Poulain finishes the grisly work of butchering the creature. "You, talky. Got a good deal on the meat. Help me sell the rest?"
"I am honored by your confidence Poulain," says Angelo with a small (and only slightly ironic) bow.
"Eccolo! Corvus, I believe you were seeking a bite, a seat, and hopefully a bath, vero? There are a selection of inns here, any of which I assure you can be convinced to draw a lovely bath, and several of which might also have a clean robe while your clothes might be laundered." Giving the rest of the group a visual once-over, "and perhaps Corvus is not alone in having seen some hard roads the last few days, eh?" Rubbing his hands together briskly, "More than one bath might present a challenge of persuasion - favoloso!"
Having obviously determined the course of the next several hours of his life, Angelo begins to move off (with the gold) towards the Witchlight Inn - that being the inn nearest the docks, and the others some distance off. "Perhaps while you lot idle in luxurious rest and relaxation, I can dispose of the remainder of the beast, and pursue any errands you need while I'm about it."
"Aside from that, I have an appointment to keep at a tavern this evening." Angelo gives Corvus a conspiratorial glance. "Once you've refreshed yourselves, I can show you around to Murdhein's place, then join you when I've completed my business. Concordato?"
FOR ALL BUT ANGELO
The party was able to sell the rest of the carcass, teeth for ivory, bone to the weapon smith, and the internal organs to the delicatessen and the witch doctor. All told the grand total amounts to an additional 200 gp.
You went back to wherever you are/were staying and eventually get cleaned up for some brai. Once you come around the corner you can smell the driftwood charcoal that Murdhein specialized in making already blazing and those mesquite chips are unleashing a drove of flavor before you can actually see the joint.
Upon entering, you can see the bar on the right with five tables in front and then you can see the rear entrance where those delicious smells are wafting. You are led to the exterior veranda where thirty or forty people are already enjoying the merriment.
Murdhein "HAHAHAHAHAH!!!! The guests of honor bes hizear, hmmmmhaahahahahaha! he then hands you all a dragonnell borewurs and a rhino horn of palm wine.
Angelo
You slip into the Bloodrot as solid half an hour early to make sure things don't get dicey. The tavern is typical Bloodcove but more colonial and native than piratey. Most of the clientele are either Mwangians drinking palm wine or colonials with grog eating peanuts and just throwing the shells directly on the ground.
The bartender, Guisseppe, "Angelo, il mio prete, che cosa vuoi da bere?"
Bowing to the proprietor, Yoshiyaru said, "My thanks."
Upon finding a place to sit, he asked the others, "Do you have any idea what this Admiral Harthwik Barzoni wants of us?"
"Buonasera Guisseppe! I'm in for a little while - have a couple of drinks, talk to some folks, do a little business. Just a quiet night, d'accordo? And here, let me settle up my tab, and put a little forward for tonight." Angelo gives Guisseppe a gold piece, erasing his outstanding tab from last week, and leaving enough left over for the coming week.
Angelo speaks quietly with some acquaintances at the bar, stops at a table or two. He eventually gravitates to a (well, the most desirable) quiet table near the back; not too loud, good view of the bar and the door, but still a bit in the shadows. And he settles in, sipping slowly and alternately between a dark, dark red wine and pure, clean water (a bit of a luxury in Bloodcove...).
@Angelo
The guard arrives five minutes late, he is still wearing his uniform, looks both ways before he motions to Giusseppe. Makes eye contact and then slips over to your table and says, "Padre, what can I do you for?" as he slaps you on the back.
Bowing to the proprietor, Yoshiyaru said, "My thanks."
Upon finding a place to sit, he asked the others, "Do you have any idea what this Admiral Harthwik Barzoni wants of us?"
"We succeeded where his militia failed. I would suggest it is our abilities to know one end of a sword from the other that interests him. Either that, or the fact that whatever he has in mind, he doesn't want to risk losing his own people. We are, to him, expendable."
Corvus casts her gaze slowly around the others. "Of course, I have no idea exactly what he wants. Does anyone have any interesting rumours they're able to share that might cast some light on the subject."
"Ah - Gil. Please, sit, join me in a drink - you have? Some wine? Ah - good." Raising glasses in a small toast, "Pharasma grant us the serenity to accept the fates she sets us"
"My day has been complicated and tiring - we can discuss me later. I would like to hear about your day, Gil." and Angelo sips at his wine, and looks at Gil over the rim of his cup.
"Unfortunately, I do not know Bloodcove well enough to answer that, Corvus-san," replied Yoshiyaru.
Looking around the establishment, he added, "I have only been here a few months. Much of what transpires here is strange to me."
Corvus looks around. "Has anyone seen Angelo? As valuable as 200 gold seems, the 300 he is carrying is a lot more substantial. It is part of my doctrine to donate 15 per cent of anything I receive to those less well off. Those that battled the creature and fared less well than us seem a righteous cause. Who will join me in this act of charity?"
Yoshiyaru studied the (by his standards) incredibly tall and thin woman.
"What 'doctrine' is that?" the half-elf asked.
Mem'basi had met the rest of his new 'friends' as agreed and had no problem finding the assigned place; he'd come to know the little 'smelly' town in the past couple of weeks. He also knew that the mangrove was bountiful for those that knew where to look. Like every morning, the druid had had his fill of tropical fruits, nothing like raw foods to make him feel alive.
He'd told Zimba to stay out of sight but within calling distance but Mem'basi knew that that was doubtful. The lazy cat might get distracted and be gone until nightfall when he would find his way back to the druid. Granted, Mem'basi never had reason to call him and he'd hoped that the beast was within earshot should he need of him. As it was, the cat was happy to stay in the shade and lick his wounds from the day before.
The druid sat down and listened to the others at the table waiting for the man that called this meeting to show up.
Poulain smirks. "They lived. Reward enough." He wracks his brain for rumors.
@ Angelo
Gil looks back and forth and says, "Well since you left there has been lots of coming and going. Representatives of Pathfinder, Cheliax, Sargava, and the Hurricane King all were running around, but those damned Aspis guys are just mad shady. Twas a nightmare."
He throws back his drink quickly and raises his thumb and pointer finger to the barkeep to order two more drinks.
"The old man is up to something" He scratches his head.
@Poulain Wild Elves are on the warpath up in on the way to Kibwe
@Rest
Jamarl and Zenobia show up and slide in right next to you. The young girl says, "Youse a bein braves, helpina meese likessa mya papa!"
Yoshiyaru studied the (by his standards) incredibly tall and thin woman.
"What 'doctrine' is that?" the half-elf asked.
"As a Paladin of Sarenrae, I have developed a strict code, based upon the teaching of the Dawnflower. It guides my conduct - and central to my belief is to help those that can't help themselves. Hence I always gift a percentage of any monies earned to those less fortunate."
"Ah, my father spoke of such 'holy warriors'," replied the half-elf.
"As one who had nothing as a child, helping those in need with my excess sounds honorable. I will likewise give of my share."
After the two locals arrived and the girl spoke, Yoshi gave them an abbreviated bow (as was already sitting) in acknowledgement.
@ Group
Zenobia looks at the ranger and says:
Polyglot
The girl gives Poulain a smile.
The girl listens to Corvus "What be Sarenhay? Mine PAPA told mes to celebrate my relatives.
Jamarl wraps her leg and says to her: "This nice lady doesn't understand our ways."
He turns to Corvus and says "Sorry, if my daughter was disrespectful"
@ Group
The girl listens to Corvus "What be Sarenhay? Mine PAPA told mes to celebrate my relatives.
Jamarl wraps her leg and says to her: "This nice lady doesn't understand our ways."
He turns to Corvus and says "Sorry, if my daughter was disrespectful"
Corvus nods her head to Jamarl and then turns and smiles to the young girl. "Do not worry, you haven't offended me or my God. I am a paladin - a holy warrior. Although I am fierce like the Dawnflower, my aim is to provide hope to the weak and support to the righteous."
Corvus pauses to guage if any of this is sinking in, but continues regardless. "My God is represented by fire and the Sun. I am merciful when required but my enemies should never forget that the best battle is the battle I win."
Corvus' voice remains calm and gentle throughout and only a steely glint in her eyes reveals the strength of her conviction.
"So Gil, I don't know a lot about Aspis - we don't have them much where I'm from. I take it they're one of the trading houses here. But shady, you say? They concern me a bit. Them and the Pathfinders - odd actors in your little arte drammatica"
"Were the Chelaxians bristling more than usual? Fuming?" prompts Angelo, thinking, 'If the Sargavans and the Hurricane King are talking to the Admiral, the Chelaxians should be indignantly incensed that the conversation is going on at all...'
@Angelo Gil takes a hefty swig from his drink, and says "Aspis, well they are a multinational,multiple tiered organization. Here in Bloodcove they have a lot of sway, shoooot, they are the reason the Shackle's pirates don't turn this place into another Port Peril. They trade in anything: drugs, gold, food, whatever."
He looks back and forth uneasily and starts to whisper,
"They pay well but they ain't people to cross, they have long arms"
He swipes a fly from his drink.
"The pathfinders, they just liketo snoop around and cause trouble, play at fighting monsters and such nonsense."
Later in the conversation.
"Cheliax wants to send missionaries and put pressure on Sargava to rejoin the fold, in spite of having the largest fleet in the Inner Sea, their power is not so important here."
"So any idea what might the Admiral might be cooking up? I had an interesting afternoon, and was suddenly invited to breakfast at the Castellany, along with some newcomers to town. Any preview might help make better decisions."
later in the discussion. "My new-found compagnia and I are having a bit of a festa this evening, at Murdhein's, featuring wyrm borewurs. I came around here specially to visit with you, but I need to go put in an appearance. Would you care to join us?"
"HAHAHAHAHA! Everyone's been talking about y'all slayers. Best I can tell is that the Admiral wants to size y'all up and give you some sort of reward. Barzoni is a complicated man. I heard his wife will be there."
later,
We'll see, I am meeting a bellissima in an about an hour, if it ends early I may, come for some Brai...You know us Southlanders and our brai...
"Anything I should know about the Admiral's wife? I wouldn't want to embarass myself with too high a regard for her personage..."
"Far be it from me to intrude in the gentle pursuit. I'll grieve for your companionship, but hope fondly for your assignation tonight."
And Angelo will take his leave of Gil and the Bloodrot, and head to Murdhein's place.
@Poulain:
Polyglot
Jamarl gives his daughter a look of disappointment. She then replies "Sorry, Mr. Ranger, sir! I should not be fresh with adults, it is unbecoming."
She then bows her head.
@Angelo
He chuckles a bit and says, "Svetlana Barzoni, her father is a count or how they say up in Ustaslav, a Gerzog, originally from there but she runs the Barzoni Trading House's day to day operation while her husband is authority in the city. Nice woman but down to business."
Later, "I wish you luck with that lady you're traveling with... Chi ama non vino, donne e canzoni, rimane un pazzo per tutta la vita!
Polyglot
Jamarl looks at Poulain and shakes his head,
Angelo arrives at Murdrein's just in time for the second course, which is large dragonnell spare ribs oozing in a tangy, sweet sauce served with papp and some jungle veggies coated in butter.
Spotting Angelo, Murdrein walks back over to the group, "Buona sera Amico, fortunatamente per voi, io non ho rubato la tua donna ancora.... HAHAHAHAHA! A pitcher of palm wine!
Murdrein sits at the table, looks around, "Benvenuto, my friends, drink have some fun, its a party, HAHAHAHA!!!!!
Yoshi just shook his head at all the strange banter and quietly ate his food.
From farther down the table, in a seat next to Corvus ("oh no worries, the one that was sitting here remembered urgent business elsewhere"), Angelo looks around appreciatively, "molte grazie per l'ospitalità Murdhein. The ribs - molto eccellente - I hope your other customers appreciate what a prodigy you are! A toast to the master of the house!"
After a delicious meal, which seemed to never end, you bid Murdrein a gracious adieu. Upon returning to your lodging you find a note stuck to your mirror in your room, written in common. It reads:
Excuse the cloak and dagger stuff but you and I need to meet, back door of Pathfinder House 1300 - M. Fenn
Knowledge Local DC10
Malika Fenn is the leader of the Pathfinders in Bloodcove
You wake up and meet up with each other in front of the Castellany fifteen minutes early. Gil, the guard, says "Morning, you are expected." giving a casual wink to Angelo and a smile to Corvus.
Bowing slightly to the guard, Yoshiyaru replied, "Thank you."
Looking to the others, the magus wondered if they had also received a clandestine note.
Corvus faces Angelo. "Is there something I should know?" she asks in a pleasant voice.
"Pathfinders. Dilettante dabblers."
Yoshiyaru looked at Poulain. "So you received a message as well?"
Looking at Corvus, Angelo says, "Gil couldn't join us last night because he had an assignation - ah, amore" Angelo looks whistful for a moment.
Addressing the whole group, "Although our innamorato at the gate did not come for ribs and drink last night, he did let on that the major national factions, as well as House Aspis and the Pathfinders have all been coming and going through those gates. Somehow also, Gil knows that the Admiral's wife will be at breakfast this morning - and that she is not a decoration, but instead an actor of some import."
"and yes, I also received an 'invitation' from the Pathfinders. I intend to to keep the appointment, at the very least to express my displeasure at their violation ofo my privacy."
"I am intrigued by the message," replied the foreign half-elf.
Frowning, he added, "However, the fact that they knew where we were staying indicates that they've been watching us, and probably still are."
"I am intrigued by the message," replied the foreign half-elf.
Frowning, he added, "However, the fact that they knew where we were staying indicates that they've been watching us, and probably still are."
"Aye, still watching is more like it. I was given a message by a beggar boy this morning as I made my way to town. I guess it's kind of hard to blend in with a lazy cat trailing me."
He scratched the leopard, "Go, stay out of trouble but stay close. I feel we'll travel soon."
He turned to those gathered, "Well, let's get this over with. I'm hungry."
Gil escorts you inside to the dining room which has a large mahogany table and he puts you into the spots with your names on them. Yoshi can smell the somewhat familiar smell of Tian style green tea in a kettle. As everyone sits down a halfling girl asks everyone what they would like to drink and shortly disappears and comes back with whatever you would like.
Shortly thereafter, the admiral arrives dressed in the latest style of the Shackles and he is holding the hand of his wife above her head, the Ustalavian Gerzogitsa.
He deftly pulls out the chair for his wife and helps her sit down. He then moves over to his seat and says "Admiral Barzoni at yer service!"
His wife peps up "Do you have to speak so Grozny with our guests around?"
As the Admiral and his wife enter, Angelo rises from his chair, and gives a correct and respectful bow from the waist (constrained somewhat by table and chair).
Responding to the Admiral's hearty greeting, and waiting for the Admiral's wife's mild admonishment, "Admiral, Vicereine. I am Angelo Carvesan, of the Sargaven Carvesans, most recently of the Temple of Pharasma, and currently the most grateful subject as a resident of Bloodcove these several months. I will ask my compania to introduce themselves, as we have only recently made each others' acquaintance, and I have not been fully introduced to them in their proper titles."
Angelo is attempting to make a good impression, and not taking major pains to hide his attempt. He is attempting to convey the impression (backed up by his formal dress for the morning) of a minor noble, with well-trained and well-heeled graces finely tuned to the situation.
Jean-Phillipe nods a bit and snorts "Poulain." When people look at him for clarification, he recites in Polyglot
Yoshi likewise stood and bowed.
"I am Nakayama Yoshiyaru, Admiral Barzoni-sama," the half-elf stated.
Yoshi likewise stood and bowed.
"I am Nakayama Yoshiyaru, Admiral Barzoni-sama," the half-elf stated.
Mem'basi unsure whether to speak in Polyglot or common and settled for the later. The druid was still confused as to why Poulain said he was their servant. He shrugged his shoulders and made a note in the back of his mind to ask the ranger about that later.
When it was his turn to speak, he stood up, "I am Mem'basi. At your service... if we come to an agreement."
Corvus smiles graciously and bows politely. "I am Corvus Albus, holy warrior for the Dawnflower." She then sits quietly, taking in the room.
The admiral looks the five of you up and down as well as Jamarl.
"Well met! Heroes of Bloodcove! My wife donin't like when I use them old Shackles jargon, she finds it a might dirty. Hahaha!" he chuckles to himself.
"And this beautiful lady is my wife, Svetlana Barzoni, a countess in her own rights, our eldest daughter is regenting on up Ustislav way"
He then claps and food is served.
Angelo eats very sparely, and very carefully. He's takes care to ensure his teacup isn't off kilter, or close to the edge of the table. He'll forego any precariously-balanced softboiled-eggs-in-stands. 'It really wouldn't do for my haunting spirits to drop an egg in my lap at this particular point,' he muses to himself.
Angelo also spares a good portion of his attention to the couple at the head of the table. He's keen to understand what the purpose of the visit might be, but mindful of the fact that the Admiral hasn't seen fit to launch directly into 'business-at-hand'.
Having satisfied initial cordialities, and allowed a small interval for serving and tucking in, Angelo will open light conversation with the Admiral and Contessa - "Contessa, how does the cooking here in Bloodcove compare with that of your homeland?", "Admiral, have you been to sea recently? Do you have an eye for any of the ships in harbor at the moment?" Angelo will involve everyone at the table, but with a concerted effort at charming and befriending the Admiral and Contessa. It is breakfast, the Admiral signaled a desire to engage in small talk before business. Angelo has nowhere better in the world to be, and nothing more directly in his wheelhouse than charming the two most powerful people in his local world.
Jean-Phillipe eats noisily and foregoing utensils. He sucks marrow from bones, licks his fingers and eats savagely.
Yoshiyaru ate the offered foods without complaint or conversation.
All the while, he appraised not only his hosts, but fellow guests.
This is truly a strange collection of individuals, thought the half-elf.