Beyond Fort Horizon (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

No, Unbolath, wait, Brenda says putting a hand on his arm gently.

We, I’m sorry I mean, I need to move these goods into the office, quickly. I'll pay you to help me do it, If you will, help I mean. If your friends, Thank you, Thikka, and, she smiles at Minerva, and nods, and does not make an issue out of the tall girls silence Thikka’s friend, will help me, and we hurry, I think we can get to the sheriff’s office before it gets too dark. I think I’m beginning to understand why some people out in this part of the world are so, well, on edge, I suppose. But, anyway, look I need these things to be secured, as secured as we can make them, even guarded, and then we can take Henderson to the sheriff. I think her name, the sheriff, is Gail Billings, she is a dwarf. Her office, the local jail, is on the very east end of town. We need someone to watch Henderson, while the rest, if you are willing to help me, move these goods back to the office. I’ll pay each of you ten dollars to help me move the artifacts from the wagon to Henderson’s office, and then I’ll pay any one or two of you to guard the goods, while the rest of you help me take Henderson to the sheriff. I’ll pay twenty five dollars for the guarding, all night, now, and tomorrow, well I’ll just have to figure out what to do next, but I think we are taking these things back to Fort Horizon and having a talk with the captain of the fort, and the head of the weac office there as soon as possible. For helping me deliver Henderson to the Sheriff, another ten dollars each. What do you think?

The Party, at this point made up of Unbolath, Portia, Minerva, and Thikka, will be paid to help Brenda if they agree, and Henderson will end up in the Jail, under Gail Billings’ care. Then these four can go to the saloon, I’d really appreciate that, and catch the end of Calliope’s and Droka’s performance, hook up with them and Ritmush, and talk to the other Ratfolk there in the saloon, who has information about the prison to the north. The party then, hopefully, will return to Fort Horizon, uncover what is going on there, and then make plans to go to the prison to shut down what is going on there. Now, that is all sort of “railroad-y” and if the players have something else in mind, please do not hesitate to speak up and tell me what you want to do

Portia listens to the proposed plan of Brenda. She looks around, and when her eyes land on Unbolath, her eyes widen, as with a plan.

Well, if you want a guard, I would suggest Unbolath. He is big and can in my view be the best to handle Henderson should he try to get out of line. Others can feel free to voice their opinions, and if Unbolath has any issue with me offering his muscle, I am sorry my friend. It just that, if you hadn't been here, I may not have been able to subdue him all on my own

She lets her words, get processed, then looks at Brenda, I would be wiling to help you secure the goods. I may not be the strongest, but I will help where I can

Minerva is quite grateful, very much so, for being allowed her anonymity a while longer. As Brenda looks to her, Minerva will speak in a soft neutral tone "I'll of course assist however I can miss.." A careful movement of her cloak will attempt to hide her sheathed blades "...but as I'm little more than a travelling artist, I'm unsure of my use."

Her piece said, Minerva simply nods and melts back into the shadows, ready to follow and assist at a cautious distance.

Stealth roll because Minerva hates to be seen: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Thikka looks her over, and then nods. "Yah, not that I'm much good at carrying things. Like Portia here says, Unboloth is better than I am. But I can guard, be it the items, or Henderson, whichever you prefer." She says, then her tail whaps Minerva on the butt. "Go on girl, take the job. It's good money, and a good cause."

She turns to Unbolath and Portia. "You should watch out for dwarves, we ran off 3 of his retainers. If you see one with a cut on his throat, or ones with singe marks on them, they're the ones who were diggin yer graves."

Minerva jumps from the sudden ass-whipping, and glares at Thikka for a moment -considering lashing out with her own thicker, heavily muscled tail- before stepping from the shadows with plain annoyance. I will take some of the items to the office, then."

Even as she speaks Minerva will lithely step forward, retrieving the rune covered orb.

Nodding at the team and Portia's suggestion, Unbolath answers "I will accept the guard duty, I will keep an eye on Henderson until we can transport him to the Sheriff's office. I am also willing to guard the artifacts through the night. I am also willing to return to Fort Horizon and resolve your investigation."

Day 5, Mystic Valley, the Warehouse (approximate time of day 6:20 pm (turn 111)

With a clap of her hands, Brenda lets out a soft, “Alright then.” And get’s busy.

Unbolath stands guard over the fallen Henderson, whose skin is now beginning to take on a slightly ashen hue, but his breathing seems fine.
Brenda directs Portia, Minerva, and Thikka, suggesting Thikka try to only carry one or two of the smaller objects, and then leads the three to the office, where they place the objects on the floor in the corner, and then locking the door, Brenda leads them back to the warehouse. Brenda takes one side of the crate, while Portia takes the other side, and not knowing anything about it, she hoists it up quickly, when Minerva, Thikka, Portia, and Unbolath, all take in a sharp breath, Brenda looks around, and decides she should be more careful, and moving slowly, Portia and Brenda move the crate into the office, placing it on the desk, and once again lock the door.

Portia and Minerva stay behind, and Brenda gives the key to the office to Portia.

When she returns to the warehouse, Brenda tells Thikka and Unbolath that that takes care of the artifacts, and then she takes Henderson’s legs, while Unbolath takes the dwarf by the shoulders, and With Thikka keeping an eye out for the sudden return of any of Henderson’s henchmen, the three start off toward the local jail.

meanwhile, at the saloon…

I would like Droka to make a Performance Skill Check, and he can apply a +4 modifier to the roll, for Ritmush’s enhancements, and Calliope’s dancing

Miss Ellie smiles from the corner of the saloon, while a young human boy and a girl who looks like she could be the boy’s twin sister, serve drinks to the miners.

The ratfolk woman heads up the stairs, and from the stage Droka, Ritmush, and Calliope can see there are two tables on a balcony above the main floor where two small groups of people sit playing at cards.

Droka lays down some mad lute solos, G'Boi is right on rhythm with his hide drum, and the dancing and special effects are spot on.

Perform (sing)-Droka: 1d20 + 8 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 4 = 26 28 if you let G'boi assist
Perform (percussion)-G'Boi (aid another): 1d20 ⇒ 16

Thikka grumbles but hoists the smaller stuff, making noises in her native tongue about being a healer and a rodentia, not a mule. But she carries them over. As they walk through town, she keeps an eye out for anyone who looks likely to interfere in a negative way.

She also, while watching Henderson with Unbolath before they go, checks on the dwarf, to make sure he's not dying or anything on them.

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

With the door quite securely closed and the two of them alone in the office, Minerva found herself examining Portia with absent-minded interest. Shape, outline, posture, curves and lines; mental notes were taken and filed away about all of these things.

Racking her brain for /something/ to say for a long moment, the Tiefling eventually found the nerve to clear her throat. "So... Portia, was it?" cool, slightly glowing eyes roved over the ranger again "Lovely armour, I must say. Did you sew the detailing personally?"

It took a minute to get comfortable, but Minerva found a way to sit on the desk so that her cloak still covered any possibly bare skin.

It didn't take a great deal of effort for ritmush to do as he'd promised. Though it was a close struggle when he saw his rat move up the stairs
Have to wait for it, I can get the lantern easier if they help. Though I guess it's kind of pointless if I just wait til morning. Eh, having one is better than not.
ritmush considers as he moves his hand in lazy loops continuing a spell he had used the distracting dancing and singing to cast without much attention. He'd seen other bards in this particular bar some of them had used illusions of some kind or another to enhance their performances. Others had just been terrible though. totally deserved that pie to the face too.
ritmush smiles and giggles lightly as he recalls the memory, the half orc bard couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.
"Lesse, color difference ta attract attention to them, minor changes ta make tha'cloth look betta. Fancy pattern bahind em' an some sprucin in general ta'make things look nicea. colah'd lights on Cantalope too .could dostuff like Fiyah an'demons buh thos ol'coalhounds dun like that sorta stuff mush."
The young human mutters under his breath as those on the stage seem to gain an almost unearthly glow, blemishes and imperfections smoothed over, colors more vibrant and even the stage itself taking on a hue of fine mahogany. Not an obvious effect but certainly aiding the perfomance in his own way.

Its kind of amusing Ritush is so gungho about this lantern.
I would make even bet that if Ritmush were to ask his goggles they could help him with that whole 'see in the dark' thing. Too bad he didn't think to ask them that.

Unbolath keeps careful watch as they walk through town towards the jail. "I am unfamiliar with the legal customs of this area. What is likely to become of Henderson, depending what your investigation uncovers?"

Day 5, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:00 pm (turn 115)

At the Saloon…

Droka sings, not too loudly, while the shadowy animal companion plays a pulsing beat on the drum and Calliope, dances as best she can, swirling and twirling, lifting her skirt just a bit now and then, and kicking up her heels. The stage, small as it is, comes alive with colors, images, and effects that are not distracting from the performance, but eye catching enough to elicit oohs and ahhs, from the crowd.

The miners love the performance, and are focused so much on it, that for the first time 9in a history of very different telling) they do not begin a brawl among themselves, and instead fling coins, one after another over and over again throughout the evening.

Droka collects 280 gold pieces, when he and Calliope finally decide to stop and take a break

Meanwhile…

Minerva, awkwardly, tries to start a conversation with Portia and begins to feel uncomfortable when the ranger continues to remain silent.

Brenda and Unbolath carry Henderson to the sheriff’s office while Thikka keps a watch following behind them.

When Unbolath asks a question, Brenda answers.

I really don’t know. I am not an expert in frontier laws, though I understand that the weac contracts pretty much stand as the law for the most part out here. There really isn’t a formal government out here, no matter what the Aeromnian’s claim. Too much of what is going on here is tied up in land rights, and trade agreements. All I can tell you for sure is that smuggling artifacts is not only a violation of all weac contracts, but something that the weac takes a harsh stand against. Some of these things have proven to be more dangerous than they are worth, and no matter what magic is tried those things won’t give up their secrets and most of them have to be locked away for everyone’s safety. I don’t know what almost all of those things are, except the rifle. That I recognize. I’ve seen one before, in the port town, and it is guarded by ten men, around the clock.

When you are only a few yards from the sheriff’s office she asks you to stop, takes a breath and says

Now, I am going to file an official complaint, addressed to the weac, accusing Henderson of smuggling artifacts. That, well, that I think we’ll eventually be able to prove, but the other things, him planning to kill, well, somebody for sure, I don’t think we should mention, not just yet. Let’s see what the sheriff’s reaction is to what he tell her, about the artifacts, and go from there. Above all, let me do the talking.

Unbolath, Thikka and Brenda enter the sheriff’s office and met the sheriff, who is slow to answer the door, and when she does, she is dressed for a night in, not in any kind of official outfit befitting her station.

She is a pudgy dwarf, and shorter than average. She has dark blond hair, worn in a thick braid over her left shoulder, blue eyes, and a small, round nose.

She listens to Brenda’s complaint, and her reaction seems cautionary but sincere, and she guides you back to the small building’s single cell. Henderson is placed on a small bed, and covered with a blanket. A large bowl, and a pitcher of water is placed on the floor of the cell, near the bed, and the sheriff tells you that when he comes around he can have a drink of water and freshen himself up a bit.

The sheriff, Gail Billings introduces herself to each of you. Thanks you for your actions, and bravery, and then sits down at a small desk and takes Brenda’s official complaint. She nods along, agrees with all of the things Brenda mentions regarding weac rules and contracts, and doesn’t seem interested in the nature of any artifacts when they are mentioned.

Gail gives Brenda a summons, a note that insists that Brenda remain in Mystic Valley for ten days, and make herself available to the sheriff if questions come up. She tells you all she will question Henderson, as soon as he is awake, and in the morning she will for a posse to round up Henderson’s henchmen (dwarves she knows, as she has had to inspect the warehouse from time to time).

Gail, the SheriffSays goodnight to all of you, and it is more of a command than a request. She shows you to the door, shakes each of your hands and asks one last time, if any of you have any questions, but reminds you to keep them short, tonight, and anything complicated can wait for the morning. She then tells you all that it would be best to stay in town tonight, and points you toward Miss Ellie’s saloon.

Thikka auto-passes the test with 13 minimum

Thikka eyes the sheriff, and as the trio leaves, nods and gives a small snort. "Seems like an agreeable type. Or a really good actress."

With the door quite securely closed and the two of them alone in the office, Minerva found herself examining Portia with absent-minded interest. Shape, outline, posture, curves and lines; mental notes were taken and filed away about all of these things.

Racking her brain for /something/ to say for a long moment, the Tiefling eventually found the nerve to clear her throat. "So... Portia, was it?" cool, slightly glowing eyes roved over the ranger again "Lovely armour, I must say. Did you sew the detailing personally?"

It took a minute to get comfortable, but Minerva found a way to sit on the desk so that her cloak still covered any possibly bare skin.

Me, sewing...ha, that's funny. No, my mom tried to teach me to be a "lady", and sew; cook; clean. I never felt it was my place to be a housewife, I always felt more home in the woods nearby. I met a man, whom taught me much when I finally decided to devote myself and my training to the woods and creatures that call it home as well. I don't feel comfortable in the city. Even being in this office makes me feel weird. So enough about me, tell me a little about yourself, Minerva right?

Issabelle flies over to Minerva and perches herself on the desk she is at, head cocked to the side as if she is almost studying the woman. She lets out a very low caw, but nothing to denote danger, but a sort of hello if it were.

Unbolath watches and listens to Sheriff Billings. She seemed competent enough at filling out paperwork.

perception roll: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Minerva smiled a little nervously back at the woodswoman, the tiefling tugging her cloak a little closed with one hand and smoothing out her fringe "about me dear? Well to tell you the truth, there's not much interesting about me. I'm a travelling painter and artist, taking commissions from nobility and the like to support my travels."

Absent-mindedly offering the hawk an arm to hop onto, Minerva gave Portia a guarded, analytical look "speaking of which... You've never considered modelling, have you? I have a client in a nearby city that pays handsomely for drawings of..." Minerva held her pose for a moment to search for the most appropriate word "...Beautifully sculpted women, such as yourself."

Me beautiful, that a first, she replies with a bit of a laugh.I am average, nothing special. The only thing beautiful about me is my connection to the beautiful woods around me...and Issabelle there. But thank you for the compliment.

Issabelle perches herself on Minerva's shoulder. She stays for a few moments, then takes flight and circles the small room a few times. Clearly unhappy she is stuck indoors.

After circling, Issabelle lands in Portia's shoulder, perches there, and squawks once.

Sorry, she isn't a fan of being in confined spaces

Minerva followed the bird's flight until it settles on portia's shoulder before speaking again "I'd not call you ugly, dear. I hardly have the right to be an authority on the standards of beauty in any case."

Watching Portia's eyes nervously Minerva lets her thickly muscular tail uncoil and slide from under her cloak, the three fingered 'hand' at the end flexing it's webbed digits before undoing the clasp of her cape. The tiefling shivers a little in apprehension as the fabric falls away to show her true form; Horns, scales and tail all bared.

"It is hardly the 'traditional' aspects of beauty that I am interested in, Portia. No, it is more the raw, muscular aspect of someone who clearly knows the value of strength and it's finer applications."

While she speaks, Minerva will stand and walk over to the office's window, opening it up to let some fresh air into the musty wooden room.

Turning to Brenda and Thikka. "I would seem prudent to return to the warehouse and watch over the artifacts, or perhaps find accommodations and food for the evening."

Thikka nods. "Agreed, the warehouse. If we're guarding it, we're going to have to sleep there, so rooms are out. Food is a different matter, one of us will have to go get more food."

Day 5, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:30 pm (turn 118)The sun has completely set, it is Dark all around the town, except for the main street, which is in a sort of shadowy Dim Light, from numerous candles, and lanterns shining out through windows, mostly on second floor rooms, from the buildings along the street.

Durring Calliope’s and Droka’s break, Ritmush can take a wander to the second floor of the saloon, where patrons play various games of cards, or sit in padded chairs and visit with neighbors and friends away from the noise of the first floor. This floor also has two hallways leading to rooms for rent on the second floor.

Brenda agrees with Unbolath and Thika, and also adds

Well, I see no reason to guard the warehouse, exactly, but the office, for certain. Let’s get back there and I’ll pay you what I owe you, and then we’ll decide how to get through the rest of the night.

as a reminder the Office of the weac, here, is slightly across the street from the saloon. It is just to the west up the street, from the saloon on the south side of the main street.

Portia's eyes go wide as she sees Minerva and her true self.

That must have been difficult..for you to do Minerva. To trust me enough to show me who you really are. I understand full well that there are many people in the world who view woman as lowly people, who should only be in the kitchen and wait on their man hand-and-foot. I am not physically strong, at least I don;t view myself as such, but thank you for your opinion. I will keep trying to keep up with the boys

Portia, will let Issabelle go roam outside for a few minutes, to stretch her wings and fly.

So, Minerva, I will keep your secret, for it is your body and your choice of whom to share it with, she says with a smile, as she extends her hand to shake Minerva's.

Minerva would breathe a heavy sigh of relief at that, smiling as she shakes the proffered hand "my thanks Portia, it means much to me to keep this section of myself hidden from most."

Minerva retrieves her hand after a moment, querying curiously "so; living out in the wild, you must have seen some beautiful sights and places... Are there any near the fort you can think of?"

At the first sign of anyone else entering; Minerva will rush to don her cloak and hide her deformities, looking genuinely fearful at being exposed to prying eyes.

Well, I came from across the water. So in terms of sights and places near Fort Horizon, nothing really strikes me as special. There was a gorge I traveled through, a while back. The cuts and rock formations were beautiful, especially in the waning hours of daylight. The sun danced on them. Back home, I could take you to a half-dozen or so places; from forest, rock formations, to a waterfall if the season was right.

If someone enters, Portia will do her best to "aid" in blocking line of sight to Minerva so she can again hide her true self.

Ritmush waits until the bardly types finish their number, the effects he had added fading as they leave the stage for their break.
Yawning wide enough to pop his jaw and jerk in surprise. The human stands from his chair walking over to the bards.
"Gona go sees if I can win's meh a lantern now, If I can't on mah own I'll come find ya n' see what yer help'll do fer meh. wouldn'want ya gettin' thrown outta tha'bar fer somethin' shadey after all. Ye've still got anotha round of songs ta sing after all.
with that he gives a lazy salute to the two bards as he heads up to second floor.
Glancing around he looks for the table "Oh hey, there'sa table with a rat on it.. Nah I'm lookin' fer a rat in a chair.

On locating said target ritmush saunters over to the rat person in question.
"Hi thar! uhh... Kerfhimnyah righ'?" ritmush asks in his usual blunt manner ignoring the events of the table in front of him.
"Still looks like a were-weseal tah me." the human mutters under his breath before realizing there were eyes on him.
"righ'mah point. I have those some days, came back inta town lil'while ahgo an' found' Tha' meatlord'd sold his last lantern tha' fancy kind with little switches an levers an watah'proofin'an such. I'd been plannin' on a trip ya'see an I'se was thinkin'stated trip'd be easier with such an object. Plus tha' whole havin' something tah mess with while travelin' thing. I heard from meatlord tha'you'd bought said object, been hopin ta'buy it off ya before mah trip."
Ritmush says as she looks to the table in front of him
"Well tha' or win it I spose' tha' coul' be more fun an' spend somea' tha' time I got fore'I go fin' a good place ta'sleep."

"I will obtain sustenance for the evening." Unbolath turns and walks toward the saloon.

Day 5, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:30 pm (turn 118)

Brenda leads Unbolath and Thikka back to the office, She parts ways with Unbolath as they pass the Saloon and Unbolath announces his intention.

Unbolath Enters the Saloon, Droka, and Ritmush can see him come through the door

Brenda enters the office of the weac and knocks on the locked door to the office, announcing that it is her and Thikka and asking if everything is alright.

meanwhile…

The folks at the table recognize Ritmush. They are an elderly couple, and a dwarven man.
These three are a human man and woman, named Ronald and Linda Bellin, and a young dwarven man named Richard Patrick, they great Ritmush with smiles, and welcome him back into town. When it is obvious he wants to talk to the ratfolk woman, they laugh and let her introduce herself

Hello Ritmush, I’ve heard a lot about you from people in town. I’d be happy to sell you one of the lanterns. I only bought them to be sure I had a spare. I don’t gamble, we only play for the companionship and conversation. I tell you what though, if you are interested. I’ll give you the lantern if you will tell me where you are going to explore and offer me a chance to accompany you. There are some things I am researching her and I could use some help and a knowledgeable guide.

Unbolath steps into the saloon and strides to the main counter. His gaze sweeps across the room slowly taking in the patrons and settling on the barkeep. Unbolath waits patiently to speak with the barkeep.

"I'se bet mah repertartin produces meh! Though tah be honest unless tha'lantern yer offerin' hapens ta be tha most amazin thin'since Bacon actin'tour guide seem'sah raw deal on mah end. I'se travelin' ta deal wit'somethin'o'a persnail nature an' such soh's I can't see how this'd do anythin' buh cause meh problems. Plus mosta' tha things in tha forest have learned tha'tryin'ta eat meh is too much trouble fer to little meat, I have someone wit'meh an' tha' might change mattahs."
The young human replies with a lazy grin as he looks at the other table members.
"Ain't like I really need tha'lantern tah get up to tha mountains anyway jus' gonna take me..."longer." ritmush states, voice slowing somewhat as he stops to think over what he said. Ah crap, why do I have to be such a motormouth. The human sighs and looks back at the ratfolk
"Buh anyway the path I'm gonna beh takin''ll be skirtin' dangerous turf soh ya probly wan'ta fin' a safer path, Name yer price on tha Lantern though an I'll see if we can meet somewhere on that." The human finishes with a guileless smile

After a moment, to let Minerva recover herself, Portia responds to Brenda,
Everything is alright. Let me let you in.

Portia, gets up and opens the door to allow Brenda and Thikka inside the office. She is surprised to not see Unbolath with them.

So, where did Unbolath go? Is he okay?

Minerva busies herself adjusting her cloak and /not/ facing the Door, or Brenda.

Droka waves towards Unbolath.

Unbolath sees Droka wave to him, he nods and then strides over to him as the barkeep is still occupied.

"I am here to acquire sustenance for the group. We are across the street at the WEAC Office. While I feel the participants to the caravan here have completed their mission, it appears there are more unresolved issues that could require the abilities and talents of people outside of the norm."

Unbolath nods at Calliope if she is present, motioning Droka to accompany him while he attempts to flag down the any of the staff.

Wha: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

With a smile, and a look that tells Ritmush the rat-kin woman isn't bothered by his story in any way, Kethinna says,

Well, it certainly sounds like you need that lantern more than I do. I sell it to you for the same amount I paid, eighty dollars. If you like I can fetch it for you now, or we can wait till tomorrow, whatever works for you

Brenda hurries through the door, waiting to see if Thikka will follow of course and says

Your tall friend has gone to buy us something to eat. Personally I’m famished. It has been a most peculiar day.

She looks over the artifacts, then smiles at Minerva and goes to the other side of the desk. She produces a large steel key from a pocket in her trousers and opens a bottom drawer of the desk, from which she removes three small heavy sacks.

I’ll wait for Unbolath to return, then we can settle up our accounts, yes?

Day 5, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:30 pm, turn 118)The sun has completely set, it is Dark all around the town, except for the main street, which is in a sort of shadowy Dim Light, from numerous candles, and lanterns shining out through windows, mostly on second floor rooms, from the buildings along the street.

As Unbolath moves through the crowded saloon, first one, than another, serving person slips passed him with a tray filled with drinks, narrowly avoiding a collision with the big man. It seems as though his request go unheard, even after he repeatedly tries to get the barman’s attention.

Finally, as Unbolath is talking to Droka, Miss Ellie approaches him from behind and says

Good evening, stranger, and welcome to my saloon. I hear you are asking about buying something to eat, or something like that, well, haha she laughs a charming and quiet little chuckle I’ve got some cold chicken, some bread, maybe some honey butter and a few things I can through in a pot for you, but we don’t normally serve full meals here.

When Unbolath turns around, Ellie lets out a long low whistle

Well ain’t you the tall handsome rugged type. Tell you what, you have seat for a bit and I’ll personally round up a basket for you. You got friends that’ll be joining you, or should I pack up just enough for the two of us?

Thikka nods at Minerva and Portia, then takes up a spot in the corner of the room so she can watch the artifacts, if she's being on guard.

When Carvol comments, she nods. "Certainly."

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13

Ritmush nods to the ratfolk seeming glad the interaction was easy. "If ya's can get it now I'd be happy ta pay fer it. I'se was helpin wit'tha' entertainmint an' fer mah help they said they'd help meh get tha' lantern.Soe's if all's I gotta do is pay ya fer it I'll go ask em for a few ah their coins instead ah'some other favor. Dun think i'se evah seen those sour ol' rockhounds react li' that. Fer som'n who don'talk much Silen't bob's sure good ah what he does. Cantillope dancin' seemed tah go ovah well too. Thou' I's didn'see much interestin' thar." With that ritmush turns and begins walking down the stairs to the first floor of the Saloon
"I'se be righ' back wit'yer coin soe's you can know ya'h ain't wastin'yer time."

ritmush walks down from the second floor dodging out of the way of one barmaid and tugging on the braid of the other one knowing her less prone to dropping things when distracted. Walking over to where Droka was last ritmush takes in the group of people
"Oh, Hi drink admiral tha' beer was good taday. Ya lure any'n back to tha' hut ah yers with tha' chicken feet yet? Hi smooth rock guy, yah get attacked by anymore hungry folk yet?" The young human asks with some mirth before turning to Droka and Calliope
"Hi Silent Bob, wheres Cantillope? Oh also I'se asked tha' rat person bouh' tha lantern. Still thin'she migh'be a were-weasel buh' she was alot nic'ah than that one follow you folk around.
She said she don' make wagers on cards buh she's willin' tah sell it tah me. So'se rather than tha'kinda help can I jus'get a couple ah coins from yer take ta pay her wit'? Cuz' I dunno wha' shes researchin' buh actin'tour guide fer a lantern seems'ah raw deal tah meh." The human rambles, gesturing to Droka as he speaks before realizing he had fogotten an important point in his speaking.
"She said she'd sell it fer tha price she got it, eighty dollars. So a coupla' the coins those rock hounds hucked ought tah do."

Unbolath turns to Miss Ellie peering at her unwaveringly as she lays out the options. He is unsure what to make of her comment regarding the two of them so decides to ignore it, responding, "I require sustenance for myself and four others....perhaps more..." looking towards Droka, Calliope and Ritmush. "I will take food for eight, and we can always use extra. I will be taking the provisions with me to my group, so as portable as possible would be preferred. Thank you for your hospitality and service." Bowing slightly, Unbolath's massive chains clink forward and then back.

Day 5, Mystic Valley (approximate time of day 7:30 pm, turn 118)The sun has completely set, it is Dark all around the town, except for the main street, which is in a sort of shadowy Dim Light, from numerous candles, and lanterns shining out through windows, mostly on second floor rooms, from the buildings along the street.

Miss Ellie laughs, a mild, friendly laugh, and tells Unbolath
Food for eight, well, that might clean us out tonight, which is never a bad thing. I’ll put together what we’ve got, in a couple of good sized baskets. Now, she lightly slaps Unbolath on the arm[/b]I want those baskets back in the morning. You mind telling me your name? Or is a fellow like you on the run from respectable folk? Not that that matters to us out here in the valley. The food will set you back five dollars, handsome, but if I don't get those baskets back, you'll be owing me ten more.[/b]

Calliope approaches Unbolath and Ellie and says

Hey, how did everything work out with that company pair? Say, Miss Ellie, that was a lot of fun. Wish I could tell you we were staying in town longer, but right now, I don’t know the plans. We just rolled into town a while ago. Probably need to find some place to sleep the night, then in the morning we’ll be headed back to Fort Horizon, I suppose.

Fort Horizon, you say Miss Ellie, smiles. Did you bring any mail? I’ve got family on the coast and you never know when a letter might finally make it’s way here. You know, I bet you could earn a little more money delivering mail for us here in the valley back to Fort Horizon, just check in with Henderson in the weac office before you leave.

While Calliope is talking with Unbolath and Miss Ellie, Kethinna comes walking by

Um, my, I haven’t seen this many new faces here in this town, in one day, since I came here. Hello, my name is Kethinna Akali, it’s a pleasure to meet you folks. If you don’t mind me asking have you travelled her from the north or from the west?

Heal: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Deciding that the woman needs a good jolt to shake her out of her state of vapors, as Thikka's mom used to put it, the ratfolk walks up next to her, and then wacks her on the ass with her staff to get her attention.

"'Ere now! None of that! You did good so far, no fainting now that you're safe! You're likely to fall over and hit your head, and I don't heal people that injure themselves. Now go sit on that chair over there, and take a deep breath, then count 1, deep breath, count 2. Do that until you reach 10."