KenderKin |
After another half days walk you round the bend in the road and before you stands The Lucky Monkey
It sits to the east of the road, partially surrounded by the dense jungle. The building is old and well used - the chimneys stained with soot, the roof sagging, the wood siding weathered and stained with from last year's mildew. A smaller stable stands to the building's side in a similar condition. The building’s facade sports numerous carved wooden monkeys, many of whom are engaged in risky, death-defying stunts. In one, a wooden monkey balances on a narrow tree branch to get a banana hanging over a sleeping tiger; in another, a monkey sits on a boulder completely unaware that a poacher sneaking up behind him was suddenly attacked and eaten by an ankheg, finally a monkey sitting stretched back with his arms over his head recieves pleasure from a female monkey.
The two story building appears as a palace compaired to much of wolfstone.
When you go in you are greeted by....
this is cue for new guy to describe & intro himself
Erine Wintyle |
The night passes uneventfully and leaving the shelter behind you are soon back on the road headed toward the Lucky Monkey.....
The whole next day is more of the same with the heat and the rains, you notice you are walking uphill slightly and can see the mountains in the distance, you know cauldron is there...
Finding a camp nearly as good as the first you spend another night on the road....
perception DC
20
** spoiler omitted **
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
Erine spots something, but says nothing of it until she can be sure there are no eavesdroppers. "The baboons are following us," she whispers. "Be ready. And--good gods!" She says this last bit out loud, looking at the last carving with an expression of horror and confusion. "What is she--that doesn't--good gods!"Minniwick Zookwinkle |
As you approach the Inn it looks like a peddler has set up shop out side. A Blue Donkey is tethered next to the peddler’s multi hued cart. The cart has the words Zookwinkle Alchemical Cures" and one side and on the other "For all your aches and pains" both are in bold letters in the common tongue, it is piled with odds and ends as is the peddler, pouches and vials both tied and pinned cover the front of his thick leather work apron. He smiles at you and waves as you get within shouting distance “Good day travellers, welcome to the Lucky Monkey!” Scratching his head through his yarn hat (in the shape of a red and black spider) “Don’t think I have seen you around before, name is Zookwinkle, Minniwick Zookwinkle, and I have a cure for all that ails you. Interested in taking a look before you go sample some of the fine ales inside?”
Canvy Mandrain |
Canvy hot and bothered after the journey, "At last a place to rest and find our road to riches, eh Broccan!" He stops to take in the decorative monkeys and stares as he sees the last motif, he smiles an unnerving smile as his eyes look take on a misty purple hue. Canvy stays transfixed by the monkey image, "Nice artwork." and he means it.
In his statuesque stance Canvy almost bows his head to the depiction of the monkey being pleasured and his eyes glow, he mumbles under his breath strange unintelligible words as a purple glow surrounds his body briefly, then its gone.
Quietly he walks as if in a trance towards the entrance of the main building, not acknowledging even his friends, but the closer to the door he gets, the more lucid he becomes.
Broccan Dunchad |
"Well met, wee Mast'r Zoo..er..Zoowinkle, issit? I dinna think any'ofus are sick at th' moment, bu' y'have quite'a fine'rray o' goods. Beggin' y'r pardon, but's been a long road, an' m' throat craves ale."
(Broccan gives a polite bow to the gnome and walks into the inn.)
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
The Gnome smiles at the giant human as he walks past. "Course not, but remember me in the morning if you have an ale or two to many!" "How about the rest of you fine folk?" Gesturing to his cart, "Perhaps a Tindertwig to start those hard to light camp fires, or a potion to stave off the heat?"
Canvy Mandrain |
Once inside the Inn, with the smell of ale and rough wine and spirits assailing his nostrils, Canvy recovers himself and looks around with intent. First stop the bar I think, let's quench that thirst. He spies Broccan up ahead, "Eh Broccan, what about an ale for an old comrade then, eh!!", his deep melodious laugh carries across the room. He finds a place to be comfortable, to sit, to drink and to eat.
Broccan Dunchad |
(Broccan removes his gauntlets and helm, then fishes out a handfull of copper coins and hands them to the barkeep.)
"Two ales, an' some'o whatev'r y'er servin'."
(He points to Canvy's table) "One mug n' th' food over there.
(Looking back to the barkeep) Wha' d'ye charge for a room 'n a bath?"
KenderKin |
Entering the monkey, the first thing you notice is how big the place is. Two private dining rooms are set on ech side of you, a solid wood bar zig-zags its way across the back of the room and there are 7 tables in front of the bar, on the right side you spot a fireplace, on the left another wing continues with 2 more tables, another private room and in the distance one large table.....
More depictions of monkeys are on the inside as well...
A beautiful woman of elven ancestory except for her oddly colored darkish skin turns from the bar.
"Barkeep? hardly I am Shensen and I own the Monkey"
"Rooms are 1 GP a night for standard an additional silver for delux."
"If you want a room you can start a bar tab as well."
At this point it does not seem like the monkey is very busy....
Erine Wintyle |
When Erine sees Minniwick, her expression is a mixture of glee and uncertainty. "H-hello," she stammers. "It's--it's nice to see another gnome."
She looks back at Goat. "What do I..." she whispers. She looks back up, but doesn't look him in the eye. "C--can I see your stall? Are you a mage?"
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
At Erine’s greeting his face breaks out into a large open smile “I love meeting people of all races but I must agree it is always nice to see another Gnome!” Rubbing his chin and thinking for a moment “Mage…nope I studied under Master Hodgewicket for 12-15 years..seems like 100 years ago”, shrugging his shoulders, “OK more like 120, but I never quite got the hang of it. Alchemy is my specialty!” Putting a friendly hand on her arm he attempts to guide her over to the cart “Of course you can take a look, looking never costs a thing, only the finest alchemical goods around. If you do not see it here then I can make it for you.”
Erine Wintyle |
At Erine’s greeting his face breaks out into a large open smile “I love meeting people of all races but I must agree it is always nice to see another Gnome!” Rubbing his chin and thinking for a moment “Mage…nope I studied under Master Hodgewicket for 12-15 years..seems like 100 years ago”, shrugging his shoulders, “OK more like 120, but I never quite got the hang of it. Alchemy is my specialty!” Putting a friendly hand on her arm he attempts to guide her over to the cart “Of course you can take a look, looking never costs a thing, only the finest alchemical goods around. If you do not see it here then I can make it for you.”
** spoiler omitted **
Erine laughs in genuine delight as she looks at the stock. "What is that?" She points to a vial of Bloodblock. "It doesn't seem magical."
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
The dwarf stops and listens as Erine visits with the peddler, but he does nothing more than nod in greeting when the gnome meets his eye. He will take the opportunity to look into the cart, as well.
Broccan Dunchad |
(Broccan lowers his eyes, and colors at the elf's response.)
"Apologies, m'lady, I meant no disr'spect."
(He places one gold and one silver coin on the bar.)
"A d'lux room w'a bath, please, m'lady. An pu' what'evr m' friends eat r' drink on th' tab."
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
Erine laughs in genuine delight as she looks at the stock. "What is that?" She points to a vial of Bloodblock. "It doesn't seem magical."
He smiles at her interest in his work "You have a good eye, it is a bit of thistle and some Mugwart a few other herbs and chemicals, but no magic. It is called Bloodblock and it stops wounds of all sorts from bleeding. In the hands of a trained healer it makes treating wounds a whole lot easier."
Nods at the dwarf and makes room so he can look at the contents of the cart.
"Some of what I make has some magic in it", he points to the potions. "Now the Bloodblock sells for 50GP a vial in Cauldron, more depending on who you buy it from. If you are interested I can let it go for 35 Gold a vial or 90 for all three"
Erine Wintyle |
Quote:Erine laughs in genuine delight as she looks at the stock. "What is that?" She points to a vial of Bloodblock. "It doesn't seem magical."He smiles at her interest in his work "You have a good eye, it is a bit of thistle and some Mugwart a few other herbs and chemicals, but no magic. It is called Bloodblock and it stops wounds of all sorts from bleeding. In the hands of a trained healer it makes treating wounds a whole lot easier."
Nods at the dwarf and makes room so he can look at the contents of the cart.
"Some of what I make has some magic in it", he points to the potions. "Now the Bloodblock sells for 50GP a vial in Cauldron, more depending on who you buy it from. If you are interested I can let it go for 35 Gold a vial or 90 for all three"
"Oh, sure, I'll take--" Erine looks surprised. She roots through her coin pouch, counting her wealth. "Oh...that's a lot," Erine says quietly. "I, um, I'll t--take one. Thank you."
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
"Oh, sure, I'll take--" Erine looks surprised. She roots through her coin pouch, counting her wealth. "Oh...that's a lot," Erine says quietly. "I, um, I'll t--take one. Thank you."
He pockets 25 of the gold and hands a vial of the Bloodblock and 10 gold back to Erine. In Gnomish "I almost forgot the first time buyers discount. Best of luck to you."
Erine Wintyle |
Quote:"Oh, sure, I'll take--" Erine looks surprised. She roots through her coin pouch, counting her wealth. "Oh...that's a lot," Erine says quietly. "I, um, I'll t--take one. Thank you."He pockets 25 of the gold and hands a vial of the Bloodblock and 10 gold back to Erine. In Gnomish "I almost forgot the first time buyers discount. Best of luck to you."
Erine raises an eyebrow. Then she smiles and speaks in the same language.
She speaks haltingly, and it seems she doesn't know the language as well as she should.
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
Minniwick packs up all of his small and more expensive items into a backpack that he slings over a shoulder.
Moving back to the Common tongue.
"let me get Bubbles", patting the blue donkey, "and my cart settled into the stables and perhaps you would be willing to trade a few stories over dinner. I have been on trail rations for days and could use a hot meal. Bubbles is good company but she is not much of a talker"
KenderKin |
Settling into the Lucky Monkey
perception/knowledge local
can use last roll
DC 10
A caravan arrives outside and you see them pulling the wagons in and hear the noisess of wagons, horses and men outside
DC 15
You are aware that this is a trade route between Cauldron and Sassereen.
DC 20
Cargo is often dropped prior to going into Cauldron to avoid taxes and keep secrets
Broccan Dunchad |
Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
(Sinking down into the hot bathwater, Broccan hears the sounds of horses and wagons outside. He looks around the fine accomdoations, shaking his head at the realization that, had he remained a miner, he would never have found himself in such luxury.
As the water cools to tepidness, Broccan climbs out and drys himself with the toweling provided. He looks at his road-dirty clothes and armor).
"I shou'da as'dabou'ta clothier...now I got'ta put on dirty clothes...I'm a damn fool."
(Shaking as much dirt and dust off his clothes as possible, Broccan puts them back on. He pulls on his boots and fastens his belt, leaving his belt pouch and dagger on. Leaving the rest of his gear in the room, he locks it with the room key, and heads down to the common room.)
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
Perception 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Edrukk has grown protective of the gnomish lass and will wait to enter the Lucky Monkey until she does. He's not hovering, just waiting patiently so that he's present if anyone causes any trouble for her.
He shows no indication of having understood the gnomes' switch to a different language and, observing her reaction, understands there is no cause for concern.
He notes the noise and dust from a caravan in the distance and is not surprised to hear the bustle of men, wagons, and animals when it arrives outside the inn after he and Erine have entered the establishment.
KenderKin |
Edrukk continues to watch the going ons outside.
Two of the guards note him standing out there and seeming to ignore the gnomes moves immediatly toward the leader of the group.
They have a short exchange before the commander approaches you.....
The commander looks young and inexperienced, you have no doubt as he addresses you in a nervous voice....
Speaking quickly....
"Well met, we are traders out of Sassaerine headed for Cauldron, twice we have been attacked on this route by the hillfolk, we have lost a couple of men at arms on this trip and are able to pay for a few extra guards into Cauldron."
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
The commander looks young and inexperienced, you have no doubt as he addresses you in a nervous voice....
Speaking quickly....
"Well met, we are traders out of Sassaerine headed for Cauldron, twice we have been attacked on this route by the hillfolk, we have lost a couple of men at arms on this trip and are able to pay for a few extra guards into Cauldron."
The dwarf grunts in response and squares his stance with the man. Looking at the young man, he says, "'ow many guards d'ye need, lad? Ah 'ave friends who might be fer listenin' t' 'at ye 'ave t' say, 's well. 'at 'illfolk 'r ye fightin'? 'ow much 'n 'en d'ye pay yer guards?"
His tone is not rude, just direct.
KenderKin |
"We could use as many as 5 guards, are ye traveling with other dwarves then who can help...at most I can pay 25 gold for the next two days travel to Cauldron, It will be slow with tha wagons loaded as they are..."
Several of the caravan drivers and assistants are unloading some of the supplies directly into the Lucky Monkey....
"Let me know in the morning we leave at sunrise."
The commander wanders away.....
Once inside the monkey you see the say common area, it seems that Broccan and Sanstree are nowhere to be seen aside from the bar (described above).....
In the northeast portion of the common room are three closed doors. The left is adorned with a carving of a monkey in a longtail coat, while the one to the right shows a monkey wearing a dress. The middle door is not carved.
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
If the elven woman is still behind the bar, Edrukk will approach to inquire about the cost of a room. Assuming the same rate as stated above, "Aye, ma'am, Ah'll 'ave a standard room fer th' night 'n start a tab. Ah'll need t' be tryin' th' cook's handiwork first. C'n ye tell me where m' friends got off t'? He gives a general description of the three men.
KenderKin |
The woman behind the bar takes your money and gives you a key with a number on it.
"Your friends each have a room next to yours, I am not sure which one is in which room but they did say something about having a bath."
she slightly wrinkles her nose as she suggests a bath
"I will tell the cook to wheel something up for you to eat..."
Canvy Mandrain |
After a couple of drinks and a bite of food, Canvy's eyes close through the days exertion and by the time the rest of the party come in, he is snoring at a table, his head hanging back over his chair a mug of ale clutched to his breast, rising and falling with each breath. There are chairs enough for you all around the table.
Broccan Dunchad |
(Broccan sees Edrukk at the bar as he comes downstairs. He looks freshly bathed, and it seems out of place with his road-stained shirt and breeches. He approaches the bar again, and once again flushes a bit and lowers his eyes.)
"Beg y'r pardon, mis'trss. D'ye hap'n to keep a stock o'clothes f'rsale? I'd be int'rest'd inna fresh set."
KenderKin |
"Aye we keep a few fresh boxes of explorers outfits, includes sturdy boots, leather breeches, a belt, a shirt, gloves, and a cloak. I could throw in a scarf or wide brimmed hat to complete it".
"It is usually 10 GP and we just sell the whole thing, with a room though I can sell it for 8 gold. Lots of people buy it and split it up with their friends...."
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
"Lad, 'at's a good idee. Miss, if'n 'ere be a 'nuther outfit for one o' me build, Ah'll take it. 'n lad, Ah might 'ave a job fer th' lot o' us, if'n th' group agrees t' 't. Would ye be agin' guardin' a trader's caravan fer a day 'r two?"
Canvy Mandrain |
Canvy, wakes to see Broccan and Edrukk buying clean new clothes. He rubs his eyes in disbelief, but does decide that a little bit of cleanliness wouldn't go amiss. Broccan, where d'ya find somewhere to have bath then, or is it the stables again?
Canvy listens to Broccan's reply and takes himself off to a room and bath. Canvy removes his armour, placing it safely in the room. Must remember to grease it up a bit, it'll need to keep free from seizing up in this damned heat. Canvy, still wearing his under clothes enters the bath cleaning both himself and his clothes. There you go, no need to buy new stuff, just needs a little soak and a rub down, that's all. Canvy, removes his clothes in the bath, washes himself, them his clothes. Wringing out his clothes, he smiles a gleam in his eye, That's saved a few gold....hehehe! I'll have to get those two to be a bit more concerned with saving and not spending on wasteful things like new clothes.
He spends a few moments greasing and looking after his armour before returning downstairs, leaving a damp trail where he treads. A wet Canvy rejoins the party downstairs, orders a drink and is ready to start a few games of chance, Well that's not a waste of money, that's an investment.
Broccan Dunchad |
slight time-line shift backwards
"Th' baths'r upstairs, Cap'n."
(as Canvy heads upstairs, Broccan turns to Edrukk)
"Caravan guards, eh? Sounslike'a good plan. If we're gonna travel, migh'aswell get paid while we're travelin'. Wha'd'we need't'do to geh th'job?"
Edrukk Thorvirgun |
slight time-line shift backwards
"Th' baths'r upstairs, Cap'n."
(as Canvy heads upstairs, Broccan turns to Edrukk)
"Caravan guards, eh? Sounslike'a good plan. If we're gonna travel, migh'aswell get paid while we're travelin'. Wha'd'we need't'do to geh th'job?"
"Jus' show up, ready t' go, 'n th' mornin' 't sunup. 'e said 'e could pay fer up t' five guards. 'e said somethin' 'bout 'em bein' dwarves, but 'e walked off afore Ah could tell 'im yer no dwarf."
KenderKin |
also in the time slip
The barkeep hearing of this laughs a little bit...
"I can say that traveling between here and Cauldron is the most dangerous it has been in a long time, as it is now the hillfolk are attacking caravans and taking what they can....and individuals traveling are being taken by slavers..."
The woman looks thoughtful and finishes...
"So there is no safe way to get there."
"I keep this jar on the counter for tips when I offer advise."
She picks up and sets the jar back down
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
Settling into the Lucky Monkey
perception/knowledge local
can use last roll
DC 10
** spoiler omitted **DC 15
** spoiler omitted **DC 20
** spoiler omitted **
Perception1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
Kn Local1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17Minniwick Zookwinkle |
"Well met, we are traders out of Sassaerine headed for Cauldron, twice we have been attacked on this route by the hillfolk, we have lost a couple of men at arms on this trip and are able to pay for a few extra guards into Cauldron."
"Captain", waving at the caravan leader after he speaks with the dwarf, "Would you mind if I tagged along at the end of your caravan?. I just have one cart and donkey and will not be a bother. Safety in numbers!"
After working out details with the caravan captain make my way inside.
Carefully make his way up on to a chair at the bar and wait until I can catch Shensen's eye and attention for a moment. "Shensen! Hello, I hope your in fine spirits tonight. Need anything from the cart? I just made up a batch of Alchemist Kindness and a fresh batch of Tindertwigs.", patting the full backpack beside him, "Could I bother you for a meal and a place to sleep in the commons tonight? Oh, I already put Bubbles in the stable so I will need to add that to my bill. Any new stories?"
KenderKin |
Shensen recognizes Minniwick immediately.
"I can get you a room for sure, I have told some of the others that between here and Cauldron bandits are attacking the caravans and slavers are hitting the pilgrim's bad business all the way around."
Shensen leans closer and whispers
"An to top that all off the baboons are acting strange, I think it is tha hillfolk and slavers getting them into a tizzy."
Shensen accepts your gold piece
"Stew and bread are always ready, both were fresh today..."
She claps her hands together
"A rare treat!"
Broccan Dunchad |
(Broccan casts about for an evening's entertainment. He looks for anyone interested in a drinking contest, a boxing match, or gambling - in that order.)
Let me know if I need to make a roll.
Minniwick Zookwinkle |
"Stew and bread are always ready, both were fresh today..."
She claps her hands together
"A rare treat!"
Nods, "My thanks!" tucks into the bowl of stew, dipping the fresh bread in to sop up the gravy. "I need to pay my respects at the shine of the Traveller. Do you mind?"
Broccan Dunchad |
(Broccan wakes early, and takes extra care donning his new attire, strapping on his armor and weapons. Hoisting his pack on his shoulders, he heads downstairs and settles the tab with the innkeeper.)
"M'thanks f'yr hospitality mis'tres."
(Broccan pays the tab, and puts an extra gold in the innkeeper's tip-jar. He then heads out to the caravan wagons.)
"Hey-o! Who 'ere's th' cara'vn mast'r? I'm report'n f'guard duty."
Canvy Mandrain |
A half-orc with a semi heavy head is not a nice sight first thing in the morning, the smell of stale beer pervades the atmosphere where he walks. Unpleasant sounds reverberate in the armour, which looks newly greased for the days activities. bathing, what's the point. Canvy, with the remains of his breakfast around his mouth joins the caravan, truly a large armoured man any caravan would see as an asset and just like many, looking unclean, dirty and probably not so pleasant to be around.
"Uhhh, morn Broccan", he says slowly and sounding like he has gravel in his throat. "So this is it is it? Escort duty eh? Oh well, best be ready." With that he sits down on the ground, using the wheel of a cart as support.