Natrius and Zook sat at a table at the back of the blacksmith's shop. They sat in silence while drinking from their mugs. A few moments later, they heard footsteps, and Daniel's niece, Govi appeared, taking a seat next to them.
"How is he?" asked Natrius.
"Breathing," said the young woman. "He drank some soup, but that's it."
With a sigh, Natrius turned to the gnome sitting across from him. "We need to move quickly then."
"Very true," said Zook, "but first, we need a team. If we're traveling those roads, we'll definitely need some muscle."
They both looked to Govi, who was in excellent shape, with defined muscles.
(Q) Will Govi go with them? (Likely) No.
Unfortunately, the woman shook her head. "I'm not leaving Uncle Daniel." She then raised her eyes to the shop. "Besides, someone has to run this place."
Natrius nodded. "We understand." He turned back to Zook. "Who else?"
"Well," said Zook, "the farmer's a big buy?"
(Instead of tying out full scenes here, I'm going to just have a few quick scenes of each interaction.)
(Q) Does Loffo agree? (Likely) No.
Sitting in the tavern, the big man shook his head. "Farm needs Loffo. Loffo no can leave."
Zook nodded. "Well, there's the gravedigger, Ivor."
They found the gravedigger straightening a gravestone. The tall, lanky man in a cloak noticed the two and smiled. "Gentlemen, what a lovely morning, is it not?"
"It is," said Zook.
Ivor nodded to the other man. "Natrius, sir, those dyes of yours worked perfectly for Mr. F'bassio's pigments. Again, my thanks."
"You seem to really love your job," said Zook. "I don't know if I could work around the dead all the time."
"These?" He stamped the ground. "These are but empty shells. When we die, our essence moves on, wherever that may be. My job is to treat the shells, either by shovel or torch."
Zook snorted. "That seems disrespectful to the dead."
"Why? They're dead." Ivor brought his arms wide. "All this is just to serve the living. It's all part of nature."
"Well as interesting as this is," said Zook, "we may have need of your services. Daniel, the blacksmith has fallen ill and we're traveling to another town for help. We could use your physical presence."
(Q) Does Ivor agree? (Likely) Yes.
"Mr. Daniel is sick?" Leaning on his shovel, Ivor thought of this. "I'm afraid I haven't been in many fights, but just tell me when you plan to leave."
"Really?" said Natrius. "You're not bothered we're disrupting the nature of life?"
"Well he's still alive, is he not?" asked the tall man. "If there's a way to help him, then it's best we make haste."
"Thanks," said Zook. "Come by the shop in the morning."
"Well," said Natrius," that's one. Who's next?"
Later, they entered the bakery.
"Kerri!" said Zook.
Kerri, a young woman with broad shoulders and brown hair tied back, smiled. "Mr. Zook." she turned to her customer. "You cake'll be ready by the end of this week."
"But I need it tomorrow morning," said the old lady.
"Madam," said Kerri, "I need time to bake the cake and then decorate it, especially since it's so large."
"So what," said the lady, "you have it when you open tomorrow morning or else. It's not like you do real work here."
The lady stormed out while Kerri kept the smile on her face. "What can I get for you, Mr. Zook? A cake in an hour?"
"Not at all," said the gnome. "Daniel, the blacksmith has grown sick and we're heading out of town to find a cure. We can use some help, specifically your muscles."
(Q) Does Kerri agree? (Likely) Yes.
Staring out the door where the old lady had left, Kerri picked up a rolling pin. "I'm in."
"What about her cake?" Natrius pointed to the door.
Kerri shrugged. "She was going to complain no matter what. I can use the vacation.
Zook grinned as they left the shop. "Perfect. Well, that's half our team. I can probably convince the captain to spare a couple of guards."
Natrius nodded. "That still leaves two slots. So who else?"
Zook rubbed his chin. "You know, it wouldn't hurt to have a few less than savory fellows helping us, you know, to look out for trouble, pick locks, be sneaky, that sort of thing."
Natrius blinked. "You want to hire thieves to protect us?"
Zook shook his head. "No, not thieves, but a few who are close enough to that lifestyle can help us."
"Spare a coin or three?"
They looked over to see a young woman sitting on the bench.
"Solgi," said Zook, "you break into anymore houses?"
The woman shrugged. "Either the house or a cell. Either way, I sleep under a roof."
"Wait," said Natrius, "you break into houses?"
Solgi nodded and grinned. "It's fun."
The two men looked at each other, and then Zook spoke. "How'd you like to earn a few coin, doing just that, being sneaky?"
(Q) Does Solgi agree? (Very Likely) Yes.
"What do you need?" She asked.
"We're going to another town to help the blacksmith, who's been poisoned. We need someone who's got an eye for the shadows.
"Sounds like fun," she said, "count me in."
(It occurred to me that Vina, the former bandit could be useful as well.)
(Q) Does Vina agree? (Very Likely) Yes - Random Event.
(Event) "Distant, NPC."
(Q) Does Vina have a pleasant thought towards this NPC? (50/50) Yes.
(Q) Can this person help? (Likely) Yes.
"I heard you were heading to the towns." Vina, the village master of tops tournament approached. "Do you have an actual plan or are you just going to hit each town?"
"What do you have in mind?" asked Zook.
"Oasis Brook," she answered. "I have a friend there who can get us what we need, and she can make sure we don't get ripped off in the process."
Zook held out his hand. "Welcome to the team." He turned to Natrius. "Well, now we just need to get supplied and our quest awaits!"
By the way, the last two, which I simply rolled up are:
Milo
Not exactly a guard, but more of a village guide who keeps an eye out for trouble, he's better at talking his way through situations than fighting.
Str -1, Cha +1. Skills: Persuade, Intimidate.
Jaree
A guard in training who's skilled at throwing things, but who jumps way too easily.
Dex +1, Wis -1. Skills: Proficiency in Simple Weapons.
Next time, out hopeful heroes go shopping!
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