Upon hearing Suny question the usage of 'Roc' instead of 'bird', Taissa wonders if the Elf's knowledge is limited with such creatures or she simply misunderstands the classification.
"Daya is avian; a legendary bird. This raptor species is known as a Roc; without the 'k' at the end and has nothing to do with a stone."
Suny listens intently to Taissa's explanation. Upon being told of the distinction of the letters Suny blushes,
"Oh...I gots me people's speakin' all mixed up agin..." And she hangs her head slightly. She glances back to Taissa.
"Indeed, Daya is somat t' be wondrous t'behold." She assures the other lass. Then, under her breath, begins to recite this new word to herself, seeming to test the way it sounds and 'feels' as it is uttered.
"Daya is precious to me. I'm certain she enjoys hearing that she is something to behold."
Taissa nods her head as Suny recites the word, Roc, and understands the meaning of it now.
"Huh? They in't mine." She shakes her blond mop as she turns back to regards Vick, "I jus' payed 'em shine ta' help move me things from tha' boat up ta' here."
The two men - upon realizing that their payment is now dried up for moving your luggage, shrug and look at each other.
One of them glances at the three men playing cards in the corner and nods in a casual, friendly way. As he does, the three men pause in their game, and watch him.
The man who nodded brushes his left lapel briskly; then glances at his fingers as if to check for dirt - he pays attention to only three of the fingers, stares at them hard then straightens them in front of him; then he raises his fingers to adjust his collar, his hand jerking forward suddenly, the tip of his thumb pointing absently toward the elf.
One of the men at the table gives him a nod and leans back in his chair. The other two go about their game and the man with the dirty fingers exits the inn.
Vick and his people are fairly busy and it seems as if they missed the entire exchange. However, this one man at the table now watches Sunny thoughtfully and blows a long stream of smoke from his nostrils as he ponders something.
Hack looks over his shoulder at the elf woman and the dark-skinned man.
Good to meet ya, Suny and Asan. I am here, like everyone else, to answer the call with my Axe. There a problem over there with those fellas, Tiassa?
As everyone gathered around the bar, Polux decided to move there also, to better eavesdrop on the conversations, and to live up to his offer of a drink.
Standing slightly to the side, nearby the others, he addresses Vick - "Well met then inkeeper Vick - I am Polux" - he offers with a nod - "I have heard about your choice of bedrooms, and I will be taking one of the 5 silver ones, with the single bed" - he lays 5 silver up front in the counter.
Talking as much to Vick as to the others gathered at the counter, he adds - "The next round of whatever these folks are having is on me, as I pointed out earlier, so please make sure that their respective glasses or mugs are filled" - he adds with a smile.
"Now, on to more practical matters - I've come hre chasing this Proclamation everyone seems to be talking about - I know some bits and pieces about the region, but what is this all about really?" - he asks to Vick matter of fact, as he takes another drink.
----------------------------------
Noticing Hack's words, he adds - "Not meaning to pry or anything, but I don't think they will be any trouble, if Miss... Suny is it?" - he turns to the elf - "Keeps her luggage closeby. In case one of them decides to dash out the door with it"
After these words, he takes a long stare at the men in the corner, then smiles - "Nah, they won't be any trouble. They seem wise enough to understand that"
Hack throws his head back and laughs heartily, as he slaps Polux on the back.
Thanks for the drink, friend. I'm Hack. I didna' catch yer name.
He stares over at the men ion the corner, stares at them with a menacing visage, then nods to Polux.
Aye, no problems from them lads, if'n they know what's good fer them. Suny, draw yer stuff closer, as our friend has said, just in case.
'Bout the reason fer bein' here. I came from Korvosa, and they are fearin' trouble from Riddleport, I hear. Need some stout folks to expand the area and keep things a'right.
"My name is Polux" - the man answers - "And that matches about what I expected about this sort of convocation. Guess I'm just suspicious by nature, and I am really sure there is more to it than that - I really won't believe this is all about coming over here, smacking some stray fellows, and receive some titles and lands for it" - he takes yet another drink - "Though if it is... Well... Nothing against some fast money in my book"
Continuing he adds - "And do any of you have an idea on how this goes about? One just comes here and...?" - he leaves the thought hanging.
Asan watched, fascinated as Taissa spoke about her avian friend, giving a friendly bow to Daya as well.
"Your companion, Daya, yes? She is indeed a striking creature. May I ask how it is that you came upon each other? My own studies have a great deal to do with the interaction of spirits and beasts, and how mankind fits into that great cycle. I think your insight would be quite valuable."
To Polux and Hack, he queries;
"You two are quite well armed. Not to belittle this town, but I believe the defenses of Beacon may have doubled from the looks of you."
Taking a careful sip of his own drink, he continues, nodding to Taissa and Suny to include them;
"I too am curious about the... particulars of this invitation. But I expect that knowledge will come in time. No doubt we were each noticed entering this place by those interested."
Aye, Asun, I was not too impressed with the defenses. I'd like t'know what needs be done first.
Suny returns Shenkt and Polux's words with a smile, though she turns slightly to catch a glimpse of the people of whom they are referring too...She shakes her blond mop of hair,
"Nup. Never seed them folks afore." She replies. As the conversation picks up about her she does her best to keep up with who is saying what about which-ever.
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When Hack asked about the men in the corner, Taissa shook her head. "They were staring at Suny. But I can't read their intent."
When the one called Polux enquired about the summons, she answered "Perhaps we find this Lord Regent or one of the town elders..."
She drank her coffee until it is just the mud and honey remnant at the bottom of the mug. Taissa gestured to Vick for another cup.
While waiting for her coffee, the dark-skinned Asan asked about Daya. "I was 19 summers old and passing through Andoran. Where the Verduran Forest straddles the Andoran border, I came across a hatchling, barely alive. It appeared abandoned by its mother or perhaps poachers had taken a Roc egg to sell. I nurtured the small creature back to life and named her Daya. We have been together ever since."
Stefan opened the door to the inn and looked around the common room. His experienced eye noted the difference between the townfolk that he expected and the several other people that were also here.
Looks like I'm not the first to arrive.
He critically eyed the "competition", noting their garb and weapons. The pretty half-elf was already surrounded at the bar, but that wouldn't dissuade Stefan from making a try. After all, he was much better dressed than anyone in the room.
Stefan is just under 6' tall and of slight build. He appears to be 20ish, but carries himself with an older mien. He is always well dressed and wears several hundred gold pieces worth of jewelry. He carries a unique looking sword that is obviously of superior quality and also jeweled.
Removing his fine furlined traveling cloak, Stefan walked to the bar and took a seat. His movements exhibited a grace and economy of movement that spoke of long hours of martial practice.
"Good sir," Stefan said, addressing the barkeep, "I am recently arrived and in need of a good meal and a room. It is dreadfully chilly out and would welcome the relief."
He looked around the room.
"I see there are others here, perhaps for the same reason as me. I was wondering if you could also direct me to where I could get more information about this call your mayor has put out."
To Polux and Hack, he queries;"You two are quite well armed. Not to belittle this town, but I believe the defenses of Beacon may have doubled from the looks of you."
"Well..." - Polux smiles - "With apparently so many interested in getting their hands on this place, if I were them, my bet would be on making the right allies, to be sure that I wouldn't need to bring unknown outside help - wildcards that can ruin things as much as they can help"
Taking another sip from his drink, he adds - "Paying well usually goes a long way - it does not guarantee that the job gets done, or even that it is carried out to the best of one's ability, but it definitely goes a long way, that's for sure. I've done guard duty before, and it really isn't my thing though - too monotonous"
As Taissa references the possibility to contact the town elders or some sort of Lord Regent, he retorts - "I have a vague idea of who is in charge in town, but surely there has to be an office, or some sort of group organized to handle this sort of affairs - from what I am seeing, there will be no shortage of candidates"
--------------------------
Taking note of the newly arrived man, Polux offers him a greeting nod. As he inquires about the call that has been put out, he observes him more attentively, waiting for the response from Vick.
Turning her focus on Vick at the other end of the bar, Taissa gestures him forward.
"Is there an office where adventurers such as ourselves may report for duty, Vick? We've answered your Lord Regent's call."
Polux seemed to have a vague idea of such an office yet Vick would know more being the local, connected innkeeper.
When the door opened and another male walked into the establishment, Taissa gave a low snort, musing privately, Yet another male. Four males and three females, including Daya.
The man, not quite as tall as the rest, but tall enough, seemed to be of wealth, his bejewelled person and weapon a fine show of it. Such opulent displays meant very little to Taissa, but the man must be of some influence to be fitted thusly. When he spoke his manners matched his visage - fine as can be. Taissa looked the man over with frank, deep blue eyes. She was waiting on him to introduce himself.
Daya watched the newcomer with golden-hue intensity.
Suny nods from within the volume of her winter 'cloak' towards the newcomer who has arrived.
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"Well met then inkeeper Vick - I am Polux" - he offers with a nod - "I have heard about your choice of bedrooms, and I will be taking one of the 5 silver ones, with the single bed" - he lays 5 silver up front in the counter.
Vick bobs his head quickly.
”Righto, then! I’ll have my boy set it up smart,” he says picking up the coin.
"Now, on to more practical matters - I've come hre chasing this Proclamation everyone seems to be talking about - I know some bits and pieces about the region, but what is this all about really?" - he asks to Vick matter of fact, as he takes another drink.
Vick turns back from his chores, seeming surprised that one of his patrons would ask a resident a little bit about the town. However, he is happy to answer…
”Well, the thing of it is, it’s pretty mellow now for a piece.”
”It’s winter time so we got less trouble with orcs and other scum raiding us on the frontier; they’re mostly holed up in their dens and lairs bedded down for the winter – enjoying what they sacked during the year instead of making long trecks through the cold.”
”As for the issues with the pirates to the north?”
”Well, again, we don’t get too much shipping this time of year – a lot of chop in the sea and most folks hug the coast, except for some smugglers and the like.”
”The thinking is that during this time they’ll be fixing up their ships and prepping their folk and by the time Spring arrives they’ll be so damn eager for new loot and fresh supplies they’ll come out hard in droves.”
”I reckon the plan is to take the time that most folk would be bedded down for the long dark days and teach them the ropes quick – have ‘em learn the lay of the land and get a feel for things before the spring comes and the nasties come out of the woodwork.”
”See – after the pirates took the Cove it made the boys south fear that maybe they’ll be next. So they put heavy coin in making this place better defended.”
”Last two years have been rough, but we don't get much action this time of year on account of the fact of the reasons I said just now. But we got a good side militia of about four-hundred footmen and about fifty horsemen – and we got four Ship’s of the Line to protect our bay and we’re selling out more Privateering licenses to captain’s who got their own ship,” he says easily.
It seems mister Vick is fairly well informed – either that or this is all fairly common knowledge.
”The lads at the gate don’t give much a damn about a few folk coming up the road; but they’d been signing a different tune if you had a company of raiders pushing hard up, believe me.”
”Anyhow, our better men are out east with some scouts and rangers working with the barbarian tribes. Plan is to help the barbarians with orc raiders and if we clean out a few dens we make things safer for all of us; plus we get some coin from the raided dens and them barbarians promised to trade us supplies in the Springtime.”
He picks up a glass and cleans it easily.
”Out west is the sea and we’ve got a few lads checking some of the ruined islands and such.”
”Lot of little islands out there, you know? Small ones, hardly worth noticing – but they got some that have ruins from the old days on; word is that things like that draw dark cultists and such – scoundrels that look for loot and coin – folk who try to find the dark ways of ancient times; black arts and sorcery draw them folk – and that ain’t good for business,” he says with a scowl.
”Never mind the northern pirates; soon you got folk trying black rituals to summon demons to bind and making them ruins a base for their foul ways. Then they call up them that will follow them and suddenly you got new players in town who can’t even be reasoned with on account of the fact that they don’t give a damn about coin – they're poxing religious fanatics and they make blood offerings for their lords,” he says with a shudder.
”Sometimes lads go out that way to see what they find; but it ain’t always good – they don’t always come back.”
”Still, sometimes they do."
"I heard tell that one of them privateers is in town. You must have seen his ship down in the bay? You must have seen it if you paid attention to the place when you came in... It’s the one that didn’t fly our colors – but aye, his ship docked this morning. It's likely he's got business but I haven’t seen him yet.”
”Anyhow; best thing to do is once you got settled in – go to the keep over on the north side of town – set up a meeting and declare your intentions. You’ll get a writ or something that outlines the agreement – and then it’s pretty much whatever you want to do to earn coin.”
”So long as you make this place your primary stop-off and so long as you give a cut in taxes – you’ll be taken care of pretty good. That is – assuming you survive,” he says, trying to be friendly, but genuine concern on his face for what you may encounter.
"Good sir," Stefan said, addressing the barkeep, "I am recently arrived and in need of a good meal and a room. It is dreadfully chilly out and would welcome the relief."
Vick nods his head pleasantly.
”Ah! Name’s Vick, good master,” he says politely to the extremely well dressed man.
”I do indeed have some fine rooms. The best rooms are three gold pieces a night; they include dinner and breakfast. They have two rather large beds, and other furnishing – and a large fireplace, too, for your warmth and comfort. And for those who take those rooms a free bath service will be provided for you as well,” he says with a friendly nod.
As Vick continues to work, he hears a question.
"I was wondering if you could also direct me to where I could get more information about this call your mayor has put out."
Vick nods.
”Well, in answer to your question…” he says, starting to answer.
"I have a vague idea of who is in charge in town, but surely there has to be an office, or some sort of group organized to handle this sort of affairs"
Vick’s eyes flick to Pollux.
”Yes, well – I was just about to…”
"Is there an office where adventurers such as ourselves may report for duty, Vick? We've answered your Lord Regent's call."
Vick turns quickly back to Taissa.
”Of course, of course; why it’s… ” he says quickly.
"I too am curious about the... particulars of this invitation..."
Vick nearly chokes as he turns to the next.
”Alright! So – here it is: the Lord Regent takes newcomers to talk about the summons. You can find him up at the keep to the north of the town. He should be there now, unless he’s out on patrol – in which case he’ll likely have someone there to do the job.”
”But aye – you want to get more details about the job, you’ll need to go to the keep to get them.”
Then he wipes his hand over his face and lets out a deep sigh.
"As for me? I just provide a room to set up shop in while you get things settled and try being cordial by answering any questions I can answer," he says with forced grin.
"Ok then, thank you very much for the information" - Polux smiles at the inkeeper - "If I understand correctly, we have orcs and similar scum raiding the frontier and pirates to the North - both sort of... Lethargic from the winter cold. Which gives everyone around here time to prepare for another round, as soon as the temperature begins raising" - he absent mindedly plays with a gold coin in his hand, mulling over the information.
"Unexplored islands to the West, Orc tribes to the East, fanatic religious cults... And all one needs to do is head to the keep on the north side of town and state our intentions" - his smile grows slightly wider now - "Heck, it may seem that this is my kind of place after all" - he adds, after finishing his drink - "Here. Take this" - he flips a gold coin to Vick - "Again thank you for the information, and rest assured that if you continue being such a valuable source of information and hospitality, whatever business I can make in these lands, I will keep you in mind" - he nods.
Turning to the others at the counter, he comments - "Well, it seems after Vick has been so patient with all our questions, we have an immediate destination. At least for the time being, the keep is where everything happens"
"Thank you, sir." Stefan responds to Vick."I will definitely take the room and a bath sounds just right. For now though I would like to have the meal. In the morn I will go see this Lord Regent. Do you have attached stables, or is there some other place that I could pay to take care of my horse?"
He turns to the others at the bar after hearing Polux's statement.
"I believe you would find the keep preparing for the night and the Regent unavailable at this hour, however I would gladly enjoy accompanying you in the morning. I am Stefan Lebeda."He says with a slight bow,"A pleasure to make your acquaintances."
As he stands from his bow he eyes the half-elf appreciatively and smiles.
"What a fine bird you have there m'lady. I have not seen such in a long while and those that I saw where a sight bigger."
"My thanks for the information, Vick", Taissa extended her gratitude to the barkeep.
The newcomer spoke and shared his name with the group.
"Send missive to the keep, telling the Regent we've arrived and seek word with him on the morrow. Perchance Stefan is right that the keep is busy with its nightly preparations."
Taissa undoes the tie of her cloak and removes it, placing the covering over her pack, larger weapons and belongings.
Her eyes catch Stefan's and she responds to his statement regarding Daya, making her own quick introduction. "I'm Taissa Sloane. And it is good that you have seen such birds. Aye, Daya is young and not full grown. I'm certain she will be a sight to behold once she is." A genuine smile lights Taissa's face at the prospect.
"Again thank you for the information, and rest assured that if you continue being such a valuable source of information and hospitality, whatever business I can make in these lands, I will keep you in mind" - he nods.
Vick nods.
”You’re welcome,” he says deftly pocketing the gold coin.
"My thanks for the information, Vick", Taissa extended her gratitude to the barkeep.
Vick turns to the half-elf.
”Oh no worries, ma’am – happy to help,” he says with a grin.
"Thank you, sir." Stefan responds to Vick."I will definitely take the room and a bath sounds just right. For now though I would like to have the meal. In the morn I will go see this Lord Regent. Do you have attached stables, or is there some other place that I could pay to take care of my horse?"
Vick tips his hand to his forelock deftly at the extremely well-dressed gentleman.
”Of course, good master,” he says politely.
”It’s outside; you pass it as you’re moving through the south gate. There’s a lad out there now if you need someone to help with your steed,” he says with a nod.
After Stefan has flipped the gold coin you notice that the three men in the corner playing cards have pocketed their stuff and have casually exited the inn.
They all were wearing a green sash around their waist. It had no markings on it, but it seemed a very curious fashion choice.
Two of them had pistols on them that were visible and all of them were armed with melee weapons as well.
+2=21
A series of low peals were issued by the vigilant Daya and responded to by Taissa upon the three men leaving the inn.
Once they were out the door, and earshot, Taissa discreetly translated to the others what she and Daya had observed as the men stood and passed.
"All three wore a green sash about their waist. Two had visible pistols but all three were armed with weapons."
After a momentary pause, she added, "I want to know who they are and what their business is in Beacon."
Calling out to the barkeep, "Vick, who were those men playing cards in the corner? Townsfolk or newcomers?"
Calling out to the barkeep, "Vick, who were those men playing cards in the corner? Townsfolk or newcomers?"
He glances at the other man at the bar, the one who has been drinking quietly.
"Hmm? Them - oh, they're townies alright," he says with a shrug after a moment, as if thinking a little.
He turns from the man at the bar to address you more directly and answer your question better.
"They belong to a guild of trackers and bounty-hunters. Got started... oh, I think maybe it was around last spring... no - it was midsummer formal, I remember it, now that I'm thinking of it..."
"Their chief said that having too many independents just caused them to poach off each other's marks and caused too much competition. Wanted to work everyone as a team - try to keep the job respectable."
"So they organize now and keep things square. It's not like a lone gun-man or anything; and them that join? Well, they got dues to pay - like any Guild Hall - but if you join they'll set you up with good tips on targets and marks that on par with what you're able to handle."
"They won't send up a heavy hitter against something soft because they got bigger fish to fry. Instead, they send you up against something reasonable for your skills, I reckon. But for the trouble of guiding you to certain places they except a small cut. Generally ten percent - to be paid to one of their agents; if they send an agent to help you, that is."
"They're pretty tough customers, though - but they normally stick by the law. Rumor has it that their chief is looking for a position on the town council - angling for town Marshal - if he can get it. But no one cares as elections are a year away. Still, that's the talk," he says.
Taissa pondered the information Vick had given her regarding the guild of trackers and bounty hunters.
"Why didn't they identify or introduce themselves? It seems strange to stare yet not speak."
Not that Taissa was the most talkative of folk and she had spent time as both tracker and bounty hunter moving across Golarion. Their silence did not sit well with her. She wondered if they would report back what they had seen and heard to their guild leader.
"What is their guild leader's name, Vick?"
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"Why didn't they identify or introduce themselves? It seems strange to stare yet not speak."
Vick shrugs again.
"I dunno - hard to tell with folk, I guess."
"Maybe they wondered the same thing about ya'll," he adds.
"What is their guild leader's name, Vick?"
He begins to polish the oak of the bar leisurely.
"His name's Anton Zergev - from Ustalav initially. Cut his teeth hunting undead for a spell, I heard."
"But don't worry too much on these folk; they're just lads getting a drink. If you worry... well, who knows where it'll lead?"
"But by that count you may wonder if the sailor folk that the elf lady hired to carry her chest of gear - and the loot inside - may be blabbing up and down the docks that there's an elf with a large chest o' loot who don't wear a lot of arms or armor - and's got no bodyguard to protect her or her things and they know right where she's staying, too."
"But heck, next thing you'll be thinking is why the guards at the gate didn't seem to surprised at your coming, nor too interested... almost as if they were trying to ignore you - so that you'd not think much of them... or maybe they were just bored," he says with a thoughtful expression.
"And after you think about it for a bit, maybe you'll be wondering how an inkeeper's so knowledgeable about all this stuff in the first place," he adds with a grin.
He laughs deeply for a moment.
"But I wouldn't fret too much - after all, it's likely just a big coincidence," he says with a friendly wink.
"I don't believe in coincidences."
A town that seems one thing but is something other? Clever front against unsuspecting attackers or marauders.
Asan pays careful attention to the other conversations so as to drink in what he can of the town and situation around it. After smiling to everyone and securing himself a room for the night he bundles up again.
"It has been good to meet all of you, I think that I'm going to take advantage of the sunlight and take a walk around, get a better look at Beacon. It is comfortable and warm in here, but I am quite curious."
He waits for a moment, to see if anyone else wants to come along, and then makes a slight bow and exits the inn.
At Asan's announcement that he would wander through Beacon, Taissa lifted her woollen cloak and tied it about her, lifting the fur-lined hood over her long hair.
Wondering whether or not it would be wise to leave most of her belongings in the rented room, Taissa stows her masterwork composite shortbow and quiver over her shoulder, checks to see if her daggers are in place, deciding to forgo the lucerne hammer on her walk. She would rather be unhampered in case of trouble.
In discreet, husky voice, Taissa spoke, "Daya and I will join you, Asan. Give me a minute to take my belongings to my room and secure them before we leave."
Turning to her animal companion, "Wait here, Daya. I'll only be a moment. Then we explore Beacon." They had spent enough time indoors.
Daya gave a low peal and hopped off the stool and stood, waiting for Taissa's return, her golden eyes watching the foot of the staircase for Taissa.
Once the rest of her belongings were secured (she hid them under the bed against the wall) and locked inside her room, Taissa placed the key in her trouser pocket and ran down the stairs and joined Daya and Asan.
To the others she ventured, "Anyone else coming along?"
Suny raises a hand and waives her fingers until she gets Vick'a attention,
"Here..about that bathin'? I be real interested in doin' some of that later. So...How much shine were it agin fer all that sort?" Suny asks, thence drops down and rustles about in her chest/luggage, exactly what she's doing covered by the large 'cloak' she is draped in. With a steady 'clink, clink, clink' she begins to set gold coins upon the bench top. None of the gold coins are the same size or shape. She stops after about ten have been set out as she notices something. Deftly closing (And locking) her chest she hops back up onto her stool and begins to chisel away at something on one of the coins with a dagger.
"Here...I thought I got all the winkles off'n these...." She mutters as she works at removing small bits of what appear to be barnacle on one of the coins. She looks at Vick.
"So, I got lots a these heavy ones...Not so much of tha' shiny ones... So, how many were it agin?" She asks brightly.
When Taissa asks about 'going out' Suny nods,
"Aye, that sounds naffy. Give me a jiff ta' sort out me room an' stuffs an' I be right with ye." She replies, again turning to Vick to sort out such things.
(^_^)
Hearing Suny say she would join them outside, Taissa nods and waits for the Elf to finish her business with the innkeeper.
Aye, I'll join ya. Vick, I'll take one of the small rooms, like Taissa got.
He looks the fancily clad man up and down when he stands to his full height.
Hey, Stefan. I am Hack. I wouldna' be tossin' my gold around so freely, or the sailors may have eyes for more than just the elf.
"Ha! Let them, I'll teach them a lesson they won't soon forget. Besides, what's the use of having fine things if you have to hide them? After all, it's good to be competent, but better to do it with style." Stefan smiles broadly at Hack.
"As for a stroll around town, I would love to join you." He says addressing the rest. "As a group we will be less tempting."
Mayhap we can stop by the keep before nightfall and let 'em know we're here?
Vick glances at the gold on the counter and the offers of coin.
"No worries, all. I'll just put everything on your respective tabs and present you all with the bill in the morning."
He grins.
"If you're planning on setting up shop here on a regular basis, I have a hunch you'll be good for your bills. And if not? Well, at this point all I'm out is a good meal," he adds.
He pushes the coin back to the elf and nods his head.
"As I said, m'lady - no need for your payment now; but I do thank you for the offer," he says politely.
Vick will then see to helping anyone who needs to get their gear stored in their rooms, then he returns below to continue working at the bar.
During this time the man who was drinking alone at the bar has left the building.
As you all seem intent on heading outside, Vick calls out after you -
"I'll see you all later tonight, no doubt. If you return and I'm asleep one of my folk will let you in and fix you a evening meal - if you need it. Either way, welcome indeed," he says with a wave as the party seems eager to explore.
As you exit the inn you're now at the intersection with the road to the south gate and the main street.
Where do you wish to go from here?
"Stefan, heed Hack. Not wise to show wealth so openly. Suny needs to do the same."
Taissa, with Daya beside her, looks about the street, gaining her bearings once more.
"Mayhap we should introduce ourselves. East of the houses, on the north side, we find the Lord Regent's Keep. I have a feeling he knows we're here already."
Taissa could not help wondering who the last man at the bar was. It seemed there were ears and eyes everywhere in Beacon.
Taissa could not help wondering who the last man at the bar was. It seemed there were ears and eyes everywhere in Beacon.
The sound of a loud bird startles you.
Looking up you see a large crow; larger than most.
It fixes a black eye on you, then it lets out a shrill Caww and flies off into the air, soaring far to the east.
The stablehand glances up from his place by the horses at the crow, then glances at Tess.
"Huh! That's a damn big crow..." he mutters, then goes back to work.
As you can speak the tongue of birds and beasts you can make out one word in it's foul tongue -
Beware...
An omen? The large crow had looked directly at her. She silently pondered its significance. But she heard the warning well enough.
She wondered if she should set Daya after the crow but thought better of it. They were new to this Beacon and she did not want to be separated from Daya. She noted the large crow flew east.
Turning to the others in her group, she advised quietly, "The crow warned me to 'Beware'. So we heed. Be on the ready." Her eyes scanned the streets and area for possible threat.
As fascinated with Taissa and Daya's interaction as he was before, Asan now seems even more entranced. He begins to say something, but instead reaches into his pack and pulls out a small a book, tightly bound with leather. Fishing out a very thin piece of charcoal, he writes furiously, smiling as he does so, and then returns the book to its place.
"Wonderful" he says, still smiling. "Not the ominous message of the crow, fo course, but that you have this rappor with not only your companion, but with that other bird as well. If you don't mind my question...can you speak with all beasts, or just avians?"
He looks at the others walking with them, and grins as well.
"Fascinating, no?"
Asan's question caught her by surprise, not expecting it at this time. Talking to animals was second nature to her that she forgot that most others could not.
She replies in low voice, "I can speak to all animals. It's limited to the intelligence of the animal, however."
[dice=Taissa's Perception]
Remember that you can use Sense Motive on things like the crow.
In this case, you do not think he was offering you warning about the town or the people there, per se; rather, it felt like a personal threat, as if he was threatening you and your companions for some reason.
Meanwhile - via your perception check - you detect accents of the Fey tongue in it, if that is helpful.
Aye then, to the keep it is. We will keep our eyes peeled, Tiassa.
Taissa focused her mind on the large crow and its warning. Something didn't feel quite right.
When Hack spoke up, Taissa turned to him and the others, a vexed look on her face.
"I'm beginning to think the crow's warning wasn't about Beacon. It felt more personal, like he was threatening us directly. I heard a Fey cadence to his speech. Mayhap the Dark Fey to the far east mean us harm. I don't know."
The not knowing bothered Taissa but she did not share that aloud.
"Live life as it comes, dear lady. We will have time enough later for grim wariness. But for now, the sun is shining and there is a pleasant nip to the air. We are in town, and though this is not Magnimar, still there are delights to be had. Besides, how much threat is a crow? And as far as the Fey go, they would be ill suited to attack us here. They prefer secluded wood or dismal swamp."
The party moves up the side street to the main road which bisects the town and heads east for a few blocks.
On the south side they pass several buildings with similar stonework to the inn and quickly assume that the buildings south of the road were probably the remains of the town from the old Cove, before it was destroyed and rebuilt.
They see a building the size of a large house which seems to be a hospice of sorts, and beyond that there is clearly the remains of an old fortification which now serves as the town’s barracks. Through the gates of the barracks you see a score of men; they all wear the town colors and are carrying muskets. They are marching with precision and tight discipline and the drill instructor looks like a grizzled dwarf who is barking orders at them fiercely to any that fail to march in proper formation. He seems to be extremely competent and very likely a veteran of some fierce fighting; it looks like he’s pushing the recruits hard for some reason.
The party continues walking toward the keep.
You can tell right away that the north side of town was built more recently. The streets are straight and precise, and the buildings have different architecture and design. The houses are well made and the shops are open for business, but there seems to be very few people near them now and you surmise that is largely due to the cold and damp air.
You notice an occasional person moving from one building to another; some of them nod at your presence, but most seem to be watching you without trying to be obvious – as if they are weighing you and attempting to decipher who you are. As you walk forward you see a small chapel; the symbol on the chapel is hard to make out. A man comes to the door and you see he is dressed like a priest. He waves his hand in a friendly gesture, even though his eyes are keen and intent on you all, as if trying to gauge your intentions. It seems as if he wants to discuss something with you; perhaps talk to you for some reason, but then he turns and moves back into the chapel even before you could identify his religious symbols.
The party moves forward to the keep.
On one point you see nearly a dozen burly men lounging near a small pub; you realize one of these "men" is actually a half-orc and two are half-elves. All of them are heavily armed with axes, cudgels and knives. Some carry pistols; one has a musket slung over his back.
All of them are wearing green sashes.
As the company passes them a tall, lean man with black hair in a long ponytail and a scar on his left cheek moves from his place against the wall of the pub to get a closer look at you. He nods at your company and tips his hat; the gesture seeming almost instinctive and actually polite. For a moment it looks as if he would say something to you, then at the last moment he seems to change his mind.
The group continues on to the keep.
During that time you glance to the west and see that there seems to be some sort of commotion down by the docks. A group of men is gathered around what you presumed to be the small guardhouse near the water; several sailors and a few town guards are present and there seems to be some dispute. It looks like there may be some sort of physical altercation and it is possible someone needs assistance even as the guards move into the mix.
The group advances toward the keep.
To the very east of the keep are small houses and you can see what looks like a large mound of dirt and sod has been raised; below it is a large doorway and you assume it is the entrance to a burrow for Halflings. Your suspicions are confirmed as you see several peering at you from the window. In the front of the burrow on a large pole is something like a strange totem; it looks like an ogre skull is mounted on a large spear, and the spearhead is thrust through the skull.
A Halfling watches you from the doorway; his stubby yet muscular arms are folded over his chest and he has a pair of throwing axes tucked in his belt. He is tugging on a long pipe and watching you through a thick haze of smoke. As he sees you move closer he takes the pipe out of his mouth and blows a wide smoke ring at you, then winks.
The party continues on toward the keep.
When you finally arrive at the keep you see two men flanking the doorway.
These men seem far more disciplined and well trained than any you’ve seen up to now. Their muskets look to be in good condition, and you suspect that either of them could give you a run for your money in a straight fight.
As you wait at the large doorway, your presence is announced and you are allowed to enter.
The inside is fairly large; roughly twenty feet in height and the room is about forty foot square. You can tell right away that despite the size of the room that it is very small in the confines of the space from the walls outside.
The floors are stone and there are several smaller doors flanking the room.
There is a large fire and several racks of weapons behind small gratings which are currently locked. Two long desks sit in the middle of the room and about twenty chairs flank the walls.
You are instructed to sit and wait; someone will be with your shortly.