Jaed also thanks Captain Walren: "It was an interesting trip, busier than expected, but thanks for the ride."
He then joins the discussion about how to proceed. "It is late and Reginar is no going anywhere so I think we can wait till tomorrow to run our errands. We deserve some rest... and some booze." And we may learn something interesting sharing a drink with the locals.
"Should we put off selling these weapons until the morrow, then? Perhaps none of the shopkeepers are doing business at this hour," says Lily.
"That sounds reasonable, mistress Amaldneth. Let us move on." Etam says, taking the lead and moving towards the inn suggested by the captain.
"Oh the stories I will have to tell when this is over. Delightful!" Sato exclaims, following the group's lead.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Lily actually giggles slightly and says, "Lily is just fine, thank you! And I certainly agree, let's get in out of the night and have something warm to eat."
And some drink!
"Aye!"
You make your way to Gar's Last Meal. The place turns out to be a rather fine inn, once you get past the smell of fish. A grizzled older man who seems to be missing an arm moves from behind the bar to greet you. "Welcome ta Gar's Last Meal! I'm Puglas Tamall, owner of this here fine establishment. Rooms're 2 gold a night an' meals're 3 silver apiece. T'ain't nothin' fancy, but it's warm an' filling an' I promise it won't be yer last meal." He grins at his joke. By the rolling of eyes of a few of the other patrons lounging about, this isn't the first time he's made it. "What can I do yer for?"
"Ahaha!" Sato laughs at the joke. "That's a good one! I'll have to remember that... We're looking for rooms for the night and a meal for each of us. We spent a long time on a boat and we're looking forward to a room that doesn't sway around while we try to nod off, you know?"
He digs in his robes and pulls out a coinpurse before depositing 12 strange looking gold pieces on the counter. [ooc]Dtang'ma minted coinage[/dice] "That should take care of the rooms and the food." he says confidently.
Etam takes part in the communal eye-rolling 'Please forget it instantly, Sato.'
Once the negotiations are done , the warrior rushes to one of the tables, eager for food and some ale.
After unloading his stuff in the room (does it lock?) Artair joins Etam for a meal and an ale.
So Puglas, mind if I inquire as to how you lost your arm?
Jaed let's a simple "Ha!" go after the joke. Hilarious
"I hope that meal includes a mug of strong mead. We deserve some after our trip. Did you know there are pirates stalking close to the town?"
Puglas squints at the odd coin. "What's this? Don't ya have any real money? If I use this, I gotta go find a money changer an' then he's gotta determine its value and then there's gotta be fee and then there's all the paperwork..." He gives Sato a mournful, 'why would you ever wish that upon a man?' look.
After receiving keys to your rooms, you dump what extra gear you wish in to them. The pair of beds look soft and inviting and a few paintings of various nautical scene decorate a few of the walls. Each room has its own private washroom an a desk next to a window that faces either over the harbor or on a nice view of the rest of Tamran. Eager to get on to your meals, head back to the main dining area, locking the door behind you.
Once seated at a table, the food arrives quickly. It consists of hot vegetable soup, warm bread rolls, and some kind of grilled fish caught earlier that day. The seasoning provides an interesting kick that stops just shy of actually being spicy. There's a mug of pleasantly cool ale to wash everything down with.
So Puglas, mind if I inquire as to how you lost your arm?
With a crooked grin, the man jerks a thumb to a large fish mounted above the bar. The creature is easily as long as a grown man is tall and sports a set of wickedly sharp looking teeth. "Used ta be a fisherman before I open this 'ere place. Nets had got snagged on some rocks, so I dived in to free them. Then along comes that mean sonuvab@!!* lookin' fer somethin' tasty ta eat. It saw my big juicy arm as I was reaching 'tween a pair of rocks ta free our nets and just bit it clean off! Th' other men on the ship saw the blood spreading through the water and dove in ta fish me out and stop th' bleedin'. I hardly let them finish before I was divin' back in with a spear to get back at the bastard. Too hopped up on adrenaline an' rage ta feel th' pain 'til later, ya see. Luckily for me, fella seemed ta like me and was waiting nearby in case more food dropped in ta say hi. But this time, I was ready and managed ta impale the creature just as it was chargin' at me. My arm was that there gar's last meal, hence the name. Opened up this place not too long after since I couldn't very well be a fisherman no more."
Did you know there are pirates stalking close to the town?
Puglas shrugs. "Tamran's a big place. We do a lot of trade here. There's always a few scoundrals lurkin' about hoping ta catch someone unawares. That's why all th' bigger trade ships employ guards."
"This is a pretty nice place overall," says Lily. "I must admit, it's a welcome change from grungy roadside hostels and camping."
Sato looks over his coin with confusion on his face. He sighs, pocketing it. "I am sorry, I wanted to pay for our rooms tonight, but it looks like that will have to await the morning." he laments. Sitting down with everyone else, he soon relaxes to enjoy the time off the boat.
Etam looks around himself, observing at the inn and its patrons, and nods in agreement "It is indeed much better than what I had expected from an inn this close to the port." The warrior makes an effort to ignore a voice in his head claiming for 'wenches and laddies' and continues speaking to Lilly: "Say, mistress Lily, where were you located before meeting us at Kassen?"
"Skelt," says Lily with some apparent distaste. "It's a heavily militarized city of much industry. Very dirty, very wary of outsiders. Before that I was in Varisia. I have been trying to glean bits and pieces to further my magical understanding, and I stopped in Galduria for about a year to see if perhaps I should study at the academy there, but I didn't really fit in. I was involved in helping to put to rest some undead in some of the barrows not far from Sandpoint a few years back. I've not been in elven lands for many years now."
She pushes her cloak off of her shoulders so that she can more easily reach the comestibles. "I was working in Skelt as a mortician for a little while, thinking about maybe going to Lastwall, but I heard about your adventures with the tombs here. It seemed like my expertise would be useful. And here I am!"
That's why all th' bigger trade ships employ guards.
"Talking of which, do you know where can I find the Nirmathasi militia? I have something to discuss with them tomorrow."
After watching the payment unsuccessful attempt from Sato, Jaed drops some coins on the counter. "I'll discount this from our loot, of course."
He then turns to the sorcerer. "That was nice, Sato. But I'm a bit worried about how are you going to convince people to not kill us when you cannot even convince them to take some gold," Jaed jokes as he winks an eye.
Not waiting for a response he sits at the table and waits for the others to start dinning. No way I'm leaving my belongings in an unattended room.
"You have traveled quite a bit, Lily. How old are you, if I may ask? It's always hard to tell for elves." Jaed's straightforwardness is patent in his words.
"I'm, ah, a hundred twenty-nine years old," she says. "A little young for a wizard, but a lot of my training has been ad hoc." She self-consciously pushes her dark hair back away from the front of her face.
"Phew! No wonder you visited that many cities," he says. And this is my first time out of Kassen. "The kind of things I could do if I had a hundred and eight more years to live." Not used to drinking ale, Jaed is more talkative than usual. He then raises his mug: "May we all live a hundred... wait, better a thousand more years!"
"And here's to living well!" says Lily in agreement. She lifts her mug in unison with a shy smile.
The evening passes pleasantly with various people reaching differing levels of inebriation. Puglas gives you directions to the nearest militia, making sure to write it down less his drink makes you forget it again. When you get suitably tired enough, you retire to your rooms. The beds are just as comfortable as they looked and the blanket on top is soft and warm. All too soon morning arrives.
Puglas once again greets you all as you come to the main dining area to meet. "Mornin' to ya all. I trust you slept well?" He smiles, proud of his establishment, already assuming an answer in the affirmative. "Will ya be headin' off to that garrison? Or can I tempt you with some breakfast? We've got some wonderful oatmeal with fresh slices of peach. Or if it's goin' ta be an active day, we do a mean ham steak with eggs on the side."
Etam wakes up at the crack of dawn, feeling refreshed after the events of yesterday. He goes down and greets Puglas: "I would be happy to have a light breakfast whilst I wait for my companions, master Puglas. I believe we shall go to the garrison as soon as the others are ready."
-Posted with Wayfinder
After a night of sound sleep, probably thanks to the ale, Jaed wakes up to find himself hugging the bag containing his belongings. I promise I won't ever drink again.
He walks downstairs and reacts to Puglas offer with enthusiasm: "Yes, please, bring out that steak and those eggs."
He then sits next to Etam and starts discussing the plans for the day: "You still look a bit bruised. There's probably a healer in this town that can take a look at you. I can go with our two new friends and Finnrick to the garrison while Artair and you go to the doctor and to sell all those swords we took from the pirates. We can meet here later and go look for that Reginar then. What do you think?"
Looking at Jaed's hungover face with a grin, Etam replies: "I guess I am not the only one battered in the room. It is a good idea, anyhow, but I would be more comfortable if you had Artair by your side. I do not expect any trouble, but, in case I am wrong, you might need some raw muscle." He gulps one slice of peach and offers some to the rogue.
Sato wakes in the morning, groggy mostly from actually sleeping on a decent bed for the night. He slowly wanders into the main room and plunks down next to the other two early risers. "I'll have whatever they're having." he says offhandedly.
"At some point I'm going to need to change out some of my money, or make some of the local currency." Sato admits as he eats. "But just in case it comes up, I don't have a problem looting the pockets of my enemies."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Before bed, Lily swings by the injured to check on their wounds, clean their bandages, and make sure that nobody has a fever or infection.
"Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I'd much rather you be alive than dead!"
Various people shamble out of their rooms at different hours of the day. The early risers in the group are able to catch the tail end of the fishing ships heading out onto the lake for their day's work. Once everybody has finally risen and eaten what they wanted of breakfast, you all head out to the militia, stopping on the way to find some merchants to see off your spoils from the pirates and for Sato to exchange his currency for something more local.
Eventually you come upon a squat brown building. You can hear the clang of metal clashing against metal and the occasional bark of orders as drills are practiced, though the actual participants seem to be out of sight on the other side of the building. Entering the building, straight ahead of you is a desk where an older gentleman seems to be attending to paperwork. A few hallways branch off of this entry room, and the wall is scattered with the occasional recruiting poster. Every once in a while you see the odd person come from one hallway to enter another one carrying an assortment of items ranging from some swords to stacks of paper.
Shortly the man sitting in the desk looks up at you. He gives you all appraising before finally addressing Etam in a somewhat bored tone of voice, "Are you here to enlist?"
Not giving Etam a chance to reply, Jaed starts talking: "Ha! No way. We have something important to discuss with whoever is in charge."
Etam glares at Jaed and addresses the man with a salute: "Greetings, sir. What my companion is trying to say is that we have some information regarding the privateers that roam the nearby coast. Is there anyone with whom we could discuss these matters in private?"
I assume that I will get cured as well.
The man is about to ask Jaed to elaborate when Etam steps in. He taps his chin briefly before standing. "Wait here." He goes walk down one hallway.
After a brief pause, you hear a very loud voice ask, "Well, what do they want?" There's a brief pause in which you assume an answer is given followed by "May as well then. It's not like I have important things to do or anything."
The clerk comes back, rubbing at one ear like it's ringing. Sitting back at his desk, he informs you, "Captain Malcomes has graciously agreed to see you. Second door on the left." He then returns to his paperwork.
The directions take you to a medium sized room with a variety of maps decorating the walls. A rather short man, barely 5 feet tall stands waiting for you. As soon as the first of you appears, he immediately says, "Well then, out with it. What's this 'important' information about those Molthuni bastards?" His voice is loud, but not quite a shout as he looks expectantly at you.
While they file into the room, he encourages one of the other adventurers to slip past him into the room, temporarily obscuring his line of sight from Captain Malcomes, where he makes the hand gesture needed and fakes coughing into his sleeve as his ally moves on to get the words out.
"Hello friend!" Sato says, like he knew this man. "I know you're busy so I will not waste your time with idle banter. We have found documents that may lend credence to the belief that the Molthuni have been chartering pirates to pillage in your territory." He says plainly. "I was under the impression there was a, how do you say, finder's fee for this?"
Captain Malcomes gives a big grin when Sato walks in. Just as loudly as before, he proclaims, "Long time no see! What're ya doing here-" his face goes blank briefly as he attempts to search for a name but finds none. His eyes glaze over briefly before clearing as he continues, "Ha! Just like you to cut right to the chase." Leaning forward he "whispers," which is to say lowers his voice to the level of normal human speech, "They're still trying to kill me with paperwork. Death by a thousand cuts I say!" Returning to his normal, excessive volume he continues. "Anyway, evidence of sanctioned privateering you say? I knew it! No way those bastards would increase in number so rapidly without some coin from the crown. Well then, hand it over. Let me get a look." He holds out one hand expectantly.
After searching his bag, Jaed hands the privateers' charter to the captain. "Here it is. I'm sure you'll find it... rewarding."
"Sato." the sorcerer prompts when the man can't find his name. "Just like them to overwork you till you can't even remember your friends!"
"I do hope that there's a reward, I'm hoping to take these fine people out on a night on the town. I understand if there isn't anything official offered, but..."
The captain takes the paper and reads over it, nodding to himself. "Finally! Some proof. Maybe now we can get some support of our own from the government. No more of this telling us to make do with what we have since they're 'just pirates.'" He then goes to sit at his desk and open one drawer to pull out a form of some sort, which he then proceeds to fill out. In what counts as muttering for the small man, he grumbles about mountains of papers collapsing upon him before finally pulling out a stamp and hastily slamming it down in three different locations. Finally, he bellows, "Samuels!" Out of a window behind the captain, you see a few birds take flight, startled by the sudden noise.
The clerk from before strolls in, still looking just as bored. Captain Malcomes silently hands him the form. Samuels glances at it before giving the captain a precise, if not enthusiastic, salute and walking off. As he waits, Malcomes impatiently drums his fingers against his desk. After a moment, he huffs. "Men these days have no sense of urgency. Of hustle. It's not like we're practically at war's doorstep or anything, oh noooo. Maybe you should give him a talking to, Sato you old silver tongued devil you."
Just then Samuels walks back in with a jingling bag. Based on the timing and Malcomes' volume level, he probably heard every word, though it doesn't seem to have phased him at all. He hands the bag to Malcomes who immediately tosses it to Sato. "There, that you keep you in drink for quite some time, eh?" He winks. "In fact, maybe I ought to keep you company. I could use a break."
He looks about ready to follow you out when Samuels stops him. "Sir, you have a morning meeting with some of the captains of the other outposts. If you miss it, you'll have to file a formal report to catch them up instead."
Looking horrified at the prospect, Malcomes waves you all out. "Bah, go and enjoy yourselves. I'll stay here and hold down the fort, as it were." Samuels escorts you all out before returning to his own desk and his own paperwork. Once outside, you find that the bag contains 750 gold.
Sato holds out the bag to Jaed and smiles. "That." he says, "Is how I convince people not to kill us." he smiles pleasantly.
Once they're long ways away from the building, he continues.
"I didn't want to use my magic on the bartender because it would be a trivial sum either way. This... is significantly more than trivial." he concludes. Similar tricks like that can make all the difference when dealing with officials, though I do want you to know that some people, particularly strong willed ones, and mindless beings like the undead, are completely immune to such effects without special techniques. Which are completely beyond me."[/b]
The contents of the bag make Jaed smile back to the sorcerer. "You've proven useful Sato. We could make a living going door by door and using that trick of yours." Before anyone can raise his voice to complain, he continues in a humorous tone: "I know, I know, it's just a joke. And I have always prefered the sleight of hand when it comes to borrowing from others. Way more classy."
"So, I think we should find this Reginar. Anyone has any idea where he might be? We could ask in the inn if not."
"Very classy, master Zandorias. Anyhow, to focus on something else than breaking the law, I imagine we would have more success searching for a Pathfinder Society chapter instead of asking at the inn?" Etam says, looking around himself for signs of the society.
"The Pathfinder Society? Are you a member?" asks Lily.
"My family has collaborated with them in the past, but, no, I am not a member. I may be wrong in this, but from Cygar's…eloquent briefing, I assume Reginar is. And if I am right, the Society chapter would be the best place to start looking.", Etam replies.
"Oh! I suppose that's what I get for coming in late," says Lily.
"I am in fact a society member." Sato says. "If there's a lodge here, we should be able to get access to support."
After asking a few passers by, you're able to get directions to the nearest Pathfinder lodge. As might be expected for such a large city, the place is quite busy with all manner of folk reporting in from their latest mission, gearing up for their next adventure, running errands, or simply taking the time to swap stories with others. After more asking around, you're finally pointed at someone who might know something. The someone in question is an Elven man named Tannivh who you find enjoying a book in the shade of a tree in a nearby park.
Should we let Lily handle the elf-talk, or are you going to try to charm this one again, Sato? The dwarf retorts with an approving smile.
"I'd rather us just talk among fellow pathfinders, thank you." Sato declines. "We're all coworkers, after all."