The ship has rounded the bay and you see the flags of Beacon fluttering from the stone keep on the knob. There seems to be a large amount of people in the streets.
On the eastern side of the town you see various wagons and carts that are spread out liberally around the outer wall of the town by the reconstructed cottages on the outside of the wall. You also see roughly a dozen small fishing schooners in the bay with various flags on their respective masts.
A frigate rests in the harbor as well; you can count at least forty gun ports on her; she’s flying flags and you recognize the heraldry from Magnimar.
There is a large group of workers on what looks like a new road that stabs north of the town stretching a few miles into the distance; you are not sure how far it ranges, though as it disappears into the forest there.
As you move into the harbor you see a few small privateers in the northern waters about three or four miles north that seem to be sailing leisurely about; that is – they don’t seem to be behaving aggressively.
You see another privateer docked at the harbor and two of the schooners are moving toward it; likely to offload some of their fish.
Finally you notice docked at the harbor a large “longboat” type ship – you’d suspect it could hold roughly 30 sailor types; for now the sail is reefed and it stands empty.
Johnny looks at the harbor and grins.
”Well – we’re back!” he calls out.
”I’m docking her here; if Uraga and the padre’ll stick around on the ship until me and Ren see the quartermaster I’d be obliged. As for the rest of ya’ll – I appreciate your help back in Osirion. I wish we had more luck out there; but the coin you earned wasn’t too bad.”
”That said – do what you got to do; you’re home, now.”
Jenner settles easily into the sailing work-- it's what he's done all his life, and he's very happy to help furl sails, scrub decks, and all the other work as needed. The captain's pay is more than generous by his lights, and he works at any task that needs doing, even the less-than-pleasant ones. Got to save up for that own ship of his, down the line....
*
As for Ella...
Jenner bribes the little Kit with bits of fish fresh-caught over the side of the ship, and stitches a little ball made of scrap leather and fishing line, stuffed with bits of rag, for the griffon to play with. He likes animals. Almost as much as he likes people. And Ella in particular. He tells her the many tall tales of his sea voyages (frequently embellished) even when they're just working on deck together and not in her cabin.
Noting the full harbour -- such a difference to when they had left, Taissa looked about the ship and her companions congregated above deck.
She called Daya down from the Crow's Nest and White Fang from the ledge at the bow of the ship.
Hearing Captain John's words, Taissa turned to Polux, Hack and the others. "We should report in with the Regent. He would have received our missive by now and will want to hear what has come to pass in Osirion. Also, we should introduce Melthune and Holystone."
Scanning her eyes for Ren, they light upon him and she asks, "How long will you remain in Beacon? I did not ask if you have another sea quest to undertake."
Aye, let's to the Regent. We need to see if anything has transpired here in our absence that demands our skills. Also, I am curious about the magnimar privateer presence.
Holystone whistles as they enter the harbor and see the town spread out before them.
"Pretty as a picture-- a nice, quaint bit of a town, innit? Enough room for folk to make a name for themselves!"
He nods at the suggestions of the others. "Aye, seems fair. Looks almost as if there might be a fair or some other business there on the east, eh? Where all those carts are?"
Ella is very pleased with your time with her and your efforts with Kit. Before you leave she gives you a gift to aid your journeys. It is an engraved spyglass that says – Jenner Holystone.
This reduces all Perception Check penalties by half for vision based perception checks over 50 feet from you.
She tells you that she’ll see you at The Floating Log, if you’re interested.
Ren looks at Taissa after her question about his time there.
”It is difficult to say how long we shall remain. A lot of that will depend on what Johnny wants to do next. I am certain that we shall remain in town at least for a week or so. But beyond that I do not know…” he answers.
Johnny looks over at Hack -
"Well, you got a few ideas; but what are you going to actually do?" he says with a nod.
Taissa, along with Daya and White Fang, made their way to the building that housed the Lord Regent's Aide, Cassius Decimus.
Upon entering, she noted the man at his desk, pouring over various scrolls, and waited until she was announced (as it seemed was the way of these people).
"Good day, Aide Decimus. Our group has returned and is reporting to you. We seek audience with the Regent, at his convenience, and seek to know what has been happening in Beacon since our departure. Have you news for us or instruction?"
Taissa noted the empty chairs, but remained standing. Daya inclined her head and added in croaky voice, "Good day, Regent's man." White Fang watched on with an eager curiosity and before he could rashly act or speak, Taissa quickly introduced him. "This is White Fang, Worg pup, and now part of my pack."
Cassius is indeed working on projects when you arrive. He does not have the opportunity to speak to you right away when you arrive. There seems to be a group of men standing at the doorway as if they are a bodyguard for someone; but you do not see anyone specific that they would be guarding.
On second thought you’d guess they may be an “entourage” for another noble, but you do not see one. You recognize their gear as the same type from Magnimar You suspect that they may be connected to the privateer in the harbor.
After a moment Cassius is able to motion you over; he doesn’t mean to be rude, but he seems to be swamped with quite a bit of work.
”Ah! Greetings Miss Taissa,” he says with a pleasant smile and a friendly nod to Daya, though he watches White Fang a bit nervously. Seeing the young pup is (surprisingly) being very well behaved, his mood softens considerably toward him.
”The Lord Regent is sequestered with visitors. If you wish to make an appointment to speak to him I can do so. The nearest appointment I can provide for you is tomorrow at roughly 1:00 PM. Would that be acceptable?” he says with his pen poised over the paper.
"Aye, that is acceptable. 1 o'clock tomorrow." Taissa looked toward the closed door, wondering who the Regent's visitors were. She listened to see if she could hear something.
Then turning her focus back to the Aide, "So, no instruction for us upon our return? I suppose then we shall make our way to Vick's Inn. Thank you, Cassius. Until the morrow." Taissa inclined her head toward the methodical Aide.
"Now that's a right thoughtful gift, my bonny little lady! I shall use it to watch for you any time we're apart," he jokes with a bow to Ella and a broad wink.
He'll have to think of something to get her, before Johnny's ship inevitably sails off on its own affairs... Jenner turns this over in his mind he heads after the others.
Taking his leave of Captain Johnny for now, Jenner hurries down the gangplank and jogs down the streets until he catches up with the others, his shiny new spyglass tucked into one of the colorful sashes at his waist. He offers them a beaming smile, and looks eagerly around the streets as they walk through to the Regent's aide.
Jenner doffs his headscarf respectfully as they stand in the aide's office, rocking to and fro on his toes and letting Taissa do most of the talking, as she knows the man already and he's an interloper. Still, his natural gregariousness pipes up sooner or later.
"Oh, aye, one of the clock would be fine, your graceness, sir," he agrees cheerfully with Taissa.
When their business of appointment-making is done, Jenner stands outside the building and bounces on his toes a bit more.
"Got to get my land legs back again after all that proper sailin'! I'm aimed at doin' some shopping, mates-- will any walk with me to see the sights and fathom the nature of all this activity hereabouts? You're welcome, my friends!"
With whoever wishes to accompany him, Holystone sets out whistling along the single main street, walking through the township towards the eastern section, where he had seen all the wagons clustered. As he goes, he keeps a general eye out on the street, noting shops and the people present-- he offers a big grin and a finger-touched-in-salute-to-his-temple to anyone he passes, and if they seem to respond amicably with a smile, he stops for a bit of gregarious chit-chat. It's a slow progress he makes, down the street.
During the journey North Melthine spends her time between duty and training.
When on duty is wears her full armor, though keeping her helmet, shield and sword close by so tat she can help haul and lift.
Her practice time is divided between sword katas and thence practicing in her full armor.
As the ship comes into the harbor, Melthune's gaze takes in all that she can see.
She does her best to help with ropes and rigging as she ship comes into dock.
Once secured and the group is packed up and leaving the ship Melthune will stop, salutes and thanks the Captain for his training and the safe journey.
She follows the others, taking guidance from those who know the town as to where to head.
Before she headed out, back into town, Taissa introduced Holystone and Melthune to Cassius.
"Cassius, we have two new companions join our cause: Jenner Holystone and Melthune Guardi Tsilda. We will be introducing them to the Lord Regent tomorrow. If you can note their names in your papers, that would be good."
When Holystone mentioned he would take in the sights of Beacon and make some purchases, Taissa nodded. "I can walk with you for a time, show you the best stores. For ready information, Vick Longinius at The Floating Log inn knows us and can be chatty with local gossip. The inn is we're all lodged at present. I would suggest you two take lodgings there as well. The rate is fair. Vick seems like a good man."
Aye, I too will walk a bit with you, Tai and Holystone. We can gather what information we can. A stop to see Vick and slack my thirst is a good idea to get the two of ya settled before we head about town.
Hack bends down and rustles the hair on top of White Fang's head.
Thanks for being a good lad in there, boy.
"I would gladly have you walk with us, Hack. There are new people in town, and since we cannot speak with the Regent until tomorrow, I'd rather we kept together -- strength in numbers."
Taissa smiled as she watched Hack pet White Fang and praise him for his restraint in the Aide's office. She was grateful that the pup reined in his exuberance and showed some caution.
Taissa looked down the street and got her bearings in the direction of Vick's inn.
"The Floating Log isn't far from here."
She called the animals to her side and together, with the others, made their way to Vick's.
Taissa kept her eyes open and took in her surroundings as she walked.
The most brief of grins crested Polux's lips once he set foot on land - he stopped there momentarily, taking it all in. They had not been gone for a long time, but it seemed ages ago - why he would get 'home related' feelings in Beacon was something completely beyond him, since he didn't even feel that attached to the town.
Shrugging, he simply nodded to captain John - "I hope to see you around again soon", then fell in place behind the others without another word.
As the ship comes into the harbor, Melthune's gaze takes in all that she can see.
Melthune – you recognize the flag as the noble lord that rules Magnimar – not him personally, but one of his aids.
Further, as you enter the streets you see the garb of the men on the ship. You recognize it instantly as the same type as the “Lawmen” who asked for your aid in going after the Bounty Hunters back in Magnimar. You don’t recognize any of the men personally, but you suspect the ship is there on official business.
"I hope to see you around again soon", then fell in place behind the others without another word.
John nods back to Polux.
"No worries, mate," he says amicably.
"We'll be in town for at least a week with some business. Look us up if you'd like to - meantime, I'll see ya'll around!"
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Before she headed out, back into town, Taissa introduced Holystone and Melthune to Cassius.
"Cassius, we have two new companions join our cause: Jenner Holystone and Melthune Guardi Tsilda. We will be introducing them to the Lord Regent tomorrow. If you can note their names in your papers, that would be good."
”Very good, miss,” he says, and adds their names to the list.
”Well of course you’ll watch for me while I’m gone, mister big-stuff,” she says playfully swatting your backside.
”Why else do you think I gave it ya? Ye’ll see me coming from miles away; I’ll be the only gnomish lass that’s walking bow-legged,” she adds giving you a bawdy wink.
Jenner then heads to shore with the others; after going with Taissa and Hack to the Regent, he addresses the others on the walk.
"Got to get my land legs back again after all that proper sailin'! I'm aimed at doin' some shopping, mates-- will any walk with me to see the sights and fathom the nature of all this activity hereabouts? You're welcome, my friends!"
As the exit the companions exits the keep Taissa ponders the news the overheard inside. Meanwhile, Hack turns the unusually polite White Fang.
Thanks for being a good lad in there, boy.
White Fang wags his tail at Hack but seems to be moving with stiff dignity, as if to show off how "polite" he is being to everyone. He is clearly pleased to be noticed by the warrior, though.
Taissa smiled as she watched Hack pet White Fang and praise him for his restraint in the Aide's office. She was grateful that the pup reined in his exuberance and showed some caution.
"I am a good boy," he says to everyone with a polite little voice as he trots along with the company, seeming very well-behaved to all.
He makes it clear that his plan is to go to the wagons outside the town, but Taissa suggested first stopping off at The Floating Log.
When Holystone mentioned he would take in the sights of Beacon and make some purchases, Taissa nodded. "I can walk with you for a time, show you the best stores. For ready information, Vick Longinius at The Floating Log inn knows us and can be chatty with local gossip. The inn is we're all lodged at present. I would suggest you two take lodgings there as well. The rate is fair. Vick seems like a good man."
Taissa kept her eyes open and took in her surroundings as she walked.
[dice=Taissa's Perception]1d20+9
[dice=Daya's Perception]1d20+5
[dice=White Fang's Perception]1d20+10
Taissa, you notice a lot more people in town. There are not only various folk from Magnimar in town (based on their gear) but there seems to be a lot more Halflings about. Also, you notice quite a few lads that look like they are of a Shoanti tribe hanging around Vicks. They have similar weapons and gear, and the design on their shield is consistent enough that you think they come from the same tribe, though you do not recognize the shield’s design except that you think you saw the same colors on the strange longboat in the bay; which was probably a Shoanti longboat (think like a Viking longboat).
Taissa and Hack have decided to go to Vick and stow their gear and Jenner wants to go to visit the wagons.
The following is Jenner at the wagons, unless someone else wanted to come with him.
Most of the details of the town are in the previous postings. However, as you push closer to the wagons outside the walls and the small cluster of huts/cottages there, you can see that the wagons appear to be almost like a “wagon train”. The folk inside are Halfling refuges who came from western Cheliax looking for a new life. They’ve been traveling since last Neth/November after a bad winter/harvest left them fairly bad off with Cheliax nobles.
You get the impression that they’re treated more as riff-raff “Mouth’s to Feed” and something akin to “gypsies” by the citizens of the town who seem to feel that refuges/Halflings are probably going to be doing nothing but robbing the place or possibly causing trouble.
So far they seem to be pretty decent with you – if you do interact with them; you suspect that they may indeed be roughish types and keep your pouches close. When the word gets out that you want a “puzzle box” they give you several varieties from piss-poor to “Ooh-la-la!”
The best is about a DC 20 for someone to open the full box and is the size of a large lunchbox – complete with little handle to carry it. It will hold up to 5 lbs of items and has Hardness of 8 and 12 HP. It’s going for roughly 500 GP.
You have a feeling you might be able to talk the price down with a good Diplomacy Check, though (see rules for “bargaining” on the main page; but be careful; bargaining doesn’t always work out so nicely). The family that holds that box is the Banks family; via your Diplomacy check they’ll tell you that they have relations all over the continent, as far east as Galt, and they’re a fairly respectable family, despite their current situation (Your Diplomacy Check confirms that part is accurate).
Let me know your next move with the box if you’d like, or if you’d like to have some actual questions/comments for these folks.
"I'll join you at the Log once I've spread some coin around the town," Jenner promises those who are going to Vick's.
He oohs and ahhhs over the box, turning it over in his hands and grinning at the intricacy.
"Messire Banks, this is a fine, fine box indeed-- I've traveled nearly as far as your further cousins dwell, and I've not seen a nicer one! Now here's my station, sir-- I'm aimin' to give this to a sweet li'l lady of my acquaintance, as it were-- she's smart as a whip, see, so I reckon this might be a nice memento to busy her hands and mind with when she ain't got me," the Varisian chuckles. "Don't suppose you could cut a man a deal when he's got to say goodbye to the lass soon?"
"Oh-- and might any of your cousins hereabouts make any good tarts or pastries or the like?"
Melthune will be proper, cordial and polite in her meeting with the town's representative. Formally saluting and completely introducing herself.
Her first order of business will be to deposit pretty much all of her belongings where Taissa etc deem/indicate is safe. Then, she'll stay close to those who are wandering off exploring about town (Wearing arms and armor is deemed acceptable?)
As they plod along, first reporting their return to Aide Cassius Decimus, then on sightseeing, and information gathering walk around town, Polux finds himself wondering what exactly he is doing in Beacon - what is it he wants from all of this, and how the heck he can contribute to... Making a difference or whatever.
He is not even sure he wants to make a difference, or if there would be any commitment at all unless some cash was involved - Who knows?
"The Floating Log isn't far from here."
His companion's words pierce through the man's musings, and he immediately shakes it all away - "Taissa, everyone" - he starts, turning to them all - "I have some stuff to take care of. We've heard all about what Beacon looks like in the surface, but I guess it is time to scrape a little, and find out what is beneath - I don't think we'll find such information in merchant stalls, or in official dealings... I am going to the shadier parts of town, I will get in touch with the criminal side of this place. Lowlifes are just that, but they can sometimes offer a different perspective on the comings and goings of any community. I will go in search of that, and meet you at the Log later on" - the man winks - "Don't wait up for me though" - then moves off into the crowd, and soon out of sight.
Polux's purpose is exactly what he has shared with the others:
#1: Finding out what and where is the shadier part of town - smuggling, slavery, contraband, murder, yep, all of it :D
#2: Going there, throwing some gold around (with care), and gathering information on the things they think they know about Beacon: what are the real motivations of the Lord Regent? Is he just a good guy trying to keep Beacon safe? What about Cassius? Why is he working with the regent? Is he only a bureaucrat? Are they long standing allies, or are there any other reasons? What about all this about offering lands to those that aid Beacon - is it true? Or have there been some harsher experiences of people being short-ended? Who controls the underworld - surely there is one :D - How do they control it? Fear, manipulation, other? How do they manage to move around the regent's laws? 'Come on, is Beacons just a simple frontier town trying to make an honest living?! Naaaah, there's no such thing!', etc, etc - hope this gives you an idea of what Polux is looking for. If not, let me know, and I'll add more details to it.
Also let me know what to roll ;)
"I'll join you at the Log once I've spread some coin around the town," Jenner promises those who are going to Vick's.
The Halfling looks at you and considers your words about the box, and the price.
The halfling nods his head.
"Well, I guesss I can maybe make an exception in this case..." he says slowly.
"Well, I know a few folk who can make a good biscuit," he says stroking his chin thoughtfully.
"Head down a few carts to that red wagon there; tell 'em that Tim sent you... he'll fix you up just right!" he says with a nod.
(Wearing arms and armor is deemed acceptable?)
1. There are less than 4,000 people in the town; this includes sailors, soldiers, shopkeepers and various merchants and travelers that are formally living here as well as people who are moving through for only a few weeks.
Because of the small size there’s not really much of a formal ‘Underworld’ here; the most you see is the various collection of various bounty-hunters and trappers who typically move through the surrounding lands and bring back things like goblin scalps; news on bandits in the area; and occasionally they’ll bring back known criminals who may frequent the area as prisoners who are judged.
2. Regarding the rest of your questions –
You have either one of two options here – you can either head to a general location (you’re free to pick one based on the information given) and try to RP out the conversation to get the details, or you can skip directly to the Diplomacy Check to Gather Information via the standard rules (RPing takes more time but it will generally be easier to get more information in the long run).
If you decide to make the Diplomacy Check via Gather Information that’s cool, but if that’s the case I’ll need a individual check for each question that you choose to ask.
Rules for how Gather Information via Diplomacy Check can be found under the general rules Here.
In short, regarding the checks I’ll need a Diplomacy Check for each question you’d like to ask; the 1d4 roll determines how many hours it will take to gather the information.
In that case, I guess I will start by focusing on the information I can get at the Floating Log Inn - starting with Vick, and then addressing the patrons. First curiosity Polux wants to satisfy is knowing what is the most 'profitable' operation in town, for someone working with the authorities - is that goblin hunting? Ogre killing? Patrolling? Deep undercover? :D
On another note, I have not forgotten about Snaga. Right now, Polux is gathering information, but he intends to go and speak with the goblin before their meeting with the Regent the next day. He will do so today if there is time, or the next one in th morning. Could we assume Snaga has been made aware of this?
After a quick tour of some key locations in town, Polux returns to meet the others at the Floating Log inn. He finds a spot next to them, orders a beer, then simply seems to 'work the room' - his beverage in hand, he first goes to greet Vick, then will chit-chat with this or that patron around the inn.
"Sir, you're a gentleman and a... a gentleman! I'll praise your wares to any I meet, aye?"
Jenner digs out some of his accumulated wealth from a stinky sock in his pack, wiping off platinum coins and small gems off on his head-scarf before he counts them out. There are those who would say this is a ludicrously exorbitant gift to give to a lass he's only really known for a handful of days-- and who he may not see again once her ship has left the port-- but Jenner is of a generous stripe, and he's also never been that great at keeping track of his own finances... probably the reason that he keeps 'saving' for that ship on the horizon and never quite managing it. Anyway, he's feeling flush with wealth at the moment, and that only further heightens his natural looseness with his money. He pays Master Tim the agreed on price for the puzzle box, shakes the halfling's hand one last time, and then wanders down to the red wagon.
He is generous with his money at the baker's wagon as well, dropping the name of 'Master Timothy Banks' and shmoozing in a cheerful fashion with these refugees as well.
With the puzzle box under one arm and his box of fresh-smelling bread under the other, Jenner makes a whistling progress back towards the Floating Log....
In the Floating Log's common room, he looks around for the others and offers his usual gold-toothed grin at seeing Taissa and Hack (and Polux and Melthune, if they are present) around a table. "Lo again!" he calls as he saunters over and sets down the box of tarts. "Help yourselves, eh?" (Jenner already has, if the crumbs in his beard are any indication. "But leave a few for Miz Ella, if you please. Vick, is it-- give every salt in the house a round of your ale, on me!"
Melthune smiles as she leans forwards and takes one of the offered sweet-treats,
"Thank you." She adds before pulling out a hanky and beginning to nibble daintily at the pastry. Using the handkerchief as a means of not spilling crumbs over her armor/self.
Aye! Thanks, Holystone. Welcome back Polux. Where ya been? Anyone find out anything about the Magnimar presence?
Taissa, when she sees a lull in trade, draws Vick to the side, even in the bustling establishment. Daya and White Fang wait at the table beside Hack.
"Good day, Vick. It seems we have returned to a busy Beacon. Can you tell us what's been happening in town and why the ships in the harbour? Has there been trouble? I have noted the Magnimar colours, the Shoanti longboat and the Halflings since our recent return."
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Vick nods to the gang, but doesn’t have much time to speak with them personally; the bar is fairly busy with new folk. Not only do you see folk with Magnimar colors enjoying some drinks, but you also notice a rather rowdy group of men who have shoved some of the tables together and seem to be singing a rather spirited song from the northlands.
Despite it all, Vick is able to answer you when he gets the chance to move past you.
"Good day, Vick. It seems we have returned to a busy Beacon. Can you tell us what's been happening in town and why the ships in the harbour? Has there been trouble? I have noted the Magnimar colours, the Shoanti longboat and the Halflings since our recent return."
He glances at you for a moment as he comes to bring you some big plates of hot bread and sets them on the table, hearing Taissa’s questions.
”Wow! That’s a heap of questions, where do I start?” he says as he passes out some small wooden plates for each of you.
”The Magnimar ship is in town on account of some gang or guild or something… Word is that there was some band of ruffians and mercenaries from the Southlands that moved into Magnimar. The rumor is that for some reason they attacked a few ships that were on the way here; but nothing’s for certain on it,” he adds.
”We hear tell that there’s a few of their lads that maybe set up shop on one of the islands around here and are trying to strike at other ships from Magnimar that’ll try to ferry in goods or gear… The privateer out there is maybe looking to help protect the shipping lanes between us and them – most of our own lads have stabbed up to watch the lanes around Riddleport as things have been picking up.”
”As for the Shoanti – they’re lads that’re sent down after we made a deal with some northmen. We’re looking to try to set up some watch posts about twenty miles from here in a few various points from the town so that if any of them damn ogres try pushing down again we can put the squeeze on them before they get to the townsfolk,” he adds with a grunt as he wiped the back of his hand over his forehead.
He glances at Jenner who’s already munching on the bread.
”Oh yeah – the Halflings! Cheliax’s been putting the squeeze on their borders. Lots of folk have been talking about how you can come to this place and make a new life for yourself. On account of that, lots of Halfling folk in Cheliax who’re slaves have been busting out of their borders and heading out here.”
”It seems that with the winter being bad out there lots of them have been heading west… We got a whole caravan about a week ago that came here to try setting up a new life… Their “chief” is supposed to be pretty good mates with the lass who’s got an alchemist shop in town,” he adds with a shrug.
”Anyhow, I hear you got an interview with the Regent tomorrow; likely you’ll get the square deal from him then – but at least you got a sense of what’s up in the meantime,” he says with a grin and a wave as he bustles back to work.
"Vick, is it-- -- give every salt in the house a round of your ale, on me!"...
Vick turns back to Jenner and laughs aloud at your offer as the men in the room cheer loudly at your offer, a few of the Shoanti saluting you.
1. The most profitable venture in the town currently is “work for hire” mercenary work. Various caravans are looking for guards who are willing to earn coin by taking risks on certain missions. If you’re willing to travel with a company between two points which probably gets you attacked by bandits – certain groups will pay big money for protection.
2. More “Steady” but local work involves formally signing on to the Bounty Hunter guild. If you sign a contract you’ll be given steady tasks/bounties/locations to hit with the understanding that you’ll have to pay off a small “cut” of your discovery to the guildhall for the information/contract work you’ve discovered. That can be signed on now if you’re willing to go the actual guildhall for the Bounty Hunter guild.
3. The short answer today is that you’re able to buy/sell stuff as well as pick up some information before you have a formal interview with the Regent. Once you meet him he’ll be setting you up with a specific task out of a few possibilities. The question is – given the nature of the possibilities, it may be useful for you guys to know what you’re going into before you pick the specific choice laid before you. As it stands, when you head into the office for your interview you’ll be given one of a few options that need to be taken – either by you, or another group (the other groups will be NPC’s).
You’ll have options before you – not many, but they’ll be close to the town and they’ll need to be done. Now that you have options you’re free to pick the best option before you.
Good luck.
Taissa politely thanked Vick for the information. She motioned to her animals to remain by Hack's side.
Taissa moved forward, closer to the unusual Shoanti with the musket, her expression stern, her eyes probing. She asked him directly, "You? Why do you stare at my animal companions and my people companions, too?"
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"You? Why do you stare at my animal companions and my people companions, too?"
The man leans back in his chair and looks up at Taissa unflinchingly; his dark eyes staring deeply into hers.
"I stare so I can see them better; they interest me," he responds, watching her without concern.
"Indeed, I find you all very interesting..." he adds as his companions begin to sing a Shoanti song as they drink their drinks.
Recognize Regional Accent
He's not Shoanti at all. He's northern, but his accent is from the east. If you'd have to guess you'd suspect that he's maybe from Brevoy, though you're not entirely sure. But his gear and clothing alone mark him foreign to the others. The only thing that's odd is that he's wearing their colors, as if he's a member of their group, though clearly he's not like the others.
The others are wearing light wool shirts and trousers; leather boots and their shields are large and round. They carry axes and their colors are Black and Red which are painted on all of their shields in various patterns. None of them are carrying firearms but the man.
The man has a long cord hanging over his left shoulder down to his waist like a baldric - the cord is made of braided ropes - the ropes are black and red - like the colors he wears.
He watches you with very intent eyes, as if studying you - possibly reading you as you are likely reading him.
His eyes then flick back to the others of your group, studying them each in turn; though quite openly as if he doesn't care who notices what he is doing and has no reason to hide the fact that he is observing you all.
"I don't care for people standing over me - if you want to talk; well, take a seat - let's talk," he says slowly - the offer being genuine but he's clearly being cautious of how you may react to him or how you might treat him - as if he's not sure if he can trust you.
She noted the accent - she wondered if he was from Brevoy -- it sounded like one of them.
"And I don't care for people staring at me or my companions. So we're even."
Taissa quickly glanced over at her companions and then back to the Shoanti and this would-be Shoanti. She considered his offer and carefully pulled out one of the stools with her booted foot and sat down, facing him, never taking her eyes from him.
In lowered voice she continued, "What is your name? You don't sound Shoanti. Are you from Brevoy perchance?" A strange smile played on Taissa's lips, as if tempting him to answer and still upset that he would stare at her beloved animals.
Melthune sips at the cup provided by the largess of Jenner. She makes a point of getting the attention of the serving lass and making sure to match Jenner's call, just being quieter about it.
She herself waits for her chance to ask a question,
'Where is a good place to see a lay of the land? Are there any towers of promontories about? How good are the available maps?" If asked why she simply replies,
"I am seeking land on which to build. I am here to join Beacon's community."
Jenner listens, filing things away: large insurgence of the wee folk from whom he bought his box... that'll lead to trouble and no mistaking, if he's not a fool. Too many new people, too quick, and a place has trouble adjusting. Gets easy to have tensions between newcomers and old residents...
He apparently is unfamiliar with the man's accent, and must defer to Taissa's knowledge in that regard. But he watches with keen interest as she approaches the chap, and picks up his ale mug (this round courtesy of Melthune), and one of his pastries, and saunters over in time to catch the exchanged words.
"And why would we be of interest t'you then, mate?" he says jovially. "I mean, I know I'm blindin'ly han'some an' all, but..."
(Said as he crams the last bite of pastry into his mouth and brushes crumbs from his beard.)
Hack attempts to listen intently to the conversation that tai and Holystone have struck up with the stranger near the Shoanti. He reaches down absent-mindedly and ruffles the hair on the scruff of White Fang's neck.
Shall we head over and visit as well, boy? Maybe we should wait a few?
As the serving girls pass Melthune looks at one and calls out to her –
'Where is a good place to see a lay of the land? Are there any towers of promontories about? How good are the available maps?"
The serving girl seems a bit surprised.
”Oh – begging yer pardon miss,” she says nodding quickly – ”Um – I think the best way to see the land is looking from the coast, I guess… but if you want a tower the Keep’s the biggest… Don’t know nothing about ‘promtories, though… As fer maps? Well, they’re alright as they go for about ten miles in each direction – but once you starting getting past that it’s all pretty vague – I mean, they’ll show you things like a lake or a big clump of oak trees or some miles of wide grasses – but they ain’t good enough to show you that maybe a field’s got an old elm tree in it; or that some forests got a bitty of a cave or something… so they’re alright if you’re just heading to a place – but not what I’d call great is all…”
She brushes her hair back absently.
”Why’d you ask, if I may?” she adds.
"I am seeking land on which to build. I am here to join Beacon's community."
Her eyes widen.
”Oh, that! Well, all the land in town’s pretty much ‘claimed’ as is… all you got to do is pick a place of land that no one’s built on or tilled or something and then just start building on it. If you want fields – pick a piece of land just starting tilling it – that’s all.”
”Once you get a bit of a hut set up, or rip up some ground for plowing then you go back to the Keep and let ‘em know you’ve been working it over. Then they send a lad out to it and mark it square on their notes and it’s kind of yours…”
”The trick ain’t claiming land ‘round here, though, it’s keeping the land, on account of things that’ll come in hard and mess things up.”
”If you want help from the Keep to protect it, they charge you a tax on account of the fact that they’ll have to pay for upkeep to send you lads… but I reckon it’s better to ask the boss at the Keep – he knows all the stuff better then I do, that’s for sure,” she adds.
Someone calls for a drink and she turns, then looks back at Melthune.
”Right – well, got to go!” she adds with a quick wave then dashes off.
"And I don't care for people staring at me or my companions. So we're even."
The man chuckles a bit and lifts his mug to her as if in a salute to her boldness.
"Fair enough, then," he says with a crooked grin.
The tribesmen are now beginning a somewhat rollicking chant that seems fairly raucous but the man is somewhat apart from them at a smaller table with a few small empty chairs around him as his mates have gotten up to sing to the song.
Taissa considered his offer and carefully pulled out one of the stools with her booted foot and sat down, facing him, never taking her eyes from him.
"What is your name? You don't sound Shoanti. Are you from Brevoy perchance?"
The man takes another sip, grinning again.
"They call me Rick - and you're right, I'm from Brevoy," he says with a nod, watching her sit. His eyes flick over to Jenner and he watches the rugged yet jovial man move over as well.
"And why would we be of interest t'you then, mate?" he says jovially. "I mean, I know I'm blindin'ly han'some an' all, but..."
He glances at Jenner and pauses to wet his mouth with a drink.
”I find certain things… interesting, that’s all,” he says gesturing to the chair.
He glances behind Jenner to see Hack ruffling White Fang’s fur, cocking his head, it seems as if he can hear Hack’s question to the warg pup.
Shall we head over and visit as well, boy? Maybe we should wait a few?
The man glances at Hack, then back to Taissa and, then over to White Fang.
He puts down the drink and stares at the warg, and his mouth opens, a harsh growling sound emits from it – it seems somehow familiar, but it’s not easily understood by anyone.
”Come, pup, gather your friends here. I have meat and drink for them all, if you’d like it. I’m far from home and it would be nice to talk to people who have also traveled. Perhaps we can be friends?”
He looks back at the others.
”Meeting folk that have traveled far to a strange land can be very interesting to me. I find that you can learn many things from hearing an outsider's opinions on a new place,” he adds with a smile at the group.
As the exchange begins between Taissa and the man, Polux stops whatever he is doing to pay attention, one hand holding his beer, the other one resting on one of his daggers.
He looks across the room to check if Hack has noticed the conversation also, and nods at the man if their eyes cross.
At work.
Melthune thanks the serving lass with a tip of her cup and a silver piece for the information. As the girl moves away Melthune returns to watching the antics going on about the place. Including her companion's with those of the boisterous mob.
Hack stands, nods to Polux and jerks his head in the direction of the man speaking with Tai.
He walks slowly towards the others.
Come, White Fang and Daya, let us see what Tai is up to.
As he approaches the the table he stops and chugs his beer before placing it down. he turns over his shoulder withjout averting his eyes from the man.
Send over another round, eh Vick!
He hovers over the man for a moment before sliding out a chair and sitting with his long legs stretched out before him. he folds his fingers behind his head, exposing his massive arms.
I'm Hack of Clan Corchran in the North, and these others are my companions. What brings you to Beacon, and what leads you to hang with this lot?
He motions towards the Shoanti.
Come, White Fang and Daya, let us see what Tai is up to.
White Fang glances from the strange man to Hack and hops up and after him, following Hack over to Taissa and Jenner, his little tail sticking in the air and his fur bristling slightly as he moves toward the strange man, following Hack.
Send over another round, eh Vick!
The barkeep seems surprised but nods.
”Sure thing!” he calls out.
White Fang glances at Hack and Taissa’s legs but can’t see much, so he hops up on one of the empty chairs near that no one is sitting on. His little chin rests on the table and he stares hard at the man with a little growl.
I'm Hack of Clan Corchran in the North, and these others are my companions. What brings you to Beacon, and what leads you to hang with this lot?
Before the man can answer, White Fang decides to back up his Alpha and his new friend Hack. Looking hard at “Rick” he plops his chin on the table and stares hard at the man.
”Hey! You are not the Alpha; Alpha is the Alpha – who says you can talk to me in warg talk? You’re not so big! And also - where is the meat you said you had?” he says in a stern little voice.
He turns to Hack, knowing that Taissa could understand the man, he whispers loud enough for everyone to hear –
”He said he had meat for us,” he says to Hack while continuing to watch the man.
Rick chuckles at White Fang and reaches into his pouch and pulls out some jerky which he tosses to White Fang. The pup sniffs the meat and continues to watch the man. Then he takes a tentative lick of the meat and then a small bite while continuing to stare hard at the man.
Seeing anyone looking at the meat, he continues to address them in his attempt to whisper.
”Wait! It could be bad meat… I will check it first... just in case… chomp-chomp-chomp hmm… it seems okay so far, but I don’t want to risk you all,” he says continuing to stare at the man while he chomps all of the meat and then licks his chops suspiciously.
The man turns to look at Hack with an almost amused look; staring at the warrior’s physique briefly. Then he glances at the roughly score of men he came in with who are drinking and carousing less than twenty feet from him; all of them wearing the same gear and the same colors that he is – clearly part of the same crew.
He leans back in his chair and he takes another taste of his drink then places it on the table.
”Well met Hack of the Clan Corchran of the North. I am Richard; son of Robert of the nation of Brevoy; former First Sword of the House Rogarvia; former Ranger of the Tusk Mountains and current pathfinder and tracker for the Shadde-Quah,” he says looking at Hack with a polite nod of his head.
”For now I am traveling with my brothers... They are mainly coastal folk – they’re not very skilled with wandering in the wild,” he says with a shrug.
”I am came south with them to meet with the lord of this town. However I was surprised at the amount of people who have come here… I had heard that there was less than two-thousand people on or around here – and that includes their military.”
He brings forth a long-stemmed pipe and lights up, taking a deep inhale and blowing a gray stream of smoke into the air.
”It seems my information was wrong… I don’t like getting bad information, so I decided to try to find out more.”
He glances at you all thoughtfully.
”You’ve just arrived, but the way you talked to the bartender I’d wager you’ve been here before,” he says taking another tug on his pipe.
”Also, I’m guessing you’ve seen some action lately because you have lots of money – enough to buy sets of drinks for everyone in this room twice in a few minutes… you realize that those Magnimar officers with their men aren’t just drinking cheap beer? So that means you either know what they're drinking already and can afford it; or it means you're too rich to worry about checking on what other people drink before you buy it... either way, you've got some money on you,” he adds as he studies you all.
”You’re not uniformed, so you’re not part of a military unit – but you all are friendly with each other and you’re from various nations – so you’ve bonded together because of a common cause; though there isn’t one evident based on your gear – no heraldry,” he adds thoughtfully.
”So it’s likely that you’re a group of mercenaries; but with the good pup here I’d figure you’re not as hard or cold-blooded as all that…. If I had to gamble I might guess that you’re folk who are just looking for adventure or easy coin, but as this town has a reputation for being a haven – or a ‘beacon’ – for people to make a new life, I’m guessing that you’re here to do the same…” he adds, watching White Fang rest his chin on the table and continue to give the man a hard look.
”Anyhow, that’s why I figured I’d chat with you all; I like to meet new people,” he says stretching out his legs and leaning back in his chair, watching you all.
”So… however bad my guesses are, you’ve clearly just arrived… what are your plans, if you don't mind me asking?” he asks you with an easy voice.
Taissa growled when the stranger began speaking in Worg and instructing the pup.
The sound was low and threatening as she was angry.
"You do not instruct or command my animals. I gave him and my Roc instruction and you, stranger, without a by your leave, believe you have right to ask him to move? No. It is not the way. I am Alpha and you are not."
She then turned and gave White Fang a look that meant to freeze him to the spot.
As Taissa growled, Polux put down his beer and flexed his knuckles, seemingly ready to pounce across the room, but frozen in place, waiting...
”So… however bad my guesses are, you’ve clearly just arrived… what are your plans, if you don't mind me asking?” he asks you with an easy voice.
"We don't know you. We will not discuss plans or beyond with you. Why would you think otherwise? We would be stupid to trust someone we just met. You presume too much, Rick."
Anger still smouldered in Taissa's sapphire-blue eyes. Her voice was low, huskier from the restrained ire ... The man was arrogant to presume he would be accepted as equal or ally upon first meet.