Mantooth stands at the base of the statue, unable to tell that the statue is of his own deity until Bofus points it out to the group. "Ah yes, this is quite the beautiful statue. Much larger than anything I've ever seen in Prosser."
Upon the arrival of the old man, Mantooth approaches him once he sees that Bofus seems to be somewhat comfortable with him. "Good evening, sir. We were indeed here for the tournament. You are a local, then, are you not? Were you able to see any of the events yourself?"
Sense Motive
Taking a step closer to the man, Mantooth bends slightly to try to look the haunched man in the eyes.
Perception
When he does catch his eye, the Paladin smiles slightly.
"Good evening, sir. We were indeed here for the tournament. You are a local, then, are you not? Were you able to see any of the events yourself?"
"Oh aye, I've been here a long time, and I've seen many a thing in my day, but nothing quite like what I saw at the tournament today. Weren't you that young whippersnapper with the sword that crushed all of the competition today? That was mighty fine stuff, I'd say!"
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"Oh aye, I've been here a long time, and I've seen many a thing in my day, but nothing quite like what I saw at the tournament today. Weren't you that young whippersnapper with the sword that crushed all of the competition today? That was mighty fine stuff, I'd say!"
Is the square empty except for us?
*In a normal tone* OK, um, ssssssir. How can we . . . help you? *whispered loud enough only for us nearby: "My Lord Jarmaath"*
** spoiler omitted **** spoiler omitted **
Thordak peers around through the dark, but even his ability to see rather well in it seems not to yield any results.
Perception:
When Bofus announces to him who the cloaked figure is, Thordak laughs, Hrah! Ooohh, clever! and continues looking over the statue with apparent interest as if nothing had happened.
Perception:
Hrmmm... Nice stone here...
The old man looks around the park for signs of other people, and then replies in a whispered tone.
'Well, well, Mr. Beerswizzler, it appears that we see each other plain."
Lord Jarmaath utters the following words, "By the light of my lady!" Suddenly, you feel a surge of divine energy pass through the air and suddenly a small door releases in the back of the statue. " Please follow with me, quickly." Stepping through the secret door, Jarmaath casts a light spell and quickly leads you down a very narrow spiraling stair case. You reached the bottom and find yourselves in a small, but comfortably furnished room. He gestures for you to sit down and then he speaks.
"Forgive my little ruse, but I am surrounded by enemies and I cannot take enough precautions. Welcome to my little hideaway. This is a secret room that I use in times of trouble. It also contains a secret passage that leads to the cathedral. I appreciate you coming to see me like this, especially under such clandestine circumstances. I am taking a great risk in coming to you, but I have fought at your side and I believe you to be good and true of heart. I desperately need your help in a number of tasks that I must deal with. I must warn you that what I am going to ask you to do will be very dangerous and will require the utmost secrecy and discretion from you. I will not be offended if you decline, but if you feel that you cannot do that for me, I must ask you to leave at this time. So, please speak now. Are you all willing to help me?”
Cebrë kneels and kisses his hand, she doesn't say anything but simply looks into his eyes and gives a quick nod.
Ooooh, Danger? Secrecy? Oim beginnin' to like the sound o' this! Thordak says, rubbing his hands together and taking a seat in a well upholstered chair.
you know Oi'm up for it m'Lord, Oi was just beginnin' to think Oi was gonna have to go back home, but Oi'd certainly stick 'round fer an adventure! Say... Are we gonna get any sort of... Compensation? Oi do like me some shiny things...
Mantooth nods "As a recently knighted servant of Brindol, I will do whatever I can in my power to assist you, my Lord." Mantooth says, taking a seat next to Thordak in a slightly more nicely furnished chair than Thordak's. " Please tell us, how can we help you?"
Matthias says
I would like nothing more than to see whatever evil is plaguing the great city of Brindol gone; by the will of the Dawnflower I would see it so.
Matthias also finds a place amongst the comfortable chairs. He feels as though his chair is even more finely crafted than either Mantooth's or Thordak's.
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I believe this man is my new hero!
I'll look as if I'm thinking about it for a minute.
Sir, I'll help, under one condition: I get to stab either Rotskill, or the "Lady" Kaal, in the arse!! Poking both of them would be a bonus.
I shall take the second most finely crafted chair and place it atop TEH most finely crafted chair, so that none may sit on anything nearly as finely crafted or upholstered as me!!
just kidding. I'll take the 7th most finely crafted . . .
Florence nods reolutely and nudges Jarmaath
I'll sing, fence and die for you! Yet, when this endeavour turns out to be successful, we have to speak about the councils again.
She smiles and tries to hide her doubts that this was very clever.
Say... Are we gonna get any sort of... Compensation? Oi do like me some shiny things..
Jarmaath smiles at Thordak’s reply and says,” I should have known my Dwarven friend would concern himself with the stuff that glitters.” He laughs and replies in his old man’s voice, ”Aye, ye big bearded belly acher, you’ll be well compensated.”
The Lord reaches into the folds of his robe and pulls out pouches of gold and tosses them to each of you.
”My friends, I am ever so graetful for your support and I will show my appreciation as generously as I may. Here is 50 gold pieces for each of you to begin with. You can certainly expect more to be coming as we progress. Now let me tell you some of what we are dealing with here.”
”I have always had enemies that have opposed my will, but now there is greater political maneuvering at work. I need your assistance in getting to the heart of the matter. You may not be aware of this, but Hedvend VI rules the Isgeri court in Elidir under the title of Steward, but the court’s status is a sham aristocracy beholden to Chaliax’s ruling house, Thrune. Like his fathers before him, Hedvend VI makes regular trip to Egorian in Cheliax, summoned like a mere pageboy. I suppose it is fitting that the steward’s symbol of office is a finely jeweled but expended rod of rulership set to crumble to dust if called upon once more.”
House Thrune would certainly like to see me dead, because I have opposed them at every turn. However, I have been very fortunate to have a great ally positioned in their government. Ambassador Stainak has supplied me with desperately needed information regarding their plans. Up until now, he has delivered vital information to me that has helped me stay one step ahead of their every move. However, after yesterday’s assassination attempt, I do not know whether they are moving in after me or if his status as a spy has been determined.”
”Furthermore, since Strickland’s confession at dinner, I have now discovered the Trask clan and their Blackscarzi allies, are also planning something sinister. I don’t know if Verasa Kaal is behind this, but it certainly leaves her in a better position to have the elder boy, Jared installed into the office of magistrate. Verasa has no limits to her ambition. Even the so called ‘Baron’ Trask dreams of creating a little empire to the north.”
”I need your help to find the Blackscarzi in Brindol and find out what they are up to. They are very secretive and their lair is very well hidden. I need you to find their lair and disrupt any of their sinister plans here in the city. This would be a great help to me and would give me one less thing to worry about. What questions do you have?”
Matthias listens intently and looks around before replying
I think it is fair to say that we will run into some trouble with the Brindol Lions. When I met with the magistrate Strickland he gave me these names for those who were involved in the plot within the Lions: Kastoon, Maliki and Raztor. Any of these men could be a good place to start to gather information. Has anyone else gathered any other information or items from any of the men we have had to deal with?
He peers around the room eagerly hoping to hear good news.
Lord Jarmaath turns to you in surprise. "You already know names of infiltrators! You are certainly a resourceful group! Well, then I will inform Captain Ulverth and we will bring them in for questioning. Nice work, Master Teskerwill!"
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What questions do you have?
After a pause where things are digested, I clear my throat.
Lord Jarmaath, I'm . . . extremely impressed. You are well informed, well prepared, AND well intentioned. Besides that--here I look around at my new friends--you're shrewd at picking allies. These folks won't fail you.
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I've got one question. You pegged my real name (and you have my eternal thanks for keeping it a secret from certain people!), but I wouldn't presume you know my family history to any great extent. Were you aware that my family is in possesion of an item that once belonged to the Kaal family which, while not proving outright the Kaals are tied to Chellax, strongly points in that direction? Further, seeing as how shrewd you've proven to this point, I must assume you saw Varasa's reaction to Strictland's dismissal at dinner. It would not suprise me in the slightest if she didn't specifically insult Ulverth in an attempt to guilt Strictland into a public confession . . . do you find this reasonable or even possible, knowing Varasa as you do?
"With Verasa Kaal, I would not put anything past her. She is shrewd, devious, and capable of committing any act that with further her aims, but she would leave no evidence to tie her to it. There is certainly a good chance that she is pulling strings behind the scenes."
"As for your family name, Bofus, it was simply a hunch. I once knew your grandfather, Bozak. He was quite a character. He use to love to torment the Kaal family. I was a much younger man back then, but I can still see the family resemblance. Let's just hope Verasa has not made the same connection. I am aware of her longstanding dislike of your clan. I don't know the history of this feud, but what do you possess that could possibly connect them to Cheliax? I am sorry to say that I had not fully considered the implications of this before."
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Matthias listens intently and looks around before replying
I think it is fair to say that we will run into some trouble with the Brindol Lions. When I met with the magistrate Strickland he gave me these names for those who were involved in the plot within the Lions: Kastoon, Maliki and Raztor. Any of these men could be a good place to start to gather information. Has anyone else gathered any other information or items from any of the men we have had to deal with?
He peers around the room eagerly hoping to hear good news.
I snap my fingers. Yes . . . as a matter of fact; I'd almost forgotten about this! I pull out the dowel. When the assassin struck, some of us noticed that the guard Kastoon was acting squirelly. I got up to him and, well, picked his pocket, and liberated him of this little doohicky. I thought it might have somethign to do with the Gauntlet, since he'd been working in cahoots with Rotskill to try to get Rotskill's key from me, but I didn't see anything in the Gauntlet that could relate to this thing.
.Anyone?
Oh, we also have a lead on a location. My Lord, we'll keep that bit of information until we determine whether it's useful.
As I hand the dowel to whomever wants a look, I start gazing off into space, thinking hard . . .
Matthias reaches out and takes the dowel from Bofus and inspects it carefully. He gets a glimmer in his eye and seems to have a realization. Did he have anything else on him, a piece of paper with letters? Something that seemed like gibberish perhaps?
Matthias excitedly awaits a response leaning forward in his very comfortable chair.
Hrah! Weeelll, as a matter of fact Oi do! Thordak says, pulling the paper he lifted from under the thug's leather armor out from behind his beard, where he apparently stores everything. Lifted this out of one of the thug's armor! Oi haven't had a chance to look at it in much detail yet, but... Maybe one of you know what to do with it?
B
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"As for your family name, Bofus, it was simply a hunch. I once knew your grandfather, Bozak. He was quite a character. He use to love to torment the Kaal family. I was a much younger man back then, but I can still see the family resemblance. Let's just hope Verasa has not made the same connection. I am aware of her longstanding dislike of your clan. I don't know the history of this feud, but what do you possess that could possibly connect them to Cheliax? I am sorry to say that I had not fully considered the implications of this before."
You knew Grampy Bozak?! Wow! I had no idea!! That's fantastic! Back when Gramps was running the beer business, he tried to break into the Brindol market. The Kaal family tried to bully him into their protection racket, but he refused--not particulary graciously, as you may imagine. In the resulting kerfuffle, he managed to pinch something from the Kaal family member present: an amulet with the Chellish symbol on it. The family still has it, but the Kaals have never been able to prove we've got it. We'd all prefer to keep it that way.
.I thinks Varasa saw my family resemblence, but I tried to play on her other prejudices (besides the feud, I mean) to minimize the possibilty that she *really* saw it. I don't know if she'd suspect someone like me to "hide in plain sight" as I'm doing. But believe you me, I'm going to keep my eyes peeled in this city!! I don't trust her half as far as I could throw her.
*looking with interest at Matthias and Thordak's dowel/code collaboration* Interesting--could that be some sort of cipher box or cylinder, and the paper is the key--or the other way around?? Cool!! I never considered that!
@Florence: I'm beginning to come up with an idea--to continue the game that YOU started, my dear. Maybe we can infiltrate the Blackscarzi! You've laid the groundwork already in dealing with Kastoon. Maybe you and I can approach them asking to "get in"--we've proven capable of beating their agents at their own game, and I won the Gauntlet, so they *must* be impressed with my ledgermain skills. Is this something we could work with??
Matthias grabs the strip of paper hastily not believing their luck... he examines it and the the dowel. He fidgets with both of them while muttering Hmmmm... yes, yes... and if I wrap this around just like that...... I've got it!!!
Matthias holds up the wooden dowel with the paper wrapped around it, every 6th letter match's up and a hidden message is revealed!
I though I recognized this device. It's a very old way of coding messages. It is difficult to decipher without the proper key! This means that Kastoon is conclusively in league with the men that attacked us! If we find any more of these coded messages we can decode them with this now!
Matthias takes the strip of paper and wraps it around the wooden dowel. Various letters line up and the following message is revealed:
BRING•THE•HALF
LING•TO•THE•CR
AVEN•RAVEN•TEL
L•SCARLOCK•THE
CAT•IS•IN•THE•
BAG•••••••••••
300
Florence nods approvingly to Mathias
Very good, very clever...now, what is the "Craven Raven? some sort of inn?
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Florence nods approvingly to Mathias
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Very good, very clever...now, what is the "Craven Raven? some sort of inn?
Heh, we'll make a proper thief out of him yet!! But yes, the Raven is a tavern--one of ill repute, where schoundrels such as Rotskill hang out ot plan their dirty deeds. And I believe that is where we should go--meaning, you and I, Florence, can go posing as Blackscarzi hopefuls! hehehehe What could *possibly* go wrong?!?!
Heh, we'll make a proper thief out of him yet!! But yes, the Raven is a tavern--one of ill repute, where schoundrels such as Rotskill hang out ot plan their dirty deeds. And I believe that is where we should go--meaning, you and I, Florence, can go posing as Blackscarzi hopefuls! hehehehe What could *possibly* go wrong?!?!Florence nods approvingly to Mathias
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Very good, very clever...now, what is the "Craven Raven? some sort of inn?
It seems as though they have great interest in capturing you, and from what they have shown so far their intentions aren't kind, they may not receive you warmly...
Matthias says to Bofus.Perhaps we would have better luck if you were to feign being a prisoner to infiltrate their lair and see what you can learn and we could be close behind.
Maybe Kastoon and his friends still think I'm on their side...I could try to collect the bounty for Bofus.
Then she looks down on the halfling nudges him
Awww, don't look at me with your puppy eyes!
Florence nods approvingly to Mathias
Very good, very clever...now, what is the "Craven Raven? some sort of inn?
@Florence
You have heard of it. You believe it is a tavern. You recall seeing it up just aways from Market Square.
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HHmmmmm . . . I can't decide which is the better idea, having Florence "capture" me and ingratiate herself to the Blackscarzi that way, or have she and I both be in cahoots. Either way could work. And Matthias, I appreciate your concern--your point is well taken. But if I'm already clapped in irons when I *get* there, that's going to limit my options. If I can walk in there under my own power, Florence and I stand a reasonable chance of convincing them that we're on the up-and-up, savvy?
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I think they're both good plans. I just prefer to have both me and Florence be double-agents, rather than just her and me be a prisoner. Gives us double the eyes, more options, stuff like that.
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And, it's completley reasonable that I'm looking to work for them, and that they'd want me, since (in all honesty) I *am* a damned good thief. I beat the pants off of Rotskill every time, that's got to hold some water!
Well, my friends, it appears that you are already planning your next actions. I knew that I had chosen wisely when I called on your aid. If you wish to use this hideaway as a meeting place or a place of refuge, you are always welcome. However, the door is magical and can only be opened by drawing upon the will of the Inheritor. I just ask that you always use discretion and that you make sure that this location is never found."
In fact, from now on, it would be wisest to not be seen associating with me. I would prefer that we keep our relationship secret, even from Lars Ulverth. If you need to reach me, follow these implicit directions. There is a black iron hooded lantern located on the street outside of the main gates of the keep. It is lit every night and it hangs from a bar on the north side of the pole. Simply pick up the lantern and place it on the south facing bar. Each night I will look out to the lantern. If I notice that it has changed position, then I will know to come and seek you out here in this hideaway. Are those directions clear? Well I should leave you now and let you return to Stone Wyvern and get some rest. You have all had quite a day. Do you have any remaining questions for me before I leave?"
Florence looks at Bofus with mock surprise
You are a thief? Oh Bofus how could I just fall for you?
Mantooth nods to Lord Jarmaath. "Of course we will use our best discretion. Hopefully we will not be forced into hiding here too often, though." Turning to Bofus, but mostly speaking to the group. "I am not really sure how well that idea would fare, Bofus. Not only did several thugs try to kill you during the day, but one who managed to infiltrate the Brindol lions gave up his disguise to us to capture you. I must say I am also concerned with what will happen when just you and Florence walk into their own territory, behind closed doors."
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@ Florence: YYeeeeaaahh, I have that effect on women. Most of the women I hang out with love schoundrels!
@ Mantooth: I'm not suggesting the rest of you aren't nearby--perhaps disguised? Maybe I could try to pick up a few tips from Lord Jarmaath here, his disguise was outstanding!
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In any case, were I to be handed to them as a prisoner, what's to stop them from killing me on the spot? Were I to successfully convince them I want to be one of them, I'm an asset. Personally, I think it's MUCH safer to fool them one way than to fool them another. But we should continue to discuss this.
@Jarmaath: Thank you for your trust. Your instructions are clear enough. If we have news for you that doesn't warrant the risk of a meeting, we'll find a way to inform you discreetly. I think we'll stay here to devise our next steps, before we venture back to the Wyvern, agreed everyone?
Matthias listens to both parties and then replies
I'm sorry but I seriously doubt they will be swayed to think of you as anything but an enemy. Mantooth speaks wisely, they have exhausted resources to harm you and will not waste their past efforts by accepting you as one of them. Rotskil is clearly your enemy and a part of this organization. If you are concerned about your safety entering as a prisoner perhaps Florence should enter alone and lure some of the thugs out of the Craven Raven by convincing them she knows of your whereabouts. Florence has sway with Kastoon, and if we are lucky we could draw him out into a trap. Perhaps your skills could be better served in setting an elaborate trap to ensnare him.
Matthias wait to see if Bofus finds this plan satisfactory.
Ach! The ol' stick an' paper code! Oi shoulda known! Good work, Matt! Thordak says, rubbing his chinbeard. He rolls the paper back up and tucks it away for safekeeping.
Sooo, sounds like we've got a good system fer communicatin' now, Oi do hope that works out! We'll certainly let ye know if anythin' comes up, m'Lord!
Turning to Bofus, he looks at him incredulously. Now Oi agree with Mantooth on this. The "Black-an-scary" or whatever they're called don't seem like they'd be ones to forget who people are, nor simply let anyone off the street join... Florence may have a better chance to get in, but only by turnin' you in! he says as tenderly as possible.
Bofus, Oi think between the two of us, we could rig up some manacles to be right easy to get out of... But you should probably give up some of yer things if ye don't wanna plan on havin' em stolen...Namely those big ol' jewels... he says with a wink.
He turns to Florence. Now what if you go an' bring him in, get the gold, maybe stick 'round a bit, an' maybe see how to get into the lair... If you can get another job or somethin', that would be even better. You come back an' tell us, we get in, rescue Bofus an' take down the rest of 'em!
"Bofus, you are beyond any doubt an exceptional rogue. Furthermore, I am certain that you would be a great asset to their guild. However, if what your friends say is true, then they are not going to welcome you with open arms. But tell me, why were they after you? Did you do something to kick the hornet's nest?"
"I wonder what would happen if you went in disguise as a completely different halfling, somebody that is completely new to Brindol. If you want, I can lend you a disguise kit and you can try and change your appearance. Hehe. The challenge for you will be to change your personality. Whatever you decide, be careful and may the Inheritor guide you every step of the way. Although, I suspect a wee halfling like yourself would also fare well with a little luck from Desna."
Jarmaath appraoaches Cebrë and speaks to her quietly before departing.
"I wasn't sure that I could assist the winner of the Arcane Challenge of the Elsir Vale Tournament of Heroes, but I have something that may interest you. I have an old tome that was given to me by my father. It belonged to a great wizard who was his advisor for many years. Apparently the book contains many great magical properties for those that know how to unlock their secrets, but I have no idea what they are. Perhaps you can find a use for it in your travels. Give me just a moment and I will find it for you."
Kerden Jarmaath goes over to a chest in the corner and opens it up. He pulls out a disguise kit and hands it to Bofus." This may help you in your deception." Next, he returns to the chest and pulls out a large tome with a locked clasp binding it shut. Turning to Cebrë he says, "This is the book that I was telling you about. It is my gift to you. I hope you can unlock its secrets." Jarmaath places the book in her hands and he stops and stares into the her eyes for a long moment.
"Well it is getting late, and I must leave you for now." Turning to address all of you, the High Lord of Brindol pulls up his cloak, adjusts his beard, hunches over and calls out to all of you in his old man voice, "Fare well my friends. May my lady protect you!" Jarmaath hobbles slowly to the stairs and ascends up them to the entrance in the statue above.
Florence nods politely, she was never much into Iomedae
And let Shelyn guide your ways M'lord.
As soon as he has departed, Florence revives their discussion.
What would guarantee that they don't harm Bofus when I bring him to them as a prisoner? Maybe we won't have the time for a rescue mission....I can clearly see that Rotskill tearing Bofus to shreds as soon as he can...mhhh the disguise kit is a nifty thing indeed...shorty, you have any experience in acting?
Ah yeah, Oi suppose, but don't ye think they'll wanna find out a bit 'bout who he is, what his motives are? If he's got somethin' they wanna know, they'll keep him alive for a while Oi reckon... 'Sides, we'll all be waitin' just a pace off if any trouble comes up. Florence, you could either come let us know how to get in after you find out, or if there's trouble, we'll make a sign... Anybody got a whistle or sumthin'? Maybe there's someone's got one fer sale here in Brindol...Thordak says, running over options in his head and stroking his beard.
'Course... Well, Oi guess we could just wait an' watch for a while without sendin' anyone in, an' then see if we can figure out the secret of gettin' into the lair... But that seems tricky on accounta us not knowin' exactly who is in the Bla...Blak...Blazkd...Blazdikari...? Wotever. We could simply have a stake-out is wot Oi'm sayin'!
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I think the disguise is an interesting idea, but too dangerous--they'll see a halfling and assume it's me. I don't have any training in disguise, so it's pretty much even odds whether they see through that deception.
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Thing is, I think we can make both the "prisoner" idea and the "turncoat" idea work. Florence bringing me to them in chains will certainly grant *her* some leverage with the Blackscarzi. And I can fall back on trying to convince them I want to join them if it looks like they're going to do very bad things to me as a prisoner--and THAT I DO have training in.
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Maybe we can think about this more and reconvene tomorrow? I'm dog tired.
I think that's a good idea; it's been a long day. We should probably all head back to the stone weavern together in case there are any surprises on our way home.
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Maybe we can think about this more and reconvene tomorrow? I'm dog tired.
"Excellent idea, Bofus" Mantooth says looking to see if everyone seems to be finished with their business here. "I don't think I've fully recovered from our encounter with the winter wolf and a good rest seems overdue." At this, Mantooth stands from his chair and pushes it back into place, ready to go when everyone else is.
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OK, lemme go first, to make sure the coast is clear . . .
First, leave the secret place stealthily
Stealth:
then take a look around to see if any bad guys are lying in wait.
Perception:
If I believe it to be safe, I'll direct folks out one at a time, then we'll close it up.
On the way back to the Wyvern, I'll keep my eyes peeled while I walk next to Florence to continue discussing an idea that is starting to form.
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In all seriousness, though, we should really think about you faking using your . . . feminine wiles to get me to the Craven Raven tomorrow. Well, not that you'd be faking your wiles--I'd be faking in going into that den of rats with you. Not that I'd be faking going *with you*, just going *in there* with you. *I'd* make sure we went to a much nicer place that that!!
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Anyway, do you think you could work with that idea?
It's a shame I'm too old to blush at such a nice offer, ha! No, honestly I think this could really work out. But shouldn't I tell them before that I'm going to seduce and bring you to the Raven?
You all ascend out of Jarmaath's hideaway and emerge behind the statue of Iomedae. You proceed across Cathedral square onto the street where you make your way down the hill to the Stone Wyvern. The evening sky has begun clouding in and there is a refreshing breeze. There are a number of people still out on the streets, but you arrive back at the Stone Wyvern safely.
Roland the barkeep greets you as you enter. "Good evening, folks. I trust you had a lovely time at the keep. Can I offer you a nightcap or are you all ready for bed?"
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"Good evening, folks. I trust you had a lovely time at the keep. Can I offer you a nightcap or are you all ready for bed?"
Roland, my good man, I'll take a glass of whatever wine you've got before I retire, if you please. Man, what a day!!
.Also . . . does Master Yab have a strongbox on the premises? Something to keep valuables safe for his guests?
Roland, my good man, I'll take a glass of whatever wine you've got before I retire, if you please. Man, what a day!!"
The barkeep come up to you looks around and then discreetly asks,"I am happy to oblige, but rumors fly fast around here. Somebody was telling me about an incident tonight at the keep. I hear you are a big fan of Beerswizzler Ale. I keep a secret stash on hand that I've smuggled in for just such occasions. If you are willing to keep it quiet, I am happy to bring some out?"
"Also . . . does Master Yab have a strongbox on the premises? Something to keep valuables safe for his guests?"
"Indeed we do. We have a locked chest in the office that we can put some stuff in. Is there anything you have in mind, Champ?"
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"I am happy to oblige, but rumors fly fast around here. Somebody was telling me about an incident tonight at the keep. I hear you are a big fan of Beerswizzler Ale. I keep a secret stash on hand that I've smuggled in for just such occasions. If you are willing to keep it quiet, I am happy to bring some out?"
NNNoooo . . . you have some Beerswizzler suds?!?! Get out!! Tell you what--break some out for whomever wants it, on me, AND I can promise that I'll get it replaced for you posthaste. I'm pretty tight with Boris, the current Beerswizzler Brewmaster.
"Indeed ... we have a locked chest in the office that we can put some stuff in. Is there anything you have in mind, Champ?"
Yeah, there is. This is something pretty precious to me, but it would be . . . um, best if you not know precisely what it is. I think it may draw unwanted attention, and the less you know the better. Oh, don't worry--this is nothing like ill-gotten gains!! I assure you that I *earned* this legitimately. It's just that there are jealous folk out there, and if you don't know what it is, you can't tell them. Grab those suds, would you?
I'll take out my Eye of the Dragon and wrap it in one of my cloths as securely as I can manage, so it's a nondescript lump when Roland comes back with the brewskis. When he does, I'll hand it to him.
Can you lock this up please? I dont' expect to have it stay more than a day or two. But please, trust me--keep it secret, keep it safe, and don't look at what it is. I promise I'll show you when I retreive it, OK?
Florence grins as she notices Bofus' excitement
I'll also take a tankard of that stuff.
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Florence grins as she notices Bofus' excitement
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I'll also take a tankard of that stuff.
[b]Oh, you won't be disappointed!! Beerswizzler brewers take a lot of pride in their craft. I've spent some time with them, so I know! They've created some really interesting varieties: putting various fruits, herbs, even vegetables in the brews sometimes! There's a *mint* beer, if you can believe it, that's quite refreshing.
.I've seen their flavors go awry from time to time, but they're very careful to have a discerning tongue taste several batches before they deem a brew a reject. Cinnamon didn't work very well. And most of the vegetable brews were a bit too . . . weird. You know the one that worked best? Parsnips! Can you imagine?!?! Parsnip beer!! And it's damned good, too!! Hahahaha!! They're daring craftsmen, those Beerswizzlers, let me tell you!
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Their latest attempts are with spicy beers, but so far they're not having much luck. The spicy foods are reacting to the hops in unpleasant ways, and this one time they actually had to replace a couple of their kegs, they got ruined so bad. Gah, the smell was something you couldn't forget, but *wish* you could!! Yeeesh.
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ROLAND!! Make sure Thordak gets a tankard as well, I want to know what he thinks! By the way, what variety is your stock--is it anything special, or what we might call their "typical" or "vanilla" brew -- that's not to be mistaken for their *actual* Vanilla Brew, mind you!! THAT'S smooth, believe you me ...
Cebrë is also amused at Bofus' exuberance concerning the beer and laughs merrily.
Well, friends, this has been a very eventful day. May you rest well this evening.
Cebrë slips away after a wave to the group.