Chapter 1: Nightstone

Morak gives Chanler a long look before nodding and heading off to fetch the ale. He pointedly ignores the money in Chanler's hands. Upon his return he thumps the cask down in the middle of the table with a glare at the mercenaries before stomping off once more.

Mica smiles broadly, "I likes music with a bit 'o heart to it, what gets the blood pumping like a good fight does."

They look to their leader, who answers for the group. "We kill things for money, or stop things from killing people." He takes a deep draught of his ale. "Guarding caravans, mostly. Lots of dull waiting and discomfort interspersed with moments of abject terror."

He looks to the three of you, "And you? You don't seem to be townsfolk either."

The man smiles sardonically at Carrik, "I'll drink to that." He lifts the mug to his lips and drinks deeply. As he lowers it and wipes his mouth he turns to Chanler, "Sorry about Myca. He's been spoiling for a fight. We haven't had a job in a while. We just stopped here on our way down to Daggersford."

Built on the hillside in the floodplain of the Delimbiyr River, the walled town of Daggerford is dominated by a three-story keep that belongs to its duchess, Morwen Daggerford. From atop Daggerford's walls, dozens of farms and a scattering of hamlets are visible, all under the protection of the duchess and the Lords' Alliance. There are several inns of note, including the Happy Cow, run by Koggin and Lily Hardcheese, a pair of industrious halflings, and the River Shining Tavern, which is known as a great place to pick up rumor and jobs of the less-than-savory kind.

The captains mouth quirks in a smile at Kal'lista's jibe, but he doesn't respond. Myca is oblivious to the slight as he regales Chanler with the merits of a good bawdy drinking song.