TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

"Pull up a chair, friend. We could likely use some muscle. Er... why don't you sit next to Delmar over there... Have an ale, and share your name, if you would."

I turn to the rest of the group, and nod toward the letter.

"The blood was human, methinks, as animal blood would not have triggered the wizard's spell. As to the forest--I agree with the gypsy that we should wait for the morning. I know little about the forest, but there is likely some truth to the rumors of a curse as, for the most part, the animals avoid it, making for poor hunting. I've have traveled the area enough to know the road is safe enough during the day. I have not heard of the village named in the letter, but it surely doesn't sound pleasant from what Adeya's shared."

The barbarian pulls a chair up next to the cleric, and plops down haphazardly.

"The name is" something guttural and bestial is said, "but most people call me Cram. It is easier to say. I might tell you how I got the name, someday. Bar wench, did the man not say fill our cups? I would like some potak, but you may know it as potato wine, or vodka in these parts."
Cram shakes his cup at the barmaid expectantly.
"I don't care if we travel by day or night. As for a curse, BAH! The warrior is right about hunting in those woods, though. Still haven't seen anything larger than a rabbit there, and even the rabbits are small!"

Cram eyes the seal and letter suspiciously. "Things like that are why magic is best left to the gods."

darkangel866 wrote: Cram shakes his cup at the barmaid expectantly.

Presently the maid dances across the room the busy room pausing to talk or joke from time to time and leaving a trail of libations in her wake until she arrives at your table with a bottle and fills Crams glass. If nothing else the gypsies coin has certainly livened the room. "Will there be anything else I can do for my lord" she asks eyeing Cram flirtatiously.

"I'm no lord. That is all I need for now," Cram states flatly. He turns back to the table, and begins to speak "I am a man of the wilds, and steel." Cram surveys the table, starting with the clergyman next to him "You are a man of the cloth, Delmar?, and we have a warrior-priest here. I didn't catch his name (CDSmith?). And Kryndal you are a tracker? Breon and Adeya are wizards? and Barkley is another priest?"
(OOC so current party = 1 barb, 2 cleric, 2 wizards, 1 paladin, 1 ranger?)

"Yes, I am Pelor's loyal servant."' He addresses Cram while staring at Delmar. (OOC- I'm a cleric)
"Our quest is clear; we must free this bucolic village from its curse and sanctify it by building a glorious shrine in honor of the One who will grant us success!"

"The sacred texts tell us we must sharpen our axe before felling the tree. But the hour grows late, and the forces of evil have had their sway long enough. We must not become drunk with the wine of knowledge when we have the meat of wisdom! Let us gather quickly what facts we may, and bring swift vengeance to this nest of Pelor's enemies."

"Hello Cram, let's just say that I, Delmar am a devoted warrior on Pelor's behalf and my sword and shield are at his beck and call."

"Oh, and if you are coming along with us you are going to start out clean. I really don't want my armor smelling like you do at the moment. Now, I have known a few like you before Cram and I happen to know it is not against your code to bathe. As a matter of fact I'd be more than happy to bribe one of the wenches to help get you clean if you so desire. Or even a stable boy since I am not sure of your, ah, preferences?"

"Barkley, you have an intensity meter on that their devotion anywhere? None of the hierarchy are hear to see how devote you are and you don't have to earn points with this group anymore. We know your worth!"

"It goes to eleven."

(Rolls eye to the heavens then drops face into both hands while shaking head back and forth) Whispers "Pelor preserve me"

Our company so far (I think)

Delmar - Me - Paladin
Barkley - Brad - Cleric (that goes to 11!)
Kryndal - SageSTL - Ranger
Adeya - Adeya - Wizard
Breon - bpsymington - Wizard
Cram - darkangel866 - Barbarian

"Well, the gypsy's purse was heavy with gold, so his lord seems willing to reward those who answer his summons. I am particularly interested to determine whether or not this curse is mystical or divine in nature. Adeya, I think there might be an opportunity to increase our arcane knowledge. I'm willing to travel at first light."

OOC - are we all human? Breon is human.

A mysterious figure watches them from the shadows, quietly twirling a single unmarked silver piece across his fingers. Until everyone started looking at him, whereupon he realized that the table he had chosen had no shadows anywhere around it, and he was once again speaking his inner monologue aloud.

"Friends, it appears you group is lacking someone who can deal with issues such as locks which are missing their keys, and trinkets and coins which need to be subtly liberated from vile owners," the half-elf said broadly, his grey eyes twinkling, "I, Lexan, a humble juggler and ally of justice, wish to offer my services."

He flipped the coin he was holding into the air, and then bowed deeply. As the disc dropped, he snatched it out of the air without looking.

(got room for a slightly absent-minded CG thief?)

Upon seeing the new stranger I lean in towards the party, leaving as a big a distance I can manage from the barbarian and his, ah unique fragrance. "I think we could really benefit from having someone like that in our group," I say quietly. "However, I've worked with shady fellows like him before, and you'll want to keep a close watch on your coin pouches. The last 'juggler' I traveled with had rather sticky fingers."

I start packing up my various books and notes. "And Breon, I completely agree that finding out more about this curse is valuable! You know that I am grateful for any opportunity to study under your tutelage! It's just such an honor to... Oh Delmar, I am so sorry!" I grab a couple rags off the table and attempt to mop up the ale I just accidentally spilled all over the paladin during my hasty collection of books.

OOC: I'm playing an elven wizard.