"It might be an idea to be splitting up to go check a couple of these leads as quickly as possible. Hey Argius,we working for you folks in an official capacity or this off the books. A letter of authority might help ease the mind of the locals,eh. A ragtag group like this has a way of freaking people out a bit. Well, at least in towns without a gladitorial arena that is. You get all manner of freaks running around those towns. HAHAHAHA!"
"A letter of authority might also get you the opposite effect. " Agira replied. "But, I have to agree with splitting the group." She imagined how it would look with all of them bursting into a tavern and asking about thieves. "In that way we may try different approaches and cover more ground. I think two groups will suffice. "
Archaouss stands and throws his hood up hiding his elven features once more. "If you require some letter to calm the citizens you will recieve the opposite effect, if you still wish one leave me out of it I will work better in the shadows. I wish to start this as soon as possible whoever is coming with me needs to make ready. I don't wait for no man.." Archaouss pauses looking at Agria for a momment going silent for a momment before continuing softly. "or woman.."
Looking quickly to the assistant. "Show us to this master if it is convienient."
Sybill will most likely be in the market square, it is hard to miss her stall, or her. follow the loudest voice and you will find her. As far as Papers go, we hold no more authority here than the farmers or merchants. If there are any unsure faces then simply state you are guests of Mr Graves. that should ease tensions.
Archaouss, we have three inns here, the one you could describe as a dive would be. Leggies. It is actually called the 'Fumbll Arms', but its known locally as Leggies. the barkeep is Paul. you will find it towards the housing area. The next Inn is named 'Griffin' not a dive but probably somewhere in the middle. Barkeep is called Terry and That is near the market square and the remaining Inn is just across the way near the town hall. Called 'Judges Ruin' our more up market inn. Does a great roast. Owner is George.
Mr Graves is currently unavailable due to this difficult situation. He is not normally one to keep people waiting, believe me he knows when and where things are supposed to happen. As i said he has been thrown off by this. it is not a state i am used to seeing him in.
Having been watching for a majority of the conversations in an effort to evaluate those before him, Elondor decides to finally speak. Addressing all, While some of your seem more than capable of handling yourselves in a scuffle, we should keep to groups of 2-3 at all times. If those responsible for the thefts should learn of our poking around, they may seek to end our search by nefarious means. Archaouss, should you wish someone to accompany you, I am more than ready. I know the value of rumors in the most despicable pubs. I suppose I should leave this behind Elondor motions to his greatsword As I doubt it'd be taken well by the townsfolk. Give me but a moment and I'll have it stowed away.
Elon listens to Arguis, taking note of the directions that he gives, and the general mood of this strange group that he has found himself to be associated with.
Thank you for the directions, if there is no-one coming with me to meet this woman, then I shall happily go alone. It might be an idea to hit two of the bars at the same time, and I will then meet with the first group to make it to for example the Judges Ruin. I have questions of my own that I wish to have answered first of all.
He turns from the group, takes a moment to comport himself, and then begins limping rather heavily towards the doors and out of the room.
Once outside, he looks around for a moment, fully orienting himself, and then makes his way to the market, looking for Sybil.
"Hold up there, Elon. I'll be comin' with ya. I think that we should at least follow the other fellas advice on this one. We'll see if there are any fans of the arena in these parts and see if we can work some that adoration our way, hahaha." Hefting his trident over his shoulder follows after his new friend.
Agira saw herself in a position where she would have to choose which group to join. Since both groups looked equally strong and more than capable of handling any danger without her help, she felt a bit perplexed and thought for a second at the challenge her goddess bestowed upon her. She only had a basic idea of what these men's tactics were but she guessed that the elf would get into trouble faster than the gladiator and his sparring friend so without wasting any more time she fallowed Archaouss and Elondor. "We will do as much as we can to bring the orbs back. " she said to Argius before leaving the room.
I like your thinking Marcus, it is good to have you along on this quest of ours that we share. What brings you to these lands on this quest?
"Elon, I seek to challenge myself aganist the strongest in the world. My master is the one who gave me a scroll telling me of this place and so I here I am." the gladiator finishes with a large smileand slap on Elon back.
Your story is much more interesting than my own. I have always been a traveller, picking up things as I go along, learning much. Occasionally that learning has been done after many beers, and so I learnt how to punch with my fists well enough that I can take care of myself. I was drawn to this place, one of the few that I have not been to in the previous years of travel.
There are many questions to be asked though, like why the town relies so heavily on these orbs. I have never seen magic as such, and these orbs seem to possibly have some form of magic, and if they allegedly are magical, I want to know their secrets.
Mr Graves interests me as well. It would appear that perhaps he is a viewer of the future in some manner. If so, I would love to learn some of his abilities, if that is possible. Also, did you not notice how Argius seemed to be able to contact this Mr Graves without actually being within earshot of him? I am telling you, there is more to this whole situation than we have been told. Our cards should be played close to our chests.
Elon will happily converse with Marcus, but still hoping to catch on to gossip around him.
Sense motive
As you continue down the market stalls a voice comes at you like a battering ram. You almost expect people to start ducking when they hear it.
“babe, nothing for you today, I saw your Billy the other day you may want to consider some of my root wine.”
“George, I have your crap in the back, move it or lose it!”
you get the distinct impression this may be the very person you where looking for. Argious was right when he said you couldn’t miss her.
You make your way round to the area where you hear the voice.
The streets are fairly quiet the occasional person heading home or to where you presume is work. People are polite and any that pass you tend to smile or nod in your direction. No one seems to react to your presence beyond acknowledgment. The weather is still wonderful and your walk is and easy and pleasant one.
You round the corner to see the sign for the ‘fumbll arms’ swinging on one hinge. The smell of the river fills the air and the sound of water can now be heard.
You approach the door to the Inn and hear talking and laughing inside.
As you enter no one really reacts beyond a few people looking up. The bar is quite large and is mostly filled with one long bar and tables and chairs. You get the feeling not much in the way of dancing goes on here. It isn’t very full as everyone seems to be at the market. In the corner table nearest the bar you see three old gentlemen playing cards for wooden tokens. The occasional laugh and cheer from them. There is a guy sat on the bar stool slumped over the bar and snoring. The bartender occasionally wipes the area where his head is. And a few people dotted in different seats, two drinking together and two drinking alone. The ones drinking alone notice you come in, everyone else is engrossed in there own world.
The bar smells of river and stale ale. And looks darker than it probably is. All the dark wood on the walls seem to suck in the light. The few small windows are however clean and the bar looks to be in a good state. Who ever works here likes the place and looks after it as best they can. Only the occasional wobbly table and strapped table leg give away the types of activities that may occur here.
The bar keep looks up, nods at you and says “what will it be, folks?”
At which point the guy asleep at the bar sits up, loudly mumbles something and the bar keep hands him a glass of water.
Elon looks at Marcus for a moment, sizing up which of them should go first towards 'the voice'. Ultimately he decides he will take point, and with trepidation makes his way closer.
Upon seeing Sybil, he will make his way closer, taking the time to examine her wares and the woman herself. If and when he is eventually noticed by the woman, he will do his best to seem presentable.
My lady, I was told by Argius Somner himself that you were the best source of information in this town, and that there wasn't a piece of news or gossip that you would not know about. I was wondering if you might have a more private area that you and I could discuss matters of import?
Returning Elon's somewhat questioning glance with a smile, hearty laugh and a slap on the back, Marcus follows his friend toward this booming voice. "Sounds like my kind of woman, buddy, hahahah." One arm resting on the haft of his trident laying across his shoulders and the other lazily swinging in the air as he strides up to the stall with his friend, Marcus looks about flashing as presentable a smile as a hulking,scarred pit fighter can.
Archaouss glances back to his two companions before turning back to the barkeep. "Wine if you have it for me."
Archaouss then turns and walks to an empty table positioning his back to the wall and arranging himself to be able to look around the room.
A few minutes after Archaouss and Agira enter the bar, Elondor slips in. Paying no heed to his companions, Elondor positions himself at the far end of the bar, in an effort to remain inconspicuous and seperate from others. I'll have a pint of the house ale. Stretching out after a long day, Elondor settles in and begins drinking while looking around carefully at the others in the room.
Addressing the barkeep, Nice place you got here. Looks to be a bit empty, are you expecting more people anytime soon? I wouldn't mind trying my hand at a card or dice game.
"Hello my sweet what can I do for you?" Sybil Says to you as you approach. She Eye’s up your weapon and yourself. Then returns a large smile.
As you approach you notice her stall has all kinds of bottles with varying coloured liquids in them. Should you care to glance behind her you see much larger barrels and a Large gentleman rolling them away one by one as you speak.
Paul says to Archeouss We do have some Eleven wines, give a few and I'll fetch em from the back. On his way to the back he clears up again around the sleeping man, who spilled his water. He returns quickly and pours you a good sized drink. That’ll be 2 coppers fella
To Elondor As he is pouring the drink Market day its always empty. You haven’t been ere long have you? If its games you after speak to the dribble brothers in the corner. he points to the three gentlemen you saw playing cards. He then hands you your drink That's 1 copper
Perception
Sense Motive
Archaouss slides the two coppers out of his dwindling purse and scowls looking around for a likely source of information. The two loners seemed the most likely but he couldn't tell just yet.
Checking if everything is alright with Elondor before coming in she tries not gather too much attention to herself as she takes a deep breath, moves towards Archaouss, picks a chair at and starts speaking to him "I see you've picked a table,yet you only ordered for yourself." She turns to Paul before his leave "I will have the same kind sir. Is there anything new around this parts? We have not visited this settlement for quite some time."
That's 2 coppers and I'll bring it right over. He smiles at Agira and reply's quietly so only she and Archious would be in ear shot 'Quite some time' ok I suppose you could call 'never' as quiet some time. He touches his nose and smiles and gives a friendly laugh and wink. Then speaks at normal level, "Anything new around here would be fine thing. But as you have been in town for more then 20 seconds you will be knowing about the orbs going missing. Ask around but take it all with a pinch o salt. He walks off to get the drink and returns with a similar portioned drink to Archaouss. He checks his Clock on the wall and shouts
"Billy Time to get going, yer missis will beat you to it if your not careful."
With that the man asleep at the bar, gets up puts his hat on and walks slowly towards the door, mumbling to himself as he goes.
After downing his drink, Elondor heads to the corner containing the dribble brothers. Got any room for another?
Seeing that this lass seems to be rather easy to get along with, Marcus lets the prongs of his ornate weapon drop into the dirt in front of him. Resting his hands on the rounded end cap of the haft, he leans forward and says, "Depends on whether that big fella back there is the mister or not." finishing with a good natured wink. "I am Marcus Adarian, of Taldor and my friend skulking around beind me is Elon Shabin. We have been informed that some funny business has been happening with some rather precious orbs....standing up straighter and brushing his his red cape from his shoulders, he continues,and as luck would have it we happen to be in the problem solving business. A man by the name of Mr. Graves summoned us to this beautiful town in hopes that we might be of service to you. So I suppose the question really is what can we do for you?"
The one sat to your right speaks next Ignore him we are playing for tokens today, Jacks and stacks is the game today. Deal him in. The third remains silent put pulls out the chair for you with his leg. and deals out a new round of cards before your rear has met the seat
Oh my By the looks of you Marcus Adarian of Taldor, there are plenty of things you do for me, but lets get back to orbs shall we.She laughs again. I suppose that know it all Argious told you to come to me. Well at least he is good for something.
George Take over a second She leans in to him I know every bottle on here, you drink it , you bought it.
She pulls out a book from under her stall and flicks through the pages. Right you big boy and your friend can come with me. She leads you out of the square and onto the seats near where you entered the town.
She sits down and pats the seats either side of her. Right first things first. You and your friends are all new here But there aint nothing that goes on here That I don't get wind of. She nudges Marcus with her elbow and winks. But you both look like good lads. You help me, and ill help you. sound fair?
You get a mixture of smells coming form Sybil, mostly soil and leaf smells mixed with seeds and chemicals. She is very animated as she talks and will take every opportunity to nudge or stroke you both. A very hands on woman all round. The book rests on her lap and looks very worn and over used.
After sharing a laugh with Sybil over her flirtacious response, Adarian follows her to the square. Glancing around as is the habit of one who lives and dies by tactical advantage, Marcus decides he will simply squat near this engaging lass as she relates her tale. As he listens to what she has to say Marcus takes note that she is a rather handsie lady. Not really caring as gladiators,free and forced alike,are used to being handled by all manner of beings. "Well,my dear, what exactly is it that you need of us? We understand the orbs affect great many things in this berg. Any idea s to who might have sought to control them all?"
Well,so much for acting stealthy. She said quietly after sipping a small quantity of wine. What now? She looked at the man who was just about to get out of the room. She found him quite awkward but then again, as she was not used to going often in such places, all of the people seemed a bit unusual to her.
After taking his seat, Elondor begins playing cards with the men.
Blood is often used in the stories of summoning of demons and the like. Hair can also be used, although less often. To what end might this woman want our hair or blood? Is the possibility of her having some kind of a hold over me in the future worth making this sacrifice? I am unsure.
Blood is a powerful thing to give, hair less so. What would you need it for?
Sense motive
Having never been the best at sizing people up, Marcus is none te less intrigued as to why someone would need such subatances. "My dear, I too am curious as to why you make such request. These things you ask are a bit extreme, don't you think." he says raising an eyebrow for emphasis.
After coming to know the men better, Elondor felt comfortable enough to ask So what's this theft the bartender was talking about?
The woman continued asking questions, trying not to sound to annoying This wine, is good isn't it?... That man by the door, should we fallow him? Now, I might be wrong, but, there is definitely something intriguing about that man: since we got here, he hadn't only drank water and he looks like somebody who stayed up all night. Could he be a thief of some sorts? She also made a mental note about the quantity of elven wine she should drink in the future .
She smiles to herself and taps Marcus on the right shoulder.
The brothers after a few games relax more in your presence. They seem to ask a lot about your love life, in the way many elderly folks do when they meet some one young. but after a short while the conversation turns to the missing orbs. one name seams to come up in more than one of there ramblings. "Toby Frinkle, he's back I'm sure.", "You idiot, he wouldn't dare."
If you need this, then I suspect there is no other way to gain the information that we seek. I do this begrudgingly however, and wish for you to understand that.
If you would be so kind as to give me a small blade so that i might make the incision, or would you rather do it yourself?
After a more recent addition of his name, Elondor finally asks Who is this Toby character? Do you think he did it?
"Well I have no doubts if ya say it is what we have to do, Elon. I've been pricked by worse,hahaha." Thrusting his hand out and smiling,Marcus waits to see what happens.
Thank you both. not many people trust me that much. good to know your priority's lay with helping the town. for that you get more than this book. She rips out a few pages from the back of the book and some from near the middle. read the middle pages when you are alone. share it with who you wish amongst your friends, but share it with no one in the town. she looks serious when she says that. her entire face changed fro the happy bubble face you have been witnessing to a stern, almost teachers face. come back to me with the pages when you have returned the orbs and I'll give you what you blood has earned.
Pricking his finge and letting the blood drop into the vial, Marcus smiles and says,"I doubt this is not the last I'll drop on this little adventure."
Elon works to clean his thumbs with the cloth, and then gives the blood that is required of him. Whilst his suspicions of something being wrong with this were high, the task of getting the orbs back was paramount, even if it turned out they were only nonmagical objects that the town believed helped the harvest and the like, that made them important and in a way magical.
Elon takes the pages, and hides them in a pocket of the coat he is wearing. Whilst the orbs would certainly take longer to find, it was good to feel like they were a step closer, no matter how small the step might have been.
Thank you for your help Sybil. I will return these pages to you eventually. Do you have anything for sale at the moment that might aid us?
To Marcus We agreed to meet the others at one of the bars when we were done with what we needed. Alas we haven't a clue which one they are in. What say you we go bar hopping?
"Now that sounds like the best idea I've heard all day,friend. We'll discuss the strangeness of what has taken place here when there are fewer ears about." Glancing around as he stands,marcus hefts his trident back into its familiar position resting across his shoulders. "Well, lets go find these other fellows."