Traveler's Rest

Thomkin trudged into the Traveler’s Rest from a tough few days in the Wildlands between Guardian’s Grove and the next town, Madanot. His merchant friend, Scrounger, was increasingly reluctant to make his rounds alone, especially since orc activity was up in the area.

And as much of an alarmist as Scrounger could be, this time he had good reason. They’d seen a goodly amount of action this time, and Thom was tired. “I’m getting too old for this crap,” he thought as he stepped in. All he wanted was an ale and a bed. He continued trudging past the bar.

“Theresa,” he said to the barmaid in way of greeting, though he didn’t even look in her direction.

“Thomkin,” she acknowledged without opening her eyes. Theresa sat with her back on the wall and her legs draped across two bar stools, a mug on her belly that she sipped occasionally.

Thom grabbed a mug, filled it with the strongest stuff they had, plopped himself down in a chair, and assumed a similar position to Theresa’s.

Slowly, he realized they weren’t alone. Peeping out of the corner of his eye, with an effort he looked over the bar. There sat Annie and her wizard companion, his head lolling backward as if he too was nodding off. Thom closed his eyes again. “Hello Annie. Get out,” he said simply. “Hi Thom. Can’t. I don’t think Argent could move,” said Annie.

“Whatever,” sighed Thom, deciding it wasn’t worth the effort to kick them out. He took another swig of ale and asked, “Who’s your friend.” “I tol’ ya. Argent,” Annie answered irritably.

Argent’s head tipped forward. “If you people don’t stop shouting, I will fireball you all,” he warned before assuming his former position.

“We’re not shouting, luv. You’re just hung over,” said Annie.

“Nevertheless”

“Look, you two, I’m not in the mood. What do you want.” Thom almost shouted. Argent got out a wand and laid it on the table as a warning. Thom whispered, “Well?”

“We’ve come to see you, darlin’. We’re thinking of going legit. We were hoping you could hook us up with your merchant friend. Word is he could use a guard or two,” Annie said, nonchalantly.
“Two thieves guarding a merchant. Oh sure, that’ll work,” muttered Thom.

“Now look mate. You did it, why can’t I. You could show me the ropes, teach me all about this goody goody crap.”

Thom glanced at Annie. Oddly enough, she looked serious for once in her life. He wasn’t sure why she’d suddenly have a change of heart, but he decided to give it a go. He’d have them work around the inn at first, he thought, where he could watch them and make sure they weren’t up to any funny business.

“Okay,” he said simply. “You can start as bouncers here at first, and if I like your work, you and your friend might have a job with a merchant friend or two.”

“Aw, thanks mate,” said Annie, fairly beaming.

Thom looked at her for a moment before closing his eyes again. “Strange,” he thought to himself.

Argent raised his head and looked at Annie, and pondered her for a moment too. He’d assumed they were on a caper for Al. All she’d said was that they had business to take care of. Hmm, Al must be sending them undercover, he assumed. But damned if she didn’t look happy. He’d have to question her later when they were alone.

Argent the Librarian
Chaotic Neutral, 8th level wizard
Human Male, 38 years old
Gray/black hair, Steel gray eyes

AC 11 -- Flat Footed, 21 -- Mage Armor and Magic Items
Hp 68
Initiative: 3
Base Attack: 4

Weapon Proficiencies: Heavy Crossbow, +3 Short Spear of Sonic Blast, Dagger

Armor: Bracers of Armor +5, Amulet of Natural Armor +2, Ring of Protection +1, Boots of Elvenkind

Skills and modifiers:

Feats: Summon Familiar, Scribe Scroll, Combat Casting, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Spell Mastery, Spell Focus

Scrolls: Magic Missile, Flaming Sphere, Lightening Bolt, Ice Storm, Shield, Sleep, Color Spray
Wands: Sleep, Burning Hands
Potions: Blur, Invisibility, Spider Climb

Mastered Spells: Fire Ball, Lightening Bolt, Mage Armor, Shield

Languages: Common

Roleplaying notes:
If there is a counter part to Annie, it would be Argent. While Annie likes to use a heavy hand at solving some of life's problems, Argent looks for a more subtle way. Nevertheless, he does like to lob a fire ball or two into the mix just to "heat" things up a bit once in a while. When he is not adventuring, Argent is usually found with his nose in an ancient tomb or researching some obscure text for new and more deadly spells to add to his arsenal. Because of this, he is known as The Librarian. One of his favorite pastimes is to make scrolls and wands to use at the appropriate times. He loves the flashy and dramatic.

Like most wizards, Argent likes to be the center of attention, especially if there is an audiences to impress. However, he knows not to call too much attention to himself that he jeopardizes the exploits of his companions nor the "pursuits" of their benefactor "Big Al." As with most wizards, Argent's fighting and thieving skills leave a lot to be desired, but he has the uncanny ability to come up with just the right spell or two at the best time to help out in most situations. He has even been known to sacrifice himself to help his fellow adventurers. He knows that he will be resurrected by Big Al as long as he is an asset to Big Al's operations, and Argent intends to continue to be an asset for as long as possible. He has no desire for permanent death.

Argent can usually be seen wearing a purple tunic, tan britches, black boots, a green belt with a gold and silver buckle, a silver dagger in a silver and gold scabbard as well as a blue robe. His staff is made of ironwood with a silver skull on top that has black pearls for eyes.

(c) 2003 NPC by Joel Skeens, Intro by Erica Woollums