One...
"That's a good goal. Is that the kind of thing all of you do?"
He smiles, gesticulating to the group with a slab of bacon on his fork.
"I have been going after slavers for over a decade, which is how I've come to meet Kaaras and Atajinn. It pains me to say that 'mercenary' seems to be the term for it in these parts, but that's the way things are in the sand. Like it or not, the law is law and people can be bought and sold as commodities, and some rather not ask how people manage to have fallen so low.
Dahrani looks down to the floor as if he's upset himself with his dialogue.
"But the gnoll slavers represent the worst of the lot and often threaten the citizens of Solku and the travelers in the area. If nothing else, the local guard seems to be content with us taking out the gnoll slavers that are kidnapping folks."
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Erilene comes back around with some mugs of ale.
"That's better gents. Nice and quiet."
The halfling innkeeper turns to Kaaras.
"If Adaar wants to sun himself in the garden, there is no one using it today. Teka might even bring him a rat she caught last night."
Then she turns to go back behind the bar, but before she makes it she remembers something.
"And makes sure he uses the door!"
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"Yes, yes. Historically, Dahrani and the gnolls do not exactly see eye to eye..."
Atajinn raises his hand above his head while flattening out his palm. He moves it up and down a few times.
"Come to think it, neither do I!"
After a brief chuckle at his own expense, Atajinn tries to reassure Gadrick.
"Do not be afraid, my young fellow. Dahrani will protect us in our travels, wherever they may be. Always has. Let's talk more about what you have offer! Any experience in the trade business?"
Two and three. Now, to underwhelm them, at least until I'm certain of them...
+2 to recognize secret messages
+2 vs laws against Milani including guards and agents of those laws
[ooc]
Looking to see if I'm being lied to
[/ood]
Gaddy digs into the eggs as he listens to everything, nodding as they go.
"Ah, where I come from, mercenary is usually a term reserved for someone from afar who meddles in others business by mischief for profit and pleasure. Though... I suppose it could have other uses, more wholesome."
He takes a large swig of his ale and savors it a moment before continuing.
"But you asked about me. As I said, I've many talents. You haven't seen my performances though? I do a bit of entertainment. I also run errands, try a bit of gardening from time to time, flowers are just marvelous, no? But let's see, Oh I've talked more than my fair share of lasses into discovering that a shortened stature doesn't mean anything else is shorter if you know what I mean."
Gadrick grins broadly and nods to Atajinn.
"You know what I mean. Oh! And I can light a pipe faster than most anyone."
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This boy could be very useful indeed! I like him more each moment. Does he actually know my true merchandise? I wonder...
Atajinn reaches out his left hand with a twisting flourish, causing several puffs of colorful, harmless pesh smoke to swirl in Gadrick's direction.
He stands on the seat of his chair, leaning in close and whispers to Gadrick.
"Many useful skills to be certain. I most certainly know exactly what you mean! Fast pipes you say? Ever been so afar as the city of Katapesh? If so, you may understand that wonders such as those I purvey cannot be easily imitated or cheaply attained. Tell me secrets, what is it you really want?"
What in the name of wonder?
Gadrick reaches into his pack and deftly removes his pipe and some tobacco, but no flint or tinder.
"Getting hot out today isn't it? You look warm enough to light a fire.
He reaches his left hand out to Atajinn's shoulder, revealing an ornate tattoo on the back of his hand, before flicking the index finger across it as though it were a match, then quickly taps it to his tobacco, casting Spark. He deeply inhales the pipe.
"Excitement."
Gaddy exhales the pipe smoke slowly.
+2 to fool someone or pass secret messages
+2 to sent secret messages about religious matters
I don't know how much more I can stand of this banter!
"Mr. Rivertoes, if I may be so bold and blunt and get right to the point. You seem to have come to us in an attempt to make a profit of some sort. I'd be lying to you if I told you that wasn't something we did well on occasion. However, you may find that we are not simply mercenaries that take any passing job offer that someone throws money at. We do have our own certain... moral compass that guides us. We've been known to take matters into our own hands when there is no motive involving coin, but rather out of a sense of humanoid decency. That will have to be something you accept if we were to allow you to join us, which brings us to the more important matter at hand.
Dahrani, clearly sick of the word games between the two little ones steps over to the table in a rather overbearing stance.
"Why is it that you specifically sought us out as opposed to any other groups? We are surely not the only band in town that could use another body.
Dahrani sizes up the halfling one more time.
"Furthermore, what exactly do you have to offer as skills and services that can be of use in the kind of work that mercenaries often run into? Gardening and performances are for men who wish to make a living on a roadside stage or at a vendor stall in the market. A gnoll slaver who has become enraged at the fact you freed his 'merchandise' won't exactly care how pretty your flowers are or how comical your musings may be."
Oh. He's blunt. That is somewhat refreshing, but I wouldn't have chosen here for this conversation. I suppose we'll have to trust to this magic if he's going to force the issue and avoid pleasantries. More's the pity, breakfast was good.
"As I said, 'excitement'. Not coin at all. I can make coin. Besides, what would coin do for me but buy more tobacco, ale and cheese? Unless, I suppose, I wanted a bigger stick."
Gadrick lays his sling staff and shield on the table. Gaddy's voice becomes more level and somewhat grim. Not at all as cheerful as he's been this morning.
"Atajinn, would you be so kind as to assure Dahrani that I have neither a plain shield nor staff? You might find my ability to draw fire from our friend's shoulder a mere parlor trick, but I assure you, I have tricks far more troublesome than that. Many talents, as I said, but ones which one does not typically discuss so openly and directly. I can break a door, burn a man with light, understand any spoken word with time, and fix your gut when you didn't have the good sense to step aside from from a gnollish spear. That's not even mentioning the fact that I'm damnably hard to catch or keep caught once you've done so. Even by snakes."
Gaddy puffs his pipe a moment to catch his breath, while giving a sidelong look at Adaar.
"As for your morals, I'm well aware of your morals or I wouldn't be here. I'd simply have taken care of my other two matters and been on my way. I'm also aware of Karaas' charity with the children. My sources are good, but they don't know everything. What I need to know is why your morals lie where they do and what motivates them? You say you take action not for coin, but do you take orders from somewhere? Or do you fancy yourselves traveling heroes?"
Kaaras squints at the halfling for a moment, cleary trying to follow the long winded words.
"You came looking for us because of... Excitement? Did I catch that right? Has someone been spreading rumors of what we do as exciting?
I find it unlikely someone would find what we do exciting
Dahrani stands at the table, arms folded.
"My motivations are my own and are not shared with everyone who shows interest in being an adventurer. There are men and women who have employed my services for nearly a decade and do not know my motivations. Perhaps one day you shall learn what they are, but today is not that day.
Dahrani scratches a bit at his chin.
"It is no surprise that you have already learned some information about us since we are all somewhat known around town, especially those of us who have been here for a long time. We, however, know rather little about you. You seem to talk a lot and use many words, but you don't really say anything, do you?
With a swift motion, Dahrani reaches down and puts his arm around Atajinn's shoulders in a rather rough but cheery fashion.
"Atajinn seems to have taken a liking to you, though. And as strange as he may be, I've known him to be a good judge of character. If it is his wish that you accompany us on our next adventure, then I have no problem with that decision. But I will tell you now that your fortitude and skill have yet to be tested in my eyes, and I will hold you at arm's length until I understand your capabilities and intentions.
"Erilene! Breakfast ale for myself and any of these fine gentlemen who do not have a full mug in front of them!"
Could have gone worse.
Gaddy smiles, drains his mug, and raises his hands, palms open in apology.
"I have no right to ask more than that. Peace though. I did not mean to offend. I suspect we have more in common than you believe. For folk like us, caution is life and it is better to let others say much while we say little, regardless of how much breath we use. I too have things I'd not share today. "
The half orc smiles and welcomes Gadrick with a warm hand to the shoulder before readjusting in his seat.
"Gentlemen, with introductions out of the way. I'd like to make a proposal to you. I'd like to put a focus on helping out the locals more, and maybe dealing with some more serious issues."
Kaaras motions towards Atajinn,
"Not that keeping you safe and company isn't serious, but I feel we could put out talents to better use."
He leans in towards the table, looking more serious than he usually does, his voice only loud enough for the table.
"I know Dahrani will agree with me, but I'd like the opinions of you two. I want to take steps to start ending slavery hear. It has no place in the natural order and I very much dislike seeing the less fortunate unable to stand up for them selves. I know it's a bold stance to take, but it's gotten out of hand."
The druid leans back and puts his hands together over his head.
"Thoughts?"
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So much seriousness...
Atajinn grabs his almost abandoned mug during the conversation. After a few sips, small orange and blue bubbles rise from the foam and lift off into the air in random directions. He pops one with his finger near where Kaaras is seated.
"I must admit, you have a point there Kaaras. It would be nice if less people had to suffer needlessly and could enjoy the wondrous opportunities freedom has to offer. What do you think, Gadrick? Doesn't that sound exciting?"
"Friends call me Gaddy."
Gamble? Minor detail? No need to explain circumstances of how you got there or how you got out? Good timing. Do your job.
"Gentlemen, I do believe this is the time where I inform you that I was enslaved for a time. I hope that answers your question."
Kaaras nods at Gadrick for a moment.
"Well it seems you have made your way into better fortune since then."
He stops himself just after he finishes, clearly having remembered something.
"There is another, less noble, but more immediate option too. We could look into that flying beast Dahrani found traces of after our last encounter with the gnolls. It might not be the more serious matter. But dealing with it may get is an audience with the right people to further my initial suggestion."
"I like your spirit Kaaras, but I fear trying to outlaw slavery in this region will prove difficult. It's a sad truth that human beings have become a cash crop for Katapesh.
"The flying beast, however, is a threat for certain. I believe we should begin our next adventure researching where that creature came from. If I remember correctly, that hyena also had something strange about it."
"It was no hyena. It may have been a form the guardian of the oasis took to watch us that night. I know Atajinn spoke with it."
"Slaves do run off from time to time. Sometimes they rebel. But eh, What's this flying beast and hyena?"
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The door to the street entrance opens and in walks a confident woman in a worn but well maintained chain shirt. The sword at her hip is well crafted as well. She walks over to the mercenary captain in the corner.
The mercenary captain is Asweya Stiyo, a half-elf woman and leader of the Serpentine Blades. They hire out for various work but a seen as more honorable than most such groups. See further in the details of Solku presented earlier.
The newly arrived woman is Marjan Hediyeh, head of the guards in Solku.[/ooc]
The two embrace as old friends but then together approach the table with the group. Marjan seems to take the lead, while Asweya seems as relaxed as she was the whole time the group was talking.
"Marhabaan Bieawdatik, Syd Whimspeaker! Syd Al-Jahron. Syd Serpenttongue."
One of my men saw Wilheim had returned, so I assumed you were here as well. May we...
Then she stops and looks at Gadrick. As though she just noticed him, she turns and bows.
My apologies, syd, I do not recognize you. I am Marjan Hediyeh, Commander of the guard in Solku. Any friend of these three is indeed welcome here.
Asweya nods to Gadrick as well with a smile.
Gadrick bows deeply as Marjan addresses him.
"Sabah alkhyr sayidati. 'Ana Gadrick Rivertoes, walttarfih waleam astajart alyad, waleasa walqudma. 'Innah lamin dawaei sruri 'an yajeal taearuf shabab bika. Waqad wasalat shayieat ean qadratik waljamal 'udhni fi almadinata. Walan baed 'an alttaqayat lakum, wa'ana 'astatie 'an 'aqul 'illa 'iidha kan al'awwal la yumkinuk aleadalat 'aqall qadr hadhih al'akhirata, alty yjb 'an takun rayieatan haqaaan."
"Good Morning, Madam. I am Gadrick Rivertoes, entertainer and general hired hand, stick and foot. It is a pleasure to make your aquaintance. Rumors of your ability and beauty have reached my ears in town. Now that I have met you, I can only say if the former does you as little justice as the latter, that you must be truly brilliant. "
+2 to improve attitude of oppressed, enslaved, imprisoned unless they have reason to distrust, Starting attitude is always at least indifferent
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Atajinn smiles when he sees the two women approach.
"lmadha marhabaan hunaka, murjan! taeala, taeala, taeala, yrja alaindimam 'iilayna, wakunna mjrd munaqashat kayf yumkinuna almutawadie qalilat wayumkin taqdim khidmat 'afdal lilshshaeb Solku!"
Once they are seated, tiny glittering lights fill the air around the conversation as Atajinn plies his charms at the two women.
Dahrani thinks that we should go Rukh hunting or maybe disturb some of the local oasis guardians. Kaaras thinks there's too many slave merchants outside of town these days. I think there's some loose earth elementals gone astray from the Lightning Stones, disrupting caravans that could be dealt with. Jaal ran into a spot of bother with them on his journey. Young Gaddy here likes flowers and music and you should see how fast he lights his pipe! But what really matters to you here and now? That's what matters! How may we help you this lovely morning, Marjan?"
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Marjan nods and grabs a nearby chair to join the group. Asweya casually leans on the table nearby and seems to take more interest in Kaepora than the conversation.
Marjan continues the conversation.
"Welcome to Solku Gadrick, and thank you Atajinn, direct and to the point as always. I am here today to see what news you may have from your journey. Word spread of..."[b]
Marjan is interrupted as Erilene shouts from the kitchen.
[b]"Whimspeaker! Atajinn, Atajinn. What have you brought me now?! Get in here!"
Atajinn looks back and slowly stands.
"Pardon me. Continue with the discussion. I am sure this will only be a moment."
Marjan continues.
"Yes, well, word has spread that you encountered some gnolls. As you know, there is great debate how we should deal with the beast men. While Lady Cynore and Lord Kel-Kalaar sling words at the problem, I want to make sure those who can are prepared for whatever is needed. Tell me, are there any signs the gnolls are amassing again?"
Dahrani will catch Asweya's glances and keep a stray eye on her.
"I don't recall any signs of mobilization per se, but the flind we encountered was certainly much stronger than most gnolls we've faced, and I still feel that he wasn't as high up the ranks as we would have liked him to be.
"At the very least, the gnolls are fortifying their numbers. Seems like they've found at least one way to make themselves stronger than before. It only stands to reason they may be shoring up numbers for an attack on Solku."
Kaaras nods in agreement with Dahrani, having no additional information to add.
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Marjan nods gently as Dahrani finishes.
"An elite patrol this close to Solku, concerning but they may have simply decided to see if they could steal better wares closer to town. I thank you gentlemen, and Solku thanks you. Keep your eyes out when travelling for signs of the gnolls becoming a bigger threat, please."
She leans back comfortably, and as if some signal passed between them, Asweya drags a chair over to the table and begins to speak.
"Well, three simple travelers have become more civil minded."
She looks over at Gadrick and smiles.
"Sorry, four travelers. Word of warning though, keep your eyes open, not all will see such acts as charity. Now, maybe we can look at what you have in mind."
"I would recommend staying clear of the ruhks. They are dangerous, but simple beasts. Though I do hear some in Katapesh will pay highly for an egg. Slavery now, that is a worthy cause, though here is where the warning I presented moments ago applies."
"I am intrigued about this oasis guardian though. Why would you want to disturb such a force?"
Gadrick nods, but says nothing in response to Asweya.
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Erilene looks angrier than a dog in a trap. On the floor at her feet is a human young man, one Atajinn recognizes as a server at the inn. He looks pale, and the stench of vomit wafts from his mouth.
"What kind of stuff have you been selling to the Dunes?"
Erilene raps Atajinn on the head with her spoon.
"I found him like this just now. He was fine last night and says he got sick from smoking Pesh. YOUR PESH!"
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Again with the spoons! I'll need extra reinforcement on my hat for future visits. Oh dear, oh dear poor boy... couldn't possibly be MY pesh?! No! Of course not!
Ouch! My dear, dear Erilene. There has clearly been some kind of mistake. I assure you that my product is only the highest quality...
He trails off a moment, obviously lost in thought before speaking again suddenly.
Where did I put my pesh? Oh yes! It's once again safe with me. I shall have to pay the Dunes a visit...
A ha! Lucky for you both, I have a solution to all your problems! First, there is a brilliantly eccentric man named Wilhelm here in town who sells a quite effective alchemical remedy for these type of unfortunate circumstances. The boy will be right as rain in no time! Second, I will volunteer my services to discover the evil root of this "bad" pesh at the Dunes. Others should not fall victim to the same foulness. Finally, I have a reputation to uphold. Please keep this a secret between us for now until I have your answers, sweet Erilene yes, yes?
Atajinn removes his hat and smiles as charmingly as he can toward Erilene.
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Erilene's stoic face cracks slightly at Atajinn's smile, then turns hard again.
"No! No way. Cool it with the charm. Just take care of him."
She turns to a serving girl who is bringing a glass of water for the young man. As she is talking to the girl, the young man drags himself up and leans on Atajinn.
"Not... Dunes. Gilded Dreams... Pesh from Gilded..."
The strain is too much though and the young man stumbles again and lays down. Erilene comes over again and looks at Atajinn, as the girl she was speaking to runs out of the inn. Erilene's normally hard face is softened with worry.
"What did he say?"
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I knew it wasn't my pesh!
Do not worry, Erilene, the boy says he got it from the Gilded Dreams, not the Dunes. As I've told you before, Atajinn is a man of his word! I will still help you get to the bottom of this! In the meantime, make sure to stay away from Gilded Dreams. I recommend much carefulness.
Atajinn winks to Erilene then bows with a flourish before returning to his companions.
Dahrani rubs his forehead, more annoyed than amused.
"I believe our friend Atajinn was mistaken in our motivations regarding the possible oasis guardian we came across. His... eagerness sometimes outweighs sound reasoning."
Typical of Atajinn to stir up nonsense then run off.
Kaaras nods and lets out a small chuckle.
"We currently have no intentions of disturbing the guardian. We only had a small run in with it and left it in peace. It seemed to appreciate us dealing with those that would hurt the land around it."
He looks around the two new guests and over to the kitchen.
"I am currently more worried about him disturbing Erilene. She is a force of nature with that spoon."
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Marjan chuckles into her cup at Kaaras' comment.
Asweya smiles but continues the conversation.
"Well, I am glad to hear that Atajinn's humor has not been exaggerated. Disturbing the guardian would cause difficulties to the local trades as the Suli would probably forbid us to use the oasis in the future. Still, I am curious to know why it approached you specifically. The only one I know to interact with the guardian is the Suli Priestess."
Asweya takes a drink as she seems to contemplate this.
"It seems there may be more to you than a traveling merchant and his loyal men at arms. I am glad to see there are those in town less interested in profits, especially those with the ability to stand against dangers as you have. Please feel free to seek the aid of the Serpent Blades, if the need ever arises."
Kaaras smiles while he slowly pets Adaar's head.
"We will certainly keep that in mind, thank you."
Ally? Aid? Purchasable? I must find out if she's useful to the cause too.
Gaddy puffs on his pipe, listening thoughtfully.
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Marjan and Asweya stand as Atajinn returns. Asweya bows slightly and smiles then turns toward the door after staring at Adaar for a moment. Marjan speaks again before she leaves.
"Well, it seems you have a bit to talk about amongst yourself. Welcome to Solku Gadrick, pleasure to meet you."
Marjan turns to leave but then as something strikes her she turns back.
"Perhaps Kaaras, on some trip back to Yavipho with Atajinn, you and Dahrani can keep to the faster northern routes and see if there is sign of any gnoll activity we need to be concerned with. If you are going that way, that is."
Kaaras smiles to the two women and stands with them as they leave.
"That sounds like a good idea Marjan, I will make sure to keep an eye out that way."
He nods to the two mercenaries, waiting for them to leave before sitting back down and leaning back, waiting for the gnome to get seated and comfortable.
"OK, we have a few options at this point. One, to go back and check in on this guardian of the oasis. Apparently it doesn't talk to anyone other than the Suli priestess. But it seems to have made an exception with us. It might have more information about the elementals at the lightning stones, or they could be unrelated. Which is another option. Details are unknown at this time."
Kaaras pauses for a moment to make sure everyone is on track.
"Another option is to look further into the gnoll activity. Make it more of a priority instead of dealing with them as we travel. Pros, making Solku safe and we have Dahrani, master gnoll slayer. Cons, they smell awful and travel in large packs, potential to be over run."
He stops again, thinking for a moment.
That spirit may need our help, and it may in turn help Solku
"I believe our goal is to make Solku a safer and better place. At least I feel we have the talents to do so. I, for one, believe we should start by heading back to the Guardian. I am intrigued now. I want to know why it chose to show its self to us. While it does not appear to be an immediate threat, it also puts us closer to gnoll territory. And, should it turn out to be nothing, we can always turn our attention to the gnolls, which are also in that area."
He smiles and looks out to the group for responses.
Dahrani watches the two women leave then prepares his response to Kaaras.
"Well, you know me: I'm always up for disrupting the slave trade, legal or not.
If Asweya's and Kaaras'comments about the guardian spirit are true, then it may be worth our time to investigate why we are suddenly a point of interest for communication with them. Maybe we should attempt to contact this Suli priestess while we are on the subject. The lightning stones are also a point of interest as well as the large flying beast. Hmmm.
A somewhat wicked smile slowly forms across Dahrani's face.
"...I guess I agree with looking into this guardian spirit next, but perhaps we can try to have our paths cross with some gnoll slavers who need to be taught a lesson."
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How wonderfully disturbing and disrupting we shall be! The Guardian will surely be happy to see us all so soon again in its sacred sanctuary. I am quite unforgettable as you know. I'm sure Gaddy will be very impressed as well. I must brush up on my Suli insults... *cough* I mean compliments!
Atajinn trails off in body and thought as he begins swiftly pacing circles around the table, odd looking, illusory mathematical equations streaming behind his head.
I also shall need many important things for this journey: marbles, alchemical glue, a 10' pole...
Impressed? Well I suppose a spirit of the land can be. I can't imagine it has much interest in us other than to want people off its rock or some such. Such things are usually disinterested in people right? They're not attached to the gods with interest in people things, right? Blast. I wish I'd picked a book up on this sort of thing in Almas, but then I didn't know this sort of thing would be involved in the work.
"Eh, Well look here. You still haven't told me anything about this guardian but what you told the ladies. I'm not sure I could tell it apart from a Taldorian hound at this point. Though, upsetting gnolls is always a good pass time. Can be profitable too."
He pulls deep as his pipe and thinks a moment.
"In either case, we'll need supplies: provisions, food, and anything else one needs for either matter. Though, I fancy we've got all we need for gnoll bothering. What does one need for spirit chasing?"
Gadrick stops and seems to be waiting for an answer when he gestures at Atajinn with his pipe.
"Ah! This brings us nicely to the third matter of the morning!"
Gaddy pulls a neatly folded parchment from his vest pocket and hands it to Atajinn.
"You'll be wanting that. Your invoice from Akare."
"Atajinn, be ready by morning. I see no reason we can't ..."
Kaaras speaks to the back of the gnome's head as he is half way out the door before be can finish his sentence.
At least he knows where to meet us.
"Dahrani, do you have time tonight to find out any other information about the gnolls that might help us? I'm going to look into a meeting with the Suli Priestess and see if she can give us any more information about the Guardian."
He ponders for a moment.
"Well Gadrick, beyond being able to keep up with Atajinn in conversation, I don't know that I have a task for you just yet. Is there anything you want to help with? Or did you have anything else for us"
Well it seems I'm the odd man out in terms of jobs. By the Bloom, what don't I do a bit of?
Gaddy looks about as though trying to come up with an answer. Then begins counting off on his fingers while listing.
"Ah well. A bit of everything really: Procurement, especially food and drink when there's a pinch, nothing fancy in a pinch mind you, but you'll never starve with me, but I can lay my hands on most things in trade or barter, information, negotiation, especially with good plain folk though I can rub an elbow with a knight when needed, language, though that works best if you warn me first, but in I do short notice as needed. Portage when necessary. My bag's full of tricks though for when I need them. Breaking doors. Moving boulders. Not being caught. Entertaining. I can put a man back together if someone can't keep themselves together in the first place. Probably something else I've forgotten. This is probably easier from the side of what needs to be done. I do a lot you see. Need to in these kinds of businesses these days."
"I can walk around town and look for recent travelers who may have had run-ins with them, get an idea of recent activity."
Dahrani looks over to the Halfling
"Mr. Rivertoes could come with me. He may be more sociable than I."