"Shall we make our way inside? A meal would probably do us good, and once in, we can inquire about Stonty. My guess is that his cart is in the stable."
Pharris links arms with Kajetan, her harlequin mask half smiling. "So tell me about yourself, we haven't had a chance to talk yet! Tell me everything, childhood, mother, father, you know all the usual stuff."
This close she smells good.
"Good points," mumbles Keildrithe in response to Pharris's outburst concerning the enslavement of familiars, trying to keep his voice down so as not to attract further attention. "But let's remember that not all students of magic rely on the enslavement of familiars to wield their powers... there are other ways... I, of all people, should know..."
As the group reaches the Hogfish, he becomes a bit more cheerful. "Yes, I could certainly use a hearty meal -- it's been a big day already, and it's far from over!"
He pushes (pulls?) the door open, but steps aside, gesturing for Pharris to lead... "Ladies first," says the bard with a smile as he lifts his mask...
Ah, poor Kajetan... it's his turn now... some familiars may be enslaved by magical charms... but men succumb to far less...
As the group reaches the Hogfish, he becomes a bit more cheerful. "Yes, I could certainly use a hearty meal -- it's been a big day already, and it's far from over!"
He pushes (pulls?) the door open, but steps aside, gesturing for Pharris to lead... "Ladies first," says the bard with a smile as he lifts his mask...
Ah, poor Kajetan... it's his turn now... some familiars may be enslaved by magical charms... but men succumb to far less...
Laithe is obviously agitated and nervous as the group arrives at the Hogfish. As the others file inside he pauses at the door and voices his concerns quietly to Keildrithe.
"We stand out like sore thumbs in the city - us two in particular, but the group as a whole. If Atrek is about, he will have no problem tracking us here. Or anyone else who might want to watch us for that matter. As much as I hate it, we need to clean up, find some clothes that blend in a little better, and find somewhere to stash the more obvious of our weapons. A couple of extra masks wouldn't hurt either. And I don't think we should spend the night here either."
He thinks for a moment, then says quickly. "Perhaps we can ask Stonty get us the clothes and masks and bring them here. We can then take a room to get cleaned up and changed and maybe leave some of our stuff. When we leave here, we need to look very different to how we did when we entered."
Laithe is obviously agitated and nervous as the group arrives at the Hogfish. As the others file inside he pauses at the door and voices his concerns quietly to Keildrithe."We stand out like sore thumbs in the city - us two in particular, but the group as a whole. If Atrek is about, he will have no problem tracking us here. Or anyone else who might want to watch us for that matter. As much as I hate it, we need to clean up, find some clothes that blend in a little better, and find somewhere to stash the more obvious of our weapons. A couple of extra masks wouldn't hurt either. And I don't think we should spend the night here either."
He thinks for a moment, then says quickly. "Perhaps we can ask Stonty get us the clothes and masks and bring them here. We can then take a room to get cleaned up and changed and maybe leave some of our stuff. When we leave here, we need to look very different to how we did when we entered."
"Hmmm... yes, you are right, Laithe. My judgement has been clouded of late. Hopefully Stonty will be around..."
The interior of the Grumpy Hogfish is dark after the bright sunshine outside – little light enters through the smoked glass windows with their wide awnings, and the fires only smoulder in the large brick fireplaces at either end of the long common room.
The room is dominated by a long wooden table, flanked by benches, with several smaller tables scattered around the edges of the room (including some very small ones, sized for children – or gnomes), and a couple of old, stuffed armchairs in front of one of the fireplaces. At the far side of the room is a bar area, with some doors nearby that presumably lead to other parts of the building.
There are about half a dozen guests, most of whom look up as the group enters – a couple at the bar, a small group at one end of the long table and a pair at one of the smaller tables. Few wear masks (hard to eat and drink with them on), though most have them, resting on the table beside them and such. A small (perhaps gnomish) waitress carries a large platter towards the group at the table, and polishing glasses behind the bar is a somewhat short, broad shouldered man with a bushy beard.
“’Lo travellers – welcome!” the man booms across the room (in Atuscan), reaching out with his hand and gesturing you over towards the bar.
"I am help people look different, I'm good at that! If anyone wants it just ask."
She keeps a firm grip on Kajetan. "When we have some rooms I'd like to share with you, I feel safe with you. Also you can fill me in all about yourself!"
"Familiars aren't slaves, my dear," Nicolai says to Pharris following her outburst. "The binding process does not force the animal into service. It is a choice, a mutual decision to entwine the life forces of kindred spirits."
Seeing that his explanation is having little effect on tempering the moody warrior, Nicolai returns to the task at hand and leads the party to the Grumpy Hogfish. Following the others in, he makes a quick circuit of the bar, waving hello to any familiar faces. He finally stops by the bartender. "A pint of your finest! Any news? I was out in the country for a couple days and I come back to see the Church on fire! And here I came to Lichford to get away from the action for a bit..."
Nicolai spends a while chatting up the bartender and buying drinks and food. After catching all the gossip, he adds, "Oh, and I'll need three rooms for the night if ye've got 'em. Met some interesting folk out in the woods," he explains, tilting his head towards the others. "Good people though, despite the rough appearance."
Pharris watches Nicolai walk away.
Kajetan squirms under the woman’s grasp. ’Ahh, that hurts. She’s strong. I think she’s going to break my arm,’ Kajetan attempts to hide his thoughts through a straight face. “Well a .. Pharris,” Kajetan stumbles, “I grew up on the Island Nation of Lorin. My father was a merchant. He sent me to study in our libraries. I spent almost every waking moment with books. That is until I arrived here. A … A… Are you sure you wouldn’t want your own room for privacy?” Kajetan’s flustered state impedes his awareness and it is difficult for him to notice the details around the common room. “Is .. Is there anything else you would like to know?”
"Mummy?"
Nicolai:
“Welcome back,” says the bartender on Nicolai’s approach, reaching over the polished timber to clap the Atuscan briefly on the arm. “Didn’t recognise you for a moment amongst such company.” He glances at the rest of the group for a moment, a speculative look on his face, before turning back to Nicolai. “Yes, the Cathedral, so I hear. Well, if it was the separatists, this will bring the full weight of the Church and law down upon them for certain.” He shakes his hairy head. “I’ve heard tell that’s who it might have been … I hope there’s no further trouble during the Shackling. Something like this might be just what the Church can use to get the festival outlawed – which would be a crime given how good it is for business! Oh, don’t laugh my friend, you know it will get busy soon, as people feel the need for their midday meal!”
The man finishes pouring the drinks that Nicolai ordered, then turns to the rest of the group. “Welcome,” he says, “I am Hawthorn Twade, owner of this fine establishment.”
Hawthorn wears his beard and clothing in typical Thuringian style, but his appearance is not that of the typical tall, blonde haired local. He looks as if he might even have some Karandic blood, though his Atuscan is of neutral accent.
“You’re welcome to stay for a meal and drinks, but as for accommodation..” he trails off, looks at everyone closely, and then his eyes widen in surprise. “Hold about – you wouldn’t be friends of Stonty would you? By sun and sky, you are! The old bastard actually gave me a pretty good description – for once. Well, any friend of Stonty is a friend of mine, and I’m told I owe you a transference of a debt besides. Nicolai, you’re room is still available – I dare say we can squeeze another one or two in there – and I’ve managed to find another couple. It’s crowded with the Shackling you know, but there’s always space to be had when the need is great … no, no, put your purse away, it’s on the house! Well … for today anyway.” He winks.
“Now tell me,” he asks, his voice lowered, leaning close. “Is it true what Stonty said? Devil-kin did old Erasmus in? Oh, these are dark times…”
Keildrithe returns the innkeeper's greeting, nods at Nicolai for the purchase of food and drink, and sits down at a table near the bar to listen in as best he can on the conversation taking place between the two while he devours his meal.
DM:
Nicolai graciously accepts a drink from Hawthorn and pulls up a stool. "Separatists, you say? You mean there are those that openly oppose the Church? Are there a lot of them? Are they organized?"
Before the bartendar can reply to this barrage of questions, Nicolai takes a deep breath and continues, "Forgive my inquiries. I'm just surprised this is the first time I've heard of any type of rebellion. There are many silent protesters, of course, but to go against the Artonites... can you tell me more about them?"
When rooms are offered, Nicolai nods a thank you. "Yes, I believe these are friends of this Stonty, though I have not met him myself. I do not know an Erasmus, but perhaps he can shed some light," Nicolai says as he looks over to where Keildrithe is sitting. "In any case, the rooms are much appreciated."
"All I know of my mother is that she likes nice things. My tutors basically raised me," Kajetan whispers. He then joins the meal with a gracious nod.
Nicolai graciously accepts a drink from Hawthorn and pulls up a stool. "Separatists, you say? You mean there are those that openly oppose the Church? Are there a lot of them? Are they organized?"Before the bartendar can reply to this barrage of questions, Nicolai takes a deep breath and continues, "Forgive my inquiries. I'm just surprised this is the first time I've heard of any type of rebellion. There are many silent protesters, of course, but to go against the Artonites... can you tell me more about them?"
“Oh, I don’t know the specifics,” says Hawthorn hastily, “but you hear stories you know … I mean there are plenty of folk around who aren’t thrilled with the Church or the Empire – no offence to you friend – and some of them are organised, but to what extent I can’t say. It’s said there’s a group of rebels living out in the hills, but they haven’t been very active of late, since the attempt on the Prelate’s life a few years ago. Well, Church and State both came down pretty hard on them as you would expect, got most of ‘em, but there were always rumours that some escaped, or there were other groups out there. Now with the fire up on the hill, looks like they might be back.”
He moves off to serve another customer for a few moments and then returns. “We’re on the frontier here lad,” he says. “Not all is as neat and cosy as they’d have you believe back in Atus I would say…”
When rooms are offered, Nicolai nods a thank you. "Yes, I believe these are friends of this Stonty, though I have not met him myself. I do not know an Erasmus, but perhaps he can shed some light," Nicolai says as he looks over to where Keildrithe is sitting. "In any case, the rooms are much appreciated."
"'m afraid so," mumbles Keildrithe between bites as he takes his meal to the bar to join Nicolai and the innkeep, trying to prevent other patrons from overhearing their conversation. "We stumbled upon Stonty and the corpse of his friend Erasmus. We have every reason to believe that the demons of some sort were responsible for the assault on their wagon and the death of Erasmus... These separatists you speak of... they're Thuringians?"
"'m afraid so," mumbles Keildrithe between bites as he takes his meal to the bar to join Nicolai and the innkeep, trying to prevent other patrons from overhearing their conversation. "We stumbled upon Stonty and the corpse of his friend Erasmus. We have every reason to believe that the demons of some sort were responsible for the assault on their wagon and the death of Erasmus... These separatists you speak of... they're Thuringians?"
Hawthorn furrows his brow and shakes his head. “He was a good man, Erasmus. His wife will take it hard… The separatists? Aye, I’d say they’re Thuringian’s for the most part. Thuringia has been subject to the Empire for a long time now, and we have a better deal than some places – Mabvoria for example – but some people still want what they – or their ancestors – once had.”
Hawthorn furrows his brow and shakes his head. “He was a good man, Erasmus. His wife will take it hard… The separatists? Aye, I’d say they’re Thuringian’s for the most part. Thuringia has been subject to the Empire for a long time now, and we have a better deal than some places – Mabvoria for example – but some people still want what they – or their ancestors – once had.”
Happy to let Keildrithe and Nicolai do the talking, Laithe gets stuck in to his meal, listening intently to the discussion while he eats. As mention of Stonty he interjects with a brief question directed at Hawthorn. "Do you know where Stonty is? Are you expecting him back here soon?"
[
Happy to let Keildrithe and Nicolai do the talking, Laithe gets stuck in to his meal, listening intently to the discussion while he eats. As mention of Stonty he interjects with a brief question directed at Hawthorn. "Do you know where Stonty is? Are you expecting him back here soon?"
“Stonty went to report Erasmus’ death, inform his widow and deal with the body … I doubt he’s having a good time of all of that, but he felt it was his responsibility. Might take him a while. He told me that you might be stopping by, and said that he would be back once he was done, probably some time in the afternoon.” Hawthorn pauses for a moment to take some drink orders and give instructions to some of the serving girls – the place is beginning to fill a little as some locals come in for their midday meal.
“You’re welcome to stay till he gets back. I’ll have a girl get those rooms ready for you if you think you’ll be staying?”
"All I know of my mother is that she likes nice things. My tutors basically raised me," Kajetan whispers. He then joins the meal with a gracious nod.
"So what do your parents think of your profession. The company you keep and all that. Did they care?" she listens and picks at her food a little. Only eating the tenderest parts.
“You’re welcome to stay till he gets back. I’ll have a girl get those rooms ready for you if you think you’ll be staying?”
"Yes, I think we'll stay," Nicolai replies, looking to Keildrithe for confirmation. Once the bartender moves off to attend to other patrons, he waits for Laithe to finish eating, then addresses the Karands, "Considering your history, it might be wiser to try and track these devils with the box you have, rather than continue the investigation at the Cathedral. I seriously doubt those wounds we saw were caused by rebels in any case. Shall we spend the night and wait for Stonty then head back out to the woods?"
Careful not to presume anything with these folk, he adds, "Assuming, of course, that you still want my help..."
"So what do your parents think of your profession. The company you keep and all that. Did they care?" she listens and picks at her food a little. Only eating the tenderest parts.
After swallowing his latest mouthful, Kajetan says, "My parents never really paid me any mind. My father was occupied with the business and my mother was occupied with herself. This suited our relationship well since the only company I chose to keep was of dusty tombs holding precious knowledge." Kajetan leaves it at that and turns to listen to Nicolai.
"Nicolai, I hope that I can speak for all of us when I say that you have proven yourself an ally. At this point, your help is just not wanted, it is also needed." Kajetan quickly looks to his longer-term companions trying to gage their reactions to his statement. Shortly after, he continues, "Might I suggest that tonight we spend some time at the Minstrel and find if we can learn more of the happenings at the cathedral?"
"Nicolai, I hope that I can speak for all of us when I say that you have proven yourself an ally. At this point, your help is just not wanted, it is also needed." Kajetan quickly looks to his longer-term companions trying to gage their reactions to his statement. Shortly after, he continues, "Might I suggest that tonight we spend some time at the Minstrel and find if we can learn more of the happenings at the cathedral?"
Laithe wipes any remnants of his meal from the stubble that covers his chin and pushes aside his plate. As Kajetan responds on behalf of the group, he nods his agreeance. "We are not about to turn away offered help, especially with so many odds stacked against us."
"As for staying in the city, I agree we currently attract too much attention, and that our enemies may already know exactly where we are. I reckon we await Stonty's return and then take some measures to reduce our noticability in the city. The box is our best bet on tracking the demons at this stage, so we should definitely retrieve it as a priority. But like Kajetan says perhaps a visit to the Minstrel for more information would be of use as well. I am a little hesitant to stay here tonight as I fear Atrek may already know we are here."
"Yes, Kajetan has spoken for us all, Nicolai... that having been said, it isn't too late for you to bow out. We have no wish to embroil others in our conflicts with demons and the Artonites, which may very well bring pain, misery and even death to us and those that would ally with us. In fact, you would only prove yourself the wiser if you turned your back on us...
"Laithe and I are the ones that the Artonites most despise. Perhaps it would be safer if he and I waited outside of town, with the knockers, while the rest of you learn what you can from the Minstrel (and from Alton's relatives) and await Stonty's return?"
Pharris swirls the glass before her, watching the water, thinking as everyone chips in.
"I'd prefer us to be together. If Atrek is on the loose, we all should be able to help stop him. He is bound to be watching out for you and perhaps we should avoid anywhere obviously connected to the Cathedral. Maybe warn this barkeep not to let on we are here. Perhaps pay him. The question is what would you do if you were Atrek."
"These masks are our luck so we have to make the most of them. By the time that the festival ends we should be finishes here. What is your plan? I mean say we deal with the demon box and avoid Atrek, what next? Where are you headed. I'm enjoying the ride but surely you know this can only end one way unless you plan. Me, I hate plans."
The girl finishes her drink and flashes her pearly whites, blushing a little. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
Nicolai laughs at the bard. "If I feared action, I would still be poring over books in Atus, working for the Church. An endless and thankless task, I assure you. Trust me when I say there is no where I'd rather be than fighting demons."
"Though I understand the strength of the Artonites, I do not fear this Atrek. Would he even know me? I suppose a few inquiries would lead him here, if he is, in fact, in town. We don't actually have confirmation of that, do we? You must have really pissed him off if he followed you all the way here from Barg..."
"Pharris and I, at least, will pay the Minstrel a visit, I'm sure. Kajetan, what about you? Are you up for a night on the town? If you two want to hide out in the woods, that's your decision. With the masks and a minimal disguise, I'm sure you could pass for locals on sight, though your accents will certainly betray you..."
"Alton, how long will you be with your kin? Will you meet us at the Minstrel or back here?"
Having finished his meal, Nicolai stands up from the bar and waits for a decision from the others. "Shall we?"
Once a decision is made with regards to sleeping arrangements, he'll call to the bartender. "Add the meal to my tab, will you? I'll be back tonight and we'll need X rooms."
"I'm just going to get changed. This is a festival after all. Wait for me, Nicolai."
---
She goes upstairs to the room she intends to share with Kajetan and spends a little while removing weapons and equipment. Changes into more suitable evening wear and finds a nice spot for her dagger. Then a comb of her luscious hair and she leaves the room.
---
A little while later, Pharris re-enters the room. She is wearing her harlequin mask and her height is a giveaway so the party will easily recognise her.
However Pharris is wearing a thin veil across her full bosom, a pink veil that jiggles and jumps as she bounces down each step. Her pantaloons are also chiffon, gossamer thin and they sway and float around her legs. Every now and then everyone gets a tantalising glimpse of reddish chiffon panties inside.
"Like it boys!" she giggles upon reaching the table, doing a twirl so that one arm veil falls across Laithe's face gently by mistake.
"Sorry."
Pharris swirls the glass before her, watching the water, thinking as everyone chips in.
"I'd prefer us to be together. If Atrek is on the loose, we all should be able to help stop him. He is bound to be watching out for you and perhaps we should avoid anywhere obviously connected to the Cathedral. Maybe warn this barkeep not to let on we are here. Perhaps pay him. The question is what would you do if you were Atrek."
"These masks are our luck so we have to make the most of them. By the time that the festival ends we should be finishes here. What is your plan? I mean say we deal with the demon box and avoid Atrek, what next? Where are you headed. I'm enjoying the ride but surely you know this can only end one way unless you plan. Me, I hate plans."
The girl finishes her drink and flashes her pearly whites, blushing a little. "Sorry. I shouldn't have said that."
"And of course, we are more vulnerable if we split up," sighs Keildrithe in acquiescence. As far as plans go, I can't say that we've really thought that far at this point. The truth is, our priority was to flee the Inquisition in Barg, avenge our friend Jirkin, and in the process hopefully fulfill a prophetic dream that had been recorded on a scroll that Gosia, the woman we rescued from the Inquisition, gave us. Its contents had been written by Jirkin's father."
Keildrithe reaches into his pack, unrolls the scroll, and translates the Karandic words for Pharris and Nicolai:
-------
“My dear Gosia,
It has been many years since we have corresponded, and longer still since I saw you last, but you have been in my thoughts of late.
I encountered a vivid dream several nights ago, in which you came to the door of my cottage. I was pleased to see you, and welcomed you within, but your face was strangely blank, and instead of returning my greeting, you spoke the following riddle;
“Those who shall lend a saving hand
Shall lift darkness from the land
When hand is played and deed is done
Follow path of the setting sun
T’ward town beset by half sized danger
In footprints of a martyred stranger
Soothe and help alleviate the sin
Of the man without the beast within”
The dream passed, but when I awoke the words stayed with me quite vividly, and I felt a sense of urgency in passing this on to you. I felt that the dream was telling me that you had to tell someone this message.
My son, Jirkin the Tenth, is ready to travel out into the world, to confront his demons. I am sending him to pass this letter on to you, and also in the hope that in meeting you, he can better understand and come to terms with his own nature.
Hope to find you in health,
Your friend,
Jirkin Faluen the Ninth.”
---
Keildrithe rolls up the scroll and stows it back in his pack. "We interpreted the half sized danger to be the demon that took Jirkin's life. Gosia's friend, the woodsman Jarred, believed that the martyred stranger might be a reference to an acquaintance of his by the name of Stephan, an Artonite with unorthodox and heretical beliefs... by Artonite standards, anyway... A man who believed the Inquisition was based on serious misinterpretations of Artonite scriptures. Nicolai, could the martyr mentioned in the verse be your friend Stephan? If yes, then it seems that the old gods have ensured that our paths should cross for many purposes... As for "the man without the beast within," I'm not sure what to conclude from that reference..."
"Pharris and I, at least, will pay the Minstrel a visit, I'm sure. Kajetan, what about you? Are you up for a night on the town? If you two want to hide out in the woods, that's your decision. With the masks and a minimal disguise, I'm sure you could pass for locals on sight, though your accents will certainly betray you..."Having finished his meal, Nicolai stands up from the bar and waits for a decision from the others. "Shall we?"
Once a decision is made with regards to sleeping arrangements, he'll call to the bartender. "Add the meal to my tab, will you? I'll be back tonight and we'll need X rooms."
"Your loyalty and bravery mean alot to us, Nicolai, as does your generosity," adds the the bard as the sorcerer pays for the rooms and meals.
"Laithe, what do you think? Shall we pay the innkeeper to keep quiet, and lay low while the others go to the Minstrel? Or do you have something else in mind?"
A little while later, Pharris re-enters the room. She is wearing her harlequin mask and her height is a giveaway so the party will easily recognise her.However Pharris is wearing a thin veil across her full bosom, a pink veil that jiggles and jumps as she bounces down each step. Her pantaloons are also chiffon, gossamer thin and they sway and float around her legs. Every now and then everyone gets a tantalising glimpse of reddish chiffon panties inside.
"Like it boys!" she giggles upon reaching the table, doing a twirl so that one arm veil falls across Laithe's face gently by mistake.
"Sorry."
Keildrithe raises an eyebrow as Pharris makes her way back to the common room, and his jaw drops to the floor. He also seems suddenly self-conscious of, and embarrassed by, his own body odour, ragged outfit and unkempt look. "I... uh... yes, very much... I've never... You are as radiant as the women of legendary beauty my people describe in the old verses..."
She leans forwards and kisses him on the forehead.
Pharris then whispers in his ear,
Then a wicked giggle comes out and she can't resist adding in a whisper
"I... uh... have no doubt it'll work, Pharris... just... be careful how far you go... you know..." Keildrithe's face starts to turn a dark crimson. "I hate it when you do this to me, woman..."
With a mouth full of food, Kajetan nods agreement to Nicolai in regard to visiting the Minstrel. He stops chewing completely when Pharris rejoins the table.
Hawthorn claps his hands in appreciation when Pharris comes back down the stairs. “M’lady,” he bows to her, then winks. “And that’s just one of the reasons the Artonites don’t like this festival…”
DM:
"Laithe, what do you think? Shall we pay the innkeeper to keep quiet, and lay low while the others go to the Minstrel? Or do you have something else in mind?"
After finally swallowing his food, Kajetan stares directly at Keildrithe in a difficult attempt to keep Pharris out of his peripheral vision, “Si..since it seems that Stonty is a good friend of the Innkeeper, we may just need to ask Stonty to put in a good word for us.” Finishing his meal, Kajetan excuses himself and disappears upstairs to clean up.
Nicolai:
Stefan was very much against the direction the Church was taking (and had been taking for a century or more) particularly in regards to the power of the Inquisition and the persecution of magic users and non-humans. However, he very much believed that change needed to happen from within the Church. He was also very devout as far as his god and the older traditions of the Church went.
It’s up to you how much you would have confided in him, but you would have felt pretty confident that you could be safe in telling him of your politics and even your powers.
After finally swallowing his food, Kajetan stares directly at Keildrithe in a difficult attempt to keep Pharris out of his peripheral vision, “Si..since it seems that Stonty is a good friend of the Innkeeper, we may just need to ask Stonty to put in a good word for us.” Finishing his meal, Kajetan excuses himself and disappears upstairs to clean up.
"Laithe, what do you think? Shall we pay the innkeeper to keep quiet, and lay low while the others go to the Minstrel? Or do you have something else in mind?"
Laithe listens in on the conversation, but holds his tongue for a time, wanting to hear everyone's thoughts. He is about to speak up when Pharris returns, "accidently" brushing a hand across his face. He squirms in his seat uncomfortably, and does his best to ignore the touch and keep his composure, something he only half achieves.
He takes up the conversation where Kajetan has resumed it, happy for a chance to move on. "I would definitely like to talk to Stonty before leaving the inn. As much as I'd love to head out of town, I agree with Pharris that it is best we stick together as much as possbile. Though perhaps Keildrithe and I can take a short trip outside the gates to retrieve the box with Stonty's aid? The rest of you may be better equipped to attract less notice and gather some much needed information."
Turning to Keildrithe he adds "It seems as though the "half-sized" danger in the prophecy is not the demon that killed Jirkin, but the other one which has been released from the box. And if the martyred stranger is your friend Stephan, Nicolai, then I muct pray for him, for the prophecy suggests he has died. This I think is where we must start - for we need to follow in his footsteps."
"Nicolai, is it likely we could find a tailor or merchant who would be willing to come and sell us some clothes that will help us blend in? We can pay of course..."
Keildrithe rolls up the scroll and stows it back in his pack. "We interpreted the half sized danger to be the demon that took Jirkin's life. Gosia's friend, the woodsman Jarred, believed that the martyred stranger might be a reference to an acquaintance of his by the name of Stephan, an Artonite with unorthodox and heretical beliefs... by Artonite standards, anyway... A man who believed the Inquisition was based on serious misinterpretations of Artonite scriptures. Nicolai, could the martyr mentioned in the verse be your friend Stephan? If yes, then it seems that the old gods have ensured that our paths should cross for many purposes... As for "the man without the beast within," I'm not sure what to conclude from that reference..."
Nicolai ponders the letter while looking at the bard from behind his mask. After a long pause, he replies, "I am no scholar, but I can't fault your logic. Perhaps the devil we are chasing is some kind of imp..."
"I am not sure I agree with Jarred that Stefan is this martyred stranger. He is no stranger to me, for one. And I've been given no indication by any at the Church that he has passed on. I fully expect to meet him within the week. In fact, he may be able to shed some light on the current situation in town."
"As for his politics, I will not betray the man. He is a good friend. Suffice to say that he is both loyal to the Church and sympathetic to our complaints. I am confident he will not act against us."
"Nicolai, is it likely we could find a tailor or merchant who would be willing to come and sell us some clothes that will help us blend in?...
Nicolai waits for an appropriate time then catches the bartender's attention. "My friends here would like some new clothes. They stick out like a sore thumb and we're tired of attracting the wrong type of attention. Do you know a tailor who would help dress a few foreigners on short notice?"
Pharris shakes her head at the thought of changing out of her working clothes. The chiffon feels lovely.
"I'm not sure what to ask anyone so what sorts of information are we after? News on Stefan? The cult of the devil box? what? Once we get into the Minstrel and in fact before then I'm best learn to my own devices. Some of the promises I will make may make one or two of you blush. If we get a little separated, don't worry I'll meet you back here early evening."
Bluff Rolled 3+2+10-2=13.
Kajetan informs his companions of his plan. "So, what do you all think?"
"This all sounds fine by me," says Keildrithe. "If Hawthorn is able to call a tailor to this inn, then I'll wait here for him. When darkness falls, perhaps Laithe and I can take a stroll down to the foreign quarter, over by the river? It may be easier for us to travel about under cover of darkness, and perhaps we'll meet a few sympathetic faces in that part of the town... So it looks like we'll go separate ways, after all..."
Alton will try to find out anything he can about any cults operating in Lichford but he's mostly trying to find out whether or not Atrek is in Lichford and, if so, where he is. Then he'll head back to the Minstrel to meet up with the others.
Alton:
Whichever check you try first is a Gather Information check with no bonuses or penalties, taking 1d4+1 hours.
However, if you manage to track down your uncle first, you can use his contacts in the community to gain a +2 bonus on your next Gather Information check. In addition, the halfling community will keep an ear and eye out for things for you, and you may get additional information at a later date.
DM Mothman