OSRIC Classics (Inactive)

Game Master WhtKnt

Should we really be trusting them? Theres nothing saying that they can be trusted besides the mayor and we can't truly know if hes to be trusted either. Why can't any of this ever make sense.

Charnum speaks to the elves as he enters the abode.

"Greetings, we are here to investigate the problems afoot in this town. We heard that you may be able to aid us in our quest."

Cedric watches the two elves closely as they speak in their native tongue. "I'm glad we have someone who can speak Elvish, but I can't stand having to use a translator." He nods and smiles at the elves as he enters.

Geary doesn't like having to use a translator to understand the conversation. As he enters he makes a concerted effort to note any places someone could hide to ambush them.

Not going to make the same mistake I made at the mayor's home.

Geary, you notice nothing out of the ordinary.

"You say that you are here to help," Dorian begins, "But how are we to be certain? Indeed, how can you be certain that you can trust us?"

Albert concentrates on the pair of elves, letting his faith guide his eyes.

Detecting Evil on both

"उन्होंने कहा कि एक पवित्र योद्धा है" Llywillan comments.

"हाँ मैं शायद देखा कि वे पर भरोसा किया जा रहे हैं" Dorian replies.

"Very well," Dorian says in Common. "We have decided that you may be trustworthy. We believe that the staff of the Golden Grain inn are involved in this affair. If you capture one of them to prove your devotion to solving the mystery, we will share what information we have."

Cedric's eyes get wide when he hears the elves mention the Golden Grain. "We were there earlier today and had something to drink and eat. I hope they didn't poison us. The barkeep seemed fine but the patrons did seem like zombies. We could go back to rent the rooms we asked about and then grab someone tonight," he says thinking out loud. He suddenly realizes he might be saying too much. "Wait a minute, it was Geary who suggested going there. Maybe he's in on it," he thinks to himself as he looks over at the thief.

"एक पवित्र योद्धा कि बोलती है । मुझे खुशी है कि आप हमारी मदद करेंगे हूँ, आप के साथ हो सकता है।"

"Yes, Cedric plan's sound. We will go and sleep there, and will bring justice upon them if they are guilty."

"Hardly know these men. But they are more fun than the Golden Grainers! We get to grab one do we? Great! Anyone in particular? I mean who was one of the first or should we grab one of the last? Conundrum huh."

Opalia looks around at the men thinking about sleep and tries to relax. She has traveled far but her mind is whirling. Anyway the elven girl tries to reverie.

Sonya smirks and silently laughs a bit at how easily everyone is buying into these stranger elves request...

Before we charge in swords swinging, can we get anymore evidence or explanation on how you have identified that the staff are the guilty party?

Bradley considers the request the elves have made.

Upon hearing Cedric suggestion,"They had a kitchen at the Golden Graniers. They must have a cook or someone who cooks. I think we could pull someone from there with out much ruckus"

Dorian addresses Sonya. "Our suspicions are based on the actions of the patrons, mostly, but if someone on the staff can be captured..."

"Are you sure it is possible for us to abduct one of them without incurring the wrath of the town"

"If we don't get caught, we're good."

Geary shakes his head in bewilderment. "So this has gone from investigating something strange going on here to kidnapping someone from the Golden Grain because the people who eat and drink there like to keep to themselves."

Addressing the elves. "C'mon now. Does someone at the Grain owe you money or somethin'?"

Cedric looks at the others. "Well, in order to interrogate someone, you need to separate them from their companions. We need to start somewhere. I say we go back to the inn."

"It's decided then." Bradley looks at the group and the elves quickly. Then faces Geary.

"Geary. No offense, but you look the sneakiest among us. What are your ideas on attempting such a feat? Also I doubt that one has a sneaky bone in his body", Bradley quickly points to Albert before turning to elves.

"I'm open to suggestions on your end too"

"Gotta say, he's got a point. I mean maybe the Golden Grain are quiet because everyone else is in on it. Maybe the mayor is leading the bad guys LIKE I SAID and us grabbing on innkeeper or other mook is just what they want. We shouldn't just listen to the word of an elf. well not that elf or that one. I'm different. I see things and you can trust me. Let's not lose sight of the prize as the boxers say - how about a trip to the Temple for a shufti now. Gather some of that useful knowledge before we go all KIDNAPPY." Opalia puts a hand on Geary's shoulder and laughs at what you had just said.

"Sorry, no offence Dory. Just talking you know. I'm sure you are okay but gotta look at both sides haven't we?"

"I would expect no less," Dorian replies, appearing not in the least offended.

"I can vouch for Dorian and Llywillan. They hold no evil purpose in their minds, hearts or souls." says Albert, which being a man of action and righteous intervention is getting tired of all the waiting "But I have to agree that just breaking into the inn and snuffing out one of the bystanders isn't the brightest of plans. I then propose that we go back there and stay for the night. During the night hours one of you that feel capable of such dishonorable things, can sneak around and look for proof. If there is such a thing, we catch whoever is guilty. If not, before dawn we grab the patron and bring him here to interrogate him."

"Okey dokey. Anyone fancy coming to the Church with me? I'm not that tired yet."

"I'll go with you, I would like to see the priests for myself."

Glad the others had come to their senses regarding kidnapping and pointing at Albert: "He has a much better idea. I have no idea what we'd be looking for but at least we're not taking someone whose probably just trying to make an honest living."

"We can see if they have any more rooms and keep any eye out for anything strange."

"Sounds like a good plan. I too would like to go to the temple. It saddens me to think that the faithful have fallen to this evil," Cedric says as he prepares to leave.

"Come on then - let's go! Cedric you be in charge with great charm and Charnum can be the brains and I'll...I'll....I'll come too," pouts the elf maiden.

"I'd just like to point out that if ... the Golden Grain is a den of evil and they have been involved in making people disappear, they probably been making travelers disappear as well. So there will have to be a whole other level of vigilance that will be need to be taken in staying there." Bradley says hoping they know they might be walking into a trap.

"But there is plenty of day light, I suggest we go to the temple together. There will be less of a chance of being accosted in a large group."

So, is everyone going to the temple?

Affirmative.

Geary scratches his chin in thought. "So when you you go to the church, what exactly are you going to ask them? I mean if you suspect that they are part of some evil plot I'm not sure letting them know you are suspicious of them is the best course of action."

"You'd be better off keeping a watch on them as well. I can do that for you. Religious types aren't too hard too keep track of. Especially for us sneaky types......" Geary looks at Bradley pointedly after the last sentence.

"I'm just going to get the lay of the Land. Maybe drop a coin or two and have a quick pray. Don't need everyone traipsing in with me - specially sneaky ones. Me they can trust!"

And with that Opalia goes outside. Then the door opens again, "where is it?"

"I figured we could just go to the church and speak with the priests, see if anything is amiss."

"I make it a habit of visiting the church of any small town I visit. I like to know who the townsfolk worship and don't want the clerics thinking I'm in town to convert their worshipers," Cedric explains.

The local temple is dedicated to Merrika, goddess of agriculture. This is the only stone structure in Orlane. A wall of granite blocks surrounds the temple, and sturdy wooden gates give access to a courtyard. The temple is on the highest piece of land in Orlane—a full 20' above the stream and pond. The gates to the courtyard stand open.

Beyond the gate, you find that the courtyard is not well-tended, but there is a gardener here. A broad path leads to the doors to the temple.

Albert whispers to Cedric "A temple to the Goddess of Agriculture... with a not so well-tended courtyard? This isn't proof enough to bring justice upon them, but sure it is suspicious."

Opalia tuts at the lack of care and shakes her head as she approaches the gardener.

Is he old or sick? Or just rubbish at the job?

He is an middle-aged man, though still in good health, so far as you can tell.

Bradley takes a good look around the temple, while the others contemplate the priest.

"The locals drink during the day and the priest of the Gardening Goddess not tending to his garden. How very odd...

Bradley steps gingerly into the temple proper

What does the inside of the temple look like.

Charnum looks all around, taking in the scene before him.

"Odd, that the grounds of a temple would be in such a deplorable condition."

Cedric nods at Albert's comment. He then walks over to the gardener, making his presence known from a distance before moving closer.

"Greetings kind sir. What a fine day this is. Certainly Merrika has blessed this day. My name is Cedric. My companions and I are travelling through the area and I wanted to pay my respects to the local church. Who is the head cleric here?"

As Bradley makes his way to the temple proper, Cedric stops to question the gardener. The man turns to face him, and with a curt, surly voice, replies, "That'll be Abramo, and if'n ya want ta know more, you'll be needing to talk to him personally." He then returns to his work, pointedly ignoring Cedric.

Albert is still suspicious about all of this, and even if its a futile attempt he prays to Heironeus for guidance.

Detecting Evil on the gardener first and when we enter on the suspiciously attractive priestess. Suspiciously I say!

"Greetings, Misha Devi. I am Bradley. No need for serving, just stopping by to learn more. Can you tell me more about your ... Goddess and her practices?

Bradley is earnest in his inquiry, as he knows little of religions beyond the Old Faith.

He follows Druidic practices

Albert slightly grunts in disgust "An evil being, even if faint... posing as a holy priest..."

But he knows that justice shall be served in time. Putting the best face this situation allows him he waits to see if there are other clerics close, and asks Heironeus for guidance once again.
He walks to Cedric and says him "We should pray for the wellfare of this temple's most holy followers. Mind helping me with the prayers, brother?" before heading towards a place he can kneel and whisper to Cedric without bwing heard.
I'll refrain from going medieval on her now, Detecting Evil on any other priest or priest look-alike he sees.

As Opalia walks away with Cedric, she speaks out loud (as usual), "rude or what! but then I suppose when he is rubbish at gardening he needs to work harder. Wonder where that Abramo is? Gotta say this place could do with replacing its gardener - perhaps I should speak to the boss?"

Geary decides to hang with the gardener. Temples give him the willys and he's found the hired help always has the best gossip.

He offers the gardener his water-skin with a friendly nod. "Not easy work. How long have you been working for the temple?"

"Merrika is friendly to any who work the soil, stranger. She brings the rains that grow the crops, and grants us their yield."

Cedric says a quick prayer before addressing the priestess.

"Greetings. We are travelers passing through the area. I'm Cedric. I didn't hear what your name was. The person outside tending the garden and he said that Abramo is the head cleric here. Is he available?"

Geary's face hardens at the gardeners rudeness. He takes a deep drink from his water skin and leans against a post to watch the gardener work and to keep an eye out for any passerby who might be interested in what's going on at the temple.

Charnum hangs in the back, waiting to see what Cedric will discuss with the clerics.