Even Newer(er) Tavern Thread: The Hanged Man

[Luinnar]

Despite being think as molasses, Sharpe's natural bard insight kicks in. Perhaps he was too evil for these peasants, they must not be used to being ruled by darklords and he needs questing money to buy his dragon. Perhaps, like any good bard, he should put on an act for his audience.

Thine people of the good tavern of taverning! he says to the room as a whole walking back in the door. Forsook! Thy mayhast havest noticed that mine olde war injury acting up, causing this noble and outstanding citizen to act strange and erratically. he says pointing to his eyepatch. Pray thee forgiveish such rudeith behavior. he says twitching a little.

Thy nobleith cow man. Sharpe says walking up to Goldenhorn. Pray thee forgiveist this one for kicking thine in the shins.

Forsooth disabled bug man! Sharpe says going to Tikchik. I humbly apologize for any besmirchment upon thy honor. Let us be comrades in quest and drink merry to thine health!

Citizenry of the fine establishment! I toastith to thine health! he says, picking up a mug of ale nearby.

 

[Voda Vosa]

"At least one has to admit that this petty man lies pretty well." Sheng remarks, being a liar himself.

 

[Tenchuu]

Brenwar stands volunteering to assist the two from Theotocopolis, "It can't be any worse than the jungles I've just been through, I will try to assist you and your country." He taps Halleck on the shoulder encouraging him to volunteer also.

"When do we leave?"

Halleck

The half-elf looks up and flashes Brenwar his index finger. Turning back to his tablemate, he leans across the table and gives the barmaid a kiss. "Alas, my dear, adventure calls. But do not fear, for I shall return shortly with tales of glory and a heavy purse, no doubt. I bid thee adieu," He says, standing, and giving a gentleman's bow.

He walks over to join Brenwar and offers his hand to the prospective employers. "Good evening, good sirs. I am Viscount Ambrose Halleck, faithful stewart of Allar. It would be an honor, and certainly my privilege, help you and your countryman."

 

[Someone]

"Oh, excellent" says Thogorius, shaking Halleck's hand. "I knew this place wouldn't fail us. I must add, when I found out what you know about the mage, I was briefly kidnapped by members of the Seagull family clan - those are relatively newcomers to Theotocopolis, mainly descendants of mercenaries that helped the city a generation ago, so they perfectly know they have not a drop of royal blood. However, some of your colleagues managed to rescue me before it was too late. I wouldn't discount them being a problem, though they've been quiet."

"Also, for the sake of being clear, allow me to repeat this whole expedition is a gamble - our calculations may prove to be wrong, and there's no guarantee you'll find anything worth your time there"

 

[BenBrown]

May, the plainly dressed human girl that Goldenhorn is employing as a servant, almost breaks out in laughter at Mallaby's treatment of the serving girl. Goldenhorn gives her a cautioning look, which induces her to keep silent by pressing her balled fist hard against her mouth while looking at the floor. Her shoulders nevertheless shake with mirth.

Mallaby smiles at the girl. "You find my words amusing, little one?" he says. "Perhaps soon you will find someone who will say such words to you, for you too have a beauty that I can see within."

Accepting a cup of wine, Goldenhorn turns to young lover. "Lord Mallaby, may I ask how long this journey is likely to take? "

"My lord Goldenhorn, I apologize if I have taken undue liberties with your servant. To the matter at hand, then. As I have said, I must arrive at my destination before the first moon of summer has reached its fullness, for on that day. . ." Mallaby pauses, and a broad smile come over his face. "On that day, I am to be married.

"There lives within the walls of Daunton, a beauteous creature who has captured my heart. Her name is Elena of Terconis, daughter of the Count of Terconis. She is such a beauty as the poets sing of, and a marked wit, too, learned in all the arts and letters. Her speech is clearest water, bubbling from a spring upon a hillside. Her hair a cataract of gold, falling in roiling rapids upon her shoulders. Her smile--ah, her smile. I am too poor a poet to have words to present it properly. And she--this glorious lady--has consented to become my wife.

"Terconis is an ancient house, but one with few branches living. She is the counts only child and only heir. There is a tradition, she tells me, in her family--a pact with the gods, of sorts--that when a sole heir of the family is to be married, in order to maintain the favor of the gods and the fortunes of the family, the wedding must take place at the ancient chapel of the Terconis family.

"Why, then, must I have armed escort, if I go only to a chapel? House Terconis is, like mine, a house in exile. The ancient Terconis estates, and the chapel in Count's Crovale, lies in the high hills of old Allaria.

"It is there that I shall be wed, and it is there that I must travel. The lady Elena and her father have departed already, with armed escort, and will take the longer but wider path. It is not meet that bride and groom travel together before the ceremony, but I have been given a map with the path to Count's Crovale and the chapel, and a book of the ritual, so that I may rehearse my part on my journey.

"This, then, is my goal. The journey across the seas is unpredictable, and so I must leave as soon as I have a worthy escort assembled. I of course will provide compensation. I have no doubt of your willingness to help the cause of love, as all of you stepped forward so eagerly, but I do realize some of you are not men of means, and you must eat."

Mallaby turns to each person at the table in turn.

"Master Graval, Master Zardi will you join me? I hope our journey is peaceful, but it is rough country, and I suspect there will be employment for your axes."

"Master Sarak, your experience with the Allarian continent may prove invaluable, and your sword is welcome. Will you join me?"

"Sir Eraden, if your shield and sword are as eager as your heart for this, we can not but be safe. Will you join me?"

"Master Perinthius, will you join me? You wear no armor, and I suspect you of a connection to things mystical. This will be a boon to our company."

"Lord Goldenhorn, your people are little-known to me, but you are of princely blood. Will you join me in this?"

Mallaby motions to his manservant to fill the cups again.

"My friends, time grows short," he says. "The captain of my ship tells me that high tide is half an hour before sunset tonight, and that is when we must depart. Judkin will remain here to answer your questions, if you have any, but I must depart. The brig Starlight's Veil waits at anchor. If you will join me, meet me there. Farewell until then."

Blowing a kiss to the barmaid, Lord Adelin Mallaby saunters towards the door, and out into the streets of Daunton.

[sblock=ooc]Adventure Thread Feel free to post arrivals at the ship.[/sblock]

 

[bluesfella]

"Master Graval, Master Zardi will you join me? I hope our journey is peaceful, but it is rough country, and I suspect there will be employment for your axes."


[sblock=ooc]Adventure Thread Feel free to post arrivals at the ship.[/sblock]

Zardi raises his axe slightly and nods to Mallaby.

Once Mallaby leaves, he gathers his small pack together and heads out into the night after him.

 

[Mewness]

"May, I believe it is time for you to return home," says Goldenhorn to his servant. "I would not take you into danger, certainly not so far from your family. When I return, I will have more use for your services, if the arrangement suits you. Lord Mallaby," he says, turning to Mallaby, "I will be with you presently. I must escort my servant to her home, in case there are ruffians about."

As he prepares to leave, May turns to Spider with an awkward smile. "Goodbye!" she says shyly to the half-orc. "It was nice meeting you." The two then depart the tavern, Goldenhorn ducking his horns under the doorframe.

 

[horticulture]

"Master Graval, Master Zardi will you join me? I hope our journey is peaceful, but it is rough country, and I suspect there will be employment for your axes."

"Auch, travelin' by sea. Me belly's gonna hate me fer this." Graval finishes the wine in his glass in a single gulp and, seeing Zardi leave, drinks the goliath's wine as well. "One fer tha road, what."

He collects his gear, snags the bottle of ambrosia still sitting on the table and offers one final belch - as mighty a sound as any have heard - to those still mulling in the tavern.

"Haha! King o' tha Cup, still!" He roars and makes his way toward Mallaby's ship.

 

[H.M.Gimlord]

Despite being think as molasses, Sharpe's natural bard insight kicks in. Perhaps he was too evil for these peasants, they must not be used to being ruled by darklords and he needs questing money to buy his dragon. Perhaps, like any good bard, he should put on an act for his audience.

Thine people of the good tavern of taverning! he says to the room as a whole walking back in the door. Forsook! Thy mayhast havest noticed that mine olde war injury acting up, causing this noble and outstanding citizen to act strange and erratically. he says pointing to his eyepatch. Pray thee forgiveish such rudeith behavior. he says twitching a little.

Thy nobleith cow man. Sharpe says walking up to Goldenhorn. Pray thee forgiveist this one for kicking thine in the shins.

Forsooth disabled bug man! Sharpe says going to Tikchik. I humbly apologize for any besmirchment upon thy honor. Let us be comrades in quest and drink merry to thine health!

Citizenry of the fine establishment! I toastith to thine health! he says, picking up a mug of ale nearby.

It's all the drow to do to keep from falling off of his stool in jeering laughter, but he manages to maintain his composure.

"Oh me? I'm good at lots of things. I can find lost stuff, hunt things that need hunting, hurt those that need hurting, get into things that need getting into, sneak into places that you have to be quiet, ya, only thing I can't do is do any fancy magicks. " the thri-kreen declares proudly, chest puffing up slightly as he talks about his talents.

"I believe Sheng here can cover the magic part, but as for your finding, hunting, hurting, entering, and sneaking talents, they will do nicely for the work I have." He turns to Sheng as well, "Sit and have a drink on me once more before we go," he raises his goblet, "To a kingdom reclaimed! Adventure! Justice! Revenge! Reward!"

OOC: I'll post the details of leaving the tavern tomorrow.

 

[Voda Vosa]

Sheng raises his glass of rice wine and toasts "For honour and great deeds." he smiles mischievously