1533 replies to this topic

[ThaneWill]

Snorvalt walked into the Horn Gate’s Inn, he would meet the explorers that were interested here. He looked around, he saw the bartender, big and muscled, could have been a bouncer once, but he had a big grey crest now, so he would likely be too old for a good fight. In the corner lay a human, clearly past out drunk last night. A barmaid set 3 mugs of ale down at the table were 3 just awoken warriors sat, they looked slightly hung-over, but they were already in battle suits with their axes and hammers slung on their backs. To the far left was the good old table were Snorvalt always would sit down with his friends when he still worked at the Horn Gate. He had written on his letters to meet him on that table. One dwarf already sat there, a shadowy dwarf, clad in dark leather, hood over his head. His beard was very short though.
As Snorvalt sat down, the shadowy dwarf spoke. “Are you Snorvalt Steelbeard, the one who spread message of a lost hold……..?” “Aye, I am.” “Good, I’m Regundr of the DDD, the rest is classified. I will travel with you if you please.”
Snorvalt didn’t quite know what to reply, “Aye” he said. The door squeaked as another dwarf walked in. A lass, smaller than most of the dawi, she wore weird goggles on her forehead and had packs with all kinds of crazy stuff attached to her belt. She walked up to him and Regundr and sat down. “You must be ‘Hetty’ “ Snorvalt said, when he got his only reply to his messages to Zhufbar, it was written by a female, the only female of the party. She nodded at him but said nothing.
At another table sat a Halfling, fat and round with a weird hat and a big dwarf with a beard that is starting to get grey-white, he had big shoulders and arms like cables, he seemed capable of swinging two orcs over them. The Halfling stood up and walked up to them.
“Pardon, pardon, I thought I heard the name of a lost hold fall, I am, I be, I also signed up for that, I am Pumpernil Cobblestone, treasure hunter.” The big muscled dwarf trader also walked up now, he spoke of old recipes and gold, and that he as interested in that lost hold.
While the party talked and introduced each other, at last, a dwarf walked into the inn, it was a ranger, with a big orange beard. He fist sat down at the bar, ordered an ale. But when he overheard the party speak, he walked up to them. He introduced himself and spoke of messengers and a trice-removed uncle and that he was also interested in joining in.

After the rant of introducing a boasting was finished Snorvalt laid down a small book down on the table. “So guys, this is where it’s all about. This is a dearie, written in Khazalid, it speak of a dwarf who wrote in it during a skaven invasion. It should be located somewhere 4 mountains north-east of Karak Hirn. It has no big entrance, but the book speaks of an old-old traders’ route and an entrance under a waterfall, that waterfall should flow into a river that crosses mans’ land. But we must still be careful, the skaven know of me, they have already attacked me.” Snorvalt stroked up his sleeve and revealed a scar of an oversized rat-teeth formed bite. “and they have stolen my maps…….” “So my friends, I want your opinion, what shall we do?”

OOC:
You can start making up a plan for travelling, there is the underway, it leads to a place only 2 mountains away from the mountain you’re looking for, you can go with a caravan of humans to the upper Reik, but it’ll take 2 days of waiting (which can be a con, but also a pro.) Or you can find other solutions.
Current NPC’s:
Barkeeper (Dwarf),
Barmaid (Dwarf),
Drunkard (Human),
Dwarf Warriors (x3).
You can contact them by PM. You can PM me secret actions (to name some: Thievery, observe, attack if ……..) Or you can do actions in the IC thread.\

Succes!

[Alebelly_Cragfist]

Alebelly looked around at the adventurers huddled about the table. They weren't the most convincing of companions to enter into Thaggoraki lairs. A braggart Halfling, a young Rinn barely off the teet, a breeze loving Ranger and a "Dwarf" who disfigured his own beard. Alebelly took an instant dislike to Regundr. Who could trust such a Dwarf? At least the Ranger looked like he knew how to swing an axe. The Halfling would be a waste of space of course, but at least he may help lift the mood with some decent cooking if they had to rough it for a few nights...

A lost Hold is a shameful thing, for all Dawi. By my reckoning, you'll need someone with a proper beard on this, and besides, where there's a lost Hold, there'll be treasures as yet untouched by the rat stink...

As for my vote, I'm happy enough in Umgi company, but surely the Underway will be quicker, and more discreet? We may need to pick up a few extra lads that know the tunnels. Mind you, I'm never adverse to a bit o' Grobkul.

This swill is Umgi p*ss! Barkeep, 6 of yer best ales, not this sh** you've been fobbin' off on the Umgi over there! Speak to me later about a Cragfist shipment, I'll cut yer a deal before you're accused of poisoning folk!

Snorvalt, surely such a quest is no place for a youngling Rinn? She can't be older than 50! I'll not have her death on my conscience, I have a daughter of my own. No disrepsect lass, but which one of those pouches do you keep yer brain in?!

Action: Toss a coin to the barkeep and keep one eye firmly on Regundr.

[The Shorn]

Don't be so hard on the lass Alebelly my friend. I see great potential in the lovely lady.

As to the travel arrangements, I would prefer to push on as soon as possible...unless perhaps the lovely Hetty would help me pass the time...

Action: Adjusts hat and grins at Hetty

[Alebelly_Cragfist]

"...Bah! Her locks barely touch her shoulders! Again, I mean no disrespect braidling, but have you ever seen a Thaggoraki up close let alone sunk an axe into one? There's worse things than rats where we're going... Why in Valaya's name do you want to come along?

As for you my fine feathered fellow, touch this lass with anything more than courtesy and it won't just be your legs that are short!"

Action: Gulp back ale to quell the anger at the disrespect shown to a Rinn

[Torendil the Slayer]

When the longbeard spoke his mind Orik couldn't help but smile. It seemed that it didn't matter if you where in the mighty halls of Karaz-a-Karak or in the grand caverns of the Hornhold, longbeards would always be old grumblers.

With observation being one of the most important aspects of his job Orik decided to keep his oppionions and thoughts to himself for now. Being the beardling of the company, barring the halfling and the maybe the rinn, also steered him into remaining quit. While he was quick to laugh and make merit, working with his clanlords had also thaught him that some curtesies had to be observed.

He fell back on his usual instincts and checked out each of his new companions in detail, noting their apearence, gear and manner. He was intrigued by the vocal halfling but also worried about his ability to stay quit when it was needed. The rinn actually made him a bit uncomfortable. Still being a young dwarf and spending his days away from the underdeep and under the open sky had left him unfamiliar with the fairer sex. The dwarf with the short beard was very interesting to the young ranger. Why would anyone want to do this? The warrior and scout in Orik had imediate respect for him however, as his trained eyes detected a skillfull individual quikcly.

Still smiling to himself at the longbeard's comment on the ale as he sipped his new tankard Orik leant back and waited for the others to speak up.

Action : Keep obeserving the others, enjoy the fine ale, flush slightly when looking at the rinn.

[cutforth]

Regundr studied the small group of adventurers in-front of him. A strange group for the task at hand, but then again he wasn't in a position to talk. He felt the eyes of the one called Alebelly on him, trying to measure him. Let him try. Regundr was used to the unease of other dwarfs, he had to be. With the others occupied with drink and grumbling Regundr turned to the task at hand. The humans would provide safety, but two days was a long time to wait. His mind quick raced through the other alternatives, adding up there merits.

Without a word Regundr stood up and headed over to the bar, placing a single gold coin on the table. The barkeep eyed him suspiciously, but gold was gold, and he accepted it all the same.

"So, I was planning a trip down the underway, know anyone who could help?" he spoke quietly, his voice barely reaching the others. If they were trying to listen, they would of noticed the extreme calmness to his voice, barely any emotion registered as he spoke. As he finished Regundr produced two more coins and laid them on the counter.

Action: Try and find out someone who could help us travel by asking the bartender.

[Bequa]

"Master Alebelly, sah! Ah'm 'onoured by yer courtesy. Alas, ah'm a young'un, aye, but ah'm tough enough!" announced the young girl, her strong Zhufbarian accent prominent in her speech,

"Ah meant nae disrespect, sah, but ah'm thinkin' yer need some 'splosives expertise on this journey, aye?" she continued,

"Besides, who's gonna blow tha bloody doors off?" the brunette exclaimed, waving her arms about in an explosive motion.

The pretty little thing raised her flagon to her lips, sipping some of the ale before she looked back around the room at all the Dawi and their Halfling companion. Her eyes fixed on the Dawi called Regundr as he approached the barkeep. The young girl stood and followed him, intent on listening to what the barkeep would suggest.

Action: Follows Regundr to ask the bartender.

[cutforth]

Regundr heard the young rinn's footsteps coming towards him. She might be young, but she was strong willed and headstrong, something they'll need in the days to come. But she had much to learn, and little time to do so in. Without a word Regundr took a step to the side, giving a quick nod for her to join him. She might as well start learning now.


Action: make room for Hetty at the counter.

[Alebelly_Cragfist]

Despite his years, there was nothing wrong with Alebelly's hearing, nor his instincts. At least the cutbeard listened to sense even if he was unable to adhere to tradition and show proper respect. Another black mark. As a Thane and a Longbeard, leadership passed to him as tradition dictated, at least amongst those currently assembled. A proper Dwarf would know this and understand the sense of it.

"Hetty, black powder has it's place, but what we need is stealth or we'd have every Thaggoraki in the Old World trying to chew our throats out! Individually they're worthless, but we'll be up against untold numbers of them and I'd really rather not face them all at once! There's only six of us, why would we announce our arrival with bl**dy great explosions? How you've made it 50 years without killing yourself is a mystery to me!

And Cutbeard, why waste gold for information that would be freely forthcoming you addled brained wazock?! What mineshaft have you been lost in?! Why not ask your companions first? And why the hell didn't you wait for someone with a far longer beard than you to make a proper decision before running off aimlessly? This venture is doomed to fail unless we work as a team and more importantly listen to sense from those that know about such things!! Show some patience or your recklessness will be our undoing!

I'll be damned if I'm about to trek out on a fools errand! If we do this, we do it properly, and by that I mean together, and by that I mean listen to what I say so you don't get us all killed! Running after gold is one thing, but I intend to live long enough to place it in my vaults."

Action: Slams tankard onto table and stares a hole into Regundr and Hetty, daring them to question him.

[Thunderforge]

The door to the inn banged open as another dwarf arrived, wearing dirty travelling clothes and a heavy pack. He eyed around the room darkly and walked over to the bar.

"An ale barkeep" he asked. "And a word. Do you have here Snorvalt Steelbeard?"

Action: Eyes along the bar at Regundr and Hetty

[cutforth]

Regundr slowly turned to face the old longbeard, throwing a casual wink at Hetty as he did so. He stood a moment looking the older dwarf up and down, taking in everything he could about him. he let out a brief sigh before he answered, making sure he was loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, but not shouting.

"I expected a more level head with someone of your experience and length of beard. There is no need for such venomous words so early in our expedition. Each of our group has valuable experience in areas that will be of use. I expect that before the end of this journey Hetty's explosives will be of great use. Now we have a journey to take, and two options open to us. We have two days before the caravan leaves, so we might as well explore the other option, which would require a guide, as I am sure no-one here is an expert in this area of the underway. I had made no decision on the matter, instead gathering more information to make a more logical decision, something you might want to do in future.

So if you don't mind, I'll have a quick word with this excellent establishment's owner and rejoin our small party shortly to plan out our next move, hopefully with some information that might be of use."

Before Alebelly could reply Regundr turned back to the barkeep.

Action: turn around and answers Alebelly before turning back to the Barkeep

[Thunderforge]

Thrang slowly realises the burning atmosphere of having walked into the middle of Something that had just happened and turns to regard Alebelly. Stares at Alebelly, then Regundr, and back to Alebelly.

Action: Grins quietly behind moustache waiting to see what happens next...

[ThaneWill]

-At the bar-
“Hush, hush, we don’t fight here, rather go to another inn if you like a bar brawl......” The barkeeper laid his meaty hand on the gold piece and dragged it slowly to his side, into his pocket. “There is indeed something I know shortbeard....... There are some imperials with 5 pony pulled carts going to Karas-a-Karak, to bring them a delivery of Bugmans’ XXXXX, they leave tomorrow early in the morning. Most keep it secret to not cause any ‘commotion’ as the beer is ‘less-legally-bought’ if you know what I mean.” “One of them was a friend of me...... once......”
The bartender nodded to the newly arrived dwarf and pointed a meaty finger to the group of explorers.
Meanwhile Regundr and Hetty nodded and turned back to the group. “Seems we have a 3th option then.”

-At the table-
As Regundr and Hetty sat down again, Snorvalt decided to answer the asked questions. “So Alebelly, you said something about the company of Hetty, well, I, not any of us will take responsibility for the death of each other. We will enter a place infested with overmutated rats....... if we get caught, survival is minimal.” “So friends, what shall we do? My vote goes to the human caravan, chance of survival is highest and the gold won’t run away........”

Edited by ThaneWill, 05 March 2012 - 12:56 PM.

[Thunderforge]

Thrang pulled up a stool and shrugged off his pack, elbowing some space around the table.

"Greetings Snorvalt, and company, I am Thrang of the Clan Thunderforge" he pulled off his leather gauntlets and slapped them down on the table. "I will march with you if you will. If you want my opinion I'd go by night, and by tunnel. O'course it would be nice to taste Bugman's again, if the chance came up... so perhaps... and I'd not trust manlings to look after good ale... "

Action: Thrang joins group and states preference for staying with the Bugman's wagon train

[Alebelly_Cragfist]

Action: Speaks pointedly at Regundr

I don't know what mine shaft you were lost in as a youngling, but you're obviously bereft of Gazul's teachings and the meaning of the word Gnollengrom. I don't know what shame you brought to your clan for you to feel the need to disfigure yourself so, but in Dawi realms you abide by Dawi law. As a Thane and Longbeard of the Cragfist Clan, I hold rank here and you'd best remember that! There was more sense in my words than venom and if you had half a brain you'd have kept your mouth shut.

I'll speak frankly 'cause that's my right and you'll bl**dy well listen, Cutbeard. I don't trust you, skulking about, acting like an Umgi cut purse more than a Dawi of honour. I'd wager you're here at the bequest of a superior, and that whatever your shady purpose for coming, they've ordered you to accompany us. If you won't listen to sense, at least listen to orders! If you want to remain with us, you'll pay heed to my words. All the Dawi around you know the sense of this, even young Hetty.

We live together or we die alone! We're up against Grimnir knows what in that rat infested stink hole and you want to call shots and undermine protocol?! You speak of sense, like you've demonstrated any?! So long as my beard's greater than yours, so are my words! Don't think that I don't know you can use a blade, you wouldn't be so outspoken if you couldn't. But don't underestimate a Longbeard laddy, lest I teach you the true meaning of Gnollengrom! Stop acting like a beardling on his first ale and showing off to the lass. We have plans to make! Now, I'll hear no more on this subject lest I trimm yer beard further still!

Action: Turns to Steelbeard

That said, there's no honour in accompanying bootleg Bugman's so far as I can see it. The Underway was good enough for my ancestors and it's good enough for us. Find an ex-iron breaker for a guide and we can get going. If Hetty insists on coming, I'll have to keep an eye out for her, stay close lass and stay quiet!

Thrang, tromm, welcome to this fool's errand. I trust you have no issue with my choice of route? (*without pause*) No? Sensible lad, we could use a few more like you!

Action: Fully satisified that no-one dare speak against him after the dressing down he gave Regundr, Alebelly puffs calmly on his pipe.

[Torendil the Slayer]

At first Orik thought the petty discussions amusing but he soon grew tired of it. Being used to the open sky and sounds of the beasts and nature he didn't take well to verbal warfare inside a warm and damp inn. With one last gulp he throws down the last of his ale and sets the stein on the table in front of him.

Action : Turns to Thrang.

Tromm to you, Thrang of clan Thunderforge. I am Orik of Clan Zharrgrund, at your service and that of your clan.

Action : Turns to the rest of the company.

I realize that my word does not carry much conviction because of the lenght of my beard, but I will mention my thoughts none the less, maybe one of the venerable longbeards can find use for them.
My clanlords and ancestors would not look lightly upon me traveling with less-then-honest companions and therefore I see no honor nor merit in joinging the shady ale-delivery. So it seems that for me there are two options left. Once again I see no merit in joining Umgi for protection, while they are allies of Clan Zharrgrund they are still a weakwilled race. This gold is dwarven gold and it should stay in dwarven hands. There's no need to risk having the Umgi be interested in the treasure we seek. Therefore I must agree with the venerable longbeard and put my vote, for whatever it is worth, on the Underway.

Action : scratch his shaven head and await replies. Avoiding eye contact with the rinn.

[Alebelly_Cragfist]

Action: Nods to the sense from one so young and continues to puff on his pipe.
Action: Smirks inwardly at the Ranger's flushed face whenever he glances at Hetty.

"There's hope for this venture yet. Snorvalt, what says you, considering this is your idea?"

(OOC - I'm not trying to get the quest off track, just playing a Longbeard - he'd be fuming at the feedback from a Dwarf that quite obviously holds no tradition, regardless of his worth! )

Edited by Alebelly_Cragfist, 05 March 2012 - 02:23 PM.

[Thunderforge]

Thinks sadly about missing out on the chance of a Bugmans.

Action: Nods sagely in regard to the Underway

[ThaneWill]

-OOC: I'm just mentioning it, but the humans of the caravan won't join us, we join them and then go off as the road spilts, after reading Thorendils' post-

[Bequa]

Hetty shrinks back, feeling a little overwhelmed by the experience of her peers. A firey young lass at heart, she just shows a little too much eagerness in her enthusiasm. She turns to face Alebelly, nodding to him respectfully,

"Sah, ah'd follow yer if'n ye' want tae lead us... may yer beard grow longer." she finally admitted, lowering her eyes to her ale and feeling like perhaps she should follow the more experienced Dawi in hopes of gaining some experience herself. And if they wanted her explosives, they'd ask!

Action: Fiddles with the goggles on her forehead, looks up at all the Dawi assembled and wonders what path they will choose.