eyes adjust to the rooms lighting before proceeding further in. He had met Gundren Rockseeker only once before, where he had helped calm a distressed horse that he owned. Barely met, the dwarf offered him a job and to told Davroar come to here. Davroar just wished that Gundren gave better directions, but luckily it seems he is not here yet.

With a friendly smile to all who do look his way, he walks over to the closest available stool at the bar hoping to get the attention of the bartender.

Jaliera

She watches Chandan in fascination as he quaffs the ale in one, wondering if he eats just as quickly. She smiles at the barmaid when she offers the crackers, thinking they looked nice but she is just too full now to eat one.

As a draft from the door draws her attention, she sees another interesting figure enter.. and someone who is similar to her in age by the look of him.

Her attention then moves back to the group she is with, hoping that more people would tell of what they know of Gundren.

Bartender

The burly barkeeper moves over to his new customer. The man was not easily surprised by the looks of any patrons.

"What can I get for you?" he says to Davroar.

Chandan

He inspected each morsel like a jeweller, holding it up to his eye, sniffing it and then reflecting on the smell, as if they each conjured up some potent memory. Or maybe he was committing it to memory?

Either way, he ate it.

Chandan looks up and around the table, then to the bar and the furclad wilding.

"Ah. Must be number six! Six is a good number, service, duty, defence. Five is lucky but unpredictable. Gundren would choose six." He said, chewing happily.

Kriv

He looked at the vagrant, intrigued, then at the youth clad in barbarous garb.

"You believe Gundren called in that young human as well? What brings you to that conclusion?"

If this pauper had some kind of prescient insight, then Gundren's call for him made considerably more sense. Even if it was more mundane deduction, if it was a correct one it was worth noting. If it wan't? That was also something to keep in mind. The Dragonborn kept his expression neutral.

Davroar

"Hello sir", he says with a bit of a dry voice to the bartender, "a light ale please, and perhaps you know Gundren? He's a dwarf. Said I could find him here."

Chandan

"Northern man wears a Northern brown bear. Local to these climes perhaps, but not a city-dweller. If he came to sell skins, furs, forage, he would sell them at market. If he came for leisure, he would find a place not-so august.

"If Northerner had been here before, he would know tables are waited, but he walked straight to bar. From his face, he recognise no-one.

"So why he here?"

Chandan was sniffing at a pickled herring. This one didn't seem to resonate with him.

"This is for eating?" He asked Kriv, who seemed like an expert of the repast.

Jaliera

Her head follows the direction of the conversation, certainly if she ends up travelling with this group if will at least be interesting.

When Kriv challenges Chandan to back up his conclusion, she is very interested in his reply, following it through logically, the investigator in her appreciating his deductions. She nods, a small smile on her face.

Kallista

She too listens to Chandan's reply to Kriv with interest. At the end, she glances at the newcommer in time to hear the man ask after Gundren.

She turns back to Chandan and tips her wine to him and offers him a wry grin. "So. It is true what they say. Do not judge a book by it's cover."

Jaliera

She looks sharply at Kallista as she finishes speaking. That is one of her mentor's sayings. Does Kallista know her mentor? No, that is most unlikely she concludes. It is a common enough saying after all.

Kriv

the noble scion gave Chandan an appraising look, but nodded acceptance of his words, almost seeming pleased at the answer.

"Well said and well reasoned: The evidence does point to him coming in here for the first time and to meet with someone. Let us cap speculation with truth, and see if you are right. Oh, and that? Looks like some kind of fish. Probably edible."

With that, the Dragonborn drew himself back up to his full height, rising from his chair, and striding towards the Northman at the bar. When he was in easy earshot,

"Your pardon, warrior. But seek you Gundren Rockseeker?"

Chandan

Trusting Kriv's advice, the old dirtbag gobbled the pickled herring. Happy surprise was written across his face as he chewed.

He showed admiration for Kallista's adage, nodding enthusiastically.

"Ah yes yes! Better to judge a book by its ending. No good book ever had bad ending!"

Chandan gestures to the tiefling and Karok.

"How so you know Gundren Rockseeker?"

Jaliera

Now she is torn between listening to see if Kallista answers and watching Kriv approach the newcomer. Her head movements increase.

DM

Finally Gundren Rockseeker enters the tavern. Several heads turn at his arrival, which is to be understood since they've been waiting for him to show up.

The dwarf spies the table where the majority of his hirelings are waiting and makes his way there. As he moves there, with a wave of his arm he signals to all the others waiting to meet him to join him at that table.

Kallista

She glances at Chandan when he asks his question, hesitating. She begins to open her mouth to say something when the subject of the question enters the inn. Her expression turns to a grin and she turns in her chair to wave back, settling back quietly.

Kriv

"...Because that's him now."

And about-face, back to the table. If the Northman was truly seeking Gundren, that would shortly become apparent. He bowed low in respectful obeisance, then resumed his seat, watching the dwarf intently.

Davroar

His eyes widen when the large dragonborn approaches him, almost taking a step back to the door until he mentions Gundren.

"Yes, yes, I am..." He stops in mid-sentence as Gundren Rockseeker suddenly walks in and directs everyone over to the table.

Following the tall dragonborn, he finds a chair to pull up to the table. Resting his staff between his legs and the tables edge, he gives a small wave to everyone, and quickly says, "Hello, I'm Davroar."

Looking over the diverse group of people, he wonders what this is all about. His eyes finally settle on Gundren, after perhaps looking a bit too long at the pretty brunette. Silently he wonders if all of them are looking for the same job or if these people are just the dwarf's friends.

Jaliera

And their numbers grow yet again. Jaliera is particularly interested in both newcomers though. Davroar because he is a human male of a similar age.. easy on the eyes but interesting looking.. and Gundren because he is the main feature.

She catches Davroar's glance, a little extra colour to her cheeks, and responds to him.

"I'm Jaliera."

And manages a shy smile.

Chandan

He nodded and smiled to the new arrivals, but sat quietly, closed his eyes and said nothing as it was Gundren's time now.

Gundren

Once everyone was huddled up at the table, the dwarf began to speak. "Thank you all for coming. I've got a job for you. The pay is not great but I can't afford much more at this time."

The dwarf seems very rushed and excited when he places a pouch filled with coin on the table. "It comes out to about 10 gold per person, which is a fair rate for the work I'm offering. It's a simple task, to escort a supply wagon to the town of Phandalin."

Work in Neverwinter is difficult to come by and the cost of living is soon to drain you of your gold. This, to you, sounds like a fair offer for easy work. You've also heard that jobs like this, if they turn out to be difficult, often result in greater reward in the form of loot and treasures found.

"You'll be taking this stuff to Barthen's Provisions in Phandalin. He'll give you an additional 10 gold per person when you deliver the wagon. Are we agreed?"

Karok

Dwarves were not big on subtleties or inuendo so he listened then leaned forward in his seat an eyebrow raised.

"Aye, I be agreed and I suspect from what I've heard all will be. But ye keep something from us or I'm an elf maiden in disguise. It seems as if favors have been called in and regular caravan guards could be brought in for far less than this."

"So, I'll not change my mind about going, but what else have ye not said?"

Kriv

The Dragonborn inclined his head in solemn acceptance.

"For the honour of Norixius Keep, I am in agreement."

He watched Karok's reaction with interest, and listened for a response if one was forthcoming. Whilst the nature of the debt meant refusal was anathema for the nobleman no matter what caveats or additional dangers there might be, the same was not necessarily true of the others, be they doing this for coin, friendship or self-interest.

Kallista

She shrugs. "Doesn't matter to me why we're being offered the job. I trust Gundren enough to not suspect anything untoward. Plus, I know I can use the gold. Besides, living is cheaper in small towns and on the road. If it gets me out of paying these prices" she waves a hand around the inn, "I'm in."