Meet in a Tavern

Multiple blocks of Riverside are completely controlled by The Packers' Guild.





Gulleyloft is more of a series of connected buildings rather than a single structure. It serves as the Guildhouse to the Packers' Guild, but also as a bustling tavern and inn.

Winding, multi-leveled, and eclectically constructed, it is a labyrinth - each room and hall varied - some lively and welcoming, others dimly lit and quiet.

Gennadius

Gennadius has been staying at Gulleyloft for about 3 weeks now. He has been earning room and typical meals (but no pay) by performances in the tavern hall. As a friend of Braus, he was given an opportunity and did well enough to gain a trial period.

During the time he has learned clearly that the Packers' Guild is a criminal organization - with rackets of extortion, theft, robbery, and even murder. After a week in the inn, Pireus Angus Tapkin begins to suggest that Gennadius take on more roles if he were to stay. These recent days, the suggestions become more of a direction.

Gennadius is told that he will start going on "collection routes" with Braus on Ship-Day night. That's tomorrow.
"New beginnings," Tapkin says.

Gennadius has made a notional friendship with Xenophon and his crew. Gennadius does not know the exact nature of their business, but he suspects, through effective situational awareness (eavesdropping?), that these armed men are assembling with others to depart on an expedition soon.

Xenophon, Culchas, Damanandros

Xenophon and his crew arrived 9 days ago. The first 5 days they were treated well: single rooms each, with good accommodations, 2 hearty meals a day, and women for anyone who wanted them.

Then the guest group’s welcome began to wear thin. Tapkin says that Eramus' trust fund was running low, that the deal was only for a few days to meet the priest.

Four days ago, the 3 men were moved to a single room with only board bunks to lay on. Food allowance was reduced to one small bowl of watery soup per day.

Xenophon is waiting for the priest Gundus Tavius, but no sign of him yet.

Now on the morning of the 9th day in, Tapkin drops by to ask Xenophon how he expects to pay the bill. The Pireus assures that he will meet back with Xenophon this evening to talk about settling up.

This is troubling. All three of the men are extremely low on funds or completely coinless now, as they have spent more money than expected during the increasingly uncomfortable and costly stay.

Syrena

Syrena spoke with Danarov six days ago. She heard the instruction again to meet the Priest Gundus Tavius, who had a letter from Eramus.

Danarov clarifies though that Eramus wants Syrena to serve as guide for the Priest and small squad of swords up to Old Lusetum Trail. They will pass by Tower 1 and onward, and reunite with Eramus on the spur trail up to Tower 4. Danarov has the papers to get the group past the other Towers; he will hand the documents off to Syrena once the Priest arrives.

Not interested in staying even a single night at Gulleyloft, Syrena has been checking in every evening since. No arrival of the Priest so far.

She tries to predict who the sellswords might be, whether they are here already or yet to arrive. It is difficult to be sure. There are so many shady and dangerous looking characters in the tavern and inn every night.

---

Gundus Tavius walks into Gulleyloft on the night of Divine-Day, 8th of Fifth-Month (Pendaelen), 381 IY.

The bartender hears his question and directs him to a dimly lit booth in the back of the room, where three men are sitting.

As Gundus walks over to meet the men, the bartender nods at Syrena Rachess who sits at the bar, signaling to her that the priest she had been waiting for has arrived.

The conversation continues with growing interest as each member of the table builds part of a beginning that seems to be taking shape, despite the unlikelihood of it.

In a complete surprise, a set of bar maids glides in and sets the table with fresh food and a full round of drinks.



"This batch is on the house, loves," the lead server says, "from The Ion himself. Danarov says enjoy the night!"

The mood changes and the members of the table meeting find themselves being drawn into the lively atmosphere at Gulleyloft.

There is a rumble outside. A storm has been brewing, but this is the sound of drums.

There is a commotion among the crowd of patrons in Gulleyloft. Many rush to the doors to look outside.

Soon there are cheers of approval. Doon Thunder and the Hornsmen, called Maelein Ch'ddon Feine by the Kryseans, have arrived.



These ascetics are beloved by many in these parts of The Docks. On Divine-Day, they beat their drums and blow their horns, strum large lyres, chant and sing in heavy voices - sounding out the Krysean songs of the Mearleigh Mountains. These are men of the Old Ways, and they burn offerings of smoke and incense to the Old Gods of Krys.

After a ceremony outside, the skalds tour through the large inner chambers to the great celebration by part of the crowd.

It is clear though that others, the old Tirenean stock, dislike the show and are loosing patience.

Damanandros looks on with interest as the table is adorned with fresh food and drink. A feast!

It may be obvious to everyone that he eats quickly by overloading his cheeks with food before sitting back to process it, only to go in for another mouthful. Not that he appears particularly famished, just that he has an odd way of eating. Not the best way to encourage conversation as it takes an awkward amount of time to clear his mouth to talk.

Once he has eaten his fill, four or five mouthfuls for anyone keeping count, he enjoys the night’s revelry all the while taking in his companions. Making mental notes on preferences of food and drink, and their mannerisms.
This night he does far more observing than talking, but he fields any questions asked of him. This was not a time to display statesmanship or engage in debate, as he had no intention of establishing himself as a leader, this is a time to bring the group together and establish roles.

To Syrena he asks "Beyond the first leg, how much of this journey is along patrolled roads with a bed at the end of it? Should we prepare for making camp along the way?"
He makes a subconscious check of the pouch at his side. "Will I need to pick up a few things before we set out, or will supplies be available at the first stop?"