At the Inn of the Fortunate Minotaur

[Lucius Foxhound]

Thank you! I, uh .. do seem to be a bit light on coin ... how much for the tea?

No, I haven't the tongue to be a travelling minstrel (although a one worked with Tonga the Twister who could touch the back of her head with her tongue ... but that's another story). I'm just a weary traveller whom Tymora seems to smile upon every now and again.

 

[Kaemris Tencoin]

Is that so? Well then let the Lady smile on you once more: this tea is on the house.

places a cup in front of Lucius

If you are not a minstrel, then where do your talents lie, Goodman Foxhound? Talents that would be of use to someone besides Tonga the Twister, that is, although I'd surely like to know more of her sometime...

We (gestures toward the gatherum: Van, Darabrac, Artemus) have recently agreed to escort a caravan into the far reaches of the North.

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

"Ah! I thank you! The lady will surely smile upon you for your generosity. I loathe myself for even asking .. but do you happen to have any scraps of food or crusts of bread that might go along with this tea? Tymora hasn't smiled upon my stomach for a number of days now...

"A caravan you say? What is the cargo? Spices? Silks? A cartload of young wenches looking for a better life? In any case, I'm definitely your man, master ... ? While my true talents lie in the art of theatre and the grand stage of the carnival, I do dabble in Mystra's realm of Illusion every now and again.

 

[Kaemris Tencoin]

Tencoin is my name, and my father owns this fine establishment. Since I was just serving up mutton stew for myself and these motley characters...why don't you join us? introduces Lucius to Van, Artemus and Darabrac

The caravan consists of approximately ten familes and their supplies, bound for the Silver Marches. Nothing exotic, but a challenging task nonetheless. We were just discussing which route to take...

 

[Mahiro Satsu]

Darabrac Bramblefoot

Seated in a booth located in the far, and shadow filled, corner of the Inn is a rather tall hafling. His long black hair is tied back in a pony tail that reaches to his shoulder blades. He is dressed in a finely pressed dark gray shirt and his cape brings to mind the gray feathers of a bird of prey. Hanging from a hook next to him is a strange looking shortsword. Its blade seems to be crafted from a translucent black stone, almost like obsidian. Next to him is a rather heavy looking sack, travel worn and dirty.

"Whetter than a she dragon in heat? That is as strange an expression that I have ever heard. Let me pay for you dinner, oh yon poor one, and tell me some more interesting expressions from your homeland."

 

[Roman Gemmalee]

Artemus Thornwind

Well met Mr. Foxhound (I am looking quizzically at Lucius' odd clothes). I haven't been to a carnival since I was a young child but the short plays were always entertaining. I also liked the bears doing tricks but felt uncomfortable with their captivity and I always wondered how so many carnies could fit into one small horse drawn cart....amazing really (scratching my chin with a look of wonder)......anyway you must have traveled far and wide. Do you have an opinion on the best route to take to the Silver Marches? I am a follower of Silvanus and the druidic way and I would love to travel a route that completes our goal but allows me to see untamed nature.

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

Ah, mutton stew. So much better than that dried sharada jerk I was offered along my route here. Truly the clan of Tencoin are renowned for their hospitality.

Well-met to all of you. I am Lucius Foxhound ... formerly of Lucius's Travelling Managerie of Spectacularity. Perhaps you've heard of me?

Well, in any case, if you're looking for a challenge, you're going the wrong way to the Silver Marshes. I recently came from Waterdeep (Gem of the North, City of Spendor, by the way) and you can get there much faster through the marshes and forests instead of the open road. Besides, Master Thornwind is a druid of the forest, no? WhenTymora blesses you with such a boon, it pays to take advantage!

But perhaps a bottle of wine is in order to celebrate our new partnership?

By the way, are we leaving sometime soon? I had a bit of a ... misunderstanding ... with a Lady Ironcrest and would like to be on my way soon...

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

And well-met Master Halfling... it's been so long, I hardly remember where my homeland once was! I've been to almost every corner of the realms, some more than once (remind me to tell you of the ladies of the Sword Coast sometime, wonderful women, but more likely to run you through then the other way around, if you get my meaning...)

 

[Kaemris Tencoin]

Mutton stew, roasted vegetables, fresh bread, ale and mead are brought to a large table for everyone. Kaemris is dressed in the simple garb of an innkeeper, but his black hair is tied back to keep a winning smile and wise green eyes plainly visible. He looks like someone to whom you wouldn't mind telling your troubles. Of course, he bears the symbol of Tymora--a smiling Lady surrounded by shamrocks--on a fine chain about his neck.

Ah, so you are that Lucius! Of course I have heard of your Menagerie!

I am always willing to take a risk here and there...I took a few in Hullack and I have the scars to prove it. I will take the counsel of druids and rangers where our journey is concerned.

And ahem Lucius, the Lord Ironcrest has been here a few times in the recent past. He claimed that he would send a messenger when the settlers arrive...but if I see him coming I'll be sure to warn you... wink

 

[Lucius Foxhound]

That is most appreciated Master Tencoin. It really was just a simple misunderstanding. I'm sure I could explain it to Lord Ironcrest if given a chance ... but it is not wise to call upon the Lady's Luck too much in one day.

Speaking of which, I had not realized you were a Cleric of Tymora! Truly, we were meant to travel together.

And Master Thornwind, I'd be happy to teach you the true art of the stage on our journey. Perhaps you might teach me some of the language of the forest? I've always wanted to learn ..