"OK, I'll go talk to him again. See what I can shake loose."
"Whoa! Hold on! Ascaria, did you forget what I told you about Kullen? He wants to keep beating on you, and he wants to take the money he KNOWS you have away from you. Not necessarily in that order. Sending you off to talk with him alone is just ASKING for you to get beaten up again, or worse killed." The frustration is obvious in his voice.
"If Kullen is spoken to again, it needs to be all of us. There are four of them in Kullen's gang, and six of us. Those are much better odds than Ascaria against all of Kullen's men."
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
"He was never buried in that grave, so it's not like we're putting him back."
Surely Alastor knew which bones where his.
"We had his bones. We're trying to lift a curse. I was just thinking that putting him in the marked grave might make the difference. Does anyone know how curses work?""But what I won't do is be lied to or tricked or kissed."
There she goes... there she goes again.
Thoroughly flummoxed and trying to keep his cool, Mortimer approaches Sol.
"Alastor is cursed, Sol. I think he wants to be in peace more than you want him to be in peace. I don't think he's lied -- I fear it's me who messed up back at the farmstead. You do want Alastor to be at peace, don't you? I don't have any other ideas as to how to lift the curse, so I have to try."
"Whoa! Hold on! Ascaria, did you forget what I told you about Kullen? [...]"
"Tynan's right, Ascaria -- do not seek Kullen out alone."
He turns to everyone.
"Wait here, everyone. Let me try to fix my mistake at the farmstead -- won't take more than an hour I figure, with my stride -- and I'll be back here. If I'm right -- Alastor moves on, and we can too. If I'm wrong, then we can start a gang war and try again."
He stops, considering something for a second or two.
"Ha! Even if I'm right, we can still start a gang war! Two shiners and a broken nose on our Canary can't stand -- this deserves some kind of payback!"
He turns. leaving the cave.
"Please -- give me one hour. I'll be back."
Ascaria listens to Tynan and shrugs, "OK, we'll all go then."
He then listens to Sol and Mort and the ghost all sort of argue.
"Wait a tick, let's all calm down a moment. I say we let Mort do his thing, won't take long and we can have a little picnic while we wait. I mean we just had breakfast, but we can sit in the sun a moment and just chill - right?"
"When Mort comes back, it'll have worked or it won't. If not, it seems clear we've got to get the family together with the kid here, and put all the bones in one graveyard. Fine. To do that, we need to badger Kullen."
He turns to Sol, "Yeah the boy is less helpful than he could be, but let's be better than him OK? We'll get the family buried right, if we can, and go from there. If it still doesn't work," he looks at the ghost, "then we'll have something to complain about and you'll need to meet us part way for the effort we've been putting in on your behalf. OK?"
"Does that sound good? It's not great, but maybe it'll work and we'll be all done in time for supper." Ascaria tries not to let his frustration show through at the slowness of this process.
Damned ghosts.
"You. Ghost. We had a deal...and we did what you asked. You need to complete your side of the deal. My companions are open to helping find your bones, and I...I even will help. But what I won't do is be lied to or tricked or kissed. If you want our help, you need to keep your deals."
""Yeah the boy is less helpful than he could be, but let's be better than him OK?"
Alastor's face begins to stretch. It stretches beyond anatomical permissions, and a deep moan resounds, echoing the entire chamber. The moan is in the register of the man's voice Alastor will never know.
"I find out my family's dead, I ask about them, and before I can be of any help to you, you accuse me of breaking swears?! I never broke a swear in my life! I haven't slipped from this world, so you lied to me..." His face loses its eyes, sinking back into the caverns of his elongated skull.
"I'll swear now. You ever show your faces here again, and I'll kill each and every one of you. I don't need help!!" Black saliva drips from his mouth.
"I'll find someone else, someone who's willing... there are others, and I'll make them help... I'll make them... I I will..."
The rictus slowly melts away, and Alastor is once again recognizable. He floats away from you, and through the wall at the end of the room. An audible click can be heard, followed by a second click. Then silence.
Sol watches, stony faced as the ghost tosses a supreme hissy-fit and flees.
"It's clear what we must do," Sol says solemnly. "It was clear the moment we walked in here, but we weren't ready to understand..."
Sol breathes deep and looks to her sister for comfort.
"We need to collapse these halls, these traps, these ghosts so that no one else is ever hurt. We need to stop any other child from walking in here and falling prey to that insane, untrustworthy, childish ghost. We must cave this place in."
It's clear (to some at least), that Sol doesn't like this outcome either, but dealing with an evil ghost doesn't please her at all. Such is the way of the Dragon.
Sol breathes deep and looks to her sister for comfort.
"We need to collapse these halls, these traps, these ghosts so that no one else is ever hurt. We need to stop any other child from walking in here and falling prey to that insane, untrustworthy, childish ghost. We must cave this place in."
"Ssshhh, come Sister. It will be ok. " She says, wrapping her up in a hug and patting her back. "But I'm not sure caving the place in will do it. Even caved in, he might call others here, and they might be hurt in other ways. Ghosts do not just go away, I think. better to at least try it Mort's way first than risk making a more dangerous area for the children he might call once we are done."
Sh sighs and steps back, then smiles and tries to pull a smile from Sol, as they used to do as children. " Besides, there are all those iron balls to salvage still. We may find a way to make them pay yet, and you do want me to have a job, don't you?"
"Yes, Sol, sometimes life is more complicated than we'd like, but that's no reason to destroy everything in sight."
"Mort's attempt may not succeed, but I think we all take a walk to the farmhouse and watch Mort dig. Then we head to Kullen and get the family back in the ground. The farmhouse is, more or less, between us and town anyway."
"If that doesn't do it, I'm out of ideas, but I'm not willing to commit a ghost to an eternity of suffering because we got frustrated. He's a child, and acting like one - we shouldn't be surprised."
"We have a path to follow to ease his pain, and I want to try it. For his sake, and the sake of the kids that follow - or don't if we do this right."
"We may find a way to make them pay yet, and you do want me to have a job, don't you?"
Sol smiles at her caring sister.
"The balls are nearly worthless, Rae. You were there when they explained that to us," Sol reminds her sister.
"Yes, Sol, sometimes life is more complicated than we'd like, but that's no reason to destroy everything in sight."
Sol smiles at Ascaria.
"No, the only way to be safe is to close up this trap-filled and deadly complex. I cannot think of one good reason not to do so now. More people, more innocents, might find this place and put themselves in danger. How come I am the only one who is thinking of the children?"
Sol's smile fades, growing more serious.
"What greed you must have in your hearts for what is behind that door. Is it going to be worth it? Are you going to place your trust in a ghost child that you easily admit is dangerous and untrustworthy?"
Sol's smile returns, her stormcloud passes as she says her peace.
"I'll wait here or go with Mort. Someone needs to protect you from the ghost."
The gathering retreats through the Maw, and out of the cairn eventually. Upon exiting the hall, out into the countryside, your eyes adjust to the brightness of the day.
On your way down the hillside, glancing back towards the cairn, you notice a marking symbol on the trees at intervals.
You arrive at the Land farmstead shortly before the sun's zenith.
"What greed you must have in your hearts for what is behind that door. Is it going to be worth it? Are you going to place your trust in a ghost child that you easily admit is dangerous and untrustworthy?"
"It has nothing to do with greed and everything to do with making sure the job is done right." Ray says, stiffening. " The bones first. I think we must find the family and put them, and the ghosts bones all together back where they belong. Then we'll go make things right with this Kullen person. and then, if the ghost is still not happy, we can collapse the place. Fair enough? Good!" She says without waiting for an answer.
"Now, let's go."
"It has nothing to do with greed and everything to do with making sure the job is done right. The bones first. I think we must find the family and put them, and the ghosts bones all together back where they belong. Then we'll go make things right with this Kullen person. and then, if the ghost is still not happy, we can collapse the place. Fair enough? Good!"
Tynan nods in agreement with Raella, a fact he is sure causes her as much confusion as it causes himself.
"I agree with you, Raella. It's not greed that motivates us, it's wanting to put Alastor to rest." He glances over at Solrisa, then continues. "However, there's a small problem with the sequence of events you propose." Tynan pauses briefly, not wanting to see the brief moment of agreement fade away. "Kullen and his men were the ones who took Alastor's family's remains. We'll need to seek them out to track down where they took those remains."
"We can move Alastor's remains on our way back to Diamond Lake though. That shouldn't hurt anything." Tynan looks around at the other group members, hoping they've finally understood what he's been trying to tell them.
Ascaria listens to Sol and shakes his head.
He says nothing, but follows Mort to the farmhouse.
After a while, he starts humming a little ditty he heard in one of the bars he visited last night as he remembers the sights and smells of the place. He stops as he remembers he's supposed to be thinking of a way to win Kullen over.
He speaks up at the gravesite while Mort digs.
"So are we wiling," he looks at Sol and looks away, "some of us anyway, to put our money where our mouth is? I figure Kullen did the job for someone else. A few coins might loosen his lips and tell us who. I'd be willing to put 50 gold into his hands to find out who. Anyone else care to pool their gold with mine?"
"Like I said this morning, Kullen mentioned someone named Filge when he was talking about you, saying he 'didn't think you knew anything about that dirty Filge'. That seemed suspicious to me. Unfortunately, I'm sure I've never heard of anyone named Filge, so he must either be very new to Diamond Lake, or lives elsewhere, and hired Kullen and his men to do his dirty work for him here in Diamond Lake."
"I don't think offering him money will do any good, but I can put some in for the offer." Tynan's voice is filled with doubt at the prospect.
"So are we wiling," he looks at Sol and looks away, "some of us anyway, to put our money where our mouth is? I figure Kullen did the job for someone else. A few coins might loosen his lips and tell us who. I'd be willing to put 50 gold into his hands to find out who. Anyone else care to pool their gold with mine?"
Rae snorts as she answers the little gnome, "The man beats you and you want to give him gold for the pleasure? I knew gnomes were twisted, but...." she trails off with a laugh.
"I tell you what, I'm more than willing to give the man exactly what he deserves. If that includes 50 gold pieces, I'll pony up, but I suspect it will more likely come in a tit for tat exchange of physical communication.... and I'm more than ok with giving him that." Her mouth twists into a grim smile at the thought. For all of her anger issues, she can't imagine beating someone the size of a 3 year old child, no matter what the provocation.
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
Mortimer halts his egress and looks back woefully as Alastor wails.
"We must cave this place in."
He stares at Sol in disbelief.
How is it someone so fragile managed to survive for so long?Mortimer looks back and forth between Sol and Rae as Rae comforts Sol.
How is it that they are even related -- let alone twins?
He shakes his head and resumes his departure to the farmstead.
Slackening his pace just a little once he notices the others are following, Mortimer makes a beeline for the Land Family Cemetery once they arrive at the Farmstead.
He locates Alastor's unmarked grave, gingerly digs up Alastor's bones, and carefully repositions them into the plot originally set out and marked with the headstone for Alastor.
He throws some flowers into the grave -- figuring that's what people do -- then carefully fills the grave with dirt.
I'll never forget you, Alastor.
He wipes the sweat from his compromised brow.
"So are we willing, some of us anyway, to put our money where our mouth is? I figure Kullen did the job for someone else. A few coins might loosen his lips and tell us who. I'd be willing to put 50 gold into his hands to find out who. Anyone else care to pool their gold with mine?"
"Do what you want, but I personally think it a waste of energy and gold. After what he did to you, Ascaria -- I don't think Kullen deserves the courtesy of a bribe at this point. If I have my way, I'll be re-arranging his face for the information instead."
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After seeing the Gnome's battered visage during the morning meeting, Pillette discreetly slipped away from breakfast to see if she could discover any more about the brute named Cullen. Gnome's are known for their discretion, are they?
In the guise of a slip on an errand for her employer, she would quietly insert inquiries about Cullen's group (and Filge, if she hears of him) in the everyday "small talk" of a servant about town fulfilling her employer's work-a-day duties.
Ascaria leans back and stretches a little, "Yeah, Kullen might be a bad guy, but I'd as soon avoid bloodshed if I could. No need to fight his whole team if we can manage it. Right? Cheaper to pay a little in cash now rather than in blood and wand charges later."
When Mort has finished, he smiles at the party, "Let's head to the Feral Dog shall we?"
He sets off on what is, for him, a brisk pace back to town and to the Feral Dog. Of course it isn't long before he struggles to keep up with the long legged, and even lags a little behind at times.
As you venture about town, attending to various points of interest, you are able to ascertain that Kullen and crew are... 'encouragement'. When miners are about, their demeanor changes to something more deferential when Kullen, Todrik, Rastophan, and/or Merovinn is present. A couple of miners late to head out to work give you passing glances when you make your inquiries. One of them goes so far as to caution you and your questions, before running off to catch up with his fellow worker.
You stand in front of the Feral Dog, debating a quick visit, when the others return along the East Branch of the Vein, apparently intent on visiting the establishment themselves.
Approaching Diamond Lake, the East Branch of the Vein allows easy enough passage as most miners are currently below. Hitting Memorial Square, a familiar face greets you- Pillette. She stands in front of the Feral Dog, studying it.
Entering through the front door, the Feral Dog takes on a different cast. The interior depends on the lighting of the day, providing a couple of select tables that sit in the shadow out of the windows' reach. The door's bell rings tinnily, but it's job is done as the owner of the Feral Dog, Munch, comes out of his backroom to lay eyes on the new guests.
"Well, I suppose it is luncheon time already, although early. You looking to get the better side of my shanks, eh? Not unwise, given the freshness of the kill yesterday. Take a table, and I'll shave you off some cuts." He doesn't wait to hear rejections on his offer.
Once your eyes have adjusted, you can see that the Feral Dog is occupied by two other individuals, a bald man who appears to be sucking on a lemon, as well as a man with a severe case of acne and a brown flat-top of hair.
The acne man is, of course, Todrik. The bald man is likely Merovinn. Word around town is that Merovinn likes to boast about his prowess with spell weaves, and how little he cares for having to reside in Diamond Lake.
The two men in the corner continue talking quietly to themselves.
The man with the acne shifts his chair, and in the same motion, raps quietly on the wall behind him.
"...and that's when the spotted finch flies north." Rae says, as if continuing a conversation from earlier.
Upon spotting the others return from their latest excursion with ghosts and bones, Pillette refastens her grey cloak before opening the door for the group. She scans over the varied countenances of her breakfast companions, looking for clues as to whether matters are any more settled, before slipping into the pub behind the others.
Upon spotting the bald man, the halfling keeps her eyes on his fingers, wary of any arcane (and potentially dangerous) gestures.
Tynan nods in agreement at Raella's assessment.
"That's how I've always heard it told."
[i]It shouldn't be long until Kullen and Rastophan make an appearance...[i]
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
As Ascaria leads the way back to Diamond Lake, Mort eyes the shovel still in his hands thoughtfully. He carries it with him to the Feral Dog.
As they enter the sleazy establishment he wordlessly nods to Munch at his suggestion to take a seat, and quietly picks a table near the bar in the center of the room away from the other men. He parks the shovel in plain veiw against the table he's at hoping to get a view of most of the room.
"Those are Kullen's men. I'll got see if Kullen's around."
Ascaria walks up to Todrik. "Is Kullen about? I know we ended things on the wrong foot last night, but I want to make it up to him today."
Todrik turns from his companion to watch you approach. "'Make it up' to him? Now, how would you propose to do that? Perhaps I could help... you know... mediate your 'make it up'..." Merovinn turns his appraising eye on Ascaria, then the rest of the room, now so suddenly busy with bodies. The elder man's gaze ends up on Mortimer, where it lingers.
Ascaria grins and says, "No, I don't need a mediator thanks. Just Kullen. Is he here?"
Ascaria pats a pouch jingling with gold. "I'm not here empty handed."
(sigh, the poor diplomacy continues... but perhaps the offer of gold will win through)
"Barkeep, a round for these good men, on me! Top up their cups!"
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
Mortimer returns the elder man's gaze calmly. As Todrik and Ascaria continue their banter, he silently grabs the shovel and walks up behind Ascaria stopping until he's about 5 feet behind Ascaria. He folds his arms patiently still holding the shovel and returning the gaze.
Sol claps her hands delightedly.
"Rae, look! Meat!!" Sol gasps happily, approaching the tender meat tender.
"I'd like one meats, please!" Sol coos before turning to Rae. "Rae, meat?!"
"Is Kullen about? I know we ended things on the wrong foot last night, but I want to make it up to him today."
So much for discrete. The Gnome is either rather brave... or somewhat crazed... or both.
"I'd like one meats, please!" Sol coos before turning to Rae. "Rae, meat?!"
Speaking of crazy. Pillette takes Sol's craving as an opportunity to move towards Munch, keeping an eye on the host in case he is overly-sympathetic with Kullen's crew.
"I can assist with the shanks for the lady and guests, Sir."
"Barkeep, a round for these good men, on me! Top up their cups!"
"And perhaps help deliver the round to the house, as the 'gents conduct business."
She peers over at the crew and back to the host, the gaze of an obedient halfling slip ready to help.
As she slips towards Much, Pillette slowly slides a hand to her concealed dagger sheath, making sure the blade is close at hand if necessary.
"I can assist with the shanks for the lady and guests, Sir."
"Oh, Pillette!" Sol beams at the halfling. "Wasn't that ghost the worst? He wasn't very nice, was he, back in the cave?"
"I'm not here empty handed."
Todrik raises an eyebrow... and smiles. It seems that Ascaria's sunny disposition is enough to convince Todrik to enjoin him in resolving the matter.
Merovinn reciprocates Mort's stare, acquiescing to the giant's wordless encouragement to relent, for now.
Todrik interlinks his fingers and sets them down on the table in front of him. "I was there, gnome. You wanted the bones, and offered to pay for them. I'd wager Kullen won't listen to you, even if you manage to get his attention. Let me make it easy for you. I know where the bones are. Pass me the coin, and I'll tell you, right here, right now. I'd say it's worth at least 100gp for me to part with that information. Kullen's price would be higher, I'd guarantee it." Todrik wraps his hands on the table, letting you know he's done talking, and is ready to hear your answer.
Todrik has managed to tell Merovinn to 'remain quiet'.
Tynan studies Todrik carefully as he speaks to Ascaria.
"I was there, gnome. You wanted the bones, and offered to pay for them. I'd wager Kullen won't listen to you, even if you manage to get his attention. Let me make it easy for you. I know where the bones are. Pass me the coin, and I'll tell you, right here, right now. I'd say it's worth at least 100gp for me to part with that information. Kullen's price would be higher, I'd guarantee it."
He knocked on the wall earlier... what's he playing at?
Tynan scans the wall behind Todrik, assessing whether there are any obvious doors or small hidden openings that might be used to observe activities in the tavern's main room.
Ascaria hesitates clearly torn. In the end, he goes with his instincts and trusts the untrustworthy. The scrunch of his face passes, and his usual grin returns.
"I'm sure my mates," he gestures over his shoulder to his friends, "would find this foolish, but I want to hear what you have to say."
Ascaria opens his pouch of ~200gp and dolls out, carefully, 100gp onto the rough and stained surface. He piles it up neatly on his side of the table, and prepares to push it to Todrik.
"So, where are the bones?" he queries, his hands on the shiny ready to push.
"It does smell good, Sol, order me a couple, will you?"
Rae cocks her head at the mention of the word "Friends" and moves to stand behind Ascaria, next to Mort. She pats the gnome on the shoulder in support.
Munch makes quick work of the haunch. Oversalted, and somewhat gamy, the meat is hot, at least. The tin plates require napkins to hold them, and the forks and knives are reasonably clean. He lays out separate plates, the meats already plated evenly. Munch also brings out cups, both metal and wood, and a couple of bottles of moonshine, then he stands back. He takes mental notes of the tabs.
The back wall, behind Todrik, appears non-descript. There doesn't appear to be any places through which light passes, nor any wall hangings.
"So, where are the bones?"
Todrik looks from the stack of coin to Ascaria's not-empty purse, and sneers to himself, albeit briefly.
"They were an acquisition. We were told to dig them up, so dig them up we did. Carted them directly from the abandoned farm to their final destination, at the Old Observatory. You'll find them there." The splotch-faced man leans forward, ready to retrieve the gold so easily offered.
Sol coos at the meats.
"Oh Rae! They smell good!" Sol says, tossing some coin down to pay for the meats. She takes her plates over to Rae, offering one to her.
She disdains use of the silverware, blowing on the meats until some time she can use her fingers to eat.
"Rae! Meats!" Sols eyes widen as she takes her first bites.
"Wasn't that ghost the worst? He wasn't very nice, was he, back in the cave?"
What in the Nine Hells? She's even more naive than I thought!
"Worst? No." Not by a long shot. When Pillette realizes her breakfast companions just returned from visiting the ghost again while the halfling had reconnoitered the city, a flash of worry runs through her eyes as they dart quickly from one to the next, counting. One... two... three... four... A breath hitches before she spots Tynan. ...five. The blood returns to her face, worry replaced by suppressed irritation.
"There are plenty of beings capable of being, ahh, not nearly so nice, as that poor lad's ghost." She looks to Mort and Tynan, hoping the two tall men have more sense than the hungry bright eyed one or her angry sister. As she observes Sol fingering her meal, she attempts to suppress a disdainful look. Milani take us all! This one has even less understanding when it comes to table manners!
Turning her attention back to Ascaria's dealings, she tries to alternate her observation between Munch and Merovinn, alert for their reactions to the Gnome's gambit.
She re-appraises the Gnome as he deals apparently deftly with the thug by dangling a significant number of coins. Wiley? Lucky? Or, by the Arch Lords, both?
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
"They were an acquisition. We were told to dig them up, so dig them up we did. Carted them directly from the abandoned farm to their final destination, at the Old Observatory. You'll find them there."
As the splotch-faced man leans forward to take the gold Mortimer steps up and finally speaks.
"One second." Without taking his eyes off Kullen's gang members, he addresses Tynan, who did the tracking."Tynan, does that sound likely?"
I have no patience for this.
"Kullen's messed my friend here up pretty bad. You tell me who told you to dig these bones up and why, or I'll repay the debt Kullen owes on the two of you."
Mortimer knocks some head together and takes back the gold.
for Todrick
for Merovinn
Tynan watches Tordrik as he speaks, then gives Mort a nod. "It does seem likely, Mort."
"Kullen's messed my friend here up pretty bad. You tell me who told you to dig these bones up and why, or I'll repay the debt Kullen owes on the two of you."
Todrik restrains himself from collecting the gold for a moment as Mortimer speaks, and Tynan answers. The man stands, and draws his long sword. He looks it over, rubbing it briefly, then sets it down on the table in front of Merovinn. "Hold onto that, will you?"
He moves around the table, coming to stand directly in front of Mortimer. "Fair enough. I'd advise against repaying debts against Merovinn, though. He holds a grudge like a crab holds a hair. Let's see what repayment you have in mind. Mind you, I know what Kullen did to the Canary, so I'll be measuring you. Don't worry, I won't hit back." Todrik cracks his neck with two tilts, and smiles at the giant, while crossing his hands behind his back.
Merovinn looks on with interest from his seat at the table. Munch sighs.
Ascaria opens his mouth to quiet Mort when Todrik stands to take the blow.
He leans back in his chair to get a good view and waits for the outcome of this latest development.
Fascinating.
Mortimer grins broadly, and tries to knock him back into the corner.
for
for
"Now tell me, who put you up to this?!"
Todrik's facial bones crunch as Mortimer's fists crisscross. Todrik shoots a hand out in a gesture aimed at Merovinn, waving him off. The blood flowing from his nose gets sucked up into his mouth, and the bloodied man hocks a lump of tooth, blood, and spittle onto the floor.
Munch moans from behind his counter. "Godsdammit, Todrik, couldn't you at least wait until we had more of a crowd before you went messing up my tables?!"
Todrik doesn't answer Munch, preferring to concentrate on standing, while staring up at Mortimer. "You satisfied? You consider that your debt repaid, then? I'm feeling properly paid off, yeah. You don't get to ask any more questions, now that you went and hauled off on me. You should leave now." He smiles, much like an innkeeper would to guests departing from his establishment.
Ascaria looks at Todrik, impressed he took the blows. Impressive blows!
Ascaria leans in, ”May I help? After all, I helped myself after my hit, seems only fair I should help you after yours.”
He then casts twice, once for each blow.
Ascaria stands by his chair and pushes the gold to Todrik. ”Thanks for your help today, and I hope you enjoy your lunch, knowing it’s on us.” He smiles and turns his back, walking over to the door and the exit.
He tries to push Mort ahead of him as he goes to avoid further bloodshed, but he is like a feather to the large man.
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
Mortimer watches the gnome fumbling about with healing plans.
What's he doing that for?
He picks up the shovel he dropped.
"You satisfied? You consider that your debt repaid, then? [...]"
"Not by a long shot!" he growls. "You tell your scumbag boss Kullen that if he ever touches one of my friends again -- you'll both be digging his grave for him." He throws the shovel at Todrik's feet and backs up. Never taking his eyes off the pair, he wordlessly tosses a few gil to Munch for the food and damage.
"Let's go everyone, to the Observatory -- check out this story."
He waits for everyone to depart before him, while ever glowering at the present members of Kullen's Gang.
Pillette scans the assorted characters, Munch, Merovinn and probably Rastophan, looking for their reaction to Mort's "payback" on Tordick's face.
Upon the suggestion to depart, she scurries to Sol and Rae, hoping these two don't extend the confrontation. She retrieves clean parchment from her pack and quickly scoops any remaining "meats" into a folded, portable paper tray. "You can finish on the way to the Observatory, Ma'am."
Dropping a couple of appropriate coins on the table, she tries to encourage all to leave.
Rae's brow furrows deeply as she follows Mort out the door.
"Come on, Sol, we'll take that to go."
Sol moves her meat to a napkin, leaving the plate on a table. She looks at the two goons and smiles.
"Next time you hurt one of my friends, I'll come for you. I won't be as kind as Mort, that softie." Sol says, her honor reflecting in her smile. "I hope I don't have to do that."
Sol waves a cheery goodbye. "Have a good day!"
Tynan joins the others in exiting the Feral Dog, keeping an eye out for Kullen or Rastophan on the street.
AC 17, 21 on AoO; 19/19 HP
BAB = +3 (level 2)
ToHit = 1d20+7
RHit = 1d20+7-2
LHit = 1d20+7-2
Fort+3 Reflex+4 Will+1
Initiative+2
CMD = 18, 17 if flat footed
Mort leaves bringing up the rear of the party, checking behind him every so often to make sure they're not being tailed.
"I won't be as kind as Mort, that softie."
'Softie'? She called me a what?
Todrik accepts Ascaria's healing with a quick sniff and a nod.
When you grasp his nose, he braces, and moans as the nose finds its way to a straighter bent. The noise he makes is awfully close to pleasure, by your measure.
As Ascaria heals the beaten man, he cracks his neck again, then steadies himself on the gnome's shoulder. He pulls him closer for a moment. "You're fixin' to meet that old goat Filge, Canary, if you're really that intent on retrieving those bones. That man's bent bad. He wanted those bones. Was a little too excited when we dropped them off for him. Even asked us for Skutch's body when he heard of his death. Sick, I tell you."
Todrik scrunches his nose, smiling when the pain fails to rise. "What Kullen did to you, that wasn't right, I'll grant you that. Your dog is no better, know that. We all walk the dirt, ain't no one clean. Your dog barks death threats, eh? 'Round here, we make the threats. You seem like a fast learner, so you might want to school your crew." He squeezes the gnome's shoulder for punctuation, then takes his long sword off the table and sheathes it, tipping his head to flick a finger of courtesy from his forehead as the rest leave.
"Next time you hurt one of my friends, I'll come for you. I won't be as kind as Mort, that softie. I hope I don't have to do that."
Todrik wipes blood from his mouth as he sits down at the table. "Well, you just make sure to pin a pink ribbon on your friends, so we know which ones are under your protection. Wouldn't want to make a mistake..."
...
As you leave the Feral Dog, you pass Rastophan sitting on his chair turned backwards, smoking a rolled cigarette. He watches you leave, tapping ash by his side, and taking a slow drag.