8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
"Let's try the Red Dragon first then, comfy beds there..." She winks at you.
===
You head to the Red Dragon and enter the common room...
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
===
Much like the Dragons it is named after the Red Dragon Inn is quite large. The red tiles give it a distinctive gleam in the daylight. The sign is pristine and appears to have the ability to light up at night. The doors are large and covered in red scales, perhaps even from a true Red Dragon.
As you enter the Red Dragon Inn Eddie you see perhaps the most motley assortment of beings you have ever laid your eyes on in one place, and you have been i some odd places recently!
In front of the bar stand a Minotaur, a Half-Ogre, a Bakali (though he is cloaked in robes his scaled feet give him away to the observant), a Monk, and a Priest.
Sitting across the room near the enormous fireplace is yet another half-ogre!
The crowd appears failry subdued due likely to the presence of these patrons.
===
As the question escapes the Monk's lips a human male and a human female both enter the Inn. The man looks to be a sailor and the woman an Acolyte.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Draven looks skeptical at your statement, "Regardless, stay close to me. Bad often comes before good and I want to make sure I am near you to prevent any of that bad from happening to you. I am packed and ready to go, if you are as well perhaps we should trail the Captain and this half-elf guide".
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm smiles in friendly wise at the barkeep, "No offense taken, Goodman Owen. If you've got a mug of ale back there, it would truly rinse the dust from my throat." Gaurm pushes the silver coins across the bar.
After he orders, Gaurm turns to glance at the two who just entered with a friendly smile before returning his attention to the task at hand: obtaining a drink and possibly a meal not cooked on the roadside.
"How I came to be there is not something I wish to discuss monk. Why all these questions?" Red says clearly getting a slight bit irritated.
Zsar growls. It is in the nature of humans to judge, and one should learn that the longer you spend around them the more they judge. he doesn't say anything else, just looking to see who came into the Bar
The half-ogre seated on the fireplace brick stands abruptly, though he ducks his head out of habit to make sure he doesn't strike the ceiling. "Uh, pardon me," he says to the nearest table, so as not to startle them. Finally he makes his way slowly to the bar and says, "Can I get a mug of beer? A big one." He rummages for his pouch and says, "I have money."
I brought very little with me. I shall be but a moment to gather it. She goes and gathers her items and then heads up to the member of House Protector. Come, let us be on our wa. she says with a smile.
Eddie makes his way through the tavern up to the bar. He nods a silent greeting to the patrons as he crosses the room. He nods to the Minotaur, he nods to the Bakali, he nods to both the Half-Ogres and even to the two religious types. When he finally reaches the bar He lays his hat politely on the counter and catches the attention of the proprietor.
"Afternoon, sir" he starts "What's your room situation looking like? I've got a group of traveler's that are in town for a while and need a place to stay."
Red nods back to the man. This is the first pleasant person he's seen in this city. He was respectful so he's respectful in return.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The Monk cocks his head and replies to Red, "You seem rather defensive. I ask the question because you and your friend are telling us that you have no idea where you are but yet somehow you have arrived on the other side of the continent from where you started.
I have some knowledge of the Worldscape and I do not remember your people frequenting it, thus my questions. I mean no offense by them. If my companion and I are to help you, we will need some information first".
The Priest remains quiet and simply listens.
===
At Brogg's request, the barkeep fill up a pitcher, actually two, and places them both before the half-ogres.
===
The barkeep points to the back when Eddie asks his question, "You need to speak with the owner. He is in the back with another customer as we speak".
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
You and Draven hustle to follow Captain Rathlmar and Remy as they head to the Winged Victory Inn, where presumably, the Black Robed Wizard will secure lodgings.
Openly.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm smiles at Eddie as he passes and, when the mug of ale is deposited before him, raises it in salute before taking a drink.
Red lowers his head for a second. And for people more familiar with the mannerisms of Minotaurs, they would recognize that as a sign of embarrassment. He then speaks to the Monk and priest again. "Apologies. How I cam to be there is not a source of pride for me. You understand.
Zsar sighs and explains how he came to go to the worldscape, explaining his background.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The Monk gives Red a sympathetic look, before the Monk can press Red for more information, Zsar opens up about himself.
He claims that the Evil Gods have driven his people to support their dark endeavors. Indeed the Falthana Jungles Bakali have joined with the Ogres of Seldjuk and their Minotaur slaves alongside the evil Humans of these regions to form the largest army of evil since the Second Dragon War!
Disgusted Zsar fled to the woods of the Worldscape Forest. The Druids there had accepted him as one of their own despite the conceptions that most of the "Starborn" races had of his people. For a time Zsar was content to worship in his own way. He began to slowly take in those of his race who escaped the clutches of the Dragonqueen. The War though raged on as Her minions begin to spread out and attack the Kingdom of Falthana.
Just this morning the ArchDriud Cleidus and the Worldscape Forest was attacked by the leader of the Army, the Warlord Crynus himself! The Druid cast a spell that sent he and Red to the nearby "forest" on the outskirts of Tarsis.
Zsar does not discuss how Red came to be with him.
The woman who entered with the man who treated Red with a deferential nod listens to the tale in rapt fascination.
The Cleric frowns, "A dark shadow has risen again it seems. I will have to bring this up at the Council. Will you testify to all of this Zsar of the Worldscape Forest?"
Before Zsar can answer, Falseed approaches, "Excellent news. I have secured us rooms we are also the first to arrive..." He stares at the cleric and the monk and frowns, "Who are they my friends?"
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm listens attentively, occasionally drinking from his tankard. When Falseed returns Gaurm shrugs and responds quietly to Falseed, as if not wanting to interrupt the story if there is more to it, "I do not know them. They are polite, however; even friendly."
Eddie approaches the owner and repeats the question.
Once more the Black Robe appears awfully accommodating, certainly more than what Eldren would expect. Indeed, he is beginning to think that if the other mage survives the Test, perhaps the robes he dons afterwards will be red rather than black. Still, that does not mean he trusts his counterpart completely, just that he is giving him the benefit of the doubt.
"May I also suggest a casting of simple magics by Theo? Cantrips probably, as there is no reason, I think, for him to spend more powerful spells," the pale man suggests. "It could give us some insight on how he handles verbal components."
He then turns to the gnome. "I apologize for speaking as if you are not present, Theo," he says with a smile, "but this is a little... new to me. Regardless, what do you say? To both searching for Eddie and casting some magic for us?"
Zsar nods and says, I am willing to do anything so long as it restores balance to the world, and frees all from the clutches of the Dragonqueen... and he then turns to Falseed. A monk, and a Cleric it seems...
The gnome looks at both wizards.
He frowns a bit at each of them.
As I have already stated, I am never been anywhere, so employing me to find Eddie in this city is not the best solution, if, indeed, that finding him is the point. Now, as to my bing able to perform rudimentary magicks, I must say, that I am appalled at the inference of the contradictory!
Theo then snaps his fingers, producing a scent aroma of strange spices to emanate from his meal, before taking another bite.
Much better!
Briggs says in response to Gaurm's comment, "Friendly is good."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
You and Draven close on the Captain and Remy who move silently through the crowds that become thicker as you approach the Winged Victory Inn.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Eddie steps away from the group to head into the back and speak with the owner. The door is slightly ajar as you enter Eddie. The man is smiling and counting a pile of coins. He looks up at you with a frown, "Can I help you?"
Kara the Acolyte remains behind at the bar watching the interaction between the strange band, the monk, and the cleric with interest.
=======
Meanwhile, in the common room of the tavern, Falseed seems unconvinced at the good nature of the groups new friends.
"In my experience clerics and monks are helpful until they deem that they know better or are in the right and aid becomes order. I don't men the correction of chaos but order as in telling others what to do".
The monk turns to Falseed, "Revered Brother Victarius is no such priest traveler".
Falseed cocks his head, "Of course not, they never start that way..."
The monk huffs but Revered Brother Victarius places a hand on his shoulder, "No need for argument. Zsar, if you wish our assistance you can find me at an Inn named The Tides close to the docks". He and the monk exit the Red Dragon Inn with Falseed watching them leave.
He turns back to the group, "Good news. I have arranged for our rooms and reserved rooms for my contact as well. Let us sit for a meal and discuss our objectives here in the city. Trust me Zsar and Red, gold will aid you where those of the Faith will enslave you..."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Soze grins, "Excellent Theo! The sign of an independent Wizard is one who knows his own limitations and abides by them. Independence is a trait favored by the Black Robes.
Yes, a minor trick but an effective one. It seems Eldren's concern about your ability to cast spells, was... misplaced. After our meal and the arrival of the elves, we should head to the Red Dragon Inn. That is where our rooms have been reserved courtesy of my Master's magics".
"Afternoon, sir. I wanted to inquire about the availability for your rooms."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm nods politely as the holy men make their way from the inn.
He perks up at the mention of food. As Falseed has well learned so far, Gaurm can be highly motivated by a good meal and is nearly always hungry, "A meal sounds just the thing to go with this mug of ale!" He frowns as he looks into the nearly empty mug, "And a second mug of ale. And not spending a night under the wagon, that also sounds very good. Is there a place here to bathe? I would wash the road off myself were I given the chance."
Red nods to Falseed and moves to join everyone at a table. The red furred minotaur takes a bar stool since he cannot fit into a normal seat with armrests. Even the stool groans rather loudly under his weight and muscle and he looks around. Anyone familiar with minotaurs will be able to see that he's a little embarrassed.
When the food comes he eats slowly and after a few bites, says to Falseed "You don't like clerics or priests Falseed?"
Theo just nods, eating, drinking, and enjoying the ambience.
Zsar huffs. I beg to differ. I myself am a conduit of Chislev, and am therefore a man of faith... following the gods grants it's own bounty, perhaps not in gold, but in power and strength.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The barkeep shrugs at Gaurm and then turns to Brogg, "I' not sure we've got basins big enough for you uh... folk. I can send one of the girls to see what they can fetch. Might just be someone has to lug a trough round the back for you. Uh, if that is ok".
Falsed shakes his head, "It is different for you Zsar, you commune with nature, Chislev does not command and demand as do the other Gods. To a Goblin, Kiri Jolith is as bloodthirsty as Sargonnas is to a human. Both Gods demand the blood of their enemies, Sargonnas is more honest about how he goes about getting it. Do you not agree Red?"
The young Acolyte Kara listens to the conversation at the table from the bar, she is quite obviously doing so and not commenting on the conversation - while keeping an eye on where her companion went through the back door office.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
"Sorry son, just rented the last of 'em! Maybe you can work something out with those big'uns out there. They each needed a room they're so big!"
Brogg nods and says, "Yeah, I'm sure that's fine. It's nicer than we usually get." He gives a throaty chuckle.
Eddie returns to Kara and fills her in.
"Even if we could buy some rooms from the big folk, there's no way it'd be enough to fit that entire retinue of elves...I think we should go back and see how things are going with everyone."
"Concern about his ability, no," Eldren says simply with a shrug. "Curiosity on the other hand about how gnomish speech interacts with the precision needed when the verbal components of spells are uttered, yes." He sighs. "A gnome wizard is... something new. But new or not, he will be required to take the Test and risk life and limb and soul to prove himself. Either that or risk being branded a Renegade." He looks at Theo and then back at the Black Robe. "If there was concern, it was more about his wellbeing rather than his ability alone."
He allows then a crooked smile to form on his lips. "As for Black Robes and their abiding by limitations, well..." He lets the sentence unfinished.
"I think we are done here, I agree. And as for our gnome friend, I do apologize if I offended. But regardless, the... task, such as it were, is completed, considering the cantrip you cast rather flawlessly did have a verbal component."
"Shall we then?"
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm nods agreeably to the barkeep, "Yes that would be fine, and I appreciate your efforts. It will be better than a cold stream, of a certainty"
Red looks at Falseed "Sargas values honour. I doubt that is something a goblin would understand." he says as his chair creaks a bit.
Zsar huffs. I cannot channel nature without Chizlev. I commune with nature, yes, but without Chizlev's guidance I cannot harvest the power. I draw divine energy, just as a Cleric does.... I don't wish to argue. After all, conflict is ignorance
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The Barkeep nods at the two massive half-ogres, "I'll have the girls set up some sheets for privacy but uh, could I trouble the two of you to move those troughs to the back yourselves? The girls will draw the warm water but it'd be easier if'n you moved 'em on account a how big ya are..."
Falseed shrugs at Red and Zsar, "Maybe I just hate clerics then... heh. But I like you Bakali, you have spirit!"
Falseed then turns around and calls over to Eddie, "Did you say elves?"
The patrons at the bar continue to keep to themselves but it is clear that as your group settles in they watch what you all do. Whether out of fear or curiosity you would have to ask. Besides the monk and the cleric none have attempted to leave.
On her way over the Revered Daughter is looking around
Perception
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The Captain spots the man and turns in front of Remy, taking the strike right in the eye! As he staggers Remy draws a dagger to defend himself as another nearby figures leaps in to attack!
Thug 1
Remy
Thug 2
Huru, Draven, the Captain[/ooc]
The crowd scatters as the assault begins in earnest.
The first Thug presses the attack against the Captain striking him once more, the Captain partially blocks the strike but he appears heavily wounded and his legs are wobbly.
Remy tries to sing to distract the first Thug but the man shake soff the effect.
Meanwhile the second Thug strikes Remy unawares! The Bard falls bleeding profusely from the wound, he appears on death's door but not dead yet!
Captain Rathlmar Saves #1 - #2 HP = 36/81
Remy - HP = -2/11
Remy Fascinate - Thug Will save
Thug 2 Attacks Remy Attack Dagger of Venom - Damage + Poison.
Remy Save . Con Damage
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
As the three of you stand to exit the Inn and finalize the accomodations for your own rooms, you notice a disturbance outside the window.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
The Barkeep nods at the two massive half-ogres, "I'll have the girls set up some sheets for privacy but uh, could I trouble the two of you to move those troughs to the back yourselves? The girls will draw the warm water but it'd be easier if'n you moved 'em on account a how big ya are..."
Gaurm chuckles as he stands, "Of course, my good man, I will carry the trough. If you would have one of your people show me which one and where I should put it..." He downs the rest of his ale and waits expectantly.
"Yeah, of course. No problem, moving heavy stuff is kinda our thing."
No offense taken at all.
Zsar nods to the compliment and hands his Lizard Companion a scrap, the Large lizard somehow unnoticed underneath the table.
He looks about the room suspicious of the patrions quiet...
Eddie looks at the stranger with caution "Maybe, what's it to ya' friend?"