Hezar finds an excellent spot for camping; nestled under an outcropping, there is only one way in, providing a natural chokepoint against possible attackers as well as protection from the elements.
Rylind and Ambrose help set up while Tarek stands guard at the entrance to your campsite. Still as stone, save for the occasional flare of his nostrils and blinking of his eyes, Ogre seems a capable watchman.
Rylind, being deliberately provocative, sets up her bedroll beside Janiries. Smiling sweetly at the elven rogue for just a moment, not caring that the elf was trying to keep her distance, Rylind then turns her attention to Belina. You have what you need to make dinner, I presume? Chop chop, girl! Belina, who was already making preparations for the meal, shudders a little in repressed anger but opts to say nothing in response.
Apollo growa and runs over and starts to chew on Rylind's pack, Hezar lets it go until it seems Rylind notices then he goes and picks him up.
Janiries smirks to herself as Rylind sets up her bedroll right alongside her own, watching with some amusement as Apollo rushes over to chew on the half-orc's pack.
"Can't imagine what he finds so appealing in there.."
The night passes quietly; Rylind spends half of it in the rocks above camp, silent and still, watching for any movement. There is nothing notable, save the movement of some nocturnal creatures. Ogre causes a bit of a stir when he wakes up in the middle of the night to relieve himself. Chortling to himself about making "stinky water", Rylind has to come down from her observation spot and whisper Silence, you oversized fool! No-one needs to know that you're taking a piss!
When morning comes, it is grey and dreary, though the lack of rain means travel should be swift. If we are quick, we can be out of the pass and to the northern foothills before nightfall. says Marius, gathering his gear. Then we find Kane and .... we settle accounts with him.
Thankful for the lack of trouble (well, serious trouble, Matthias thought with a glance at Rylind) and of rain, Matthias completed his prayers and exercises at dawn. Once camp was packed up, Matthias awkwardly remounted. "Lead the way, Marius."
Let us move quickly then. Hezarsays as he helps Belina clean up in the morning and feeds Apollo. He helps her onto her horse and stays near her.
"Aye, it's been days now since we had a good scrap, and all the riding and walking's making me sore."
Belgrin wastes no time packing up and biting a ration.
"Let's be off then, we got knaves to hunt."
Janiries checks her pack and the party loot for any signs of tampering, before getting on her horse and making herself ready to head out. Again, she sticks upwind of Rylind.
Marius's words prove correct; you make quick progress on the road, and by late afternoon you find yourselves out of the Grim Jaws and into the rolling northern foothills of the starspires.
There should be an inn just up the road - The Welcoming Hearth. I stayed there on my way south - nice place, sees it's share of wayfarers, and the innkeeper is a halfling named Rufus - well connected little fellow, or at least he seemed such to me.
I know the place, and the innkeeper; adds Rylind. Rufus knows much, learning all he can from the travelers who frequent his establishment. We can learn a fair bit from him, but watch your tongues around the little busybody - nothing you say will remain a secret.
As promised, the inn appears on the east side of the road - built in halfling fashion, it is an elongated bungalow with small round windows and a large, round door at the front. The chimneys are smoking, and the smell of cooking food arouses your nostrils. Two halfling guards stand at your approach, though they do not reach for the shortbows leaning against the wall. Hail, travelers! one calls out, and the other waves.
Matthias smiled; he had always liked the hospitality of halflings, though he hadn't had much time to enjoy it himself. Hopefully the rogues they had picked up would behave themselves. "Hail the inn!" he called back, waving as well. "Is there room for some weary travelers in your fine establishment, or have too many people come to sample that delicious food I smell cooking?"
Sense motive on ryland
If honest
He will attempt to get a separate room for him and belina
If she lies, he draws his now and points an arrow at ryland
she is not telling the truth. Tell us all or dies where you stand.
@ Hezar: Your attempt to discern whether Rylind is telling the truth is unsuccessful. Clearly, she is used to lying and getting her own way, but nothing in this particular situation seems amiss.
One of the halfling guards calls back. Hail, travelers! We've room aplenty, and a halfling larder is always well-stocked! The other guard, sensing no trouble from your group, has sat down on his stool again, and is enjoying a long draw from a simple pipe, blowing a smoke with a slightly purplish tint and sighing contentedly.
Hezar watches as Belina wanders away, then he says to Apollo Get her! Apollo chases Belina down and tries to tackle her.
That sounds delightful. Shall we? he says to his companions.
"Food and wine are always welcome." Responding to the guard, Janiries slips into the inn and takes a seat at the bar.
Can't be worse than the human rubbish I've been eating, at least.
Belgrin licks his lips at the thought of a well-cooked meal.
"Wouldn't be a proper inn without a full kitchen, now would it? Leave it to the shorter folk to show the beanstalks what a real dinner's made of, aye?"
He then dismounts and finds a good spot to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the setting.
After Apollo finishes his victory over Belina he turns and charges Belgrin, looking to wrestle
The inn is warm, welcoming, and clearly sized for large folk, rather than halflings. A warm fire burns in the hearth, lighting the large main room with it's orange flames. The main room has about a dozen tables, only two of which are occupied, so space is easy to come by. Each table has a step stool beside it to allow the halfling servers access to the table top. Two halfling girls - plump and cheerful, as is common amongst their people - immediately attend to your large group.
At the north end of the room, an older halfling man with greying hair and muttonchop sideburns tends bar. He looks over and waves. Welcome, travelers, we're happy to have you here! Anything we can do to make you comfortable, please, let me know!
The other tables occupants turn around to look at you. At the first, a pair of well-dressed men raise their mugs in salute before returning to their discussion. At the next, three humans (two male, one female) and a halfling male huddle over a gameboard of some sort - possibly backgammon. The smile briefly before returning to their contest, intent upon the game.
Hezar goes to the innkeeper with chops, and orders wine and ale for all, and inquires about a room.
As he does he tries to see if everyone is in fact focused on their tasks at hand
Sense motive
Janiries orders some seared rabbit and rosemary potatoes, with a bottle of winter wine to wash it down. Spotting the people playing the game, the Sun Elf watches a moment to see if any money is being exchanged..
Belgrin, when asked of his dinner preferences, looks the server right in the eye with a furrowed brow and a devious grin, and says simply:
"Surprise me."
Matthias' smile was heartfelt as they gave up the saddle for the comfortable seats at the inn. He went up to the bar to greet the innkeeper and get a room of his own. Turning, he nonchalantly kept an eye on the rogues they had with them - and the innkeeper's and guests' reactions to them.
The servers are quick and friendly, and food and drink quickly appear - both of good quality and plentiful. Belgrin is brought a large serving of medium rare venison with roasted potatoes, with a silver boat of gravy on the side.
Ogre laughs while chewing on a thick turkey leg. Hah hah! Funny little girls have hairy feet! Hah! The servers blush while hurrying to their tasks, trying to avoid the boisterous giant of a man, though Ogre, while boisterous, displays nothing but a happy smile and a friendly manner while digging into his food.
As the meal draws to a close, Rufus - the halfling behind the bar - approaches your table. Good evening, friends! I'm always happy to see new faces. What brings you north, if I may ask?
When the others remained silent, Matthias decided to speak up, keeping Rufus' propensity towards gossip in mind. "We have business in Port Kir," he said with a genial smile. "And we're certainly glad to see such a friendly face and inn on the way! I'll tell you, one more day of riding and I don't think I could walk any longer," he sighed in mock exhaustion.
"But you don't care to hear about such mundane matters. Tell us, how goes life here beyond the pass?"
"Yes, our business always tends towards the mundane, doesn't it Matthais?" Janiries backs Matthias up, taking another sip of her winter wine.
Why, there seems little mundane about your ... rather varied group, my friends! But if you're inclined to keep your business private, 'tis your choice. While not unfriendly, Rufus's eyes display more cunning than you might have imagined. Life proceeds up here as it has for many an age; I see a frequent flow of traffic, farmers, traders, that sort of people. I've seen more and more passing north - mundane types, as it were - and while most are close-lipped, some have said they are after a group that has taken to killing homesteaders along the edge of the Wealdath forest. Nasty business, that.... The halfling innkeep lights his pipe, takes a long, slow draw, and watches you expectantly.
are "mundane" killings common?
"Nasty indeed," Matthias agreed with a frown. "Do you know who did it? Did any of the people after them succeed?" He shook his head. "You don't seem too worried, though. It must have happened far off."
Perhaps mundane was the wrong word to use - no life is of such little value, the halfling sighs looking down for a moment. But old bones Myrkul certainly has become no stranger to the people of Tethyr, hmm?
Looking to Matthias, the halfling draws another pull from his pipe before responding. They say a man - a mad Malar-worshipper - named Kane is responsible. I've no reason to doubt it, and I've not heard tale of anyone bringing him down - though many groups have tried. He eyes your group appraisingly for a moment.
I'll tell thee something that's not common knowledge, if indeed Kane and his people are your targets. They've been attacking new homesteads - those built on farms on that was formerly the forest of the Wealdath. Established farms along the road and in the countryside haven't been touched, not a bit.
Any idea why?
Sense Motive
I know not. But I feel it is no coincidence. If you are looking for Kane, those homesteads maybe your best chance.
Marius speaks up. One of the few commonalities between Silvanus and Malar is the preservation of wildlands. Perhaps that is motivating his attacks?
Belgrin pours a dollop of gravy over his potatoes before lifting a forkful to his teeth.
"so, some hermit fancies 'imself a tree-hugger servin' 'is god, and sets to killin' everyone so much as steps on a twig, eh? Bout typical."
As he slices a strip of his venison and begins to chew, he nods with approval.
"Mebbe no one told the daft fool trees grow back. Yer cook certainly knows his trade, by the way."
Hezar listens as he returns to the table with food for him and belina. He drops a chunk if meat down for Apollo.
Janiries sighs inwardly as the barkeep correctly guesses that the party is heading off to kill Kane, knowing that with his reputation for spreading all kinds of information, it's really quite likely that word of their quest might get out.
Marius shakes his head. The problem, Belgrin, is that the forest keeps getting pushed back, and never gets a chance to regrow, save when settlements are abandoned and the growing things can return. I understand the need for farms, but these farmers have chosen a poor location to practice their craft. If not Kane, they could have fallen afoul of the forests' other inhabitants - the fey, perhaps, or the forest elves. Marius looks down at his drink. Perhaps even my circle would oppose them. But not like this. Not with wholesale murder. These clearcutting farmers must be stopped, but not with more death.
Apollo yips excitedly as Hezar drops meat for the puppy. Already noticeably larger, the little beast gobbles up his meal quickly, before looking up for more.
Hezar nods at Marius words then sighs as he drops more meat to Apollo and he squeezes Belinas hand
Yes there is lots of land about, one must know how to live in the forest without disturbing it
Rufus happily puffs on his pipe, watching the exchange, before interrupting. Ah, Rylind, I had forgotten .... a letter came for you earlier, delivered by a young man in a great hurry.
Rylind smiles. What a coincidence! Let me see... The half orc breaks the red waxen seal and quickly scans the contents. Thank you, Rufus, we'll need a few moments alone, please. Have this for your trouble. A gold coin arcs across the air, and Rufus - faster than you could have imagined - immediately snags it out of the air with one of his small hands. With a nod to you all, he retreats behind the bar.
Friends, we've a lucky break - another farm was attacked, just today. Better still, there's a survivor - one of the farmhands survived the attack. It's just twenty miles north and east of here, a new settler farm on the edge of the Wealdath. Perfect!
Then I guess that is where we go.
Still not trusting her not to be leading them into a trap Hezar watches her closely
Sense Motive
"You have messengers telling you about the farms being attacked? Why were you interested in that prior to joining us?" Matthias found the coincidence a bit convenient; it brought up questions of how far to trust the rogues, which Hezar had clearly taken to heart. Matthias wanted to believe they would turn over a new leaf if given the chance, but Helm's word was to always be watchful.
Rylind looks up to Matthias after a moment. I have people in a number of different places, Matthias. Since Kane attacked us on his route northwards, I've been waiting for the ability to strike at him. Your group - provides that opportunity.
Or Hezar sucks at reading people dm! Lol
"Well," Belgrin sighs, enjoying another bite of potatoes, "Here's hopin' it's not a trap, aye?"
"Or if it is a trap, let's hope it was set for smaller game than a party as big as ours. Let's not waste any time. I think we should head up that way now." Matthias looked around the table for agreement. "I'll tell the stable hand to get the horses ready."
Setting out in the middle of the night, unrested? A fool's errand. There's worse things out there, on the haunted roads of Tethyr, than just brigands. Though those might be out as well. Rylind takes a drink, her dark eyes flashing in the light of the fireplace. The unspoken words I would know. hang in the air, despite not being uttered.
Morning should be soon enough - we could be there at midday if we depart at sunrise. Marius interjects after a moment, cutting through the tension at the table.
"What, head out straight away, on a full stomach?" Janiries looks over to the rather empty wine bottles she drank, then sighs. "If you insist.."
in the morning matthias
"My apologies - I guess I'm a bit too eager to see those monsters caught," Matthias sighed. It was clear that the news of the killed farmers had upset him. "Of course we shouldn't head off in the middle of the night. Sunrise it is."
Rufus' inn proves an excellent place for a nights' stay - quiet and secure, little of note happens during the night. Except....
Matthias, who had been deep in his own thoughts about the next morning's mission, looked at Rylind like a startled deer. "You... I... I mean, what?" he stammered quietly, trying to compose himself while he blushed a bright red. He had to admit to himself he was intrigued by the attractive woman - but could he really trust her?
Trust her not to do what? Steal your money and run off laughing? Try not to be an idiot, he told himself sternly as he bought some time by clearing his throat. "Ma'am, I'd be happy to get to know you better - but don't you think we should spend some time together before, ah, sharing a room?"
With morning comes an early departure for the Taypool farm, site of the latest attack. The weather is clear, and you make good time. Just before noon you come upon the outskirts of the farm. Just off the dirt path leading from the main road, the farm looks to have been cut directly out from the forests - a number of tree trunks remain buried in the ground. If not for the irregular pattern of the trees, one might mistake the trunks for gravestones.
Tucked back from the road is a modest house, with a storm cellar around the side. Three people are already present on the site. One, a human woman, wears the grey and red surcoat of a follower of Helm. Two others - an exotic looking woman and a tall, powerful man - appear to be talking with her. All three stop talking at your approach, watching you.