I am led into the fort still riding gertrude. looking around at the structure.
"Perhaps it best someone less... threatening, go first." Ciana suggests.
With those words the small woman gives a small nudge to her pony and she starts forward towards the trading post.
After entering the gate you’re greeted by a beautiful middle-aged woman. Welcome to Oleg’s, travelers.
Upon seeing Zartana she flinches a bit but quickly regains her composure.
What can I do for you? Are you here for trade or staying the night? If you’re hungry, I’m making a wonderful stew at the moment. Oleg dear! Guests have arrived.
From behind one the side buildings an older man comes into sight. He walks toward you with a slight limp, holding a walking cane. He looks a bit annoyed and looks at you with a stern gaze.
I dismount but otherwise wait for someone else to introduce themselves. Checking my packs to see if everything is still where I last put it.
At the mention of stew, Ozak brightens. "Food? Yes, that's good! Don't worry. We have coin."
Ozak looks around for a place to stable the horses.
"Oh, yah, I'm Ozak. Ozak Daggertooth. Kolthax the Great, mighty warlord of the Ice Steppes was my ancestor. Great-great grandfather. This was his." Ozak hefts the axe, turning it in the air, showing it off. Expecting people to be impressed. Not quite getting the response he wanted , he turns and heads to the stable to take care of the mounts.
Zartana dismounts and pats down her clothing
"Greetings. I am Zartana from the house Orlovsky. These are my companions. We appreciate the hospitality. I for one would like to go clean up first. It has been a dry and dusty trek to here. If you would be so kind? " she tries to smile at their hosts
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After dismounting Ciana starts with a bright smile and warm greeting, "Well met!" The gnome chimes to their host, "You must be Svetlana, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I heard of the trading post, but my travels have never led me in your direction until now."
She turns her attention to the man coming towards them, "Well met, you must be Oleg. A pleasure to meet you as well. I am Ciana and my companions here, while some are fearsome, come with peaceful intentions and do not wish you or yours any harm." She says as she continues to smooth over traveling with a drow and kobold. "In fact, we have been sent by Restov to follow up and deal with the Greenbelt."
"Yes, we could us a short rest from our travels before heading off into the Stolen Lands. Perhaps you and your Husband might have news of any recent happenings? She asks as she walks her mount towards the stables. "I know I would also be interested in some of your trade goods as well."
Zartana follows Ciana so she can stable her mount. Not too worried about a commotion from the other animals. She wasnt riding a predator after all.
Duvainor was such a ease to handle. She was glad he was there. Walking would just not do
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She says as she continues to smooth over traveling with a drow and kobold.
"and you can call me... Jame" Using his usual cover name, most people didn't seem to mind his name when it was only his first syllable.
Deciding it best not to be the only one not heading to the stables, I follow gertrude, might learn something about how these animals are cared for in the process.
Impressive axe! Svetlana says while exchanging glances with her husband. Oleg please help them with their animals. Turning towards Ciana and Zartana. Ladies shall I run baths for you both?
Nice to meet you too. You have me at a disadvantageous as you know my name but I don’t know yours my lady.
Nodding at Ciana after hearing her nice words Oleg takes the reins and escorts the animals to the side to take care of them.
Let’s talk some more over dinner after everyone has freshened up. Svetlana says with a genuine smile on her face.
I’m sorry sir, didn’t notice you standing there. Nice to meet you too.
Ciana's smile broadens, "Please. Sounds wonderful after the ride from Restov."
"Great," The gnomish woman says as she follows Svetlana to the inn to enjoy a bath before dinner.
Impressive axe! Svetlana says while exchanging glances with her husband.
Ozak grins toothily, and stows the axe after admiring it a bit himself. "So what is this place? An inn?"
Oleg please help them with their animals.
Ozak nods to Oleg. "This here is Irontoes," Ozak says, indicating his horse. "He's a mean one so watch yourself. Gertrude is much more tame." Though Ozak doesn't know a lot about the workings of a stable he helps Oleg with the process of getting the animals quartered. "Irontoes will be cranky tomorrow if he isn't looked after right."
... after everyone has freshened up.
Ozak looks down at himself and realizes that he is dirty and travel-stained and smells like horse. He looks around for a rain barrel or other water basin, and when he finds one he dunks his head and upper torso in the barrel. Sloshing and gurgling sounds emerge from the barrel in the form of bubbles. Finally he flings his head back out of the barrel, inadvertently splashing anyone who was standing behind him.
"There!" he shouts. "Yah, much better now. So... where's the food?"
Well, he is a bit less dirty and smelly than before.
Zartana watches him. And groans after his display in the water. Seems she will have to be the babysitter to him
"Ozak. That is not what they meant. A bath. So soap and for you... a proper washing of your hair. That is what was meant. Now please. Show some manners."
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"I don't think she was going to draw a bath for everyone, just you ladies. Baths can be expensive in resources so far away from running water and I wouldn't want to impose" I look down at myself "besides this isn't nearly as bad as it could be." Then with a swish of his hand that he runs over his body vaguely, The dirt and grime seemingly falling off him "this is so much easier anyway" I say the final part with a smile.
"I could do the same for you Ozak, if you wanted" I say as I walk over at a normal pace for someone with so short legs.
"You my dear friend are missing out on a warm relaxing bath. Magic can only bring you so far" she says over her shoulder as she follows Svetlana
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I grumble to myself as then a little spark of flame rises from his fingers then to cast out onto himself losing their substance as they make contact. I relax a little in my warmed clothes.
Oleg’s Trading Post
Known buildings/locations
A2 Guesthouse, where you have rented rooms and enjoyed you’re baths.
A3 Stable, where you’re mounts are kept.
A6 Main Hall.
A7 Dining Room, where you are currently enjoying Svetlana’s stew.
After a refreshing bath and/or a couple of drinks you are all enjoying dinner at the aforementioned dining room. Svetlana hasn’t lied about her cooking skills as her stew is delicious. Beside you 5 and Oleg and Svetlana there are no other people around, you’re also the only guests.
Beside a still grumpy Oleg the mood is good. Svetlana asks the woman all about the current gossip and news from Restov and Oleg’s questions the men about the trip.
After a couple of more drinks the Levetons excuse themselves to go to bed.
"So, Oleg we were given a few 'Commisions' that we were told could be turned in here, do you know anything about all of that? and possibly would you know anything about any of them (the shrine, the demonic boar, the tatzlwyrm, and probably the easiest the bandits) also any information and advice on the surrounding area would be greatly appreciates" I say as politely as possible trying to eat a bit occasionally.
"I could do the same for you Ozak, if you wanted" I say as I walk over at a normal pace for someone with so short legs.
Ozak shrugs. "If it means they stop complaining, sure. Just keep your magic away from my weapons." Ozak watches as Jamahzin magically removes the dust and travel stains.
"On the Ice Steppes, you don't need to have baths; we have sweat huts. Much better, actually." Ozak follows the others into the house.
"So, Oleg we were given a few 'Commisions' ... also any information and advice on the surrounding area would be greatly appreciates"
"Yes, that's right. We were sent to explore the lands to the south, kill bandits, and to hunt bounties. They even gave us a pretty piece of paper to show off. Not that we need that to kill bandits." Ozak pulls out his charter, showing off the royal seal on it. If either of the Levetons ask to see it he hands it over.
"Anyway, if you can tell us about the lay of the land around here that would speed things up," Ozak smiles with his toothy grin.
I’m sorry sir, didn’t notice you standing there. Nice to meet you too.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Roonie!"
Over Dinner while amidst the discussions.
"We're also looking for some folks last seen in this general area, perhaps you might know something of where they might have last been seen, generally speaking? We're looking for another group from Restov, a human female barbarian named Amiri, a dwarven ranger named Harsk, a gnome named Lini and a human male monk named Sajan. I'm also looking for a pair that settled in this area some 75ish years ago, perhaps a bit more West of here. A Lady Brigid and Lord Agnor of House Lebeda?. I've been trying to trace their path for the last decade or so, and I believe I'm finally close!"
"So, Oleg we were given a few 'Commisions' that we were told could be turned in here, do you know anything about all of that? and possibly would you know anything about any of them (the shrine, the demonic boar, the tatzlwyrm, and probably the easiest the bandits) also any information and advice on the surrounding area would be greatly appreciates" I say as politely as possible trying to eat a bit occasionally.
@ Jamahzin Looking up from his bowl of stew Oleg studies Jamahzin intently, then his features relax. Offering a smile even he says I’m sorry for my gruff reactions earlier, I’m a bit apprehensive about strangers especially ones coming from Restov. Long story but I started this trading post to get away from the political backstabbing and lies I was accustomed to in Restov.
Yes I know of the commissions, we received word from Leonard that a new group would be arriving. Three of them can be found in the forest southwest of here. The last one, the bandits, I’m not sure. The sadistic leader of a group of bandits roams around a lot I think. Don’t know where their base of operations is.
"Yes, that's right. We were sent to explore the lands to the south, kill bandits, and to hunt bounties. They even gave us a pretty piece of paper to show off. Not that we need that to kill bandits." Ozak pulls out his charter, showing off the royal seal on it. If either of the Levetons ask to see it he hands it over.
"Anyway, if you can tell us about the lay of the land around here that would speed things up," Ozak smiles with his toothy grin.
@ Ozak Oleg takes the charter from you and studies it for a few moments before returning.
This largely uncharted region is filled with dangerous animals and monsters. I personally haven’t ventured beyond this fort but I have heard rumors of a small kobold tribe that controls a piece of the Greenbelt.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Roonie!"
@ Roonfizzle
Startled at the sudden appearance of the gnome Svetlana looks around for more persons to pop up out of nowhere. Nice to meet you too Roonie, come inside for some food and drink. while muttering to herself…. Sneaky little fellows, those gnomes and halflings.
Over Dinner while amidst the discussions.
"We're also looking for some folks last seen in this general area, perhaps you might know something of where they might have last been seen, generally speaking? We're looking for another group from Restov, a human female barbarian named Amiri, a dwarven ranger named Harsk, a gnome named Lini and a human male monk named Sajan. I'm also looking for a pair that settled in this area some 75ish years ago, perhaps a bit more West of here. A Lady Brigid and Lord Agnor of House Lebeda?. I've been trying to trace their path for the last decade or so, and I believe I'm finally close!"
Yeah they were here about a 3 months ago. The stayed for the night before moving on to explore the Greenbelt. Never heard from them since. Never heard of a Lady Brigid or a lord named Agnor, we’ve just been here ourselves for about 5 months.
The gnomish woman has enjoyed the bat and comes down for dinner relaxed. She had little to ask as she enjoyed the simple but filling food.
As the their hosts answer the questions she asks, "So you have set up a trading post out here, whom do you trade with? Are there a lot of folk in the area to support a business?"
"Anyway, if you can tell us about the lay of the land around here that would speed things up," Ozak smiles with his toothy grin.This largely uncharted region is filled with dangerous animals and monsters. I personally haven’t ventured beyond this fort but I have heard rumors of a small kobold tribe that controls a piece of the Greenbelt....
"I was more asking about the land, not the inhabitants. Animals and monsters and kobolds don't worry me," he looks at "Jame" and gives him a wink.
"What can you tell us about local landmarks? Rivers, forests, mountains, plains, swamps, that stuff."
This largely uncharted region is filled with dangerous animals and monsters. I personally haven’t ventured beyond this fort but I have heard rumors of a small kobold tribe that controls a piece of the Greenbelt.
I start taking a good drink of whatever beverage was made available. At the mention of the Kobold tribe I give a little spurt and then start coughing "*cough* *cough* wrong pipe, wrong pipe! *cough*" after some breaths and any questions of 'if i'm okay' "I'm alright, I'm alright...". Anyone watching me could probably notice that I'm more engrossed in the conversation. After he finishes explaining the former groups non-whereabouts, as nonchalantly as possible(in other words not very nonchalant) "so... Kobold tribe in the Greenbelt, that seems weird... right, , that seems weird?"
"so... Kobold tribe in the Greenbelt, that seems weird... right, , that seems weird?"
Ozak thinks for a minute.
"I think Kobolds usually live underground, so..."
Ozak looks again at "Jame" and it is as if a light goes on in his head. He grins, and winks again at Jamahzin. "Oh, right. Yah, weird, you never see kobolds around here."
Svetlana hasn’t lied about her cooking skills as her stew is delicious.
*BELCH*!!
Ozak's blast of stomach gas causes the curtains to flap about. He rubs his stomach with a grin."The ol' belly approves of your cooking, Svetlana! I'd hate to face bandits and monsters on an empty stomach!" A confused look comes over Ozak's face for a moment. He snaps his fingers. "Wait! Be right back."
Ozak rushes out the door, and returns a few minutes later with a large clay jug. "Can't have a meal like this without ale! Who will join me?" he asks as he unstoppers the jug and begins pouring. After he pours, he raises his mug. "A toast! To many great battles and a victorious mission!" He drinks heavily from his mug, and drains it in one go, quickly pouring another for himself.
"So, friends... where should we go and what should we do on the morrow?"
"I suggest we scout the surrounding area. From there we can look for the bandits. But it will be best if we know our immediate area before we go chasing down bandits in an area we hardly know anything about" she says calmly. Slowly drinking her drink, taking sips of water in between. No rush to finish it. Or any need to wake up with a headach
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Ozak, looking a bit annoyed, starts to answer Ozak’s question when Svetlana starts to cry.
That b@~+~ stole my wedding ring! I want it back Oleg.
Putting his arm around his wife Oleg tries to comfort her.
There, there my dear…..it’s just a ring. I’m just grateful they didn’t take you.
Roonie pipes up at the mention of the theft, his eyes wide, yet guarded.
"Who stole it? Kressle? The Stag Lord? Someone Else? What did the Ring look like? If we're in the area looking for some trouble makers Anyway... We can certainly keep our eyes peeled for it!"
Surprised about the outburst, I sink back a little in my seat and hide a bit behind my drink as i take a long slow sip.
Ozak, looking a bit annoyed, starts to answer Ozak’s question when Svetlana starts to cry.
That b~~~* stole my wedding ring! I want it back Oleg.
Putting his arm around his wife Oleg tries to comfort her.
There, there my dear…..it’s just a ring. I’m just grateful they didn’t take you.
Ozak quietly watches the interaction between Oleg and Svetlana from behind his ale mug. He sees that they are having a "moment" and doesn't want to butt in.
So all is not right on the frontier. Big surprise. But how bad is it?
After Oleg comforts Svetlana for a moment, Ozak looks around at the others, and then over at Oleg and Svetlana.
"Tell us about it. You said you were glad 'they' didn't take Svetlana. Who are 'they?' Slavers? Or just thieves?"
"Thieves and bandits. If they were slavers, there would be atleast 2 people missing from this conversation. Do not worry. If we do come across the thief, we will retrieve your wedding band for you" she gives her a slight nod
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"Thieves and bandits. If they were slavers, there would be atleast 2 people missing from this conversation."
Ozak looks across the table at Zartana with a raised eyebrow.
"Do you not want to hear what happened? They," Ozak gestures to Oleg and Svetlana, "were here, which is why I asked them."
Ozak picks up his mug again, and lifts it.
"You do not know everything, Zartana of House Orlovsky. Slavers do not always take everyone they come across, and if they were ordinary thieves, Oleg would have no reason to fear that his wife would be 'taken.' So... let them talk."
Ozak drains his mug and puts it down again. He looks over at Oleg and Svetlana curiously. "You may as well tell us. There is no one else around who might help you. And if this tale goes the way I think it will go, I can tell you that I do not care for those who prey on folks who cannot fight back."
"Where and when did I insinuate that I know everything? I simply stated that slavers would take them. Not leave evidence that can track them. I never expressed that I did not want to hear the story either. You presume too much my axe wielding companion"
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"I simply stated that slavers would take them. Not leave evidence that can track them."
"Exactly. And all that proves is that you know nothing about slavers. Slavery was allowed in the land where I grew up. Not like Brevoy."
"When slavers come, I assure you, they do not take everyone; only those they can sell. They leave behind the old and the infirm, children under a certain age, and those who can bribe the slavers to leave them be. Those that remain raise the young to an age where the slavers can come again in a few years and make their harvest again. And in a lawless land like this, there is no need for slavers to hide their works."
"I never expressed that I did not want to hear the story either. You presume too much my axe wielding companion"
"If that is so, then do not answer for them. It is you who are presuming."
"Well, I guess I better keep quiet then so they can talk."
Turning to their hosts
"My apologies, I will keep quiet, I did not mean to interrupt your recollection of what happened... Please continue"
The gnome watches the interactions of those she was chosen to tame the Stolen Lands with and makes notes of it for a later time.
In a empathetic tone, "Oleg, Svetlana, please, we do not mean to press upon you. If you wish to share your story, we would be willing to listen. We may even be able to help. In your time though."
The small woman sips at her mug of ale while the group's hots take a moment.