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First Session, 30 October (part one):
<%Hope62> The tavern is crowded, but nowhere near as crowded as the streets outside. At first, there are no seats, but a table at the back corner opens up as a minor scuffle breaks out, and three dwarves are ejected by a large human in furst.
<%Hope62> *furs*
* Rathuris is now known as Anor
* Hope62 is now known as DM62
<%Loki> ((Ah, before we do. Is Aust here? I'd like to compare spell lists to make sure there's no overlap.))
* Caulder is now known as Bohzag
<%DM62> ((Sure. We can wait a little. Let me know when you're ready. Or you can shuffle into the tavern one-by-one.))
* Aurani is now known as Alice
* Alice is now known as Guest9672
<%Guest9672> (Hm, that ain't gonna work ofc...)
* Guest9672 is now known as Aurani
* Loki is now known as Duvak
<%Duvak> ((Which EXP track are we on btw?))
* Anor gave a small stretch as he entered the tavern. His breastplate and the engraved pheonix gleaming in the firelight. Despite his readily apparent nature as a warrior, his weapons starpped to his back and belt were peace tied and his bow was missing it's string. He took a seat near a empty corner.
<%DM62> ((Medium))
<Anor> (strapped*)
<%DM62> The tavern is crowded, but Anor manages to claim the back corner table, recently vacated. A harried human barmaid, plump and curvy, stops by the table, her red hair slightly damp from her busy day. "Help you?"
* Aust ([email protected]) has joined #baconroom
* Anor gave his scarred head a nod. "Just an ale lass." Handing her some coin to pay for it.
<Aust> (Sorry I's late)
<%DM62> The barmaid gives you a business-like smile, then hurries back to the kitchen. One of the dwarves at the bar leers at her, but due to his inebrated state his swipe misses her ass by yards.
<Aust> (What's exactly going on?)
* Aust ([email protected]) Quit
<%DM62> ((The party's meeting in a tavern before heading into the underground portion of the city for the signing of the peace accords. If you haven't gotten the chance yet, read the last post in the Campaign Background thread.))
<%DM62> ((And he's gone... :/ ))
* Anor shakes his head as he awaits the barmaid return.
<Anor> (Might be having issues with IRC)
<%DM62> ((Aye.))
* Gwynne ([email protected]) has joined #baconroom
<Gwynne> (It's Aust again, just posted sheet and the like)
* Retrieving #baconroom modes...
<%DM62> ((The party's meeting in a tavern before heading into the underground portion of the city for the signing of the peace accords. If you haven't gotten the chance yet, read the last post in the Campaign Background thread.))
<Bohzag> The door to the tavern swings open as a black-haired dwarf enters, stamping his feet and taking up a standing position near the hearth, his fur coat and hat covering much of his form, save for his travelling backpack and the musket hanging from a strap attached to it.
<%DM62> Immediately behind the black-haired dwarf with the musket, another dwarf enters wearing a plain robe and hood.
<%DM62> "Bohzag, I believe that armored gentleman at the corner table is another of the expedition candidates."
* Anor looks up at the new arrivals, his eyes looking them over briefly.
* Bohzag finishes warming his hands "Aye." he says, turning to walk towards the table, revealing the black eyepatch covering his left eye
<Gwynne> A moderately armored figure steps through the crowd and finally makes her way into the tavern. She makes no reservation of hiding her faith, wearing her holy symbol like a necklace and nor does she not hide behind a cloak or hood. Her most striking feature was her auburn hair. "This seems like the place...but where is the contact?"
<Gwynne> (Sorry that took so long)
* Anor extends his hand to the one eyed dwarf. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan."
<%DM62> The hooded figure orders ale for the group at the bar, joining the table and placing the drinks in front of the dwarves. Anor ends up with two drinks. "Gwynne, I presume?" The hooded dwarf looks in the newcomer's direction.
<%Aurani> (Come to think of it, how does a dwarven uniform look like?)
<%DM62> ((A soldier's uniform? Of Eisenberg? Grey with red trim, with rank and decorations in red and gold.))
* Bohzag extends his own hand to shake "Bohzag, second son of the Baumfaller family."
<Gwynne> "Y...Yes sir. Forgive me for being so late."
* Gwynne quickly shakes the offered hand, still a little nervous from the looks of it
<%DM62> "Please, join us. There should be two more."
<Gwynne> "Yessir."
* Anor looked to the cleric. "My lady, Hello." Offering her a hand as well. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan. No need to be nervious here."
* Gwynne as ordered takes one of the empty seats, leaning her mace and shield against a nearby wall, but leaving her sword on her waist.
<%Aurani> (We never properly discussed what rank Alice would be as a war vet either. :V)
<Gwynne> "Gwynne Coppereye. Loyal servant of our lady of war, Freya. Forgive me but this is the first time in a good while I've been outside my temples walls."
<%DM62> ((Depends. Did Alice ever try to become an officer, or did she stay with the enlisted ranks?))
<Gwynne> "And yes, my name makes little sense given my actual eye color."
* Gwynne shakes the other hand as well
<%Aurani> (Depends what a gunny counts as)
<Gwynne> "And as far as I can guess, I'm no heir or anything like that. I've been with the church as long as I remember"
<%DM62> ((A gunnery sergeant is a senior enlisted member, what we call a "non-commissioned officer" today.))
<%DM62> ((Let me look up an equivalent rank, real quick.))
* Bohzag takes a pipe out of his coat and fills it, lighting it with a slight poof of smoke as he touches the tobacco with the match, before inhaling gently
* Anor gave a small nod. Turning to look at the man in the robe. "Are we all here?"
<%DM62> ((Alice reached the rank of First Sergeant in the war.))
<%DM62> "Should be one more. An angry skald, if I recall correctly."
* Anor nodded. "Ah." Drinking his first ale.
<Gwynne> "A skald? Seems an interesting choice of companion for such a mission."
<%Aurani> (Why did I end up being the last one to arrive D
* Bohzag puffs on his pipe "I'll not argue their value in battle. Though I recommend they be kept away from the Elvish *delegation*"
<%Duvak> ((Well, technically not. Give me a moment.))
* Bohzag scoffs afterwards, looking away from the group
<%DM62> ((I assume Alice was delayed because she couldn't help kicking a few humans in the balls as she worked her way through the crowds.))
<Gwynne> "I think that could be said for most of us. Those were...interesting years for my church. So many people coming in for aid."
* Bohzag points to his eyepatch, not bothering to say anything else
* Anor gave a somber nod. "Aye, it was."
<Gwynne> "I was still learning at the time. Getting my vestments so to speak. I never saw the front. Just the wounded."
<Bohzag> "Shame, that. Might have been able to save my eye."
<%DM62> "The delegation from the Elves has already arrived. They used magic to disguise themselves as dwarves, until they reached our subterranean hold. Right now they are waiting comfortably and being allowed to sample dwarven ales."
* Anor chuckled. "They may wih to be careful or there might be a scene."
<Anor> (wish*)
<Gwynne> "I...I see."
<%DM62> "There are three of them. The emissary is an elven prince. There was also a mage of some sort, and a bodyguard/servant."
* Bohzag moves the band of the eyepatch aside, revealing a long scar leading from his eye back along his head and into his hair. "I've no sympathy for the Elves, myself. Weren't for them there'd not have been a war, or so many graves."
<%DM62> ((Is First Sergeant Alice Hirschmann ready to arrive? :3 ))
* Anor nodded. "Neither do I. But we are doing this to keep the peace and prevent more bloodshed."
<Gwynne> "I understand your hate, sir. No one enjoyed how that conflict played out. But if I may say, as a woman of faith, we can't let the anger get the better of us"
<%Aurani> A tall female dwarf marches into the tavern, stopping shortly inside the entrance before pulling out a pocketwatch and giving it a quick glance and looking bitter as she puts it away and then looking around the tavern for the party.
* Bohzag scoffs "They better keep up their end. I don't want to go home and find a bunch of knife-ears roaming free on my family's land."
<Gwynne> (Forgot to mention, Gwynne is fairly tall for a dwarf as well standing at about 4 foot 4)
<%DM62> "That's as may be, but our recent negotiations have revealed that their attack on our keep was actually retaliation. Apparently a group of dwarves ransacked one of their temples and absconded with an artifact of some value. But I believe our skald has arrived." The brown, hooded dwarf motions Alice over to the corner table, a mug of ale waiting for her there.
<Bohzag> ((4'1" here))
* Anor shook his head. "It likely wont come to that lad."
<Bohzag> "If it does you can be assured that this musket's not for show." he says, pointing a thumb at the musket resting in its holster
<Gwynne> "I hope it dosen't. Enough lives have been wasted on both sides of the isle"
<Anor> (4' 5" here.)
<Bohzag> "Well, enough besides one."
<%Aurani> (4'3" here, as tall as a femdorf can get)
<%DM62> ((So the shortest dwarf has the biggest gun? xD))
<Gwynne> (I fudged the numbers and gave myself an extra inch. Figured height wasn't critical)
* Bohzag rubs his scar gently as he puffs on his pipe
<%Duvak> Just as such an inquiry was made as to if there was another expedition member, another dwarf would enter the bar... though not quite what was expected. Rather than a singer of tales common in mead halls, the dwarf that arrived stood out like a sore thumb to some extent, but at the same time...seemed to command an air of respect and authority to some extent. That dwarf in particular would
<%Duvak> be...tall, amongst its kind, easily half a head over even the other grizzled veterans in the room. A scar across his right eye, and the signs of physical strain and training seemed to denote him as a warrior, perhaps yet another soldier. However, at the same time, their attire seemed to imply otherwise. For while they indeed wore armor, it was far more...decorated than would ever be
<%Duvak> standard in military terms, odd strands of strings, beads, silk lining, pieces of stone ornating it and making it...distinct. Additionally, the man also carried no shield to compliment their axe, which in itself...was again, odd, with odd runes of gold and silver carved into its handle here and there...ones similar to that which was carved upon a gold signet ring upon the dwarf's finger,
<%Duvak> but not quite the same.
<%DM62> "First Sergeant Hirschmann, of the Skalds of Eisenberg, and Duvak Steelkin, also of Eisenberg. Please, come join us." The brown-hooded figure motions over the shaman and the skald.
* Anor offered each newcomer a hand and introduced himself once again. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan"
<%Aurani> (I sortof regret RPing an armyman given I know jackshit about how such would act *-*)
<%Duvak> Regardless though, it'd be their behavior that'd make it most clear that they weren't simply more disgruntled rabble from the streets, as just as soon as the dwarf entered, a cigar held between his teeth, he'd narrow his eyes and begin looking about with an almost alarming degree of scrutiny, as if he was appraising each creature that entered his field of view...stopping only upon hearing
<%Duvak> his name mentioned. In which he gruffly approaches the group that had already gathered...far from perhaps the most friendly expression even in greeting.
* Gwynne Gwynne could not help but feel out of place amongst all the grizzled military veterans and people of war and military service and that all she accomplished in her 72 years was read scripture, heal people and provide verbal comfort to the sick. Far from the heroes she sat with.
<Gwynne> (Woops)
<%DM62> ((Generally military veterans act the same as normal people, unless they're dealing with other veterans. Then they talk about military stuff. A LOT. Because they get all nostalgiac.))
* Bohzag puffs his pipe and nods in greeting to the newcomers
<Gwynne> (I meant the name repeat. Simple mistake on my part. But it still stands Gwynne feels out of place)
<%Duvak> "...Sergant Hirschmann, Anor of Clan Urthal...Bohzag of the Baumfaller family? I take it then that I am in the right place?"
<%Aurani> Alice accompanies Duvak to the table and takes her seat.
* Anor gave a nod. "Seems that way."
<Bohzag> "Aye. We're just talking about the axes we have to grind with the Elves."
<Gwynne> "Sister Gwynne. Servant of our Lady of War, Freya. An honor to meet you both."
<Bohzag> ((Also, as a side note, Bohzag's been speaking Dwarvish this entire time.))
<%Duvak> ((Aren't we all?))
<%DM62> "You are all in precisely the right place. I am Cardinal Mengelberg, a paladin sworn to the service of Heimdall, and owing worldly allegiance to the Duchess of Axtkopf. As soon as we've finished our ales, we will head below to attend the signing of the peace accords with the elves."
<Anor> (I figured it was assumed they would be.)
<%DM62> ((Yes, this is all in Dwarven. Though we'll stick to English, because I don't speak Dwarven IRL.))
<Bohzag> ((I say so because don't want the DM to pull a trollololol language stunt >.> <.< >.> ))
<%DM62> ((I'm not THAT nerdy.))
<%Aurani> (So, since Duvak is also a vet, how likely is it for the two of us two know of eachother?)
* Anor gave a nod before down his remaining ale.
<Anor> (downing*)
<%DM62> ((Cardinal Mengelberg helped arranged this expedition, so of course he knows all of you, at least by name and reputation.))
<%Duvak> ((He's...not a vet actually.))
<%Duvak> ((But he carries himself like one. He 'was' an arms dealer actually.))
<%Duvak> ((Involved with the military, but not actually a part of it till recently.))
<%Aurani> (You can all see that I'm terrific at acting like a vet here, har har)
<%Duvak> Upon closer inspection, it seems that rather than again, being a proper military uniform...or attire, Duvak's outfit seems to be more a mix between both what an officer and an aristocrat might wear, Bearing odd things like, pockets and gold buttons in unusual locations, and a space from which there seems to be an endless supply of items necessary for the rather...foul, cigars the dwarf
<%Duvak> smoked. And to the greetings, his response, while not hostile is far from kind. Merely a grunt and a nod of acknowledgement.
<%DM62> The cardinal finishes of his ale and gives a hearty belch of appreciation.
<Gwynne> "I'm ready whenever you all are. Would just need to grab my equipment. I'm not one for drinking while on duty at least."
<%DM62> ((So you dress like Fidel Castro? :3 ))
* Bohzag hasn't even touched his ale this entire time, rather he's been smoking his pipe
<%Duvak> ((To some extent. XD;)
<Gwynne> "No offense to you all of course!"
* Anor nodded to their employer. "I am ready whenever you are."
<%DM62> "Alright, please follow me." The cardinal leads the group towards the kitchen.
<%Aurani> Alice glances at the ale, scoffs and then pulls out a canteen and taking a decent sip from it.
* Bohzag nods, his pipe ceasing its smoke as he runs out of tobacco, tapping it out on the edge of an empty mug, before storing it and standing up to follow the others
* Anor raises an eyebrow at the odd route, but follows anyway.
<%Duvak> "...Peace accords." At the mention of those, there is a clear sign of...displeasure, though his actual speech would seem to imply grudging acceptance. "...Whatever must be done I suppose."
<%DM62> ((One moment))
* Gwynne grabs her gear and places her shield on her back while still holding her heavy mace in her hand. She'd follow the Cardinal without much question.
<%Duvak> ((...Eesh, I feel like the party killjoy. :X))
<%Duvak> ((Everyone else is like, "Yahh! We gonna take back our keep!"))
<%Duvak> ((And I'm all doom and gloom, and unhappy grunting.))
<Gwynne> (Better then the odd one out. Gwynne is just nervous to be assigned to such a high profile job.)
<%Aurani> (Alice hasn't even spoken yet. .-.)
<%Duvak> ((*Flicks a cigar at Alice*))
<Gwynne> (She ain't used to being surrounded by people of war, despite being heavily armored herself. But that was just provided by her church for safety.)
<%Aurani> Alice stands up and follows the rest of the party.
<%Aurani> (Look at all that detail)
<%DM62> The Cardinal pulls back his hood and makes a gesture to something behind the party. The red-haired barmaid is standing there with a naked blade. Recognizing the cardinal, she sheathes her blade.
<%DM62> "Friends, do not use this entry unless I am with you." The cardinal kneels and opens a trapdoor, then climbs down.
* Anor frowns and gives a nod. "Okay."
<%Aurani> (Prepare for climb checks!)
* Bohzag shifts his pack, waiting his turn to descend, trying to keep his musket pointed away from the people beneath him
<%Duvak> As the group walks out toward the kitchen, Duvak would stop mid way... seeming to reignite his cigar...somehow by cupping the end in one hand. However, as he takes a long drown out puff, the smoke would seem to form a skull...and float back towards the threat he had noticed prior. But as soon as the Cardinal addresses it, the militant dwarf would simply shrug and continue following the
<%DM62> ((It's a ladder. No check necessary.))
<%Duvak> others.
<%Aurani> (Lies!)
<%Duvak> ((Does our cleric have their prepared spells for the day decided btw?))
<Gwynne> (Yes)
* Anor proceeded down the ladder first. "So why the tunnel?"
<Gwynne> "Yes. This does seem rather roundabout."
<%Duvak> ((Can I see/compare? To make sure we're not doing anything silly like double dipping bless.))
<%DM62> The cardinal guides the group through a pitch-black tunnel. Occasionally he warns the party, "do not step here," or "duck as you pass this point." After a short time, you pass two reinforced doors. The first is labelled, "Elves." The second, "Dwarves." He produces a key and opens the dwarf door. "This tunnel gives figures of importance a direct route into the more secure areas of subterranean Axtkopf."
* Anor gave a wary glance at the elven door. "I see."
* Bohzag chuckles "Handy. At least we're making good time."
<%DM62> "I must ask that you leave your weaponry, whether magical or not, within this chamber. The elven delegation have already been similarly disarmed, as have I." The paladin gestures at a corner where an ornate greataxe rests.
* Anor nods and begins to remove his weapons and lay them next to the axe.
* Bohzag takes the musket off of the holster on his back, setting it gently against the wall off on its own, with the muzzle pointed up just in case
<%DM62> "Oh, and don't touch the door labeled "elves." Their wizard placed some kind of spell on the door, with our permission. Something about a curse and a vast demon-worm devouring people. Catyrpelus, I think."
<Gwynne> "Fair enough, sir." Gwynne made no objection as she left her mace, shield and sword with the axe. "Seems a rather extravagant curse to put on a door"
<Bohzag> "You've not seen how thorough they are on the battlefield."
<%Aurani> Alice does as commanded and places her greataxe on the table along with her backpack.
* %Duvak raises an eyebrow at this, as if...amused even at the notion that simply removing his axe would prevent him from slaughering the elves as they had done the dwarves at the keep. However, with a shurg, he then gingerly unholsters the unwieldy axe and lays it there... instead, taking a moment to "crack" gauntleted hands.
<Gwynne> "And I'd rather leave it like that, thank you. I'm trying not to think about that."
<%Aurani> (Brb 2min)
<%Duvak> "...If the elves believe that simply taking away our axes will stop their spines from snapping at the first instance of treachery... well, then perhaps they are in need of...enlightenment."
<Bohzag> "I'm all for killin' 'em, but that's a decision we're not meant to make."
<%DM62> "I trust that you will all keep your heads around the elves. I can respect your hatred after this bloody war, but this peace is vital, if the dwarven people are to recover. Although, obviously, if they do attempt some manner of villainy here, they will not survive the attempt."
* Anor gave a nod at the paladin's words.
<Gwynne> "Father, if I may be so bold, I think it would be best to allow me to speak with you if you need assistance. Calmer minds and voices need to be front and center today."
* Gwynne said with no hesitation or reservation, seeing and hearing the words of her zealous companions
<%DM62> "I appreciate the offer, but even I will say little in this meeting. Our Duke and Duchess of Eisenberg and Axtkopf will be doing most of the talking. And the human representative, Lord Darby."
<%Duvak> "...Of course. I am here today to see to it, that sufficient time for the Dwarven people to grow once again is attained. I will lower my head as necessary for now... "
<Gwynne> "Forgive me. I was not aware the lords and lady would be present for the negotiations. I was believed that you'd be speaking. Forgive my ignorance."
<%Hope62> *furs*
* Rathuris is now known as Anor
* Hope62 is now known as DM62
<%Loki> ((Ah, before we do. Is Aust here? I'd like to compare spell lists to make sure there's no overlap.))
* Caulder is now known as Bohzag
<%DM62> ((Sure. We can wait a little. Let me know when you're ready. Or you can shuffle into the tavern one-by-one.))
* Aurani is now known as Alice
* Alice is now known as Guest9672
<%Guest9672> (Hm, that ain't gonna work ofc...)
* Guest9672 is now known as Aurani
* Loki is now known as Duvak
<%Duvak> ((Which EXP track are we on btw?))
* Anor gave a small stretch as he entered the tavern. His breastplate and the engraved pheonix gleaming in the firelight. Despite his readily apparent nature as a warrior, his weapons starpped to his back and belt were peace tied and his bow was missing it's string. He took a seat near a empty corner.
<%DM62> ((Medium))
<Anor> (strapped*)
<%DM62> The tavern is crowded, but Anor manages to claim the back corner table, recently vacated. A harried human barmaid, plump and curvy, stops by the table, her red hair slightly damp from her busy day. "Help you?"
* Aust ([email protected]) has joined #baconroom
* Anor gave his scarred head a nod. "Just an ale lass." Handing her some coin to pay for it.
<Aust> (Sorry I's late)
<%DM62> The barmaid gives you a business-like smile, then hurries back to the kitchen. One of the dwarves at the bar leers at her, but due to his inebrated state his swipe misses her ass by yards.
<Aust> (What's exactly going on?)
* Aust ([email protected]) Quit
<%DM62> ((The party's meeting in a tavern before heading into the underground portion of the city for the signing of the peace accords. If you haven't gotten the chance yet, read the last post in the Campaign Background thread.))
<%DM62> ((And he's gone... :/ ))
* Anor shakes his head as he awaits the barmaid return.
<Anor> (Might be having issues with IRC)
<%DM62> ((Aye.))
* Gwynne ([email protected]) has joined #baconroom
<Gwynne> (It's Aust again, just posted sheet and the like)
* Retrieving #baconroom modes...
<%DM62> ((The party's meeting in a tavern before heading into the underground portion of the city for the signing of the peace accords. If you haven't gotten the chance yet, read the last post in the Campaign Background thread.))
<Bohzag> The door to the tavern swings open as a black-haired dwarf enters, stamping his feet and taking up a standing position near the hearth, his fur coat and hat covering much of his form, save for his travelling backpack and the musket hanging from a strap attached to it.
<%DM62> Immediately behind the black-haired dwarf with the musket, another dwarf enters wearing a plain robe and hood.
<%DM62> "Bohzag, I believe that armored gentleman at the corner table is another of the expedition candidates."
* Anor looks up at the new arrivals, his eyes looking them over briefly.
* Bohzag finishes warming his hands "Aye." he says, turning to walk towards the table, revealing the black eyepatch covering his left eye
<Gwynne> A moderately armored figure steps through the crowd and finally makes her way into the tavern. She makes no reservation of hiding her faith, wearing her holy symbol like a necklace and nor does she not hide behind a cloak or hood. Her most striking feature was her auburn hair. "This seems like the place...but where is the contact?"
<Gwynne> (Sorry that took so long)
* Anor extends his hand to the one eyed dwarf. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan."
<%DM62> The hooded figure orders ale for the group at the bar, joining the table and placing the drinks in front of the dwarves. Anor ends up with two drinks. "Gwynne, I presume?" The hooded dwarf looks in the newcomer's direction.
<%Aurani> (Come to think of it, how does a dwarven uniform look like?)
<%DM62> ((A soldier's uniform? Of Eisenberg? Grey with red trim, with rank and decorations in red and gold.))
* Bohzag extends his own hand to shake "Bohzag, second son of the Baumfaller family."
<Gwynne> "Y...Yes sir. Forgive me for being so late."
* Gwynne quickly shakes the offered hand, still a little nervous from the looks of it
<%DM62> "Please, join us. There should be two more."
<Gwynne> "Yessir."
* Anor looked to the cleric. "My lady, Hello." Offering her a hand as well. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan. No need to be nervious here."
* Gwynne as ordered takes one of the empty seats, leaning her mace and shield against a nearby wall, but leaving her sword on her waist.
<%Aurani> (We never properly discussed what rank Alice would be as a war vet either. :V)
<Gwynne> "Gwynne Coppereye. Loyal servant of our lady of war, Freya. Forgive me but this is the first time in a good while I've been outside my temples walls."
<%DM62> ((Depends. Did Alice ever try to become an officer, or did she stay with the enlisted ranks?))
<Gwynne> "And yes, my name makes little sense given my actual eye color."
* Gwynne shakes the other hand as well
<%Aurani> (Depends what a gunny counts as)
<Gwynne> "And as far as I can guess, I'm no heir or anything like that. I've been with the church as long as I remember"
<%DM62> ((A gunnery sergeant is a senior enlisted member, what we call a "non-commissioned officer" today.))
<%DM62> ((Let me look up an equivalent rank, real quick.))
* Bohzag takes a pipe out of his coat and fills it, lighting it with a slight poof of smoke as he touches the tobacco with the match, before inhaling gently
* Anor gave a small nod. Turning to look at the man in the robe. "Are we all here?"
<%DM62> ((Alice reached the rank of First Sergeant in the war.))
<%DM62> "Should be one more. An angry skald, if I recall correctly."
* Anor nodded. "Ah." Drinking his first ale.
<Gwynne> "A skald? Seems an interesting choice of companion for such a mission."
<%Aurani> (Why did I end up being the last one to arrive D
* Bohzag puffs on his pipe "I'll not argue their value in battle. Though I recommend they be kept away from the Elvish *delegation*"
<%Duvak> ((Well, technically not. Give me a moment.))
* Bohzag scoffs afterwards, looking away from the group
<%DM62> ((I assume Alice was delayed because she couldn't help kicking a few humans in the balls as she worked her way through the crowds.))
<Gwynne> "I think that could be said for most of us. Those were...interesting years for my church. So many people coming in for aid."
* Bohzag points to his eyepatch, not bothering to say anything else
* Anor gave a somber nod. "Aye, it was."
<Gwynne> "I was still learning at the time. Getting my vestments so to speak. I never saw the front. Just the wounded."
<Bohzag> "Shame, that. Might have been able to save my eye."
<%DM62> "The delegation from the Elves has already arrived. They used magic to disguise themselves as dwarves, until they reached our subterranean hold. Right now they are waiting comfortably and being allowed to sample dwarven ales."
* Anor chuckled. "They may wih to be careful or there might be a scene."
<Anor> (wish*)
<Gwynne> "I...I see."
<%DM62> "There are three of them. The emissary is an elven prince. There was also a mage of some sort, and a bodyguard/servant."
* Bohzag moves the band of the eyepatch aside, revealing a long scar leading from his eye back along his head and into his hair. "I've no sympathy for the Elves, myself. Weren't for them there'd not have been a war, or so many graves."
<%DM62> ((Is First Sergeant Alice Hirschmann ready to arrive? :3 ))
* Anor nodded. "Neither do I. But we are doing this to keep the peace and prevent more bloodshed."
<Gwynne> "I understand your hate, sir. No one enjoyed how that conflict played out. But if I may say, as a woman of faith, we can't let the anger get the better of us"
<%Aurani> A tall female dwarf marches into the tavern, stopping shortly inside the entrance before pulling out a pocketwatch and giving it a quick glance and looking bitter as she puts it away and then looking around the tavern for the party.
* Bohzag scoffs "They better keep up their end. I don't want to go home and find a bunch of knife-ears roaming free on my family's land."
<Gwynne> (Forgot to mention, Gwynne is fairly tall for a dwarf as well standing at about 4 foot 4)
<%DM62> "That's as may be, but our recent negotiations have revealed that their attack on our keep was actually retaliation. Apparently a group of dwarves ransacked one of their temples and absconded with an artifact of some value. But I believe our skald has arrived." The brown, hooded dwarf motions Alice over to the corner table, a mug of ale waiting for her there.
<Bohzag> ((4'1" here))
* Anor shook his head. "It likely wont come to that lad."
<Bohzag> "If it does you can be assured that this musket's not for show." he says, pointing a thumb at the musket resting in its holster
<Gwynne> "I hope it dosen't. Enough lives have been wasted on both sides of the isle"
<Anor> (4' 5" here.)
<Bohzag> "Well, enough besides one."
<%Aurani> (4'3" here, as tall as a femdorf can get)
<%DM62> ((So the shortest dwarf has the biggest gun? xD))
<Gwynne> (I fudged the numbers and gave myself an extra inch. Figured height wasn't critical)
* Bohzag rubs his scar gently as he puffs on his pipe
<%Duvak> Just as such an inquiry was made as to if there was another expedition member, another dwarf would enter the bar... though not quite what was expected. Rather than a singer of tales common in mead halls, the dwarf that arrived stood out like a sore thumb to some extent, but at the same time...seemed to command an air of respect and authority to some extent. That dwarf in particular would
<%Duvak> be...tall, amongst its kind, easily half a head over even the other grizzled veterans in the room. A scar across his right eye, and the signs of physical strain and training seemed to denote him as a warrior, perhaps yet another soldier. However, at the same time, their attire seemed to imply otherwise. For while they indeed wore armor, it was far more...decorated than would ever be
<%Duvak> standard in military terms, odd strands of strings, beads, silk lining, pieces of stone ornating it and making it...distinct. Additionally, the man also carried no shield to compliment their axe, which in itself...was again, odd, with odd runes of gold and silver carved into its handle here and there...ones similar to that which was carved upon a gold signet ring upon the dwarf's finger,
<%Duvak> but not quite the same.
<%DM62> "First Sergeant Hirschmann, of the Skalds of Eisenberg, and Duvak Steelkin, also of Eisenberg. Please, come join us." The brown-hooded figure motions over the shaman and the skald.
* Anor offered each newcomer a hand and introduced himself once again. "Anor. Third son and heir of the Urthal Clan"
<%Aurani> (I sortof regret RPing an armyman given I know jackshit about how such would act *-*)
<%Duvak> Regardless though, it'd be their behavior that'd make it most clear that they weren't simply more disgruntled rabble from the streets, as just as soon as the dwarf entered, a cigar held between his teeth, he'd narrow his eyes and begin looking about with an almost alarming degree of scrutiny, as if he was appraising each creature that entered his field of view...stopping only upon hearing
<%Duvak> his name mentioned. In which he gruffly approaches the group that had already gathered...far from perhaps the most friendly expression even in greeting.
* Gwynne Gwynne could not help but feel out of place amongst all the grizzled military veterans and people of war and military service and that all she accomplished in her 72 years was read scripture, heal people and provide verbal comfort to the sick. Far from the heroes she sat with.
<Gwynne> (Woops)
<%DM62> ((Generally military veterans act the same as normal people, unless they're dealing with other veterans. Then they talk about military stuff. A LOT. Because they get all nostalgiac.))
* Bohzag puffs his pipe and nods in greeting to the newcomers
<Gwynne> (I meant the name repeat. Simple mistake on my part. But it still stands Gwynne feels out of place)
<%Duvak> "...Sergant Hirschmann, Anor of Clan Urthal...Bohzag of the Baumfaller family? I take it then that I am in the right place?"
<%Aurani> Alice accompanies Duvak to the table and takes her seat.
* Anor gave a nod. "Seems that way."
<Bohzag> "Aye. We're just talking about the axes we have to grind with the Elves."
<Gwynne> "Sister Gwynne. Servant of our Lady of War, Freya. An honor to meet you both."
<Bohzag> ((Also, as a side note, Bohzag's been speaking Dwarvish this entire time.))
<%Duvak> ((Aren't we all?))
<%DM62> "You are all in precisely the right place. I am Cardinal Mengelberg, a paladin sworn to the service of Heimdall, and owing worldly allegiance to the Duchess of Axtkopf. As soon as we've finished our ales, we will head below to attend the signing of the peace accords with the elves."
<Anor> (I figured it was assumed they would be.)
<%DM62> ((Yes, this is all in Dwarven. Though we'll stick to English, because I don't speak Dwarven IRL.))
<Bohzag> ((I say so because don't want the DM to pull a trollololol language stunt >.> <.< >.> ))
<%DM62> ((I'm not THAT nerdy.
))<%Aurani> (So, since Duvak is also a vet, how likely is it for the two of us two know of eachother?)
* Anor gave a nod before down his remaining ale.
<Anor> (downing*)
<%DM62> ((Cardinal Mengelberg helped arranged this expedition, so of course he knows all of you, at least by name and reputation.))
<%Duvak> ((He's...not a vet actually.))
<%Duvak> ((But he carries himself like one. He 'was' an arms dealer actually.))
<%Duvak> ((Involved with the military, but not actually a part of it till recently.))
<%Aurani> (You can all see that I'm terrific at acting like a vet here, har har)
<%Duvak> Upon closer inspection, it seems that rather than again, being a proper military uniform...or attire, Duvak's outfit seems to be more a mix between both what an officer and an aristocrat might wear, Bearing odd things like, pockets and gold buttons in unusual locations, and a space from which there seems to be an endless supply of items necessary for the rather...foul, cigars the dwarf
<%Duvak> smoked. And to the greetings, his response, while not hostile is far from kind. Merely a grunt and a nod of acknowledgement.
<%DM62> The cardinal finishes of his ale and gives a hearty belch of appreciation.
<Gwynne> "I'm ready whenever you all are. Would just need to grab my equipment. I'm not one for drinking while on duty at least."
<%DM62> ((So you dress like Fidel Castro? :3 ))
* Bohzag hasn't even touched his ale this entire time, rather he's been smoking his pipe
<%Duvak> ((To some extent. XD;
)<Gwynne> "No offense to you all of course!"
* Anor nodded to their employer. "I am ready whenever you are."
<%DM62> "Alright, please follow me." The cardinal leads the group towards the kitchen.
<%Aurani> Alice glances at the ale, scoffs and then pulls out a canteen and taking a decent sip from it.
* Bohzag nods, his pipe ceasing its smoke as he runs out of tobacco, tapping it out on the edge of an empty mug, before storing it and standing up to follow the others
* Anor raises an eyebrow at the odd route, but follows anyway.
<%Duvak> "...Peace accords." At the mention of those, there is a clear sign of...displeasure, though his actual speech would seem to imply grudging acceptance. "...Whatever must be done I suppose."
<%DM62> ((One moment))
* Gwynne grabs her gear and places her shield on her back while still holding her heavy mace in her hand. She'd follow the Cardinal without much question.
<%Duvak> ((...Eesh, I feel like the party killjoy. :X))
<%Duvak> ((Everyone else is like, "Yahh! We gonna take back our keep!
"))<%Duvak> ((And I'm all doom and gloom, and unhappy grunting.))
<Gwynne> (Better then the odd one out. Gwynne is just nervous to be assigned to such a high profile job.)
<%Aurani> (Alice hasn't even spoken yet. .-.)
<%Duvak> ((*Flicks a cigar at Alice*))
<Gwynne> (She ain't used to being surrounded by people of war, despite being heavily armored herself. But that was just provided by her church for safety.)
<%Aurani> Alice stands up and follows the rest of the party.
<%Aurani> (Look at all that detail)
<%DM62> The Cardinal pulls back his hood and makes a gesture to something behind the party. The red-haired barmaid is standing there with a naked blade. Recognizing the cardinal, she sheathes her blade.
<%DM62> "Friends, do not use this entry unless I am with you." The cardinal kneels and opens a trapdoor, then climbs down.
* Anor frowns and gives a nod. "Okay."
<%Aurani> (Prepare for climb checks!)
* Bohzag shifts his pack, waiting his turn to descend, trying to keep his musket pointed away from the people beneath him
<%Duvak> As the group walks out toward the kitchen, Duvak would stop mid way... seeming to reignite his cigar...somehow by cupping the end in one hand. However, as he takes a long drown out puff, the smoke would seem to form a skull...and float back towards the threat he had noticed prior. But as soon as the Cardinal addresses it, the militant dwarf would simply shrug and continue following the
<%DM62> ((It's a ladder. No check necessary.))
<%Duvak> others.
<%Aurani> (Lies!)
<%Duvak> ((Does our cleric have their prepared spells for the day decided btw?))
<Gwynne> (Yes)
* Anor proceeded down the ladder first. "So why the tunnel?"
<Gwynne> "Yes. This does seem rather roundabout."
<%Duvak> ((Can I see/compare? To make sure we're not doing anything silly like double dipping bless.))
<%DM62> The cardinal guides the group through a pitch-black tunnel. Occasionally he warns the party, "do not step here," or "duck as you pass this point." After a short time, you pass two reinforced doors. The first is labelled, "Elves." The second, "Dwarves." He produces a key and opens the dwarf door. "This tunnel gives figures of importance a direct route into the more secure areas of subterranean Axtkopf."
* Anor gave a wary glance at the elven door. "I see."
* Bohzag chuckles "Handy. At least we're making good time."
<%DM62> "I must ask that you leave your weaponry, whether magical or not, within this chamber. The elven delegation have already been similarly disarmed, as have I." The paladin gestures at a corner where an ornate greataxe rests.
* Anor nods and begins to remove his weapons and lay them next to the axe.
* Bohzag takes the musket off of the holster on his back, setting it gently against the wall off on its own, with the muzzle pointed up just in case
<%DM62> "Oh, and don't touch the door labeled "elves." Their wizard placed some kind of spell on the door, with our permission. Something about a curse and a vast demon-worm devouring people. Catyrpelus, I think."
<Gwynne> "Fair enough, sir." Gwynne made no objection as she left her mace, shield and sword with the axe. "Seems a rather extravagant curse to put on a door"
<Bohzag> "You've not seen how thorough they are on the battlefield."
<%Aurani> Alice does as commanded and places her greataxe on the table along with her backpack.
* %Duvak raises an eyebrow at this, as if...amused even at the notion that simply removing his axe would prevent him from slaughering the elves as they had done the dwarves at the keep. However, with a shurg, he then gingerly unholsters the unwieldy axe and lays it there... instead, taking a moment to "crack" gauntleted hands.
<Gwynne> "And I'd rather leave it like that, thank you. I'm trying not to think about that."
<%Aurani> (Brb 2min)
<%Duvak> "...If the elves believe that simply taking away our axes will stop their spines from snapping at the first instance of treachery... well, then perhaps they are in need of...enlightenment."
<Bohzag> "I'm all for killin' 'em, but that's a decision we're not meant to make."
<%DM62> "I trust that you will all keep your heads around the elves. I can respect your hatred after this bloody war, but this peace is vital, if the dwarven people are to recover. Although, obviously, if they do attempt some manner of villainy here, they will not survive the attempt."
* Anor gave a nod at the paladin's words.
<Gwynne> "Father, if I may be so bold, I think it would be best to allow me to speak with you if you need assistance. Calmer minds and voices need to be front and center today."
* Gwynne said with no hesitation or reservation, seeing and hearing the words of her zealous companions
<%DM62> "I appreciate the offer, but even I will say little in this meeting. Our Duke and Duchess of Eisenberg and Axtkopf will be doing most of the talking. And the human representative, Lord Darby."
<%Duvak> "...Of course. I am here today to see to it, that sufficient time for the Dwarven people to grow once again is attained. I will lower my head as necessary for now... "
<Gwynne> "Forgive me. I was not aware the lords and lady would be present for the negotiations. I was believed that you'd be speaking. Forgive my ignorance."