Welcome to Heranmar!! [DM Jerry] Sunday July 11th, 2021 10:00:37 PM
The blustery wind blows, flapping the sails of your ship as the sun rises and you are filled with excitement or at least relief as the shore of the Southern Continent comes into view.
"Ships Ho!" Comes the shout from the lookout. It seems your large boat is not the only one arriving this day as there is another of similar size in the distance.
For the "Next Horizon," which made the "Long Voyage" south from Plateau City of the northern continent of Yrth, it has been months. For the "Bold Venture," coming from Hook City to the east and the Southern Continent it has been about a week. On both ships, the passengers try to stay out of the way of their crew while taking in the sights.
In the distance stands a walled town that from this distance seems small. In the early morning you see fishing boats already beginning the days work--every sail marked with a personal protective sigil.
As you grow closer, a bell begins to ring and shortly you see folks racing along side several wagons from the town to meet not one, but two boats!
The two great sailing vessels are given the pride berths of the Docks, and everyone can hear Gwenlian the Pier Manager sending directions to boats and people. Her knowledge, authority, and well-muscled figure gets instant respect and action! Soon enough, both ships are snug and tied and a plank is laid for passengers of each vessel, and a line of stevedores are hauling bundles from the sleek ships hold.
As you exit your ship, Gwenlian personally meets each passenger, noting origin and purpose in Heranmar in a gruff but friendly-enough manner:
“Through the blessed Sea Gate, to port is the Tradehouse to get work or trade. Starboard is the Bottom Feeder Inn.” She touches an amulet on her neck. “Hope the Crones give you good omens. If you are interested, get to the Tradehouse, because today is Nymph Day, the most popular day of trading in Heranmar!”
----- [Jerry: See the email I sent. :) Welcome to the game! Finally!]
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Sunday July 11th, 2021 10:49:04 PM
A great brown frog, as big as a human, stands impassively as it watches the approach to town from the deck of the Bold Venture. It's white underbelly stands out against the brown skin and wooden planks of the ship and a small, ursine beastfolk stands next to it, half hidden by it's forelimb. His short brown fur is much lighter then the dark brown of the frog and he looks about nervously, almost clinging to the frog until an annoyed croak makes him move over some. The ursine beastfolk has strange wings growing out of it's back, like a insects but much to small to actually help with anything and they flutter nervously.
As the ship pulls up the frog just sits impassively, waiting for the crew and the first wave of disembarking passengers to clear out of the way before it hops towards the gangplank. It's sudden movement sends the beastfolk scrambling after it. The pair go directly to Gwenlian and the massive frog opens it's mouth to speak. "Religious pilgrimage. From nowhere in particular."
The hurries to elaborate nervously. "I'm Teddy, this is Gore'thum. We came from the wilds a ways out from Hook City. Gore'thum says you have a temple here we can pay respects to the master at." His nervously fluttering wings may give a hint as to who that master is (daily warper sar mutation if anyone knows enough about local powers to identify that)
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 Monday July 12th, 2021 8:09:32 AM
A human man walks from the Next Horizon. He looks to be in his mid twenties with the left side of his face burned and is wearing an eye patch. He looks broody and his sleeveless top displays enough muscle to make a great bouncer. One shoulder has a tattoo of a scorpion on it. During the journey he never spoke much and practiced a strange unarmed fighting style form/kata over the weeks, always respecting people's space. He has a Morningstar across his back.
When he steps up to Gwenlian he has the same gruff but friendly-enough manner she does. "Bright day miss, I'm kristoph Morté, here to start a new life". As he waits for Tae-Che he gives the giant frog an incredulous look squinting his one good eye (like he doesn't quite believe it).
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Monday July 12th, 2021 10:37:35 AM
As the Bold Venture sails into port, Einar and his girlfriend Selene make their way on deck. Not trying to get in the way of the crew they overlook the harbor.
"See my love... a fresh start awaits... away from... ", but seeing the frown on Einar's face, Selene says no more.
"Yes... away from it all... time to get settled in... get a job. Maybe the local smithy has need for some extra hands... ", Einar says as he puts his arms around her.
They make a strange couple. Einar's scruffy looking... his beard unkempt sporting just travelling gear with a rough hide armor. On his back there's a basic Falchion. Selene though is actually quite lovely wearing a long light green dress. She has a long necklace with a pendant of Maab around her neck.
It's hard to hide the look on their face as they note the great brown frog with his nervous companion... the couple just don't know what to think of them...
As they disembark there's little belongings they need to wait for. Looks like the couple left Hook City without much...
Selene and Einar go to greet the Pier Manager Gwenlian. Again it's Selene doing the talking.
"Warm greetings m'lady. Einar and I come from Hook City hoping to settle in here in Heranmar. We are hoping to find a job and a place to live. Einar can work as a smith or would do well in the local militia." Selene has little actual working experience but still she hopes to get a job as well. "I'm a maiden of Queen Maab, good with kids and a decent cook... or perhaps there's a job to be found in a local tavern?"
In any case it's obvious the couple just wants to blend in... not cause any trouble and start a new life in Heranmar.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Monday July 12th, 2021 11:58:53 AM
Tae Che walks down to the harbor master quietly, her hood hiding her face as the brightness of the day has already begun to affect the drow's sight. She wears simple clothing of brown and black. She steps up to Gwenlian. "Work and living, M'Lady." Tae Che peers over at the large frog person with intrigue. She notes to herself what each of the others who came before her said.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Monday July 12th, 2021 1:50:21 PM
Snark watched aboard the Bold Venture as the ship pulled into the Heranmar port. He’d already given the ship’s captain his notice that he would no longer be part of the crew, and would be getting off the ship at Heranmar. The captain was a bit sore about this, going on about short notice and such. Whiner. That captain should have no trouble finding another carpenter to replace the little gnome.
Snark changed into green travelling breeches and robes. He ran a comb through his pale blue hair to make himself presentable. Then he packed up his things, and took his leave of the captain and crew as he followed the passengers off the ship.
Snark had watched the passengers on the voyage from Hook City. He sees the rough looking fighter and the fancy lady walking arm in arm. Unlikely couple, but pretty normal stuff. He was definitely keeping an eye on that big frog and the teddy bear - there’s nothing normal about a frog with a teddy bear familiar. Maybe the frog’s just a transformed wizard. Snark gives the creature a wide berth.
He listened to the Pier Manager. The little gnome cranes his neck to look up at the burly woman in charge from beneath his bushy eyebrows. He gestured to her with his little staff.
"Hey Gwen - can I call you Gwen? Where’s a fella need to go to find an adventuring group? I’m a little guy, an’ I can run into trouble on my own. My pap was a part of the Woldian League of Adventurers - do you have some o' them folk here? How ‘bout some druids? I usually find it’s a good idea to check in with the local druids afore venturing out into the wilds.
“Oh, and where can a fella get a good ale around here? The stuff we had aboard the ship was crap.”
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Monday July 12th, 2021 5:20:59 PM
Isaac watches the fishing boats as they sail pass. After a week on the boat he was ready to get off and on to solid land. The Half-elf was ready to begin a new life away from hook city and hopefully find a way to help people. He was dressed in a simple dark blue hooded linen shirt, brown linen pants and brown leather boots. As they approached Heranmar he gets ready to depart the Bold Venture going to his room and grabbing his backpack filled with his armor and weapons. As he waits to disembark he looks over the edge of the boat into the water catching reflection of his face. Blue eyes and a dirty blonde mop of hair being his most noticeable traits but at least like to think he was handsome.Still the scar from a knife wound on his right cheek soured his looks slightly. As he walked down the gangplank and watched as Gore'thum,Teddy and Snark talked to the Pier Manager he waited till they were done before introducing himself. "Isaac Harker pleased to meet you. I was hoping to start a new life here maybe join up with the local guards or work as an adventurer. If such things are available. Also is there a temple nearby."
Just That There's a Lot of Them [DM Jerry] Monday July 12th, 2021 11:33:17 PM
Teddy and Gore'thum are among the first ashore. Gwenlian looks at Teddy and says, "I....I....haven't seen a...um....your particular....example of the Beastfolk sir. Ignoring several around her clambering for her attention, she looks at Teddy closely...and Gore'Thum losing all that confidence for a second. "Sorry, I don't mean to gawk.....sir. It's good to meet...both of you. Teddy. Gore'thum." She nods and forcibly regains her composure. "Yes sir. There's only the chapel. Called the "Sanctuary of the Sea. Easy to find sir." She nods and then smile, moving on to the next dozen questions.
Kristoph introduces himself. "She nods smiling and says, "Bright morning to you, Kristoph! May luck rule your day sir." She points at the large gates down the road a bit as she rubs a very nice Joker Card hanging around her neck three times as turns to the next visitor."
The sheriff, badge and all, huffing and puffing a bit comes to a stop beside Gwenlian. "Sorry Gwenny. I'm here now. Wasn't worried, not at all."
"No problems so far Eugene sir," Gwendian answers. "Just that there's a lot of them. Is Ginifred ready for the onslaught?"
"Hope so, Lady Watcher permissing," says Eugene. He intones grabbing a small ruby around his neck and twisting it just so.
Gwenlian turns to Einir and Selene. "Welcome to Heranmar, Gateway to the Southern Continent. Most don't stay, but perhaps you two will." She smiles. "Nice falchion you got there Einir. Sorry miss, I don't have any openings for a cook at the docks maam. Luck to you." She flips the card hanging around her neck again.
Gwenlian nods to Tae-Che as she nods to her. She pauses as if about to introduce herself, then lets her pass. "Good luck to you.....maam?" She motions to the Town Gates down the road.
No such luck with Eugene. He steps in front of Tai-Che and says, "Welcome to town miss. I'm Eugene Sheriff of the Port of Heranmar. What brings you to town?"
Gwendian takes a step back with the onslaught of words that comes from Snark. The speed of his delivery causes her to drop her jaw in amazement. She shakes herself and answers. "I'm Gwendian, but you may call me Gwenny if you prefer. The Sheriff does even though I keep telling him we're not friends."
"NOT FRIENDS! HA!" Eugene barks from nearby where he stands with Tai-Che.
Gwendian continues. "The tavern is through the Town Gates and to port sir. Ask for Ralphus. Welcome to Heranmar sir! He'll fix you up sir!"
Harker introduces himself to Gwendian. She listens intently. "Welcome to town, Isaac! I'm Gwendian. Lucky to meet ya." She fingers her card.
"Hey Eugene! You may win the bet. Only 2 adventurers so far in this load! So you're still under. I'm feeling lucky!"
She turns back to Harker. "Oh sorry sir. No offense intended. Lots of newbie...I mean good folk come here to start their adventuring career. I mean this is where the Chaos Bell went off and is the home of the Children of Chaos group that saved us from that chaos. Course we got the Great Migration instead. You'll see a few of them still around these parts telling stories of the old days.
"OH! DON'T FORGET FOLKS, THIS IS MARKET DAY! BEST DEALS IN TOWN! STARBORD TO THE TRADE HALL!"
The sheriff chimes in, "Only deals in town."
Gwendian adds, "Do you get excited about anything sheriff?"
"I'll be excited when I know who's staying, who's leaving, and what trouble those that stay are causing," Eugene answers.
On the road, several wagons await offering to carry luggage and people into town. The sheriff climbs aboard one of them. Up the road ahead of you a small crowd of children with bells and baskets of flowers are being lined up beside the gate, but they don't seem to want to stay lined up.
On the other side, several carts with wares are pushed up into position.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 6:36:59 AM
Tae Che sighs visibly and takes down her hood to show her lightly pink hair in a braid and her steel gray skin. The sunlight strikes her green eyes and she squints from it. She addresses the Sheriff, "It's Miss and I have come to Heranmar to work and live. I wanted someplace new and far away from comfortable spaces. Is there anything else?" She thinks of adding some expletives in Woldian Below but decides not to add to issues already at hand.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 8:22:25 AM
Just as they are about to leave Einar and Selene overhear the conversation between Gwendian and Eugene about a bet on the amount of adventurers there are. Selene gives Einar a bump with her elbow while she nods to Gwendian again.
"Excuse me miss, what's that about 'adventurers'? " Einar asks.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:34:28 AM
(To clarify: Gore'thum is not a beastfolk, he's a normal toad except for being 5 feet tall. Teddy is my beastfolk PC)
Gore'thum somehow manages to look bored as everyone crowds around and stares. You would think frog facial expressions would be hard to read but nope. No doubt he gets this reaction a lot. Teddy seems intimidated and shrinks against the toads side hiding behind one of his legs. With an exasperated croak the toad shoves Teddy out of his hiding place causing the little beastfolk to stumble and almost fall. "Talk. Get used to people." the frog says in a tone of undefinable authority.
Looking like he'd just been thrown into a pit of wolves the tiny beastfolk looks about at everyone else and decides that Snark is the least intimidating. Approaching his fellow small sized visitor he says, "Um..... hi?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:45:08 AM
Once certain Teddy is following instructions the frog answers the only sort of asked question. "We will stay at least a few days. It depends on events. Teddy must learn, and this may be a good place to teach him."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 11:45:54 AM
Snark hears Isaac and Einar mention interest in the adventuring life. Yes! Two big folk! Snark's odds of survival just went up.
"Ahh, Sir Isaac, Sir ... Einar was it? My pap was an adventurer. The way I see it, we have better odds if'n we can stick together. I tried adventuring on my own - it ... didn't go so well. Let's head to that tavern Gwen mentioned, or maybe that market and I''ll buy you a drink. Chris, Tiechee, Selene - I got enough for a round a drinks."
Then he gives a side look at the frog as he says to the shy little bear, "Hey there pal - maybe you should come with us too."
Snark is clearly afraid of the talking frog, but he tries to be brave as he talks a little too loudly at the thing. "Oh, OK there Mr. giant frog guy. I'll watch over yer bear here. We can teach him stuff. You can go back to your frog place with ... with all the frogs an' stuff. OK. So, bye-bye froghemoth...you jes hop off now. Shoo. Go on. We're fine here an' all."
Snark will walk with the others over to the waiting wagons and climb aboard.
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 d20+7=21 ; Tuesday July 13th, 2021 1:11:28 PM
Kristoph steps aside politely and stands arms folded in a casual stance, he looks down like he’s lost in thought but secretly watches everyone from the corner of his eye.
”Everything Ok Sherrif Eugine?” He asks in the end. He pretends not to notice when they fiddle with their cards. (Sense motive: 21). If he feels they are extra nervous (more than he has experienced sheriff’s) he will ask more. Otherwise he will remember Eugine’s face and nod g’day.
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 4:55:25 PM
As she hears the talk going around all the others about adventurers, Tae Che perks up. She turns to Kristoph. "Would this adventuring thing give me...I think the word is capital...to start up a store later on?" She then looks to Snark.
"A drink of anything other than that swill from the trip down here will be a blessing, I'm in." Heading to the wagons, if the Sheriff allows her.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 9:25:54 PM
Isaac ask the sheriff quickly before he walks away "Mr. Sheriff Eugene was it? I was wondering where I might be able to find you later."
When Snark addresses him he responds warmly "Thank you for the invitation Snark. I would actually prefer the tavern for right now. I want to see if there is a room or someplace I can rest my head for the night before going to the market. With Nymph day upon us it will be our best time to get any extra gear we may need." He remembered the carpenter from the ship and was eager to learn a bit more about his proposal. He also wondered if there would be any sweets vendors at the market.
When Isaac see's small crowd of children with bells and baskets of flowers are being lined up beside the gate. He smiles. Must be a tradition out here he thought. He had always been swamped with work on Nyph day back home at the gates of Hook City so seeing some of the festivities was a welcomed sight.
Small on the Inside [DM Jerry] Tuesday July 13th, 2021 10:39:59 PM
As Tae Che shows her face, the Sheriff changes his attitude. "Didn't mean to mess with your business, maam, just doing my job. Welcome to Heranmar."
Einar asks Gwendian and the Sheriff to explain what they meant about "adventurers." Gwendian says, "We get a few that want to be adventurers every boatload. They usually don't stay. This area isn't usually fun and games. It's more "stay close to town for safety" kind of place. That and we're not as "glamorous" as the stories tell. They come, talk to the old retired Children of Chaos adventurers and hear the stories, see the town that started the last Great Migration and they move on. So Sheriff and I make over and under bets for how many will be on each ship that comes in. He's winning."
Gore'thum and Teddy talk to each other about bravery and talking to people.
Snark talks to Einir and Isaac saying that his dad was an adventurer. He also introduces himself to Gore'thum and Teddy offering to take care of Teddy and mentionint that Gore'thum should 'hop off now.' He walks to the waiting wagons and climbs aboard.
The sheriff replies to Kristoph. "Everything is fine sir. Welcome to town. I just like seeing folks faces." Kristoph begins to put together the clues and realizes that most everyone around the wagons are also saying "phrases under their breath," making signs with their hands, and fingering various symbols and items hanging from their necks, twisting something on their wrist, etc. Either they are warding off various fears or trying to avoid bad luck. This may be the most superstitious folk he's ever seen.
Tae-Che turns to Kristoph and asks him a question about "this adventuring thing."
The Sheriff walking to the wagons with the group turns back and yells, "Looks like you won after all Gwenny. Drinks are on me!"
Isaac turns to Sheriff Eugene and asks him where he can be found later. Eugene answers, "The Sheriff's Office is right next to the western gate. I are one of my deputies is always on duty there or by the southern gate at all times sir."
As the wagon passes by, four children come and plant a necklace of flowers on the corner post of each wagon and then gives the necklace a turn. "Did I do that right mommy?"
As you enter the town seems "small on the inside." Many must be here today from out of town as the housing looks like it would only hold a few hundred, if that--probably less. You do see some tents set up just inside all three of the gates.
The town is neat and busy. There is lots of activity, but most of it seems to be in the center of town where there's a large central stone building, and a conglomerate of connected buildings "across the pond" from it.
A board in the shape of an arrow points to the right from the initial 5 way intersection of dirt roads. It simply says "Tavern and Inn."
As you enter, a small very serious looking boy runs up purposely to Teddy, looks him up and down and says, "You need some warding. Here." He hands a small painted red stone and places it in Teddy's paw. He then looks Teddy in the eyes and scampers away.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Tuesday July 13th, 2021 11:12:44 PM
On another day Gore'Thum might be amused by Snark, but it was a long, dry journey for an amphibian with no access to fresh bath water and he's irritable. So he's highly offended instead. "Hrmph. Rude morsel. You vanish off to your gnome place with your all the gnomes and stuff. I doubt you have anything worth teaching my charge beyond bad manners."
Teddy wilts a bit at Gore'thum's disapproval of his choice of people to engage, but perks up at the mention of an inn. "Come on, lets get you cleaned up and less grumpy." he suggests to the frog.
Once at the inn he is handed the object. He immediately looks alarmed. "Warded? From what? Oh no is something after me? It's not a Grue is it? Oh no. It is isn't it?" Clutching the stone close he huddles into Gore'Thum, who is stopped just inside the door blocking the way in. Unable to pass without hitting his head or running over the smaller person the frog sighs and sends a glare at the kid before picking up the bearfolk and walking into the inn on three limbs. Placing him into a chair (that the beastfolk instantly curls into a ball in) he tries to console him. "I'm sure nothing after you. Even if something was, wards serve to protect you from things not draw them to you so you'll be safe from whatever it is."
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 5:06:38 AM
Intrigued with the 'adventuring' Einar and Selene follow along to the Inn. They need to make a living so if Einar would be able to make some money using his blade, Selene can try to find a job in town. They have some gold to get through the first weeks here in Heranmar but money needs to come in then.
From the sound of Gwendian's wording it seems the town of Heranmar is pretty boring... that's good news for that's exactly what Einar and Selene were looking for... a quite place for them to make a living and start a family perhaps...
For not Einar and Selene have no place else to go so they tally along to the Inn.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 12:11:30 PM
Snark pales and retreats a bit at being referenced as a morsel by a creature that could swallow him. He absently runs a hand through his pale blue hair.
Ugh. Snark you idiot. Yer here to make friends, not run em off or fight em.
"OK, so see Mr. frog guy, it's like this. I can sometimes get my mouth in gear before my brain's engaged. Not the first time. So I'm sorry I was rude - maybe we can start over? I'll buy you a drink. What do frogs drink?"
Snark will spend the wagon ride asking these people how to properly pronounce their names. He especially likes the girl with the pink hair and practices her name. He tells her, "Gnomes sometimes have pink hair too. Do ya think maybe yer part gnome?"
As we go he will fish out some flint and steel and light a pipe full of tobacco, careful to stay downwind of folks if he can. He offers some of his tobacco to the others if they also have a pipe.
Once we're in town, Snark looks upward at the sign pointing to the tavern. He gestures to it with his pipe. "Tavern and inn. I could use a good ale - first drink's on me." The little gnome heads that way.
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 4:20:49 PM
Walking to the wagons Kristoph answers Tae-Che: "It would probably be a stepping stone. I too seek somewhere new and far away from comfortable spaces. They do seem somewhat tense here though, like they fear a wrong word, or glimpse will conjure bad luck". He doesn't finish the sentence, seems he either was thinking allowed or he's a man of few words. Yet in silence he seems comfortable.
On the wagon he does however acknowledge everyone with a polite and respectful nod individually (if he ever finds anyone looking at him). His eyes roam the crowds, people, motives, always trying to understand the "WHY" and what makes people tick. He sighs to himself. Once a watchman - always a watchman? Maybe.
When Snark offers tobacco he thanks him and packs some in his own pipe. He puffs away and nods graciously "Good stuff. I'm Kristoph".
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 10:15:36 PM
Tae Che climbs aboard the wagon with the rest of the compatriots(?). When the gnome asks her a question, she's polite and responds, "I don't believe so, but you never know. Both my parents are elves." When the pipes come out, she shrinks back and moves to a place in the wagon that isn't affected by the smoke or smell.
Once at the tavern and Inn, she finds a large enough table for everyone to crowd around, looks to the bartender, if she can determine who it is, does a circle with her left pointer finger and points to the gnome.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Wednesday July 14th, 2021 10:54:58 PM
Isaac thanks the sheriff. As the wagons move through the town Isaac is starting to get the sense that the tales of caution and superstition he had heard were not exaggerated. He hopped that after Nymph day the good will would not disappear as well. He spots another face from the ship the couple Einar and Selene " Hello you two didn't get to talk to you too much on the way over. Any plans now that we're here? In the Tavern he sees the boy give Teddy the warding stone he feels something is off about the whole quick exchange he tries to watch where the kid runs off to. If he can't he finds a table with the others.
We're Keeping it Simple This Morning [DM Jerry] Thursday July 15th, 2021 12:22:55 AM
Many of the passengers, now visitors follow the sign to the inn and tavern, officially named The Bottom Feeders Inn.
Soon the place is packed, even though it is still early in the morning.
Ralphus runs the tavern. He has red hair and is....well hairy all over. ...and he doesn't wear shoes, his feet leathery like a halfling, though he is over 6' tall. His bass voice booms, "Ifn ya want mead, I have a bunch prepped over there. ::He points:: And yes it's made with local honey! Ifn ya want klah, since it IS MORNING, there are pots over there. ::He points again:: There's a buffet with breakfast stuff against the wall over there ::He points a third time:: We're keeping it simple this morning. Drop a silver for what you're drinking and the same for your meal. Ifn you're honest, we're good.
This is followed by a nice sweet soprano voice that carries because everyone kinda stops in shock at the power of Ralphus' voice. "I'm Ginifred, the lucky wife of that one. If you'd like a room, we'd love for you to stay with us. Just line up in front of my desk here." If you want a small apartment for a week or a month suitable for a family and furnished, head next door to the right or to the SW if you prefer a direction.
The Sheriff follows the crowd indoors and grabs a cup of klah, which he adds cream to. He stands out of the way and takes a deep breath.
Gore'Thum is "not amused" by Snark. Teddy guides him into the tavern to get him "cleaned up and less grumpy."
Snark apologizes...and offers to buy Gore'Thum a drink. On the way there, he strikes up conversations with pretty much everyone.
Kristoph watches people learning all he can about this new place and introduces himself to Snark.
Tae Che moves to avoid the pipe smoke and replies politely to Snark. She quickly finds an unoccupied large table before they are all gone and with a motion invites everyone to have a seat. She makes a motion with her hand and Ralphus walks over and sets the two meads in his hand before her. "Sorry maam. We're very busy right now so it is "grab your own."
Isaac notes the superstitious nature of the townsfolk. He addresses Einar and Selene as he watches the boy give Teddy the red stone. Feeling something is off, he follows the boy with his eyes as he runs over to his mom, who, it turns out is Ginifred. She pull him close and whispers in his ear for a bit. He listens, again very seriously, nods, and hands his mom his bag of red stones. She opens it and hands one back to him, which he puts in his pocket. She tussles his hair and he runs upstairs.
A line starts in front of Ginifred's desk as folks start asking for rooms. It is quite the crowd, but it seems that Ralphus and Ginifred have dealt with this before. The Sheriff walks over to Ralphus and says, "I'm headed over to the Tradehouse. Send a runner ifn you need me for something, Ralphus. I can't ever remember two passenger ships coming in on the same day before. Guess we'll be talking about this for quite a time. Blessings and protection my friend." Ralphus rubs his a tiny silver sickle then quickly removes his hand from it as if it is a habit he's trying to break. He leaves his steps quick and sure.
The breakfast is very good with biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage, and some red sweetfruit. The klah is fresh and strong. The crowd merry.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 12/12 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:51:15 AM
Gore'Thum gives the gnome another icy look as he apologizes. "You can start by calling me by name not 'frog' or 'Mr. frog'. I am Gore'Thum" He looks over at the food and drink being offered that he is incapable of serving himself since he doesn't have hands. "And getting us a plate of food each." he adds.
Kristoph (Stephen C) | AC 16 | CMD 16 | HP 10/10 Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:52:48 AM
Kristoph is enjoying the dry land again, he drops the two silver coins and tucks into breakfast and klah. "It strikes me there are a few of us here maybe looking to be hire swords, or similar. I am happy to team up with any of you should you wish company". Direct, blunt. That's Kristoph.
Einar (StevenVdB) - HP16/16 - AC17/13/14 - CMD 17 d20+4=16 ; Thursday July 15th, 2021 8:42:00 AM
Selene drops two silver for breakfast and klah for her and Einar and checks in with Ginifred to see if she and Einar can afford some small apartment for a month perhaps.
"We're planning to find a place to live here in Heranmar... do you know who we should talk to for that? You're not by any chance looking for an extra hand here in the Inn are you? ", Selene asks Ginifred.
Meanwhile Einar has settled in with the others and is already enjoying breakfast. They seem to be a merry bunch... he still can't quite lay his hands on Gore'Thum and Teddy... it's like Gore'Thum has his own companion Teddy-bear... or is it the other way around?!? But in any case it's obvious the frog's the most eloquent of them.
During breakfast he scans the room (perception 16)
Einar nods at Kristoph. He packs quite some muscle and from his looks it's obvious he's not one to mess with. "Never tried being a hired sword... where to begin?! It's not like there's a shop saying they rent out hired hands is there?! Not sure even there's much of that around here... from what Gwendian said earlier it seems the town is pretty quiet nowadays. But let's say... if there were need of some hired hands and if it would pay the bills then I'd be happy to see if I fill the requirements... "
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC13 T13 F10, CMD 10, HP 9/9 Thursday July 15th, 2021 4:18:32 PM
Snark doesn't much like this frog. He feels a little sorry for the teddy bear guy. He has no idea what a giant frog and an ambulatory teddy bear eat, and would rather not insult them again by picking the wrong thing.
"Very well Gore'Thum. You know, if this is how you are when you win I'd hate to see how you are when ya lose. But I'd be happy to get you both sumpthin to eat. C'mon Teddy, you can help me pick out what you an' your master like."
Snark will go over and drop a gold piece into the bucket. Assuming Teddy wants to pick out his own food, Snark will ask what the frog likes and bring back some food for them. He gets his own food and drink as well.
"Hey, like I said drinks an stuff are on me. I think I put in enough for all my new friends here to get their fill."
Eventually, he will talk to Ralphus or Ginifred, asking, "Say, my pap was a member of the Woldian League of Adventurers. I figured I'd look em up if they have a branch or a contact here. You guys got somethin like that? An how bout a tobacco shop, ya got one a them?"
Tae-Che (Jim) HP 6/6 AC 12/12/10 CMD 13 Thursday July 15th, 2021 7:55:07 PM
Tae Che accepts the meads from Ralphus with a smile and a nod. She then heads over and grabs a plate of food and returns to the table. She then heads to Ginifred to check on getting a room for at least a few days, if not longer.
When she finally gets back to the table, she sits next to Kristoph. "So, you mentioned you were getting away from familiar places. This looks to be the farthest place. Hopefully, we can all find what were looking for. What do you make of our new found friends?"
Isaac Harker (Justin M) -HP 13/13 AC18/ T12 / FF 16 Thursday July 15th, 2021 9:32:20 PM
Isaac figures the food will wait for the moment and heads to the door that was indicated by Ginifred. He wasn't sure how long it would take him to find proper housing but he figured at least a week would allow him ample time to make arrangements. If he could get a good price he might be able to split the payment with some of the other newly arrived people.
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