2. The First Delve

Pickles will follow the others to the inn which he will scan for anyone interesting to chat too, to which he will happy chat and question for a hour or two. There after head to bed.

The Kopper Kettle
When you arrive at The Kopper Kettle, there are four groups already present and enjoying the fine wares on offer.

The largest group comprises six Ghost Beggars, all distinguished by their black and yellow chequered scarves or bandanas. They seem subdued, staring into their drinks and barely talking to one another.

The next biggest group is the dwarven architect and his guards. The guards seem relaxed, chatting merrily amongst themselves. The architect has various sheets of parchment spread out across the table and is squinting at them through his eyeglasses.

In a dark corner, looking rather furtive and doing their best not to be noticed are a couple of Open Sore orcs.

Finally, a solitary gnoll is propping up the bar and looking very much like he doesn’t want to be disturbed.

---
Day 2, 6:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

(To the extent that Fenwick can tell dwarves apart:) Are the dwarves sitting with the architect his guards from the art room, or is the mad, laughing dwarf from the Forest room present?

Fenwick pauses upon entering the room and whispers to the others. "This is a bit awkward. If we don't have a go at the Beggars, do you think the orcs report back that we're slacking?"

"I don't expect that even the orcs would expect us to start a fight in what is apparently neutral ground," Jessica offers.

You are as sure as you can be that they are his genuine guards.
To clarify, the orc chieftain has hired you primarily to gather information about the Beggars. Specifically, what their leader, Zorrel Gnast, is supposedly looking for in Stonehell. Also, any useful intelligence about their operation - where they are based, numbers, how they enter and leave Stonehell, etc. There’s no particular expectation that you will get involved in any direct conflict with them.

Maybe we should show the architect the drawing.

To clarify, the orc chieftain has hired you primarily to gather information about the Beggars. Specifically, what their leader, Zorrel Gnast, is supposedly looking for in Stonehell. Also, any useful intelligence about their operation - where they are based, numbers, how they enter and leave Stonehell, etc. There’s no particular expectation that you will get involved in any direct conflict with them.[/quote]

Pickles swans over to the bar ordering an ale, then as he turns to head over to the Ghosts he looks over to the Gnoll. With a charismatic grin he says, "Hey Buddy, rough day?"

"Yeah," Gabbro agrees in a whisper, "Also, these guys are looking pretty downcast, which may be because two of their friends have gone missing. I wouldn't want to push them in any way right now, lest they break the peace in their grief." Then, noticing that Pickles has left the group:
"Where did...? Uh-oh....!"

The Kopper Kettle
The hyena-headed gnoll looks across and then down, searching for the source of the annoying distraction. Seeing Pickles grinning at him, he leers back, licking his chops as he visibly starts to salivate.

The gnoll shows no inclination of taking up Pickle’s offer of conversation. His only response is a low, menacing growl.

---
Day 2, 6:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

Ricard smells the danger Pickles is in and takes a few idle steps towards the bar.

"Hey Pickle, that one doesn't seem like a talker, let's get a drink eh?"

Fenwick takes a deep breath and gives Gabbro, Luther, and Jessica a crooked smile. "Think it's about time for me to try something stupid as well. Let's make this interesting. Flies with honey."

She'll approach the Beggars table . "Hello, friends. I'm new to this place and I can help but notice that you guys have enough of a presence that I keep bumping into you. I don't suppose there's any chance you're recruiting?"

She nods towards an empty chair waiting for their permission to join them.

Luther looks at @Gabbro Let's go show the architect the drawing. Maybe he can tell us something.

A little disappointed by the Gnoll Pickles turns to Ricard, "You maybe you’re right, poor guy could do with a friend though." Pickles turns and puts a copper on the bar, "One for having a bad day please Keep.". He then allows Ricard to lead him to a table.

The Kopper Kettle
Upon Fenwick’s approach, the bandits look up from their tankards. Their mood seems sombre but at least, unlike the gnoll, they are willing to talk. "P’raps," one of them replies with a disinterested shrug. "That’d be down to the boss though. Just you, or your friends as well?" he says, nodding at the rest of the Hellions.

---
Day 2, 6:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

As the Bandit nods towards them Pickles perks up with a smile and gives a friendly wave back. Then nudging Ricard with an elbow he says, "Well they seem friendly enough, maybe we should help Fenwick out with some conversation." Before the Fighter can answer the Halfling heads over and plops down at the table. "Hello. I meet your boss earlier this day. Friendly guy, Zorrel, gave me a coin or two for helping him out. Big though, that was what really struck me was how big he was."

"Might be," Fenwick says, motioning the others over. "Don't think any of us have been having much luck down here."

"No wait..." Ricard starts but immediately realizes the futility of his effort.

With a sigh, the bloodied warrior slow-walks over to the table, offering a grimace in place of a smile as he nears.

"Evenin''" he mutters as Pickles rambles on.

The Kopper Kettle
"Huh … is that so?" the Beggar replies to Pickles. "Well, I’ve gotta admit, a few extra hands wouldn’t hurt in light of recent events - we ain’t had much luck ourselves. I’ll pass your interest along. Meet us here tomorrow at noon and I’ll let you know if the boss is interested."

Turning to his colleagues, he continues. "Right everyone, drain your mugs. Let’s get back to the search."

And with that, they finish their drinks and rise to leave.

---
Day 2, 6:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 1: 5/5 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 1: 4/4
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

Link to Gabbro's mega-maps ...

"See you tomorrow then!" Fenwick says, smiling at the speaker. "And good luck with your search!"