Braggi leads Toruk and Filnefillan back to the inn, encountering Musami on the way. You quickly compare notes with one another, confirming what all you have learned thus far. As you approach the inn you spy Ostler Gundigoot ushering an inebriated Elmo out the door and sending him on his way home. Seeing you the innkeeper smiles and waves, ushering you to hurry on.
Reaching the inn he motions you through, finding the taproom nearly empty. Been a slow night tonight, glad to have a few more faces to brighten the room. He points you to a table along the outer wall, the window shutters closed to the night. I have some little stew left, and a day's old loaves I need getting clear of, would you be so kind as to take them off my hands?
You see his wife Molly tending the bar, and the lass Alison clearing tables. The dwarven stablekeeper Rudolf is busy clearing a broken chair and glassware from the corner. Around the room you spot the rogue Furnok and the mage Spugnoir sitting in the opposite corner of the carnage, talking quietly to themselves. Spugnoir nods in your direction, his companion giving you a momentary glance, his face unreadable. Only one other patron is in the taproom, a human male wrapped in a thick cloak, keeping to himself, a glint of a gold amulet occasionally peeking out as he tips his mug for a sip.
Oh don't mind the mess, Elmo and that Kobort got into a few round of Falls Downs, shaking his head. It didn't end well. He moves towards the kitchen, Have a seat and I'll bring out the food, and my thanks for clearing the pots.
"Thank you kindly, Braggi." Fil says, as he sips his drink.
"Perhaps my constitution will feel better after this is all said and done. With Jocasta deciding to take her leave from this place, and Cedryk's passing, we have confirmed that the dangers to this place are thorough. Learning of the attacks, and the, ahem, Regulators."
He stifles his negative thoughts.
"They seem to be ill-prepared to defend the town. And our interference in the moat house may have brought this upon them earlier than anticipated. This was coming, mind you. And the actual guards have negative feelings towards them, leading me to believe they are of ill-repute. I believe it best to be in town for a day or two, both to sell goods, and to meet with the church and Lord Burne. We have great need to ensure that this happens."
A day or two to recover our strength would be welcome. The moathouse was a close call, and it cost Cedryk his life. We should regroup and resupply ourselves before we head out again. There is a young smith's apprentice I would like to look in on also. Musami finishes the last of his stew and loaf and drains his tankard. He looks around the room until he spies Alison and motions to her for another drink. Anyone else need a refill on their mugs?
Speaking of the apprentice, I have promised him my aid for a while in the morning. I will go at daybreak and work the forge for a while. Should you have need of me you will find me there.
Ostler and Molly spend time clearing the bar for the night and wiping down the surfaces. The dwarf carries the last of the broken furniture out the door, nodding briefly at Musami as he passes.
Alison takes a drink over to Furnok and Spugnoir's table, the mage waving off her offer and standing instead. He appears to be saying his regards for the night to Furnok, then stumbles, bumping the poor girl as he moves to head to the stairs. Furnok rebukes his clumsiness and remains seated, his back to you, enjoying his drink and watching the wall lazily.
Alison heads back to the bar and pauses for a few moments, looking down at something clutched in her hand. She then fills her tray with mugs and brings the drinks over to your table. Confused she passes around the drinks and then places a small roll of parchment in front of Filnefillan. The scrap is a rolled note, tied with string, the outer length scribed with the elf's name in black ink with a fine tight script. She shrugs her shoulders He whispered I should give this to you, and goes back to the kitchen with any empty dishes from your table.
The cloaked man, while polite to the serving staff keeps much to himself. Those that make more than a perfunctory glance in his direction can identify him as an adherent of Pelor - telltale sun and flame symbols and iconography adorn his amulet, gauntlets and what little you can see of his armor.
As Alison passes the table Musami attracts her attention. Most of the people in the room we know, but who is that? and he indicates the cloaked man.
Alison leans in as she picks up Toruk's empty platter, her voice low. I'm not too sure sir. He's a priest of Pelor I believe. Came into town earlier today I think. It's said he went straight to the church and spent a good bit of time there. Got to the inn not too long ago, taking both a room and a meal. She picks up a few more dishes and, before departing whispers, Sorry that I don't know more, Meri was always the one to pry loose a man's lips, then as an afterthought, and his purse strings too. She then moves back to the kitchen to spot wash a few more dishes.
Toruk nods to Musami, "Let's go introduce ourselves. In this time of darkness we could use the assistance of the Sun Father."
Toruk will sit down next to the cloaked man. He motions to Alison for a pitcher of ale. "Greetings Sir. I am Toruk, traveler of Oerth and disciple of Fharlanghn. It is heartening to meet a follower of the Shining One. What brings you to the benighted town of Hommlet?"
The cloaked man removes his hood, and, looking over Toruk, smiles.
"Well met Master Toruk. It is always good to meet a fellow Traveller."
He nods to Musami.
"Master Dwarf. I am Navith Kanhai, late of Verbobonc. I came to the area on a pilgrimage of sorts. To visit the memorial at Emridy Meadows - an old veneration of those who fell in their struggle against evil that issued from a great temple, my maternal aunt among them."
Navith pauses, appearing to take your measure.
"Sadly, it seems a new, though hopefully less great evil has been at work. The graves were despoiled, including that of my aunt, and the memorial disturbed...the disturbance appears to have wrested the protective wards once emanating from the memorial. Worse, some of the dead have risen. I fought some, and saw perhaps a dozen or more."
The cleric sighs.
"I have met with those of St Cuthbert alerting them of the disturbance, and seeking aid in the restoration of the memorial, and thus the wards."
Clearly Navith is much preoccupied, as he forgets to return your grace and ask you your own business in the village...
Fil stands and walks over to join in the introductions. "Hello Pilgrim Kanhai. I am Filnefillan Lotusbow. You may call me Fil, as the elven tongue doesn't seem to flow quite right round here."
He smiles an understanding smile at that.
"I am late of the Vesve forests to the north of Verbabonc. I came in search of of knowledge. We have found similar evils to what you have described as well, unfortunately. This village does seem to need the shining one's help, and a couple of us have business at the church in the morn, perhaps they have plans for our assistance with that."
Musami carries his tankard to Navith's table. He seats himself and raises his mug in a convivial fashion. I am Musami Forgeborn, a smith travelling to gather the knowledge of the forge. I swing a hammer in the smithy and a hammer on the field. We have indeed crossed paths with several of the restless dead. I hope that the situation is, as you say, a small one. I would like to get on with improving my craft in peace.
Ostler comes over to the table and asks if anyone is interested in a room for the night, as he and the staff are nearly ready to retire for the night. We do have a few spots open in the commons and two double rooms left if interested.
Commons is fine for me. Good evening all. I have an early start at the smith in the morning. Should you be looking for me I will be there.
Fetch me for the meeting, would you please. Musami yawn and heads to his pallet He removes his armor and readies himself for bed.
Toruk nods at Ostler, "Aye, we will the double rooms, sir."
Fil looks a bit dejected, and speaks quietly to Ostler. "Due to helping the needy, I am out of funds today. I would pay you back twice for a space on the commons floor as I have this"
He discretely shows Ostler the jeweled dagger, "Which I would use as collateral, and once, shined up and sold, I believe it covers my tab."
I will pay for Fil's pallet also. Any any others who require it.
Ostler waves aside the money at the mention of Fil's charity work. If you have been doing a service to others, and from what little I overheard it seems you have, then offering two empty rooms in appreciation is small potatoes, so to speak. He waves to Alison, I'll have the rooms made up for you shortly, and you will have some privacy to rest and mend from your efforts, with my thanks.
Navith interjects as politely as he can.
"Good Ostler, so as to not be put out in your business, and as I am hoping to make further acquaintance of these good folk I am happy to be bundled in with them [here looks to the party generally] if they are amenable to the plan; thus freeing up my room."
Nodding Ostler comments, t understand, though at this late hour I doubt to see any other arrivals. The rooms would seat available as is. Please everyone finish your repast and retire as you wish. My family and I will lock up and leave you to yourselves.
Ostler and Molly close up the kitchen and outer door, then turn down the lamps and lower the coals in the fireplace. They exit through the kitchen to the private stairs to their quarters upstairs.
Alison comes down a few moments later to inform you the rooms are ready and indicates which ones are available. I have placed fresh basins in the double bunks, in case you wish to clean up a bit before retiring. I'll see to changing them out again on the morrow. She moves towards the kitchen and her own pallet. Good night good sirs.
Good night miss .
When Braggi is about to offer payment for Fil, Musami seems to be quicker. Then Ostler offers the rooms. Anyhow, Braggi still feels these people need to carry on with their business, so he stays in the commons for the night, leaving the room for others that might be in need of more relax, and tries to pay for it as it's due.
Navith thanks the hosts for moving his effects and readies to bed down for the night.
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The morning comes fairly early for the staff of the Inn of the Welcome Wench. Ostler and Molly work with together in the kitchen to prepare breakfast while Alison, Yundi, and Ian prepare the taproom and set up the water bin warming for morning ministrations.
The neighbor's cock begins crowing just as the sun capped the grove, the village coming to waking with one of nature's most annoying alarms.
A strange visitor calls shortly as local gossips and elderly patrons make their first rounds for the day, stopping off at the Inn before beginning their daily chores.
The visitor is a tall, rough looking Flan woman, nicked and scuffed but otherwise in fair health. She takes a seat at the bar, dropping a large, slightly deformed skull of what appears to have been a dog upon the polished wooden surface.
Musami awakes with the crowing of the cock. He rubs the sleep from his eyes. He moves about neatening his hair and donning clothing for working in the forge (ie. He is not working in his armour). He moves downstairs, giving a Good Day to the woman at the bar and heads out to the forge to help the young apprentice.
Musami finds Tomi bringing up the flames within the forge, jumping up and down using his body weight to pump the bellows. He seems to have the rhythm right, pulling on one side of the rigging as he comes down, releasing the slack as he jumps up for the next pull. Morning master dwarf sir, huffing and sputtering, trying to keep up the pace. Fires up, temps rising, the blanks are almost cherry sir.
Good lad. Lets make some nail, eh?
Musami sets about making the nails, his hammer ringing through the crisp morning air. He takes care to show Tomi a trick or two on how to properly control the steel.
See, mine won't stay straight, I can plot the heads but the steel won't play true. Am I overheating them? The boy holds up a few examples, the nails narrowing and curling weakly near the tips though the heads are firm and straight.
Musami pops out a dozen or so in short order, the boy having that many dies at the ready. What do you think I'm doing wrong. I really don't want to go back to the farm. I gotta show Master Smythe I can do this.
They are a bit overheated yes, and they cooled at an uneven rate which caused the pull in them. See how they are a little different colour at the heads than at the tips, Musami points out the slightly blue tinted tips of the nails. that is from overheating. You need to lower the heat a little but maintain the heat a little longer. Cooling slower will give the steel time to settle and it wont twist like that.
Zokama responds Good Day back to the Dwarf that spoke to her, but he doesn't seem willing to stop and talk, so she doesn't tell him about the undead scourge that she is intent on stopping. She knows she will eventually figure out the cause, but needs to recruit others to the cause because she can't face them alone.
She asks to talk to the owner, and then asks if he/she is willing to pay her to perform. If asked, she briefly demonstrates her ability to sing regular run-of-the mill bard ballads as well as more exotic Flan war music.
Ostler comes out to speak briefly with Zokama. I suppose you could play for the evening crowd once they come in, shortly before dusk. Not much call for it this early, though certainly the sampling is worth the cost of a meal. Feel free to chose something from the menu. Alison comes over to take Zokama's order while Ostler is distracted by an older villager stumbling painfully through the door. Ohh my gout, there's gonna be rain coming today... The man accepts Ostler's arm gladly and he leads him to a nearby booth. Rains coming everyday for you now Fennit, I think it's time you give in and see the Church. They can fix that. Isn't a monthly basket of apples a small price to pay for relief?
Tomi looks closely at the nails, comparing them to Musami's. So don't rush the steel, hammer steady and even, and keep the heat back and forth. Is that right?
Zokama thanks Ostler, and orders some eggs and hashbrowns if they have it.
While she's waiting for her food, she sees the villager come in who seems to be in pain. She gets up and goes over to him.
Hello, Grandfather she says, using the term generically.
I am not sure that I can cure you, but I can certainly take away some of the pain, if you would allow me to cast a healing spell on you?
If the villager agrees, she casts Cure Light Wounds on him.
That's right lad. Take your time and work with the steel. Taking an extra few minutes is better than losing half an hour reworking something. You have a go now. Musami switches places with Tomi, working the bellows himself and allowing the boy to swing the hammer.
Straining a bit, sweating a lot, the young lad works at the hammer, turning the red hot steel back and forth between the coals and the anvil, banging away with blows weaker than Musami's but with all the same heart a dwarven apprentice would muster. His efforts slowly pay off as first one, then another, and yet another nail works it's way down and through the die, each four sided, uniform in length, almost perfectly straight and true. How's that sir, am I getting it right? Slower? Faster? Too soft? he asks, huffing a bit, resting his arm and unconsciously kneading at his bicep. The effort seems certainly good enough to hold the scaffolding needed to raise the next layer of stones at the castle, if not yet up to the finer pieces the dwarven master himself would have turned out.
The old man looks the woman over, his old eyes making out less than he's sure of but finding her somewhat pretty none the less. You ain't one'a the yokels up the church are ya? I ain't given over no apples today. He squints at her hard, finally deciding she's not a lady of St Cuthbert come to steal his soul. But, iffin you can ease up my knees a bit I might be inclined to have ol' Ostler here pinch ya off a pint o' my special cider. The winter batch came out smooth and hard, just like a young girls... Realizing his company he blushes bright red and covers a rheumy cough with a stained handkerchief tucked under his cap. Well, it came out right good, let's leave it at that. He turns on his bench and hikes up his trousers, showing two bony white legs, fallen yellowed socks, and knees swollen and purple, tracing off in dark spidery veins.
The spell reduces some of the swelling and lessens the darkness of his veins, but he is suffering from an ailment a bit beyond the immediate abilities of Zokama's magic. He does seem to ease a bit, and his breathing comes a bit easier. He smiles at Zokama and nudges at Ostler. You can give her two Ostler, and from the aged tun I gave you last week. She'll like the fire of that one. He leans over a bit, whispering in an only slightly quieter tone, The secret is in how I mixed the cherries and cinnamon, gotta do it hot and then add the iced cider.
Well done lad. Well done. Those look to be of passable quality and straight enough. Keep practicing.
Musami alternates between the bellows and the hammer, switching with Tomi frequently and further tweaking his technique with minor pointers.
Navith rises and performs his ablutions. After donning his armor and caparisoning himself for the day he descends to the bar in time to see the old man's skinny legs and Zokama's healing arts. Pelor's disciple nods in appreciation but does not interject further.
After a light repast (fruit, porridge, water) Navith bids the tavernkeeper good day and heads to the Church of St Cuthbert.
Fil wakes early in the morn, and, as he has before, he goes to cut wood, but finds himself tires very easily.
After working the wood for an hour, with less of a pile and a lot more sweat than he should have, he stops, both panting and coughing. He drinks from his waterskin, but, having already served on the charity of Ostler, he stalwartly refuses to do so again this morn. He'll pay for his breakfast dangit!
He'll take the time to memorize his spells (Identify and Ghost Sound have been swapped in, noted in profile, Spark and Mage Armor were the spells swapped out).
After this, he'll ensure that none of their treasures are magical in nature and, if not, take them to their proper locations for selling before the meeting (jeweler for the dagger after taking some time to polish it and the trading post for the Gnoll's gear. He's keeping the tabard from the zombie). Divvying up funds appropriately for each original member of the party to ensure they receive their proper sum.
Navith takes the walk along the north/south axis of Hommlet, getting a solid take on the decently sized village. For a place having faced multiple hardships, battles, and near enslavement over the years it has held up rather well. Navith senses a strong purpose underlying the villagers he has met and those he passes, a will to survive, thrive even. But too there is a darkness lurking there as well, a cold chill passing over the cleric as he crosses the town bridge and starting his climb towards the church. Perhaps some do not feel as strongly the town should survive this latest unpleasantness.
Calmert is already up and about, his new wards at work earning their keep by wiping down the pews in advance of the evening devotionals for the mid-week service. He nods as Navith enters the church, though whether it is at the cleric or the poor box by the door he's not entirely certain. The man is certainly persistent about donations, having already not so subtly hinted at it the previous evening.
You are in luck, St. Cuthbert has moved the heavens to aid sunny Pelor, and a few worthy souls have been delivered into his good graces, which I think may well serve yours as well. They should be along directly. The man sets his broom aside, nearer to the younger priest. Perhaps you can find a worthy goal to pass the wait while I see to matters in the rectory. One of our lesser clergy has over exerted himself and is in need of a good parable about the rod and the child. I will be back shortly, feel free.
Filnefillan takes the jewelled dagger and ivory box from the tower to visit the gnomish jeweller Nira Melubb. The squirrely little man fidgets over the items with a loop and gloved hands, fingers tickling over the enlays and jewels. Nearby the armored warrior scene outside the place nods at the mage, eyes alert for any signs of trouble.
Ahh, well, I can offer a bit for these, are you interested in straight coin or are gems acceptable, at fair and true values of course. He holds up the dagger, taking it from the sheath. I could maybe go 800 for this with the sheath, though he ticks at the tip and then runs his finger around the wood heavily scored along the opening. It will take a bit of coin to repair the point and pasting to strengthen the sheath.
He then turns the chest over a time or two, his finger running along what he indicates are miniature fractures and fissures in the molding. This has seen better days, and with no key no less. Tsk, tsk I suppose I'll have to outlay a bit to have one custom made for it. The warrior smiles behind his master's back, winking at Fil as he shakes his head no. He flicks a finger in the direction of a small desk, the elf noticing a small rack holding a series of tiny little keys. Still overall it is serviceable, and I know a collector in Veluna who likes works by Coutere, who obviously made this piece. Hmm, well. You did do a service for the town, and you haven't made a mess of wasting my time with pasties or dirt polish. 50 for the box?
He reaches under the desk and pulls out a small tray of gems. 850 orbs, or if amenable, 1000 equivalent in gems. I happen to have a fair assortment here. 6 Amethysts, another 6 Carnelians, and top it off with 10 River Pearls taken from the run outside, not three miles down the wash. He then leans over the counter at Fil, standing atop his toes on a runner board set along the inside length of the counter. You'll not get a better deal in town I promise you that.
Navith smiles inwardly at Calmert's zeal, and does attend the lad/lass/novitiate in question.
"Peace be unto you, brother." Navith intones
Using the wheelbarrow the mage borrowed from Rudolf, the dwarf commenting appreciation for the assistance with the woodpile, Fil stops by the trading post to have one of the men look over the wares. Only one of the men is there, the more rotund Rannos. As the man lumbers about, smelling strongly of greasy ham and unwashed funk the merchant nitpicks every little flaw he can find on the gear, and most likely a few he couldn't find but still found exception to anyways.
Now mind you I don't particularly care where or how you came into the possession of these items, and truly I'd rather not hear the dreary little tale, though I am sure there was plenty of heroism and dashing deeds nonetheless. No, my job is to buy, pausing and taking a stern look at the mage, and more importantly to SELL. He tosses one of the swords back onto the pile. These items would hardly be of use to the folk who wallow their ways through life and death here in Hommlet. No, these items would need to find a different market. He moves back around the counter and plops himself heavily into an aged and creaking chair, the unfortunate furniture groaning a bit in protest.
To that end I am willing to part with a fair value, less shelf stock and transportation fees I'll incur finding a buyer. Say 60 orbs for the lot. He starts pulling a small pile of coins out of a drawer below the counter. You can keep the wheelbarrow, it looks like it belongs to the Inn. Honestly how Gundigoot turns a profit is beyond me. The man exhales heavily, the smell of under ripe turnips adding to the already malodorous ambiance. Still, he does make good spice fries. Almost as good as I had back in Safeton.
He shoves three piles of twenty coins across the counter in Filnefillan's direction. Do we have a deal?
Fil smiles at the jeweler, "As much as I am fond of the gems, I believe coin would be best. You deal quite fairly,
I will return once I have time to peruse your wares more thoroughly. He leaves the shop after counting the coins, hopefully with enough time to spare to unload the remaining gear.
"Peace be unto you, brother." Navith intones
The people working at the pews relate their story to Navith while they work, indicating they had been taken prisoner by men and monsters dressed in black and nearly starved to death. They were lucky however to have been saved by kindly heroes, and while weak, are working a bit to recompense the church for healing them and sending a pigeon to Verbobonc to inform their families or loved ones that they are alive and in need of assistance to return home. Their tale of abuse and torture sound like they could have been quite dire, though They didn't get away with it either, thanks to the kindly intervention of those really good kids, an older half elf opines.
Frowning Nira scoops back up the gems and returns them to the tray. He then drops down behind the counter and walks over to his desk, a small cane in hand to assist his walking. He pulls a small strongbox out and shuffles around a bit, returning with a pile of coins. He returns and lays out a few stacks of coins, two of 20 plates each, fifteen of 25 orbs each, and thirty of 25 nobles each. It takes awhile to recoup coins around here, the trade season really hasn't gotten started yet. Hold to your coins, else someone else will.
Navith disdains the broom, but does pass among the lay folk, listening intently to their stories.
Zokama assures the man that she is not from any church, and requires no apples. After healing him the best she can, she thanks him for the offer of cider, and asks
What is your name, grandfather? I am Zokama. I am glad to know you.
Zokama asks Ostler if she can take the pints to go, thinking that they will likely be valuable to barter with. She doesn't say out loud why she wants this though, not wanting to offend the kind man that offered them to her by explaining that she doesn't drink. Hopefully this early in the morning her request won't be questioned.
After eating, she takes her skull and moves to an unoccupied table in the corner, setting the skull prominently in front of her, to maintain her focus, and then she hums to herself and starts trying to work out the exact verses that she will use in telling her story this evening.
Braggi wakes up late, or as late as he can given he slept in the commons. He yawns loudly and has his breakfast while everybody's seems to run around doing important things. Mostly, his idea is relax until it's time to go to the church or any other appointment.
The old man introduces himself as Fennit Deel. Apple farmer. I gots my place bout a mile south of town. And I do a fair bit o' pressing and squeezing too. Along with me boys and their boys too. There's a merchant from Verbobonc who comes every spring, every fall, to haul off a few casks of my stuff for the Viscount and his lackeys for their high festivals you know. The man lapses again into a coughing spasm, this time not nearly as strong as before. Say, you ain't married is you? My third boy's got a strong son, not too bright but a thick neck and broad shoulders. He needs a good woman to put him in his place. Like his gran'mama did fer me. He then seems to slip off a bit, staring at the thick pained glass glaring white from the sunlight beyond.
Ostler comes over, You'll have to forgive Fennit miss, he does that sometimes. He doesn't really work the farm anymore, he can't. He's harmless but a good friend to me, to the whole town. He then slides five nobles across the table to Zokama. I can't bottle the cider for you, would set a bad rule for others, but Alison said she thought you might not drink. As he turns to go, I wish you well miss, and thank you for helping Fennit. Now if only he'd let the church take a look at him. Jaroo was going to but... Well, have a good day.
Despite Tomi's efforts Musami and the boy turn out a fair number of nails in a two hour window, enough to put the boys efforts well ahead of his goal and with enough time he should be able to finish the project with enough learning and time to spare.
The pair take a break from the forge, setting the coals to keep the heat ready for later, and then stop at the inn to break fast and chat a bit more. Seeing Braggi relaxing Musami leads Tomi over and the pair ask to join him. Alison comes over and asks, What can I get you folks this morning, winking at Tomi. Looks like you two have worked up an appetite. Tomi smiles widely, thrilled at being treated like a real person, like everyone else. Like an adult. Then his look crashes as he realizes, he doesn't have any money. He looks shyly at the ground, Nothing for me, I just stopped in to see Yundi if he isn't busy.
"Alright, let's do this" Braggi smiles. "I pay this round, you pay a round when you collect the money from whatever you've been working on today. Deal?"
Zokama smiles when Fennit tries to set up an arranged marriage. She is relieved when he spaces out a little and she doesn't have to respond.
She thanks Ostler, pocketing the coins, and then asks Who is Jaroo?