Game: Grab yourself another seat, friend.

Gala and Hanson carefully carry the resting woman towards the tavern. Namfoodle brings up the rear making sure nothing gets the surprise on them. Nothing of interest happens along the path. As you three approach you see a long, low building of fieldstone and blackened timbers. A burnt wooden sign hangs over the entrance depicts a mug engulfed in flames. A blue glow and raucous laughter emanates from inside. A stern-faced muscular half-orc stands guard by the entrance.

As you three approach, the half-orc holds out his hand stopping you. He lifts the woman's head and observes her wound then eyes all three of you, one by one, very thoroughly. "You three don't strike me as someone who would do this, matter of fact, looks like you found her in worse condition and healed her. Now to get my business out of the way, I mean no offence to you three, this bar has a zero tolerance policy on attacking patrons with weapons or spells, if you want to fight, use your fist or take it out side. There has been a few murders recently inside the tavern which has drawn unwanted attention from the local authorities. Now with that out of the way, we have plenty of rooms but I don't recognize her. You'll need to talk to the tavern keeper though, he's in charge of rooms and drinks, i'm just the bouncer. Perhaps he might know your friend too, you'll find him behind the bar counter, his names Tofdir." he opens the door "And remember no trouble."

As you enter, the tavern is nearly packed to full capacity. Loud, drunken harbor workers, mercenaries, and sailors take a spot along the long bar counter that runs across the eastern wall or sit by the many wooden tables scattered around the scratched flagstone floor. Alcoves carved into the western wall offer booths with weathered purple curtains for visual privacy, though they do nothing to block the noise. Many eyes are turned towards the large water tank in the center of the taproom, where a female merfolk gracefully ribbon dances in illuminated water. The blue light that fills the room emanates from the drift globes that softly float along the ceiling, which is covered by a vast painting depicting a small fishing village wracked by a terrible storm and strange, alien creatures rising from the water. You see a long-mustached gnome chatting up patrons behind the counter and two signs hanging behind him, you can't make out what they say from where you are. Something else that catches your eyes is a wiry elven woman engaged in an "arm wrestle" using spectral arms against a heavily tattooed muscular dwarf, with a crowd cheering around them.

As you three make your way towards the bar counter, carrying the sleeping woman, the gnome takes notice and makes some chairs available. You arrive at the counter set the woman on a stool, letting the wall support her, and take your seats. You ask if he is Tofdir, and he responds with a large smile "Ah, why yes, I am, Tofdir Duflame at your service. Welcome to my tavern, The Fiery Grog." You three give your names and ask for safe lodging, a meal, and information. "Pleasure to meet you. Aye, we have three rooms available up on the second floor, it's 5 sp a day. We have a small choice of meal." he hands you a menu and puts his elbow on the counter top and leans in, "As for information, what are you looking for?"

You can now read the signs that were behind the counter, they read: "Ask about our Fiery Grog Challenge!" and "WANTED: Monster Exterminators!".

Reading the menu you were handed, has a small list of food and drinks.
Menu:
Mug of Ale - 4 cp
Loaf of Bread - 2 cp
Hunk of Cheese - 1 sp
Fat Chunck of Pork - 3 sp
Fresh Catch of the Day - 5 sp
*Tavern Signature Drink* Fiery Grog - 1 sp

Well thats a lot for Gala to take in, "Tofdir my good sir it is with gratitude we enter your tavern and are able to partake of your offerings. The rooms we'll take, and you're ear id like to bend, for a few coin to be sure"as Gala pulls his pouch up from his belt and begins shelling out the amount for the rooms, ales and a loaf of bread, 2 cheese hunks and 2 pork chunks... and keeps adding to the pile of coin until Tofdir seems inclined to talk

/roll d20 +2(insight)
1d20+2
( 10 ) + 2 = 12

"Now, what kind of guy would I be if I charged for information. When I get back with your meal, ask away, I enjoy chatting with new patrons." Tofdir does some quick math in his head and pulls from the pile 2 gold pieces, 4 silver pieces, and 4 copper pieces and puts it in his pouch then pushes the rest towards Gala. "Thank you, i'll be back shortly with your food, drink, and rooms." Tofdir leaves into the back for a moment and comes out with a tray holding 3 mugs of ale, a loaf of bread, 2 hunks of cheese, and two fat chunks of pork. He sets the tray down on the counter and then slides three keys towards Gala. "Here are the keys to your rooms. I hope you enjoy your meal. Now to your questions." He pulls up a stool he has behind the bar and sits across from you, with a friendly smile.

Tofdir looks over the woman while listening to what happened to her. "She is lucky to have you come across her it seems than." he lets out a sigh. "Wouldn't really call it a brigade though, just two brothers that were kicked from their tribe. Talked to the younger brother, Uruzall, every now and then. He was a fairly nice boy as far as I could tell, just extremely misguided, set on the wrong path because his older brother. Her wounds may have come from him but I can guarantee it was at his older brothers command. It is good your party settled him down, hopefully your group can set him on the right path. You'd have to deal with his brother first though. As for the girl, can't say I know her to personally, I know her names' Celestyna, though. She comes in looking for her husband. I haven't seen or heard from him since she asked me to stop serving him, reckon he went and found a new tavern. She comes here every so often looking for him hoping he shows up, most likely. Shame really, I feel sorrow for her and her little boy."

Tofdir lets out a sigh then frowns and looks towards Celestyna "To be honest, I think she's better off without him. What little I know of her situation, he rarely spends time with her and the kid and when he does he's drunk off his mind. Now her husband I know a bit better, as he frequented this tavern a lot before getting cut off and lets just say he isn't the type of person you'd want around a kid, especially when drunk. I've had to have Guglug escort him out more than a few times for getting to violent."

Tofdir looks over in the direction of the order and calls out "I'll be right with you, Sir." and turns back to Gala "I do apologize but duty calls. We'll talk again soon." Tofdir makes is way to the kitchen. He comes back holding a greenish-black viscous liquid, he sets it down and the smell hits you, this is extremely strong stuff. You reach for it thinking its been served and he lightly pats your hand away while pulling out a match, striking it on the counter-top, and setting the mug contents on fire. He takes the coin, puts it in his pouch and gives a warm smile "Enjoy." He points over to the passed out woman in the corner "I'm sorry I can't stay and chat more but they are more worse for wear." and he walks back to Gala.

With no fear, you easily down the thick grog and slam the mug down on the table and wipe your mouth. You can taste the spice of the drink is enhanced bye the flame then the drinks coolness washes over the heat, leaving a warm sensation. You hear a couple bar patrons start cheering "TWO MORE FLAMES! TWO MORE FLAMES!", Tofdir behind the bar claps along with the chants, laughing, then the man sitting next to you introduces himself to you with an extended hand.

Tofdir slowly stops clapping, as the tavern falls dead silent. The booth-goers poke their heads out to see what is happening, the merfolk stops dancing to watch, the people that were watching her dance turn their attention towards the counter. Tofdir goes to the back and brings back two mugs, one in each hand, placing them in front of the half-elf. The second he places them them down, the tavern erupts in a thunderous cheer. Tofdir pulls out two matches, lights one then the other, and takes a silver piece from his pouch and places with the other two. He steps back and with a grin says in a hopeful, excited tone "Good luck, mate."

You lift both mugs,the crowd still cheering, you gulp one down but before you can lift the other one to your mouth, your stomach seizes up and you empty its contents onto the counter-top. The crowd lets out a sad groan, some cheer out "You tried your best." and they go back to doing what they were. A shower of sparks shoots out your nose cleaning up most of the vomit, a near by patron lets out an amazed cheer for the display. Tofdir claps and lets out an uplifting chuckle "Good try newcomer, on the bright side, I don't have to clean up puke." he takes the three silver and places them in his pouch.

Tofdir hands a menu to the half-elf "Don't let it get you down, i've seen men much bigger than you not able to handle one. Can I maybe get you something to eat, help refill your stomach after what happened?"

Tofdir puts the coin in his pouch "I'll be right out with your food." and pulls out five silver pieces and laughs "Haha, Looks like the grog's getting to you friend, you already payed for the room." he leaves to the kitchen for a moment and returns and places a plate in front of you with a beautiful smoked salmon, the smell makes your stomach rumble in anticipation and a couple slices of cheese and bread. "Consider the bread and cheese my gratitude for the Fiery Grog show earlier." he nods towards Gala, who has been waiting "Looks like you have a fan, Ramiel."

Hanson and Namfoodle stand up and ask Gala for two of the room keys, hoping to retire for the night.

"Our charge will have the privacy of one of the smaller rooms we've paid for. I'll take the other small room and you two can share the large room. If that doesn't suit either of you then sleep outside again.'Gala slides the large room key toward hanson

At the threat of sleeping outside they look at eachother for a moment then shrug both coming to the terms of sharing a bed. Hanson grabs the key and they both say good night, leaving together making their way upstairs.

Tofdir rings a bell and the tavern goes quiet and he calls out "Closing call, those that want some ale, this is your last chance." The conversations and noise begins again, a few people leave waving to Tofdir, a crowd gathers at the counter getting a last drink for the night and Tofdir serves a last round and waves to the people leaving.

Tofdir nods but takes the mug and places it behind the bar "It'll be waiting for you when you get back." Between Gala and Ramiel the woman is easy to lift.

Gala retires to his room, happily climbing into the soft bed. Ramiel heads back down stairs and sees Tofdir, the merfolk, and the half-orc bouncer cleaning up the bar. Tofdir sees you coming and points to where Ramiels' drink is and continues to clean up. There is a handful of bar patrons finishing their drinks and chatting, a couple get up and leave a couple coins, waving goodbye to Tofdir.
Tofdir waves as they leave, collecting the tips as he makes his way to the tables. The group of patrons call over Ramiel to join them, just to have company. They talk about your Fiery Grog attempt, sharing their own personal attempts, laugh, and poke fun at each other. Ramiel finishes his drink, stays for a bit enjoying the conversation then says his good nights and makes his way to his room.

Gala and Ramiel find themselves fall into a long, peaceful rest. Awaking in the morning, Gala gives a big stretch, and stays in bed for a bit longer, not wanting to leave the comfy bed. Ramiel wakes up and is surprised that his head doesn't hurt much at all, especially for how much he drunk. Ramiel meets Gala in his room to offer to carry the woman if need be, Gala thanks him and goes to wake up Hanson and Namfoodle but finds the room empty with 10 silver on the bed and a note saying 'Thank you but tell the rest of the group, the adventuring life doesn't suit us. Here is some coin covering the cost of the room and some food. Hope you do well. - Hanson - Namfoodle' Gala and Ramiel enter Celestynas' room and sees her sleeping.

She wakes up, sort of groggily "Mmm, where...where am I?" she places her hand where the large gash used to be and rubs it, seemingly still a little sore. She is jolted awake by a sudden thought and in a panicked voice yells "EDMON! EDMON!" she grabs Ramiel by the shoulders "HAVE YOU SEEN MY BOY!?" tears start to well up in her eyes.

A couple tears fall down her cheeks as she turns to Gala "Did you bring me in? Do you know where my son is? What happened out there?" her voice has a strong tone of panic and worry.

Celestyna wipes the tears from her face "The only kin i'm concerned with is my son, he is only 12 and he's out there all alone. How was this half-orc dealt with?" her voice is trembling, you get the sense she is trying to hold back tears.

"My son is missing, that is all I need to understand. The only person I really know is my husband but only the gods know where he has gotten himself to." she stands up, sort of wobbly at first then corrects herself. "Now, if you don't plan on sticking with me then point me to where you found me so I can start looking for him."

She turns towards Gala as well and, impatiently, waits for an answer.

You two make your way downstairs with Celestyna. Tofdir, who is behind the bar, says good morning and give a nervous chuckle when asked about food "I'm afraid all I have to offer is cheese and bread. If you dont mind waiting I can cook up some pork chunks."

Tofdir smiles "It won't be necessary, it is seasoned while cooking to let the flavors sink in. I'll be back in a bit." before Tofdir leaves he calls merfolk the over and asks her to watch the bar. She walks over gives a nod, Tofdir leaves, and she smiles at the group of three. Almost instantly, the smell of cooking pork starts to fill through the tavern. Once again you're amazed at the smell and eager to taste food from a place you least expect it. You guys say hello to the merfolk, she smiles and gestures that she is mute. You talk amongst yourselves, trying to calm the ever-growing impatient Celestyna. Tofdir comes back out with two pouches of food. "Here you go, sorry for the wait but as they say 'you can't rush perfection'." He gives a smile before doing some math in his head. "Your total for two loafs of bread, two hunks of cheese, and two pork chunks comes to 1gp 3sp 4cp. Or if you prefer seperate pay it's 9sp 2cp for my elven friend and 4sp 2cp for my human friend ."

Ramiel produces two gold coins and slaps them on the counter.

"Keep the change. If we wait any longer, she is going to lose her mind." The half elf said with a slight nod.

"Haha, thank you, hope you find what you're looking for ma'am." She nods towards Tofdir to acknowledge she heard him then grabs Ramiel and Gala by the wrists "Ok you got your food, let us make haste now." and the three of you step out of the bar. In the distance you see three silhouettes, Gala is a bit surprised as he doesn't see Uruzall with the group.

Elnorath, you've been walking for the better part of the day and well into nightfall. In the distance you see a building, a tavern by the looks of it with a half-orc standing by the door and a torch hanging on the wall lighting his features. You are close to the spot you heard about from Silene but your weariness suggest you find a place to sleep. You approach the tavern, the sign hanging out front depicts a mug engulfed in flames, the half-orc stops you to tell you using your weapons, spells or killing inside is strictly forbidden and if you want to fight to use your fists or to take it outside. You enter the tavern, it is rather late so there is only a couple patrons remaining, having a quiet conversation amongst themselves. You see a gnome, with a large mustache, standing on a stool behind the counter in the process of removing one of the two hanging signs, readings 'Ask About Our Fiery Grog Challenge!' and the one being removed 'WANTED: Monster Exterminators!'.

The gnome jumps a little and turns "Oh sorry, you startled me, it's not often we get folks around this time." the gnome looks you up and down, seemingly trying to guess why someone is out so late and to gauge if you are dangerous or not. After a few seconds, he speaks up "Cook went to sleep awhile ago, I could go back see if I could get you some cheese or bread, of course ale is available." He takes the sign off, lets out an exhausted sigh and places the sign under the counter "Hopefully the opposite, found some able bodies that are taking care of it."

The gnome grabs a mug, fills it, places it on the table and walks into the back. He comes back a moment later holding a plate with some cheese scraps and bread, placing it in front of you and pushing the coins forward "Keep your coins, the bread has hardened a bit and to charge for that little amount of cheese would be robbery. Ale's on the house as compensation to help you get the bread down." You feel the bread it isn't rock solid and while still edible, it probably doesn't have much of a shelf life left. "Silene? Hmm, can't say I am, I don't get names too often. Nobody has come in asking about acquaintance meetings either."

"Don't mention it." the gnome gives a weary smile "I believe I saw a woman fitting that description, she left awhile ago with the group helping me. If you can handle yourself, she is probably below the tavern still, in the cellar. You can find it around back, if Guglug gives you any questions, tell him Tofdir said it's alright. I suggest if you're going to find the group down there quickly, apparently there is some unnatural stuff down there."

Tofdir nods his head, Guglug thanks you for the heads up, points you to where the cellar doors are and tells you to shut the door after entering. You make your way back and open one of the doors and descend. In the cellar, it is mostly empty save for a few barrels, crates, and empty shelves. You see pools of dried blood, suggesting that things have been killed here. You see, tucked in the far back corner, a false wall that was pried and left open. When you enter, you are faced with a large cave system.

You find a multitude of tracks. At the very entrance, you see that a fight happened with some very large rats and you see foot prints leading away turning into a side room and continuing on forward. The most recent ones you see continue on to the larger portion of the cave away from the side room.

You follow the tracks down, leads you into opening that splits out into a couple different directions. There are a good amount of tracks, the tracks you are following lead off to the right. There is another set of tracks coming back up from that way with a set of rat prints leading to the waters edge. You lose the other tracks and see the rat prints lead back into the right cavern way. You hear faint noises coming from across the water.

You follow the sounds the best you can, leading you across the stream. You find that the tracks reappear and continue down the tunnel. About 30 feet from where you are, you see a group of people staring up into a large black hole. No one notices you.

You creep forward, focusing on the group you do spot Silene, however during your focus you step on a fallen monster making an audible squelch sound, the slipperiness causes you to lose your balance and fall onto the ground.