Esparam had spent the day to visit the city, relax, and rest after the previous weeks of navigation on the Elos Bay.

He had first went to the baths to clean his clothes and body from all the salt, oil his boots and other leather items. He then took the rest of the day to explore the city, and getting to know this new place. With sunset, he found a cheap inn to sleep in.

He woke up early in the morning as was his habit. He stretched a little to help him wake up, splashed some cold water on his face, and studied an ornate, leather-bound book.

After a time, he put the book away in a large pouch at his belt, hanging on his right, while a dagger hanged at his left, strapped his backpack on his back, slung the crossbow around his shoulder, took his staff, and walked out of the room and then of the inn, towards the One Eyed Ogre.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:05, Thu 04 Oct 2018.

"Yes its imperative to understand the area so a map would be necessary ", Thelonius states

Lilly emerges from the kitchen with two fresh out of the oven pot pies. She serves Thelonius and Tarrano and leaves, returning seconds later with a full pitcher of water and fills their mugs. She heads in the direction of the dwarves with the pitcher in hand.

"Tell me, what other supplies do you think you need?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:49, Sat 06 Oct 2018.

Tarrano looks over to Thelonius as he doesn't another glass of water and takes a couple bites of the biscuits and pot pie, before be responds


"Start with the usual stuff, extra rations, water, ropes, maybe a mule or two to carry everything. I'd like an extra quiver of arrows. If we can mannage one and depending on the terrain maybe conisder a boat or two but that might not be worth the haul. It all depends on who we got and the terrain."

Esaparam arrives to the One-Eyed Ogre.
He glances at a murder of crows cawing and fighting over some food waste from the tavern's kitchen,  then enters the building.

He scans the room, curious to see if the soldier from the day before is still there, and what other patrons would be spending time here today.

Just as Tarrano finishes speaking, Thelonius sees the Scholarly fellow from yesterday enter into the tavern.

"Scholar, we're over here.", Thelonius invites the stranger over to his table.

Entering the One-Eyed Ogre after his time at the baths, Titus quietly took a seat at the table with Thelonius, ordering a glass of wine. The man was incredibly massive to say the least, just over six feet tall and incredibly broadly built - more of a bear than a man, to say the least.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Sun 07 Oct 2018.

In reply to Thelonius Xander (msg # 9):

Esparam walks over to Thelonius and Tarrano.
He smiles, "Well, Noble Citizen, it seems you are having trouble finding your adventurers... but I am glad the Master Hobgoblin remains interested."

He sits with them, and leans forward in an attempt to break the ice. "I am Esparam Keli'yeli. Junior apprentice of the arcane arts and the occasional traveller and adventurer."
Your offer is generous, but I remain of the opinion that, considering the kind of mission you're being expected to carry out, it should be even more generous."

He pauses for a second.

"Nevertheless, I've decided I would join you. Consider it a wager on a very good haul of rare items, and on your capabilities to see this through without losing people. Or too many."

"So, tell me more. What should I know about this expedition?"

"I'm glad you changed your mind Esparam Keli'yeli. Junior apprentice in the arcane arts? Are you a wizard?", Thelonius asks

In reply to Thelonius Xander (msg # 12):

"I... am not really fond of this designation. It carries a lot of preconceived ideas. And I am but a mere apprentice, as I said. But I suppose, in layman terms, that I am indeed a wizard."
His tone when saying "wizard" clearly indicates he dislikes the word for some reason; but he genuinely seems modest when he says he is just an apprentice.

He glances over at the massive man that just sat at their table, and glances back to Thelonus and Tarrano with an inquisitive look. "Oh, so you have found someone else! Good, good."

Tarrano nods at Esparam and then to the large man taking a seat with them. He eyed them both but Titus was quiet so his attetion quickly shifted to Esparam as he spoke and informed us that he is a wizard. Great to have one on your side, not so great when they are against you. Also they tend to think themselves smarter then the rest of us.

"Well met, we were just discussing some of the supplies needed." as Tarrano tries to refocus to the task on hand, they only had a couple days to prepare for the voyage and then the cross land trip into a swamp

"Any experience with Swamps?"

I see. Considering you are expecting to find relics and enchanted items, yes, I might have a few items in mind that could help on that front. It might be useful to visit the library beforehand - I assume there is one here?" he replies.

He chuckles. "I've crossed one or two small swamps during my apprenticeship, for field research. I did not linger though, so I can't really say this counts as valuable experience."

Thelonius jumps in, "Relics come with us but belong to my King here in Baris. Enchanted items we split between us.", he explains to Esparam.

Thelonius turns to address the soldier that just sat down, "Greetings centurion. What brings you to our table?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:18, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

Catweazle sits idly by the fireplace listening to the halfling play through his regular repertoire, occasionally throwing a coin to him to keep the music playing. While listening, he alternates between tearing mouthfuls away from his half eaten damper in one hand, and half a pint of fine ale in the other. At one point, he feels through his hair and finds a small twig knotted within, removing it to pick his teeth with before turning his attentions back to the bard.

Catweazle is a diminutive human male standing about five and a half feet tall. He has recently clipped off most of his hair to leave a strawlike tuft of sandy brown hair. He has darting brown eyes and has also kept a small mustache after shaving off his ratty beard. He wears some brown, raggish clothing over an old leather tunic, and carries a gnarled wooden shield that has seen better days. His only visible weapon is a simple bulbous club.

Most times, Catweazle looks like he is completely crazy. His eyes rarely settle focussed on one thing for long, though the local bardic music does tend to soothe his jitters, and he is constantly feeding his senses by looking this way and that. He has an almost raspish whispering voice that is quiet by most standards.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:01, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

Tarrano's eyes dart to the short man in the corner watching him for a moment as the wizard speaks to their mutual boss before it turns back to Esparam at his question and Thelonius' response

"I was looking at seeing if we can get a map of the swamp and the surrounding region so that we can have a better idea of the best way to approach the swamp. Also some basic supplies such as food, water, possibly transportation like canoes, additional arrows for myself. I could also use a superior set of tools then what I have available to myself for locks and their ilk if that is possible?"

Tarrano then takes another bite out his biscuit and shoves some sausage links in his mouth at the same time. Idling strumming the wooden mug on the table filled with water with his other hand.

Esparam nods in understanding at Thelonius. "That is what I understood. However, you still need to be able to recognize a relic from a rusty piece of scrap – or any enchanted item for that matter – to be able to return it, is what I meant. And in that, I believe I can help best – provided I have the books and tools I need." He ends his sentence in a subtle rising intonation, hinting at Thelonius that he wonders whether they would be supplied by the city.

Back to Tarrano: "I agree. If the area is as treacherous as it's said to be, we'd better be as prepared as we can. We ought to get dry wood as well if we hope to light a fire in a swamp. Or at the very least some oil to light a lantern during the night."

Esparam then realises he hasn't eaten breakfast yet, as his stomach growled at seeing Tarrano's and Thelonius's juicy sausages. He looks around, and gestures Lilly - who was cleaning mugs behind the counter - for some breakfast for himself as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

Thelonius speaks up,"Gentlemen, please, one person at a time.", he turns his attention to the centurion, waiting for him to answer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:35, Tue 09 Oct 2018.

As Thelonius turns to the man who just sat with them, Esparam turns his attention to him as well, and proceeds to thoroughly stare at him, also expecting him to say something. Ideally something that would help Esparam get a better grasp of this.... huge man, for lack of a better word.

The halfling smiles at Catweazle and continues to play. The halfling is not only skilled with the lute he also has a strong and well tuned voice.

When done with a full set, he thanks Catweazle "You are a kind and generous man, this coin will go far in feeding a starving performer." Eldon does not like being underfed at all. "Your coin will support the art, .... Yes another day of fine music and tales for the young and old, ... My Lord you have made this man and his gods happy and may they do the same for you in return." he extends his hand "I am Eldon 'the Golden' Thrush."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:05, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

The ratty looking man extends his hand gingerly and takes the halfing's in it. "Cat..." he says, shortly, flicking his nose with his thumb in a strange, superstitious sort of a way. "Catweazle. You play your instrument well. Soothe bears, 'twould," he adds, cracking the slightest of smiles as he lets go of Eldon's hand.

Eldon smiles at 'Cat' "Thank you good man" and in an awkward and careless manner moves close to the groups table (Tarrano, Thelonius, Esparam etc).

And in the poorest and most odd manner leans over to listen in on the conversation.

Now no one is sure if the halfing is being funny or serious. Maybe he could just be drunk in the early morning but regardless one can not help but laugh at his attempt.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

The man is huge, even as he sits he towers over the table - he listens during the exchange of conversation between the group. At first he does not realize Thelonius is speaking to him directly and when asked a second time he almost shakes his head as if interrupting a thought and replies "Thank you, I am Titus Aurelius, Centurion of the 1st Cohort, Defender of the Empire, and I am here to help you Thelonius Xander, Imperior Warrior, and Protector for the Emperor."

"In fact I am here to for the same reason as you,.... I am to retrieve Artifacts for our empire and the commander of this post said you have been given orders to do the same... I wish to join you in service to the Empire and find out what happened to my brothers and get these artifacts to our emperor."

He looks at the halfling. He eyes roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:19, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Tarrano's gaze though seemingly intent on Titus and his response to Thelonius, his hand shifts to his dagger at his side as the halfling seems to be peering a little to close

"Can we help you small one? Ears have been removed for such obvious intents."

In reply to Titus Aurelius (msg # 25):

"You are most welcome to join us Centurion.", Thelonius says gladly. He turns his attention to Tarrano and Esparam.

"Gentlemen, make a list of what you think you will need. A map would be top on our list. Esparam, I'm not really sure what you're requesting as far as identifying enchanted items and relics. Please specify and I'll do my best to acquire it.", Thelonius states.

Thelonius is also paying attention to the wee halfling Tarrano warned.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:40, Sat 13 Oct 2018.

In reply to Tarrano Grazlak (msg # 26):

"Go easy no need to fight honorable warrior. I’m no match for you as you have already won this fight. Congratulations hobgoblin.” the Halfling’s voice is calm & almost soothing, the words were hard, direct and strong. He has spent time with the goblin kin before.
"As far as listening in well can you blame me, you are all so loud as you discuss the emperor and what all kalamaran already knows. He needs the right weapons to win this war we are not already in” the words ring true but he knows more then he is saying.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:15, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

In reply to Thelonius Xander (msg # 27):

He moves over. As he listens and watches the Halfling and Hobgoblin exchange words.