Red looks at Zsar and his lizard and says softly. "Is something wrong?"
The priestess calls upon her goddess, holding onto her medallion of faith and reaches out to touch the Captain of the Guard Quenesti Pah, bring health to this man.
CLW
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Brogg & Gaurm - Outside
One of the barmaids leads the two half-ogres out through the front doors and to the horse troughs. "These are the ones he was talkin' 'bout. You boys are some o' the biggest men ah ever seen, where you all hail from?" she asks.
Before either of you can answer a few f the human patrons from the Inn step outside and off of the front porch near you all though they have their backs to the street. The largest, small compared to either of you speaks, "The Barkeep may be afraid to say it but I'm not. You two are trouble. You're presence here can't be by accident, evil is afoot and I am having a hard time believing that you two are not a part of it! I mean your parents were damned Ogres!"
=======
Red-Ohn Gathas, Zsar Kizar - Inside
Zsar watches his new allies exit. As the door closes a trio of warriors rises and exits behind them.
=======
Eddie - Sitting at the Bar with Kara
The merchant approaches, "Well, one so rarely finds an elf much less Elves plural. I try to find opportunities where I can, it is what I do..."
Kara frowns at him, "This one is not a believer Eddie be wary of him".
The man places his hand upon his heart, "You wound me dear child, do the Gods not teach us to question? I simply follow the spirit of their decrees not the wills and whims of the Gods..."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Your healing hands caress Captain Rathlmar, he shakes his head and with a dry voice rasps, "Thank you". In elvish.
He draws his elven longsword and moves on the counteroffensive against the Thug (or is it assassin?) that struck him. His blade cuts through the face of his assailant who hits the cobblestoned street showing himslf to be a warrior of opportunity and nothing more.
Drasven likewise draws his blade and charges at the one standing over Remy. Unfortunately, he trips over Remy's body and falls to the ground dropping his blade.
The assassin turns away from a killing blow against Remy and instead attacks Drasven, "Fool, die!" The strike is vicious, Drasven's assailant stabs him in the back of the neck, blood sprays across Remy and the ground. He wheels himself around to face the Captain twirling the dagger in his hand...
Captain Rathlmar (7 - Str 16) - Attack # 1 - Damage -- Attack # 2 - Damage - HP = 44/81
Drasven(3 - Str 14) - Attack # 1 - Damage - HP = 9/33
Thug 2 Attacks Remy Attack Dagger of Venom - Damage = 24!
Remy - = -3/11
Assassin 1 - Deceased
Assassin 2 - HP = 21/21
Peering outside the window as he stands up, Eldren notices the commotion. No, not just that. There is fighting going on!
"The elves are under attack over there," the pale wizard calls out in an urgent tone as he moves to exit the building and hurry to their aid. At the same he considers the spells in his mind, trying to determine which one would be the most useful given the circumstances.
The cleric calls again upon Quenesti Pay to heal her allies and leaving out her enemies from the goddesses healing.
Channel
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Brogg & Gaurm - Outside
One of the barmaids leads the two half-ogres out through the front doors and to the horse troughs. "These are the ones he was talkin' 'bout. You boys are some o' the biggest men ah ever seen, where you all hail from?" she asks.
Before either of you can answer a few f the human patrons from the Inn step outside and off of the front porch near you all though they have their backs to the street. The largest, small compared to either of you speaks, "The Barkeep may be afraid to say it but I'm not. You two are trouble. You're presence here can't be by accident, evil is afoot and I am having a hard time believing that you two are not a part of it! I mean your parents were damned Ogres!"
Gaurm turns toward the men with nothing threatening in his body language. His hands are nowhere near his blade or shield, and he stands with his shoulders squared to the men, his feet flat on the ground. His voice, though deep enough to be felt, is quiet and calm as he speaks to them, "I was not raised by ogres. I was raised in Xak Khalan by my mother and the human man I consider to be my father. But your accusations are nothing new to me, as other humans have always seen only my ogre parentage and not the life I have lived as a human. Did any of you have the luxury to choose who was to be your father before you were born? I think not. Should you be judged ill by others if your father happened to be a criminal or some other person undesirable in civilized society? Again, I think not. Do not judge my by my blood, but by my actions and my behavior as you would wish to be judged."
He meets the gaze of each one in turn, "I am not skilled in the arts of words. I learned the trade of fire and steel from Master Maroc, my village smith. I learned the arts of war at Relgoth from Sir Jayre, a warrior-priest of Kiri-Jolith. I have spent years guarding caravans from the depredations of monsters and evil men all across the Abinisinan plains. I am not evil. I am not your enemy."
Brogg shrugs and simply adds, "Not sure how much trouble I can get into while in the bath."
Theo jumps up, as Eldren makes his announcement. The small gnome makes his way to the other wizards side.
"She's right buddy, ain't none of your business. C'mon Kara, let's get out of here."
Zsar flicks his tongue out and frowns . HHmmm... Something's wrong... those men that just left...
He stands and moves to the door. It appears they... I'll be outside for but a moment...
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Brogg & Gaurm & Zsar - Outside
As Zsar steps outside he sees that his hunch was right, a confrontation may well be brewing right out front!
The spokesman appears almost annoyed by the calm responses from Brogg and Gaurm, "Yeah, maybe you're not gonna cause the trouble but you'll respond to it won't you? On accident ya'll kill someone. I'll keep my eyes on you two, step out of line and you'll answer to me!"
The man and his two cronies begin to walk off, their gaits appear slightly impaired.
The barmaid sighs, "Don't mind them. They start with all the tough looking new customers, if there's no reason they'll pick a reason".
=======
Red & Eddie - Inside
While Red watches Zsar, he can hear Eddie's sharp retort to Falseed.
The girls smiles at Falseed and she stands up and starts to walk out of the Inn with Eddie.
Falseed replies with a slight bow, "A thousand pardons young one..."
======
Eddie - Outside
As you step outside you hear the last few words the barmaid speaks to the half-ogres.
"...if there's no reason they'll pick a reason".
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Eldren and Theo see a flash of holy light emanate from Huru as the battle is waged.
Before Eldren can rush to the door, Soze snarls, "No time!" He picks up his Quarterstaff and smashes the window giving both Theo and Eldren line of sight and no obstructions before them.
Drasven HP = 12/33.
Remy HP = 0/11.
Assassin 1 - Deceased.
Assassin 2 - HP = 21/21
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Brogg & Gaurm & Zsar - Outside
Gaurm smiles sadly at the young woman, "I do not mind them. These are better than most; at least they just walked away. That was a much warmer welcome that many I have had." He looks up to see Zsar and Eddie by the door to the inn and nods to them as he hefts the trough she indicated, "To answer your question, though, I am from Xak Khalan, several days travel north."
Zsar whistles and calls Slizz over. The monitor lizard shoots through the bar and stops next to the druid. seems there may be trouble he then fully steps outside.
dè tha dol an seo?
Red looks at what is going on outside and says mostly to himself [/b]"Being different here brings conflict. Excuse me."[/b] He says then stands up. His chair making a creaking sound of relief as Red walks outside, trying hard to ignore the stares of the locals. He walks outside.
"Friend Zsar, everything alright here"
Theo Quintana his blue eyes a bit. The gnome then smiles, as he steps closer to the melee (20'). Wizard then reaches for a bit of butter, speaking arcane words.
?
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
As Zsar and Red step outside, whatever altercation took place ended as soon as it started.
The barmaid directs Brogg and Gaurm to dump two of the troughs and tells them to take them into the back. "I'll get your baths ready gents, go ahead and finish your meals inside".
People on the street point at the group but none say anything too loud and none insult any of you. Falseed steps outside, "My friends, I think staying inside would be better for now".
Falseed grins at Kara and Eddie as he steps back inside.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Theo leaps out the window and casts a spell, his cadence is clear and the spell goes off beneath the feet of the assassin!
The assassin looses his footing and falls!
Eldren nods at the Black Robe and exits through the now broken window, moving just close enough to the fighting to be able to not only be heard by but also cast a spell at the remaining assailant.
"Stand down! You are outnumbered," he calls out, the words followed by a simple incantation and a gesture before a small greenish sphere of acid materialises and speeds towards the thug.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Eldren's acidic blast burns the leg of the would be assassin. The man on his back looks up at Captain Rathlmar along with the other foes arrayed around him. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a vial drinking it, immediately he begins to gag and choke!
It does not take a Cleric to realize that the an ingested poison rather than be captured.
Zsar sighs, not sure what to do now that the conflict was over. He looks to Red and shrugs. Seems it is over...
The Daughter of Mishakel moves up to help the man
heal check
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Huru manages to delay the poison for long enough that a more senior Cleric can arrive and stop it in its entirety. Still, the would be assassin is senseless from the effect that the poison did have on his system. The Branchala Clergy and their Templar security take both the slain and the poisoned assassin away.
Soze approaches and kneels down to see to the woozy Remy, "That was a close one eh? What happened?"
Remy sits up, "I think they are still trying to murder me". and Kara arrive at the chaotic scene as Remy states that matter of factly almost with no emotion in his voice. Kara rushes over to him, "Oh by the Gods Remy!"
Soze nods to Eddie, "Ah, you are back Eddie! Any luck on your task?"
Draven cracks his neck and takes a knee calling over to Huru, "Revered Daughter, if you could..." He too has wounds.
Captain Rathlmar approaches Eldren and Theo, "My thanks for your assistance. Long has it been since a human and a gnome saved an elf and a half-elf".
"Well, I kept myself busy enough. Couldn't find any rooms though, at least not enough for the elves along with ourselves. What, uh, happened here if you don't mind me asking?"
The cleric will channel energy again to heal Draven
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Gaurm shoulders the heavy trough with little apparent effort and follows the barmaid around to the back of the inn. Depositing the trough where she indicates, Gaurm simply nods to Falseed and follows the man inside to resume his meal.
Theodore hurries by the side of Huru. The gnome peers down at the man lying on the ground with a sadness in his blue eyes.
Looking at the gnome the daughter of Mishakel states It looks like he will live she says warmly.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Soze speaks, "It seems fortuitous that once again I and my allies have aided you friend elves. I am happy to do so, I am also happy to inform you that I have secured lodging for you at the Inn where I will soon be paying for a new window... the Winged Victory Inn".
Captain Rathlmar nods, "I will inform Father Dent of the Church of Branchala and make sure to let my own charge the Revered Father know of you assistance Wizard". Rathlmar's disposition towards the Wizard is cold despite his thanks.
Soze then shakes his head at Eddie, "No my friend, I think you performed your task well enough". His eyes follow Kara as she is on one knee tending to Remy.
Remy looks up at Theo, "Thank you. Thank all of you for saving me. I thought I was going to perish here in the street".
Draven stands and stretches smiling at Huru, "Captain, we should aid Remy here in getting back to the Temple of Branchala. I for one would like to interrogate the assassin myself. Will you come Huru?"
Before Huru can answer, Soze interrupts, "Revered Daughter, my friends and I can be of assistance further regarding interrogation of assassins, would be and otherwise, but first I will need to meet with my Master's contact as I am already late. Won't you come with us and then together we can all head back to the Temple..."
The small gnome smiles up at the female elf.
It is not for his continued existence, but the wasted actions deployed here this day.
The Daughter of Quenesti Pah will nod at Draven's request.
Eddie pushes his hat up and scratches his head. "Looks like you had some excitement while I was away. What's all this about assassins?"
Brogg looks back and forth several times as he takes in the chaos, then finally he shrugs and says, "Guess it's mealtime." With that he follows Gaurm and Felseed.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful
Soze turns to Eddie, "We missed most of the excitement my friend. It seems the Silvanesti half-elven guide is a marked man to whoever these assassins are or were.
A pity you will not come with us Revered Daughter. However, your lodgings at the Winged Victory are ready. Perhaps we shall see each otehr in passing during the course of the next few days. I and my companions will be headed towards the Red Dragon Inn, the place where I am to meet my contact, should you need us".
Soze motions for Eddie, Theo, and Eldren to follow him...
Kara, turns back to Eddie and winks but heads off with Remy to the Temple.
Eddie cocks his head when he hears the name, Red Dragon Inn.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful - The Red Dragon Inn
Your meal is taken in silence as patrons inside begin to head out seemingly having had their fill at gazing, even if indirectly, at the odd assortment of beings that occupy the Red Dragon this day.
Falseed is amused by the sheer number of trips yon serving wench is making with heated water for Gaurm and Brogg's baths. "I'll wager a platinum coin that the scalding hot water is damn near cold by the time she fills up those troughs", cackles Falseed hardly containing his laughter.
Soon enough a new group of patrons enters the Inn, this group is clearly not a set of locals. Two appear to be apprentice wizards, another a gnome, the last the young man the group saw earlier, Eddie.
Normal patrons are few and far between in here. The human behind the bar looks none too happy at the entrance of more oddities. One woman services several tables while another runs out of the kitchen and through the back door with a steaming pot in her hands.
==========================
Eldren and Theo as you approach you see that 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 you see perhaps the most motley assortment of beings you have ever laid your eyes on in one place. Seated at a table that appears to belong to children the figures around it are so large are a Minotaur, two Half-Ogre's one even larger than the other, and a Bakali whose face is fully exposed without his cowl up. Seated with them is a wizened middle aged human.
=============================
As the groups get the measure of one another. The merchant, who looks like a child next to his large companions, stands up from the table and approaches your group.
"I may be making an as of myself but are you Keyser Soze?"
Soze nods, "If you know my name then you must be the one my Master has named Falseed..."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful - The Temple of Branchala
Huru accompanies Captain Rathlmar, Draven, Kara, and an unsteady Remy to the Temple.
The Temple is a grand building on the outside and in. The motif of song and beauty are unmistakable here. Acolytes freely mix with Minstrels and other travelers to the Temple whose open floor plan is warm and inviting. Plenty of windows and benches give those present a place to sit and confer with one another.
Instruments as well as singing of all kinds intermingle here and enhance not detract from one another. Huru observes other Clerics and Acolytes here besides just those of Branchala the goodly Gods and a smattering of the neutral Gods are here. Represented by humans, dwarves, and even a kender! Of the Qualinesti she sees no sign.
If the assassin were brought here there seems to be no gossip about them that she can overhear.
The group is led by Kara to the second floor and a receiving room where she leaves you all, "I shall retrieve Father Dent, please wait here".
Draven assists Remy in lying down on a bench. As Captain Rathlmar asks him, "I've many questions but the one foremost on my mind is, this has happened to you before?"
Remy sighs, "Both of my parents, each a half-elf incidentally, were musicians and devotees of Branchala. Indeed, both were successful in what they did and my family never wanted for anything.
All of that changed last year. I came home to the sight of a pair of men attacking my parents in our home. The smell of decay and mildew clung to both. As one they turned, ignoring my parents and lunged at me with hands as black as coal. I called upon Branchala and to my surprise, he did hear the call! A shield prevented them from reaching me. Distracted by my arrival, my parents were able to get their bearings and counterattack, slaying these two foul creatures before my eyes.
Still my parents were grievously wounded and I left them both clinging to life to seek out a healer from the Church of Mishakal, By the time I returned the two bodies of the assailants had melted into pools of ichor and dust. My parents succumbed to the wounds, some sort of disease that both were inflicted with.
The cleric condemned and Hallowed the house at the same time telling mr that my parents were targets of the dark God Morgion's minions. But I knew the truth, I was the target. But why I do not know, there is nothing remarkable about me..."
Red turns to Zhsar and co and says "Why is Falseed speaking to to that group?"
"You keep... colorful company indeed, Falseed," the pale Solamnic says, curiosity making him forget his manners for a moment.
"I am Eldren, Eldren Vacaris. It is... interesting to meet you."
Red turns to Zhsar and co and says "Why is Falseed speaking to to that group?"
Gaurm watches Falseed, not terribly interested in the small man's antics, "Presumably he has some kind of business with them," he shrugs, turning back to his meal.
Would it be possible to speak to this cleric of my order? inquires the Silvanesti
The small gnome holds out his hand.
Nice to meet you Master Falseed. I am Theodore Samuel Walden Glitterfounder.
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful - The Temple of Branchala
Remy replies, "I do not see why not, Mishakal's Church is near the Northern Tarsian Gate. Her name is Aristal Firesoul".
Captain Rathlmar follows up, "Did you recognize either of those would be assassins?"
Remy shakes his head, "No I did not".
Captain Rathlmar continues, "Do you own any items that are perhaps of great value to that Dark Gods' Church?"
Remy shakes his head, "I doubt it, why?"
Captain Rathlmar responds, "Motive. There must be some reason for the to attempt to slay you yet again. This time that was a brazen attack indeed".
Remy frowns, "I suppose you are correct but the reason why is not known to me..."
8th Day of Autumn Twilight - 1030 PC - Tarsis the Beautiful - The Red Dragon Inn
Falseed bows to the group, "Ah it is pleasant to meet you all again and to see you young Eddie..."
Soze turns to Eddie, "You know Falseed?"
Falseed grins, "We met earlier. I took the liberty of procuring rooms for you and your traveling contingent which I must say is interesting indeed. Are Theo and Eldren also apprentices of your Master and this Eddie a bodyguard?"
Soze chuckles, "No. Not yet. And Eddie is simply an amenable traveling companion".
Soze turns turns to "his" traveling companions, "Please, mingle with Falseed's security, we shall be with them for the next few days of negotiations, excuse us".
Soze gestures to the stairs leading up, "If you do not mind Master Falseed I would have you show me my room and I would like a few preliminary words with you in private".
The Merchant and the Dark Apprentice Wizard head up the stairs leaving the two groups in a largely empty common room together.
Zsar just watched, he didn't like to speak, and felt he would only cause an issue if he tried to but in... After all he was a Bakali... He pet the large lizard next to him and watched the new arrivals with some curiosity
Red has a swig of his mead and under his breathe mouths "Black robes..."
The small gnome claps his hands together with a sudden jolt!
Well, I guess that we have time to chat.
Theo approaches the Bakali.
Hello. I am Theodore Samuel Walden Glitterfounder. Nice to meet you., he says loudly and holding out his small hand.