Faerin studies the drow woman, noticing her surprise at Kelagh's command of the flowing Sylvan tongue.
"Tik'Klik"
The golem looks at the crate, and then picks up one edge and spills the walnuts out all over the floor of the storage room. Then he flips it back up so it's ready for things to go in it.
Walnuts crunch under it as the weight settles on the spilled nuts.
"Tik'Klik."
As the maid approaches to take their order, the girl performs a quick scan of the room. Looking for anything dangerous or out of the ordinary. She passes over those people of various races who are merely talking. Then returns to her table and waits to hear what the drow would like to order, giving Kelagh a chance to reflexively check out the maid's calves and hips.
Those are fine swaying hips on that maid! danger shmanger.
Kitao considered himself tall for his people, but the mountain of a man that speak to him and his strange accent. "Well some gaijin know how to speak even if it's with their very strange accent" Kitao nods to the man and he continues to listen about this Waterdeep place "Wonder what kind of magical water barrier they have or is it on an island to have that name??" "Yes Waterdeep sounds familiar, I believe we made a stop there on the ship, but to be sincere I have no idea what you speak of, or what this Abmn or Amb and Cormeir place you speak of. You gaijin have strange ways indeed" as kitao nods to apparently no one but himself as he looks completely certain of his words and turns to speak to the other person at the table. "From what kingdom do you come from great bearded one?"
Attikus almost finishes chewing and swallowing, before flooding whats left down with a giant gulp of ale.
Attikus Blanc is the name, favored of the Keeper of Secrets under the Mountain". He then picks up his holy symbol...A gem inside a mountain...and presents it to the table. "I do be from the greatest of the Dwarven Kingdoms recently restored to power". "The Realm of the great Bruenor Battlehammer, Mithral Hall". Attikus seeks the owners eye with that statement before setting back down.
"I suppose I can forgive your lack of knowledge". "It's obvious you're not from around here".
"Well met Marcus servant of Torm".
"Hey"! "Did everyone hear what the proprietor said"! "Get your butts over here if ye wish to partake"!
"I think for a small man you are greater than you seem" as Kitao can relate to living in mountains, for his home sits in a mountain ledge and mining is their trade "I hail from the Heichi family and greatest miners and armor forgers of Wa under the Heavenly Emperor".
Kitao nods and waits for the majority of the rabble to take their share "No educations, it's like children at a table trying to snatch food"
"Well met Attikus servant of Dumathoin if I'm not mistaken. I've heard many things of Mithral Hall, I hope one day to have the honor of visiting."
"Tik'Klik"
The golem looks at the crate, and then picks up one edge and spills the walnuts out all over the floor of the storage room. Then he flips it back up so it's ready for things to go in it.
Walnuts crunch under it as the weight settles on the spilled nuts.
"Tik'Klik."
"Damn, I should have known.", says Raven, effortlessly picking up the empty crate and leaving the walnuts on the ground.
Moving out of the storage building, Raven crosses the road and drops the crate in the house he is currently occupying. Then, without looking behind him he crosses back to the Inn and enters, leaving the door open behind him.
"Ah, master Kagain," he says as the Inn-master drops the heavily laden plate on the newcommers' table. "Thanks for the crate. Can I also keep everything that was inside?"
"Tik'Klik"
Was that a faintly smug tint to the sound? Surely not.
The golem takes a few seconds, but after a couple of heartbeats follows Raven out of the storage shed, walnuts scattered out the door as it's feet shuffle forward.
Once outside on the snow covered and icy street, the skate blades come down and the golem skates along after the slow moving half-elf. It's head rotates 360 degrees as it examines the area, keeping up with the half-elf easily on the icy ground while still having time to study the area in depth thanks to it's skates.
Once at the Inn, the golem follows in, it's head moving to scan every nook and cranny. It also studies every living being in the room for 30 seconds each.
Anwyn smiles, a relieved look on her face. Still speaking in Sylvan it is clear judging by her clothing and her build she is not from anywhere near here. Also getting a closer look her build is not like other drow you have encountered before, though she is certainly a very beautiful woman.
She orders a large plate of fruit, breads and cheese, along with more wine to wash it down. She thinks for a moment. Her reply is hesitant but honest in her tone.
She sighs before finishing up with a note of resignation,
Faerin grins to herself as she notices Kelagh's eyes roaming the serving girl. Not that she could blame her, some people we built for cold winter nights.
As Anwyn speaks the ranger studies the woman. She moved with a predator's grace though she was unduer of herself. Lost as she was she would be impressive to witness in her natural environment.
The crusader slowly drinks the dark beer and tastes the mountain wheat in all its flavour. Somewhere there is a reminder of the Marmug tribe, although their brew, Dwarfblud, was fiery and sour, thickened so that a warrior had to scoop the last drops out of his cup.
Marcus discretely observes Kitao's interactions with the others on the table, and notices how uncomfortable he looks at times and how hard he's trying to avoid accidental insult.
He truly isn't from around here, I wonder home is like for him...
Marcus waits for a break in conversation before politely saying to Kitao, "Your home must be very far away, for I don't believe I've ever heard of Waa or a Heavenly Emperor. I assume that's your god? Such a journey sounds like a grand adventure! If you don't mind my asking, what motivated you to come all this way?"
Kitao surprised at the ignorance of the gaijin for not knowing such things that should be common, but it is to be expected barbarians have no place in the Celestial Order. "The Heavenly Emperor is the Shogun, Emperor of Wa" making emphasis on Wa not Waa, but he was probably trying to teach a heimin the ways of the samurai, so there wouldn't be much to expect of it. We have Lady Sun and Lord Moon, there are also the Kami and the Fortunes, for everything in nature in the Celestial Order has a spirit and we should be grateful for this meal to them".
As he calms himself down "Gaijin are ignorant of our ways, patience remember the virtues from which you draw discipline and power" trying to smile to Marcus, "My journey is one of knowledge, exploration and trade, for I believe that Wa can increase it's riches by interacting with the other kingdoms". Pleased with his answer he nods to Marcus and continues to find a spot to get some of that mean and asks a question to Marcus in return "Are all those hefty, very bearded, shorter than normal, unkept humans from the same kingdom or family?" as he signals to the owner of the guest house and as he tries to remember the name of that man "Hat-ticous or At-ticause, these gaijin have strange names that make it even harder to pronounce than reading the Tao of Shinsei backwards".
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** spoiler omitted **
As the maid approaches to take their order, the girl performs a quick scan of the room. Looking for anything dangerous or out of the ordinary. She passes over those people of various races who are merely talking. Then returns to her table and waits to hear what the drow would like to order, giving Kelagh a chance to reflexively check out the maid's calves and hips.
Those are fine swaying hips on that maid! danger shmanger.
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[dice=Kn:Religion]1d20+6
"Well met Attikus servant of Dumathoin if I'm not mistaken. I've heard many things of Mithral Hall, I hope one day to have the honor of visiting."
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"Tik'Klik"
The golem looks at the crate, and then picks up one edge and spills the walnuts out all over the floor of the storage room. Then he flips it back up so it's ready for things to go in it.
Walnuts crunch under it as the weight settles on the spilled nuts.
"Tik'Klik."
"Damn, I should have known.", says Raven, effortlessly picking up the empty crate and leaving the walnuts on the ground.
** spoiler omitted **
Moving out of the storage building, Raven crosses the road and drops the crate in the house he is currently occupying. Then, without looking behind him he crosses back to the Inn and enters, leaving the door open behind him.
"Ah, master Kagain," he says as the Inn-master drops the heavily laden plate on the newcommers' table. "Thanks for the crate. Can I also keep everything that was inside?"
The dwarf looks at Raven, seemingly surprised. "Well, aye, lad... ye can. I have no need for that junk."
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Managing to gather all his dispersed patrons to one table, the dwarf bustles for a while, bringing them food and drink. After some time, he pulls a chair and sits with them, jovially smiling and nudging those closest to him with his elbows.
"Do me eyes perceive a Drow lass? And I see Bruenor's kin sitting at me table. It's an honor indeed, by me beard! What will happen next, I wonder? Do I need to expect Drizzt himself himself?" Saying that, he laughs heartily. "Nay, I'm just messin' with you! But I'd really like to know what a dark elf female is doing in me village..."
He stops smiling and his eyes suddenly become sharp as flint from the deepest mines.
#And ye other lot, what are yer stories? Nobody comes here but those who are running from someone or who are chasing someone - and I'm not sure either are welcome here, to bring their troubles with themselves!"
Kitao surprised at the ignorance of the gaijin for not knowing such things that should be common, but it is to be expected barbarians have no place in the Celestial Order. "The Heavenly Emperor is the Shogun, Emperor of Wa" making emphasis on Wa not Waa, but he was probably trying to teach a heimin the ways of the samurai, so there wouldn't be much to expect of it. We have Lady Sun and Lord Moon, there are also the Kami and the Fortunes, for everything in nature in the Celestial Order has a spirit and we should be grateful for this meal to them".
As he calms himself down "Gaijin are ignorant of our ways, patience remember the virtues from which you draw discipline and power" trying to smile to Marcus, "My journey is one of knowledge, exploration and trade, for I believe that Wa can increase it's riches by interacting with the other kingdoms". Pleased with his answer he nods to Marcus and continues to find a spot to get some of that mean and asks a question to Marcus in return "Are all those hefty, very bearded, shorter than normal, unkept humans from the same kingdom or family?" as he signals to the owner of the guest house and as he tries to remember the name of that man "Hat-ticous or At-ticause, these gaijin have strange names that make it even harder to pronounce than reading the Tao of Shinsei backwards".
His ire one again raised Attikus sputters his response. "It' Attikus". "Are ye hard of hearing". "And I'm not a stinking human...I'm a Dwarf". "Have ye never heard of Dwarves"? "Ye must be from Selune itself if you've never heard of Dwarves". Attikus then sputters, and mutters, and chirps, then just simply takes a giant gulp of his Ale.
"More Ale" "And keep it coming"!
[dice=Kn:Religion]1d20+6
"Well met Attikus servant of Dumathoin if I'm not mistaken. I've heard many things of Mithral Hall, I hope one day to have the honor of visiting."
Attikus leans back slightly, and a wry grin comes to his face. "Ah". "It's a fine place indeed", and not many humans have ever laid eyes on it".
Managing to gather all his dispersed patrons to one table, the dwarf bustles for a while, bringing them food and drink. After some time, he pulls a chair and sits with them, jovially smiling and nudging those closest to him with his elbows.
"Do me eyes perceive a Drow lass? And I see Bruenor's kin sitting at me table. It's an honor indeed, by me beard! What will happen next, I wonder? Do I need to expect Drizzt himself himself?" Saying that, he laughs heartily. "Nay, I'm just messin' with you! But I'd really like to know what a dark elf female is doing in me village..."
He stops smiling and his eyes suddenly become sharp as flint from the deepest mines.
#And ye other lot, what are yer stories? Nobody comes here but those who are running from someone or who are chasing someone - and I'm not sure either are welcome here, to bring their troubles with themselves!"
"Aye, I'm looking for something, I'm just not really sure what yet". "Maybe later we can talk in private, and you can tell me if you can help". "Too many unfamiliar ears at the moment".
Kelagh shares a smile with Faerin and moves closer to listen to Kadain.
While the heavyset man had offered the food with a smile on his lips, his words made little sense to her. There was no mistaking the undertone of menace in his voice. She had not ever encountered one of these beings before but her Mother had experience with that particular race...Dwarves they called themselves. She also remembered they were dogged and fearless, plus they did not get along with the elvish race.
How would he react should he learn of my true heritage...
Not wishing to provoke him any further, she replied softly in the sylvan tongue again, trusting her companions to translate for her.
She paused for a moment trying to determine how to appeal to his better sense before adding,
Kitao feels insulted for a moment but remembers to himself "You must remain calm, this barbarians know no bounds and have no proper etiquette" as he turns to the Duorf? "I meant no disrespect" as he takes a moment to pronounce the name "Attikus, for I have never seen a doarf, so then should I assume as well that pointy eared woman is nor a human being also" his face filled with incredulity as to not being able to believe how this creatures that are some kind of human off-shot can command some respect, they should know their place in the Celestial Order, but alas, that is why gaijin are barbarians and strange.
"Tik'Klik"
Once his survey of the everyone in the room is done, the golem emits a humm, and it's fingers reach up to adjust it's eyes. They glow slightly with a purple hue.
Returning Kelagh's smile, Faerin listens to Anwyn's words before turning to the dwarf tavern master.
"Her name is Anwyn, not drow lass or dark elf. She says she is lost and confused as to where she is. She also actually asks how she can prove to you she is not doing anything wrong" there is a hint of irritation in her tone
Marcus considers the 'drow', What a curious reaction. I sense there's more to her than meets the eye, which is already quite a lot...
Non plussed, Marcus leans in and quietly tells the one called Faerin, "I cant speak for her intentions, but for what its worth I don't see any evil in her soul."
Faerin gives the large armored man a strange look, trying to quell her reaction to a stranger leaning into her with no warning or invitation.
"You can see evil?!??!"
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Kaigan looks at the dark elf maiden and simply nods. "I ken the woodland tongue, lass, although me tongue is not made for all that whisping and shushing and sounds like trees sighing. Ye do not look to me as if yer heart is as dark as is yer skin, and that is a fine thing indeed and good enough fer me myself."
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"Tik'Klik"
Once his survey of the everyone in the room is done, the golem emits a humm, and it's fingers reach up to adjust it's eyes. They glow slightly with a purple hue.
"By Moradin's beard!", Kaigan shouts. "What in the Nine Hells is that thing?" It seems that he just noticed Tik'Klik, occupied by Anwyn as he was.
At the same time, old goblins who were playing cards at their table and the tall man in faded black robes stopped what they were doing and their hands immediately disappeared under the tables.
"I don't know about your god's beard, dwarf", whispers the man in black, "but I personally do not like to be spied on. To whom does this thing belong?"
So much for keeping a low profile Marcus, well done...
Marcus gives her an apologetic smile, and quietly says, "Yes, if I concentrate. It's a blessing of sorts from Lord Torm. Although it sometimes feels like a curse for it makes people uneasy and sometimes I find out things I'd rather not know. Anyway apologies for the intrusion Ma'am."
Tik'Klik continues scanning the room, ignoring the outbursts and questions. His wooden head slowly turning in smooth micrometer precision.
"Tik'Klik"
Once his survey of the everyone in the room is done, the golem emits a humm, and it's fingers reach up to adjust it's eyes. They glow slightly with a purple hue.
** spoiler omitted **
"By Moradin's beard!", Kaigan shouts. "What in the Nine Hells is that thing?" It seems that he just noticed Tik'Klik, occupied by Anwyn as he was.
At the same time, old goblins who were playing cards at their table and the tall man in faded black robes stopped what they were doing and their hands immediately disappeared under the tables.
"I don't know about your god's beard, dwarf", whispers the man in black, "but I personally do not like to be spied on. To whom does this thing belong?"
With the general outcry, Raven raises a single hand and replies. "I was wondering when everyone would start noticing it. It looks like a golem but does not behave as one. I don't really know who it belongs to. But I found it in the crate you, master Kaigan, just gave me so that should make it mine. I'm sorry if it bothers you and I'll try to make it behave."
Turning to Tik'Klik, he adds in draconic:
"Tik'Klik. Klik'Tik Tik Tik Klik! Klikikik."
The golem ignores the blustering and yelling of the man, but does turn it's head toward Raven, thus breaking line of sight to the man. The golem's head spins around 360 degrees and then the it launches into a series of clicking sounds that sounds very much like a school marm laying into a naughty boy who pulled a girl's pigtails.
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Big dwarf mumbles something but raises his hands in a calming manner. "Now, now, don't get yer panties in a twist, Zent! This here is just a misunderstanding." He looks at Raven pointedly. "Make that thing behave, Raven!" He grumbles for a bit, but than raises his voice once more. "Now, back to me original question: What brings you all here? As ye can see, this place is filled with people with thin skins and myself don't want to clean any blood from these here boards."
"I'm starting to think that the innkeeper has sent me chasing flexible dwarves.. I'll die in this weather searching for a place that does not exist" I was muttering trekking trough the snow.
While strong gusts of wind were piercing my explorers outfit, I realized that I will obviously need something warmer to wear if I plan to stay here longer.
"If I find that "here" in the first place!"
The weapons are the worst problem. The steal has taken in a lot of cold and now the armory I have on me is slowly freezing me to the bone.
In retrospect, I probably should not have taken that last job. Yes, that local bandit and his thugs were molesting the villagers, but somebody else will surely take over now. Such was the way of the world. The merchants who hired me, were sure fast in distancing themselves when that other gang arrived. As it turns out, that local bandit was working for some criminal mastermind or what not, and shady armed men came looking to punish the meddler, me.. I thought it best to disappear. At least i got the fee.
So here I am, looking for a place where I can lay low for a while. I don't think those thugs will look for me long, but I can rest in Briarrwood for a while just in case.
"Finally!" the warm lights of Briarrwood appear. I'm so frozen that I dont even pay much attention to the outlook of the village, that will have to wait for tomorrow.
Now thats more like it. That appears to be some sort of tavern, although it is a bit fancy. Meh, it will do.
I shake off what snow I can from my semi-frozen clothes, and hastily enter the inn.
"Damn!" i accidentally voice my surprise out loud. Here one can find everything from dagger to a siege catapult. I thought looking at the various races and states of being?!.. is that even alive?!?
"Well I can only speak for myself". "I'm in search of a legend, and don't really have a clue as to where to start...so I left the Hall, and this just happens to be the first place with promise". "I'm looking for legends, and stories, and locations that might be associated with the original Dwarven Pantheon".
The husky Dwarf then stands and looks about the room as if in challenge. "So if any here know of the lost sons of Shanatar, or have any information about the original gods of the Dwarven people...well they'd have my ear".
"Other than that". "Just travelling through".
He then sets back down and pours himself another ale, occasionally looking up through his bushy eyebrows.
Finding himself standing, Marcus watches the exchange between 'Zhent' and the strange golem like creature with a mixture of curiosity and alarm.
How did he know he was being observed? And his reaction seems way over the top... Thank goodness Kaigan intervened!
Excitement seemingly over, Marcus sits back down and mutters to nobody in particular, "I'm not sure seeking company was such a good idea after all."
"Kaidan, Faerin and I "play" in the woods. We scout, hunt and maintain in the came of our Queen, Meilikki. Thank you, friend for explaining that Anwyn is not such a danger, I was beginning to have doubts. Did you say Torm? The honourable lord of duty and honour, I believe? Can I have your name, please?"
Marcus smiles and nods then humbly says, "The name's Marcus Ma'am, I have the honour of serving Torm to the best of my admittedly limited ability."
Kitao finds the creature not an uncommon sight, just strange shape as he approaches the creature as Kitao attempt to communicate with as he is marveled and happy to see one of the elemental Kami manifest itself.
Sylvan
Anwyn watches to see how her words are taken by the dwarf proprietor. As he reacts to the appearance of the strange...construct? her hand reflexively goes to the hilt of her spiked chain, her eyes wide in fright.
By Izrador's spawn, what is that??
She also notes the appearance of the elf she noted earlier who the strange creature seems to listen to...or at least it seemed to react to his words anyway. Kelagh's words snap her back to the human male (quite a handsome man a part of her noted) and the realization he followed the True God shaking her to the core. Still she was intimately familair with Irazdor's colors and his outfit showed none of those symbols.
Is he a follower of one of the Elder Gods...was this world where they were banished to? The though echoed in her mind.
Unable to process anything due to the seeming never-ending shocks this place was full of apparently, she could only nod weakly in response to the oddly dressed man in the dark blue robes.
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Large dwarf that sits at your table sighs. "Aye, I ken why some of ye are reluctant to talk 'bout why ye're here. I ken that, really do. A lot of folks here are like that. But here's the thing: Ye all need to think what ye'll do next. Even the summers are hard here, in the shadows of them mountains. The night will soon fall and the temperature will drop. I have no room in me inn for all of ye. Do ye plan to return wherever you came from, or do ye plan to make a place fer yerselves here? This is a question that I ask of ye, but ye must ask that yerselves as well..."
Marcus sighs and says, "Duty done I was hoping to go back home. Thing is that pass was bad enough two days ago and its been snowing in the high places ever since, you'd have to be desperate to risk it now. I think we're all stuck here, till the spring thaw. Fortunately there's plenty of abandoned houses by the looks of things."
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"Aye, there are plenty of those, but not all of them are free for the taking, ye see", answers the innkeeper. "Ye got to get the permission from the Keep to take a house for yer own and them permissions do not come in large numbers. As far as I know, there are only three places available: The Broken Tower, over at the edge of the valley, overlooking the road leading into the village; the Mill down by the Silvercreek and then there's the Crone's House way beyond the village proper and deep into the Coldwoods." He stops for a moment and produces a pipe and a pouch of tobacco. "It would not go well fer ye if ye'd try to take another dwelling for yerselves... other than those three... ye ken?"
Broken tower? That doesn't sound promising... Probably a good reason why they're available, no one wants them!
Marcus ponders for a moment and asks, "Do they need much work to be habitable?"
Distracted by the golem noise, Raven fails to peak out the first words and replies wearily to Tik'klik:
He then grabs a nearby stool and sits himself at the table, turning his attention to the Inn-master, having caught only half the questions and answers.
"You want to know why I'm here. That's easy but you won't believe me. I had the stupid idea to listen to a seer and follow on what he told me. Then I gave in and picked up that blade.", he says wrapping one hand on the hilt of the large sword still strapped to his back.
"And now I'm stuck here with a sword talking in my head. And I can't even figure what it does. It does not even detect as magical sword, not to say it doesn't have any detectable ability besides being able to drive me mad."
"So yes, I need a place to stop and study this thing. And you say we need authorization to occupy a house? From the Keep? That means even if I were to decide occupying on of the three houses you just talked about, I'd still need to go up there? Isn't it all iced up there without anyone leaving in it?"