by badams30 » Mon Sep 17, 2012 6:55 pm
Braun says "Where am I from?" and chuckles a bit. "Unfortunately, not from anywhere, really. We are constantly on the move between Waterdeep, The Goldenfields, Red Larch, and occasionally, if the coin is good, Neverwinter. But lately just Waterdeep and Red Larch. Not very exciting, but stable money. And we've been lucky. Goblins and Ogres have been harassing the tradeway for the past year, but we've only been hit once, and by Tymora's blessing (he nods at Han, smiling) "we killed six or seven of em, and they beat it. Haven't seen a thing since."
"Our trade? We are just teamsters. I know what you are thinking, but don't let our size fool you, we are an efficient bunch. And with Melvin on our flank, why... the thought of a powerful wizard in our employ usually serves to keep the miscreants at bay." He chuckles, and says "Melvin may not look like much, but when he needs em', his wits are usually handy. It's just the other 99% of the time that he's, uh... preoccupied. He's been around. Some say he's even been to the land of the dead, but I don't know about that." He get's very quiet and says "I'll tell you this - once when it was just Melvin and me, comin' to meet the boys at Goldenfields, we saw this giant, big, ugly giant. Warts, club, the whole thing, coming toward us. I thought we were goners, but Melvin, he was looking for his damn cat again, and then just like that "POOF!" He shoots this huge ball of fire at the giant, he runs off, ablaze, screamin' like a little girl. I tried to talk to him about it, he acted like it never happend. He's a good man, though. Knows alot about the North and it's lore. Some say he's almost as smart as that Elminster sage, but I wouldn't know."
Braun says "So what brings you all up here? And what keep are you speaking of? I know this area like the back of my hairy hand, and I don't know of any keep within 3 days ride. And a bunch like you, heading to Red Larch? You want adventure, you need to head south. Or get warmer clothes." His smile fades and he says "Not trying to scare you, sir, but I'm serious. If you intend to be here more than 2 weeks or so, you need to buy some cold weather gear. Once it snows, it'll sell quick and for inflated price, and no new stuff will come up. Just a suggestion."
"Oh, and if you decide to stay in Red Larch, might I recommend the Rusty Blade? It might not look like much, but it's better. Somethin' about the Gold Crown just makes me uncomfortable. It's nice though.
As Grinkle finishes the shelter and tending to Ruby, Braun leans over toward Marcus and says in a whisper, "What's the story with that fella? I didn't get a good look at him, but I know what he is." He looks down and sighs and says "A priest of Torm saved my life once. Back in my adventuring days. I trusted him, and I trust you. But you need to keep that fella close to you, especially in town. People can be jumpy at times, and with the goblin threat about, they may act rashly. Just saying."
Braun sips his brandy, and the sun sets, and as if to punctuate his remarks about the winter, a cold, biting breeze starts to blow, and you all draw your cloaks and robes a bit tighter, and huddle a bit closer to the fire. Grinkle comes and sits indian style next to Marcus, munching contentedly on some food. You notice the halflings watching him, but again - they seem to just be in a state of surprise.