A stranger enters

A man dressed in red robes with a red hood over his head and a leather-bound book in his hand enters the tavern. He has not been seen at the hob goblin before but does nothing to draw attention to himself.

He looks around the room, taking in the other patrons before buying himself a drink. He asks for a fine Elven wine which he takes to a table ny himself. After sitting sipping at his wine for several minutes he pulls out his book and begins writing with a quill.

He doesn't speak to anyone but politely tips his head to anyone who greets him as he passes

Greetings stranger,

A large warrior-like individual wearing a quartered tabbard bearing a single claw like tear over the left breast approaches the strangers table in a polite manner.

Not seen you around here before, what brings you to the neutral city?

The stranger looks up from his writing, the words look like elvish. When he looks up the man's features are Elven with pale skin and White irises.

Hello, i am new to the city, I have come here to study, who might you be, I do not recognise your markings? Take a seat if you would like to join me.

Indeed I shall, thankyou!

Taking a seat the man calls a serving wench over and orders a flagon of mead.

Well I am Gunther, champion of the Dragon Corps, and I co-own another establishment in this city. I work closely with quite a few of the regulars here. Answering calls for aid or searching things out for coin there is always work here. You seem to be of Elven decent, what is your story friend?

'Laughing' owner of another establishment? Always good to know the competition I guess.

Obviously you recognise that I am an elf, I have come from a distant tribe, I have not visited this part of the world before, nor have any of my tribe. Bru'ash seemed an excellent place to study, a neutral city ought to have people with many backgrounds and a rich history. I am currently looking for paid work so I can fund my living, I left my home with virtually nothing but the clothes on my back.

I have heard your name around the city, and about the dragon corps. You are are wanted man arent you. (a wry smile appears on his face) I can tell at least some of the charges are false so I won't run screaming just yet.

Everyone meets here for work and socialising the White Dragon has a bar, rooms to rent and offers the protection of the Corps to those in need of it.

Gunther sits back grinning

Yes, but to answer your question; the only people that "want" me are a bunch of crazed fanatics called the "White Light" who "want" anything or anyone "different."

I am no Demon, neither am I entirely human. Its no secret...the essence of dragons runs through my veins.

The skin around his eyes and hands starts to scale white and his eyes slit akin to that of a reptile.

Dont fear me friend as I use these gifts for the good of the realm, as any here abouts would vouch for, except maybe the bitter viking who still doesnt quite understand that it was his people that tried to invade this land and it was my people that sent them packing. Anyway I guess that means you dont have anywhere to stay? I offer you room and board at the White Dragon... no charge.

You seem the learned type and I have need of a scholar!

Would you accept my coin and hospitality in exchange for lending me these skills in the future?

I appreciate your candour, I may take you up on that offer. I must spend a lot of time in the libraries so I will not be able to take on the role of a scribe, but I can do most other scholarly tasks for you. What is it you require? The offer of bed and board is much appreciated, as is a safe place to learn. I have no friends in this city and as much as I admire it's neutrality, I fear a knife between my shoulder blades for the limited coin in my purse.

Is there anyone else in the city I should know? Are you alone tonight?

It is not a scribe that I am after, merely someone educated enough to research archives or analyse maps and other similar tasks.

Well you are welcome at the White Dragon anytime and my offer is without deadline. With regard to coin, I can pay you 5gold now and a steady 5gold per month for your trouble with a substantial extra payment for any useful information or fruitful leads you may turn up in your studies.

As for other people of note, Khelder owns and runs this city. He is a fair ruler and a very rich collector of unique artifacts, his apprentice is that short lad over there with the viking. I will say nothing of the viking as it would be unfair to give any preconceptions. Janoc is a friar with as much of an affinity for coin as the gods he serves but he is a good man and a priest of great healing power. Theoderick is usually close by he is a holy warrior of Odeka and the other gentleman whose name always escapes me wears very fine armour and is a warrior of prowess, his origins are unknown but the Drow that tried to attack this city a while back sent a bounty hunter after him.

In case you were wondering we marched into their camp and slaughtered them to a man!

There are other adventurers that come and go but those are the regulars.

You will meet my garrison if you decide to take up my offer.

Thank you for the information, I will be happy to aid you and your terms are fair. I hope I can make myself useful to you. Is there any particular knowledge that you are looking for or specific areas on interest?

I think i will enjoy my night here, and maybe introduce myself to a couple of your allies, sort of get to know the area a bit. In the morning, I will report to your establishment and we can go from there. (smirk on his face) it goes without saying that I will be enquiring about my new employer, let's see what sort of man I am working for.

Kefka wanders over to the table with his hands behind his back
looking to the 'Warrior' he chuckles and says,
"You must be getting brave to be taking the punters from one of Kheldars taverns?"
He smirks and gives a quick wink to ensure he knows he's joking knowing of the arrangement that was made,
"It has been a while since we were in the desert with two suns Gunther, How have you been?"
turning to the other patron, he greets him revealing that his name is Kefka
"I hear your new to Bru'ush" he says quizzically
all of a sudden his voice takes a much more serious tone
"In Bru'ush everyone abides by the laws, those that don't take a..."
A dagger appears in the table with an audible thunk, Kefka looks impressed with himself that there was barely a blur as he moved, your not quite sure where the dagger came from.
"vacation"
He smirks as he says 'vacation'
his voice returns to its usual cheerful tone
"However you look to be in very capable hands especially with Gunther"
He bows his head as he says his name
he smiles and sits down, removes the dagger from the table and begins to play with it between his fingers it glistens with moisture in the light from the window his fingers are soon covered in an unknown liquid.
"If you ever need anything, leave a note behind the bar or at the mansion, it is rare that you ever find me in one place, I like to move around a lot."

Gunther turns his gaze to meet Kefka.

Good to see you again Kefka. Ive been...busy. I have no intention of taking Kheldars patrons anywhere.

Returning the wink.

I have merely offered room and board in exchange for help with with my scholarly tasks. So how is our "MIGHTY" viking friend?

Gunther gives a jerked thumb in the vikings direction.

I must say Kefka, you have got fast...i'm impressed. And I thank you for your compliment. Poisons is it now Kefka? I guess we graduated from speed school then?!

Gunther laughs loudly slapping his friend on the shoulder in a jovial manner.

Wench...more drink for my 2 companions and me if you would!

*turning to Kefka and smiling*
"I would normally take offence, but seeing as you are brazen enough to threaten someone you know nothing about, I will assume you have either the skill or authority to back it up. Your warnings are unnecessary however, I only wish to study here. My people respect law and discipline and I will act as the model citizen. I thank you for your greeting and your offer of help.

*turns back to gunthar*
"thank you for the drink, your liquors are slightly different to what I normally drink but I think I can get used to them. do you have any library facilities in your compound?"

*quickly turns back to Kefka*
"this gentleman told me you have ties with the city ruler, is there anything I need to do as a newcomer to the city to allow me access to your archives? Nothing particularly sensitive, mainly historic information, records of local wildlife, that sort of thing, maybe some information on who's who in the region, so I can seek further assistance on my personal studies. Is that something you would be able to arrange for me?"

"A threat? I don't threaten people, why would you inform your enemies of what your going to do to them? It was just a caution, most of the patrons within this tavern are my friends, I wouldnt want future employee? of Gunthers and possibly a travelling companion to make mistakes within Bru'ush that could have dire consequences attached to them"
Turning to Gunther
"your getting stronger, that slap on the back nearly lifted me clean of my feet"
He says chuckling loudly
Wiping his finger on the dagger and then licking his finger before putting the dagger away
"not quite as quick as you may have thought..."
He laughs and in a whisper so only the table he's on can hear
"I dropped this in a pint at the bar whilst I was playing with it as I getting a couple of drinks for the Viking and myself... I gave him that pint. I'm not even sure if anything I could concoct could make anyone dribble like that"
He smirks
Turning to the cloaked man he drums his fingers on the table
"Sorry I have yet to ask of your name? I'll see what I can do about the archives, however he will probably want something in exchange, I cannot say what that something will be however, nor could I hazard a guess. He may very well ask to see the information that you are looking for and find as one of the possible requirements."
Kefka takes out a quill and parchment, he writes something, rolls it up seals it and then whistles sharply. A robed man in black with coloured trim appears from within the shadows.
"take this to the master"
The man steps into the shadows

"How rude of me, my name is Sebastian. I will remember the caution, I hope not to make any unecessary enemies on my travels."

"With regards cutting a deal to get access to the archives, I have very little in the way of material wealth, but would be happy to discuss an arrangement where I could do something for him. I would not be concerned showing him my findings either, particularly as the information would be from his own archives."

*leans in close to Kefka*
"I would be willing to discuss my field of interest in a more private location but some of the topics would not go down well in a crowded inn"

*He smiles and leans back to Gunther, sipping at the drink offered to him*

"seems to be a bit of animosity between you and your Viking friend, I don't wish to pry into personal disputes, but is there anyone that I should watch out for?"

"That is quite alright Sebastion, getting caught up in the art of conversation often leads to information being omitted, I have already sent word to Master Kheldar and he will be sure to discuss with you the intracatsies of of any possible arrangements"
Kefka sighs at hearing mention of the Viking and looks towards his direction
"The Viking, Lysander from what I've seen in the bar likes to make Alot of noise and enjoys the attention of others he can be a bit much and over the top at times in the bar. From my experiences he's pleasant to you so long as your pleasent to him. He enjoys his drink. Really enjoys his drink we get a few complaints but I've taken it upon myself to keep a watchful eye on him in the city. Can't have my friends getting into trouble now can I,"
He says chuckling to himself.
"I know almost all of the regulars within the city due to spending most of my free time talking to the city goers and helping those within the Walls that need my assistance"

Gunther takes a large gulp from his tankard.

Sebastian, my friend there is no-one here abouts you need to worry about especially if you are are asociated with myself and Kefka.

Any issue between myself and the viking is based entirely on the fact that the Dragon corps had to repel a full blown viking invasion attempt on these lands years ago. I fought in that war, he is too young to remember it. I hold no grudge it would be best described from my point of view as banter.

"banter is good, it keeps the spirits high. I look forward to many nights of revelry, I do try and remain composed, drink tends to dull the wits."

"So Gunther, you are a warrior of great renown, I feel lucky to count you amongst my somewhat small list of allies. What sort of things have you fought? Any particular specialty? Hordlings? Undead? *looks around quickly*.. demons?"

"and you Kefka? I have heard less of your deeds? How do you like to spend your time outside the city?"

Gunther sits back and laughs.

Speciality? Ive never given it any thought. I kill what or who I must. Although I will not kill anyone or anything that doesnt pose a threat to me, my companions or the innocent peoples of these lands!

If you want to know what I have killed most of in my time then it would be vikings, hoardlings and drowe. Probably in that order.

Lots of experience then, some of my avenues of study could prove dangerous, so having someone around like you might come in handy. I'm not going to be going about looking for trouble, but sometimes the only way. To study something is to get closer to it.

What else is there to do in this city?

Well thats fine, Im all for expanding ones knowledge and I would be happy to accompany you when you are questing to further your studies!

All I ask is that you give me an idea what I would be up against and for what I would be putting my ass on the line to find.

As for the city, there is all the normal things you would find in a city of this size, temples, markets, financial opportunities, taverns etc. The best thing about this place is that as long as you obey the law it is a safe place for people who are being chased or hunted for unjustified reasons by less savoury factfions.

Oh and there is always paid adventuring work advertised here abouts!

"I would have to ask that you keep your voice down" He says in a fierce whisper "It is good that you have not heard of my "deeds" that would be for the best, my influence inside of this city is something I wish to keep, however it is something I would be willing to lose if it became necessary to do so I am quick cold concise and efficient, I ensure I cover my tracks thoroughly. by no means is it a secret in what I am trained to do, the only ones that have issue with me is the guild however I have yet to meet a member brave enough to mess with myself or my mentor so I have nothing to fear from them yet"
Kefka smiles and his voice returns to its standard volume,
"I apologise for acting in what could be thought of as threatening. If you find yourself hunted or chased within the city, please inform one of the guards, so that we can keep a watchful eye. Anyway enough of myself, what of you sebastion, what is your trade?"

Was that "hush" aimed at me Kefka?

Still its a great city for anyone starting off a career in adventuring or seeking to make their fortune.

"No, you have my apologies, I try to keep my personal life separate from my life outside of the city it was a hurried hush as I do not wish to discuss in detail what I'm truly capable of in such a public place, I'm sure there will be many and more appropriate and private times to discuss my trade"
Kefka says in a hushed voice
As a gesture of good will he pays for a few more drinks for the table

Sebastian thanks Kefka for the drinks and thinks a moment before answering his question

"myself? Not a lot to tell really, have spent the last few months since I left my tribe travelling. Have only recently arrived in your lands and have accomplished little so far. I have a long standing interest in otherworldly creatures and thought it would be useful and interesting to travel and study. Most of the avenues of research local to my people have been thoroughly tapped anyway. I am kind of just finding my feet so if I say anything out of line, please forgive me."

"With regards to your question Gunther, I would only be able to guess the kind of things we may be up against, it depends who or what holds the knowledge I seek. I can discuss it in more detail in private."

Of course in private, Sebastian. I would not expect to discuss anyones personal and private business here, too many ears!

Something neither of you know but I will tell here and now...

Gunther lowers his voice to a whisper.

...the viking tried to and still intends to cash in on my wanted status with the White Light cult! He arrived 'late' to a battle with some orcs in a village near by and whilst I was incapacitated from the rather hard fought engagement to protect the village he and his mercenaries robbed me of all my healing poultices and balms and attempted to bind me until Janoc and Gus stopped them. (Gus being a ranger associate of mine, he prefers the wilds to the city)

The viking then tried to strike a deal which I know he would cheat me on, which involved a deception of handing me in for the coin with loose binds so I could break out and we could escape with 50% of the coin each. And he is still trying to find a way to do it according to my sources.