IC: Dichotomy's Age of Worms Redux, Part I

[worthley]

After a deep breath, Viktor starts his reply to Alexis "A child went missing there long ago. Many adventurers have entered the cairn and not come out. A friend of yours died. I have no doubts that there is more than just spiders and other things you'll find after an hour of travel in the woods. I don't know what's out there, and I have no intent to harm you. You should know by the pendant around my neck that everything I am saying is true"

 

[Dichotomy]

As the group talks, Alendar face grows more dejected looking. "I am not a follower of Heironeous. My little brother was a friend of Viktor's growing up, you know, since men and elves don't reckon time the same..." The elf's voice trails off for a moment and he looks a bit sheepish. "My brother told me that he'd heard about you guys, and thought we could help. That's all," he says rather gruffly.

 

[michael_noah]

Boldak looks back at Breth and Alexis, then proceeds to get a big stupid grin on his face. "Well, what good fortune you have! We actually need some help. First, we need some help paying for ale," the dwarf mentions in an offhanded way. "And while we do that, we can discuss how you might be of use in the cairn."

[sblock=ooc]As the conversation finishes, Boldak will head back to the dog, hopefully with the others, and discuss what to expect in the cairn.[/sblock]

 

[o3caudata]

Alexis lifts her eyes to the ceiling and whispers a silent prayer. She stands and says "Your badge and altruism mean little to us... Your coin buying ale for our troubles will get you much farther. Lets see what help you can be to us." With that Alexis turns and follows Boldak back to the Ferral Dog.

 

[TiCaudata]

As the others leave, Breth takes one more look at the two newcomers. "I can afford my own ale and won't be demanding your coin, but if you really mean to help we'll be needing to have conversations on what you can expect to see and how you might be able to help defeat it."

With that he follows the other two back to alehouse.

 

[Dichotomy]

Alendar turns to Viktor. "Well, if anything interesting comes from this, I suppose it will be worth the price of some ale. Maybe I can win a bit of coin on the old dagger contest." The elf follows the others to the Feral Dog, digging through his pouch on the way.

 

[michael_noah]

Boldak becomes quite businesslike after the group returns to the Dog. He begins explaining the layout and possible dangers of the cairn with the authority of one that is used to navigating the mines and hills outside Diamond Lake, "The entrance is located about 10 minutes from an old mining office. The terrain is rough, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were more inhabitants. We've been the only folks around in years, so I don't know if what we've done will be enough to scare off the natural ones, it wasn't enough for the wolves..."

He continues the explanation for a few minutes before concluding with a look in turn to each of his companions, "Alexis here is our walking temple, which is why we didn't take kindly to you running her off. She's not too bad in a fight, either. Breth has some magical talent, but as you can see, he's pretty spindly. No offense, there. I do my best to stay out of trouble, but I'll back you up if we run into anything else. All in all, I'd appreciate it if you commit to working together with us if we're to take the risk of letting you come along."

After attempting to recall any details he may have left out, he turns from his makeshift ale mug and bar plate map to Alendar and Viktor to ask, "So, if you're coming with, what can you help us with?"

 

[worthley]

Viktor leand back in his chair after taking Boldak's map into memory. "I understand your concern with possibly bringing dead weight, and having to cope with another loss. I am a fairly hearty individual, and can deal a mighty blow with my hammer here. Heironeous may bless me with great holy powers, but only if I prove myself worthy first."

Viktor grabs his holy symbol as he continues. "I give you my word that I am committed to working with you. I will not run from battle, and I will not leave any of you stranded. I swear this to you."

Viktor then waits of a responce, fearing that his words have been taken lightly.

 

[Dichotomy]

While Viktor gives his speech, the others note that Alendar half rolls his eyes. "As most of my kin, I'm good with a bow. I have some experience hunting. While that doesn't mean I could kill monsters, I am used to dealing with wolves."

The elf sets a few coins on the table. "I think it was suggested that we needed to buy a drink to have the pleasure of this audience," he says with perhaps a bit of bitterness in his tone.

 

[michael_noah]

Boldak looks the two over as they list their talents. He plays at mock affront when Alendar lays down his coin, but responds promptly, "Don't you worry. I don't know much about monsters or anything like that either, but this cairn has already proved to hold some interesting things, and if I'm right, and it's as untouched as I believe, we'll be finding what's worth far more than the price of entry."

With that, he snatches up the coins and makes an order at the bar for the group, returning with another smile on his face.

"Ok, now, what else do we need to take care of before we get back out there tomorrow?"

[sblock=Dichotomy]Ok, now, beard-face. Settle down. Just because a couple of folks walk up with exactly what you came to town to find, and everything looks like this cairn is going to hold a fortune, that doesn't mean you can let down your guard. On the other hand, I certainly am going to enjoy this while it lasts...[/sblock]
[sblock=OOC]Boldak will speak with the group throughout the night, and will try to talk some more about tactics, etc., especially those things the group has failed at in the past. I'd like to assume that he can request that people flank with him, let him scout around, etc. He'll plan to head back to the cairn tomorrow.[/sblock]