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"Ha-ha!"
Belegar bellows with laughter.
"Now this is fine sport indeed. The dwarf or the shadow? I'll wager two gold crowns on the dwarf. Who'll have it?"
Khane spurs the horses, and the ride ends without further attacks.
Evening has arrived, as the sun has set behind the forest's view, leaving the weather clouded, the sky dark and starless.
The coach slows down at the 15 ft high palisade wall, two oaken watch posts flanking its gate up above.
Sentry: "Who goes there?"
Khane: "It is i, and i've brought a group who have volunteered to help the township."
The watchman shouts for the gate to be opened, and a moment later, Khane drives the coach through, stopping at the stables, which were adjacent to an inn.
With ease, Khane jumps down from the bench, to open the door at the left side. Of course, he offers his hand to help down Alluriel first.
"We're at The Nightingale, this town's main tavern. I believe they kept some rooms reserved for your group."
"This is an affront to common decency! Remove this oversized rug from me now or the next action will see this coach turned into a flaming pumpkin!
You forget one thing! All of you! If there is one creature out there that does not belong on this plane. Then there will be another and another. They are attracted to openings between planes of existence like dwarves are attracted to gold. And when that time comes you will need ME. Not the other way around.
If this is how I will be treated going forward then I will note each of your names and say no prayers for you when the town crier reports of your demise!"
"Sure-I'd like to see you try it. You're not the one who's studied magic arts. It's a little wiggle your fingers when you're under something large..." Alluriel replies, completely unfazed. "And you'd better watch who you're threatening - I could set you on fire as well. If I cared to."
"And I don't give a damn about your worthless, insincere prayers anyway." Alluriel sniffs.
"Shadow, you can let him up now. Heel." Alluriel tells Shadow, as he pads off a rather flattened Jurgan.
"Well,"She turns to Jurgan, her demeanor cold as ice. "You're in Serenity Hollow now. You're free to leave, Dwarf."
"I'm all fine for the tavern, just make sure that that dwarf is as far away from my room, so that I do not have to put up with his foul mouth and presence." Alluriel says huffily.
Jurgan dusts himself and makes a mental image of the fine cloak the hide would likely make.
"Free to leave? I am going to same place as you, but by all means leave if you like. Just leave my new cloak. I did not after all come to this hovel of a town to be turned away by the likes of any of you. I will be investigating whatever I was asked to come here for. That you would think so kindly of me only shows that I have made an impression you will not forget anytime soon. Now that being said grab my bags and let's head into this tavern. Hopefully they know how to draw a good kafe here." Jurgan makes for the tavern but then notices that noone is grabbing his gear and looks at the others leaving him to his own designs. "Ungrateful." he grabs any supplies he has left in the carriage and heads off following the others.
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Hoisting his pack, Belegar gives Jurgan a conspiratorial wink and a manly nudge before leaning in, "I think it's working. She's into you. I can tell. Trust me. I'm a good judge of these things."
Then he looks up at the inn, "Nightingale? Great name. Maybe there are some sweet singers within? I enjoy a good sing-along."
Oh, there once was a dwarf called Jurgan
Who kissed all the girls in Lirgen
They were weak at the knees
When a terrible breeze
Swept them away
What a terrible day
For Jurgen and the girls of Lirgen!
"A bit simple, but it's a start."
Hearing the commotion and the half-elfs wager, Vaunu bangs on the roof of the carriage, winking at Alluriel Leaning up toward Alluriel, "I take it back, Shadow is a wonderful name for your cat."
'The priest should have pushed him out on the road. We've arrived and now there is not getting away from him.' Realizing they have arrived in the little town. Vaunu stands on the roof and watches as the dwarf heads to the Tavern. Turning to the driver he asks, "Please tell me there is more than one place in this lovely town to get a drink."
Alluriel takes the hand of the driver gratefully. "So what have our hosts planned? After we stay here for the night - do we meet them in the council hall?"
"Yeah he's a good kitty." Alluriel beams proudly. "Besides, I already warned him once, but he persisted in suggesting I was his driver.. He had it coming.
The moment Jurgan gets out of view, Alluriel tends to her shoulder.
Then she goes into the tavern with Shadow silently ghosting by her side. She orders a meal, then keeps her ears out for gossip.
Alluriel takes the hand of the driver gratefully. "So what have our hosts planned? After we stay here for the night - do we meet them in the council hall?"
"The council will receive you tomorrow morning, as far as i know.
It is the building opposite The Nightingale.", as he points up ahead.
"Also as Vaunu said - are there any other inns? I personally wouldn't want to offend our host, so as long as that dwarf stays far away from me, I'm fine, but to each their own."Alluriel asks Khane.
"Do they mind a large black cat in the taproom?"
Hoisting his pack, Belegar gives Jurgan a conspiratorial wink and a manly nudge before leaning in, "I think it's working. She's into you. I can tell. Trust me. I'm a good judge of these things."
"Hmm you think so? She looks a like backwards to me. As in not very smart. I have yet to even see her pull out a book to peruse through. And what respectable woman walks around with a 300 pound cat? Her cat would make a better mate likely. Still I'll take your words for consideration."
As the walk ahead towards the inn. He starts to talk to himself well out of earshot of the others. "Hmm maybe she is playing hard to get? I'll have to test the theory out later. She'll need to grow a beard first though then she'd look a lot less rough."
Khane: "Other inns? There's one near the warehouses, named The Laughing Boar, but that is more of a watering hole than a providing establishment. That is really more for those with either little to spare or little to care."
Khane looks at Shadow, then back at Alluriel.
"I do not know. The Nightingale is spacious, perhaps if your great cat sticks to a corner where it won't be in the way, or scaring other patrons, the owner might allow it."
Once inside:
The inn gives off a cozy homely and welcoming atmosphere. A large hearth is at the center of the room. A trio of musicians play a relaxing melody.
The smell of roast meat and some baked bread enters your noses, the closer you'd get to the bar, where a motherly woman with brown hair and dressed in a green attire, is wiping the bar.
Belegar grins at the establishment, "Alright, my kind of place!"
Then he saunters over to the bar, "And beautiful barmaids as well." Belegar does not miss a beat.
"Hello, we are expected, apparently? The town council sent for us to solve some kind of problem." He offers a big hand to shake, "Belegar. Good to meet you."
"Vaunu, you may want to check out the Laughing Boar. It's near the warehouses. If it's not to your liking you can rejoin us here, it shouldn't be that bad as long as that obnoxious dwarf stays away from us."Alluriel tells Vaunu.
"Otherwise if you want to move there, we could always move in with you."
Scowling at the wizard, Vaunu follows Alluriel and Shadow, "No I will stay put. No reason to let that blow hard ruin a good drink."
As they enter the establishment, Vaunu find a barstool and asks the lady in green. "Pardon ma'am. The aroma of your roast beef and fresh bread is exquisite. May I have a pint of ale and then an open face sandwich with a little of the drippings poured on the bread and beef?"
"Could you pass Shadow a few fresh, raw chickens? I'll pay." Alluriel tells the lady in green. "For me, I'll have whatever stew you have, and a small bun."
"If you have any hot tea, I'll take that, otherwise water will be fine."
The woman at the bar finishes wiping the latest batch of beer drops from the bar, as Belegar approaches.
"I'm the innkeeper, smooth talker, but compliments are appreciated.
So, you folk are the ones brought in huh."
She looks at you all.
"Alright. Yes, i have 5 rooms set aside. 1 silver per night, breakfast included."
When Vaunu climbs up a stool, she slightly leans forward to see the small figure scale the stool, it being about as high as he is.
"7 coppers for food and the ale."
To Alluriel:
"Shadow?"
(Leans in to see the big cat)
"That's a 1st, to be asked to give up one of the chickens.
I can spare 1, for 6 copper pieces, and your cat will have it, as fresh as can be. I'll have to buy a new one from the farmhands after all."
"Lucianne, take over for a minute.", after which a young half-orc woman takes over.
The innkeeper comes back, holding a live chicken by the legs, and she points at an alcove where no jackets are currently hanging.
"Your cat can eat at its leisure over there, the table near it is available as well."
"I've got beef & vegetable stew tonight, and we still do have some tea leaves in stock."
Shadow perks up his ears and looks at the woman then maos. Shadow is a young black panther with a well brushed coat, and a lean, muscled body.
"Thanks. That will be fine for both Shadow and I. Sorry for the inconvenience caused." Alluriel pays the woman for the chicken, then goes to the alcove, calls Shadow to heel, releases the chicken then commands Shadow to hunt. Once he has snapped its neck and passes his catch over to her, she returns it back to him for food.
After seeing to his needs, does she seat by the table and wait for the beef and vegetable stew.
"So how have things been going around here lately?" She asks the innkeeper.
Jurgan walks into the inn seemingly having gotten lost. He sees the others already have ordered food and are speaking with the proprietor.
"Ahhh there you are. he moves in interrupting any conversation she might be having with the others. "Good lady tell me that the only hospitable place in this remote dwelling can brew a cup of kafe? If not what fine cheeses and meat do you have on the menu?Aged salted boar perhaps? Venison? Come now you must have something special for honoured guests?"
The woman puts one hand on her hip and the other on the counter.
"Of course we have some specialties, Erastil forbid otherwise."
"We have salted pork, cheese from both cows and goats, and Lillianne's latest drop off were a few pheasants. We have our own wine cellar, so if it is the red that goes with meat, that you want, then yes."
"Mind you, the latest wine should be consumed with care. Too much too fast, and you'll be sleeping steadier than a baby on sleeping herbs.
Give it a day or two, and there is pumpkin pie on the menu."
That stew then, and a good portion, maybe some bread with it. And maybe some cheese. And a beer. Two beers.”
Belegar shrugs his broad shoulders, ”It is important to eat well. Otherwise I am sore-headed bear in the morning.”
I'll have the same as the elf lad. Stew, bread and two beers. Agnar states over Jurgan's words. If he notices the dwarven wizard there is no indication.
Sitting at the bar Vaunu happily eats his supper. Once he's done e moves to Agnar and quietly asks him, "I'm going to work the crowd a little for information, and then head to bed. Do you think we need to post a watch?"
After he's done talking to Agnar he moves through the crowd attempting to gather information.
"We could - but we'd need to be in the same room." Alluriel answers. "I'd take last watch."
The meal the innkeeper provides is, true to her word, of good taste.
Jurgan, not really taking the claim of the wine, which turns to be to his liking, too seriously, and uses gulps instead of sips, of his wine.
Alluriel tries to ask the innkeeper and the other patrons on the more interesting comings and goings of the town.
Sitting at the bar Vaunu happily eats his supper. Once he's done e moves to Agnar and quietly asks him, "I'm going to work the crowd a little for information, and then head to bed. Do you think we need to post a watch?"
After he's done talking to Agnar he moves through the crowd attempting to gather information.
[dice=knowledge: Local]1d20+9
[dice=time spent in hours]1d4
Aye, likely we should lad, as we do not yet know the nature of this threat. Try ta find that out.
hours.
While Vaunu tries talking to various patrons during most of the evening, Alluriel seems to have no trouble whatsoever getting them to talk.
Although a waitress slaps a patron over the head with her tray for flirting with Alluriel.
"You're married, fool, don't upset the newcomer."
Other than that...
The kobold cave to the north of the farmsteads has been fortified.
The tribe has been busy as of late.
The missing persons situation has them worried. At first a farmhand had gone missing. Farmhands don't often go into the town, so it was initially assumed the farmhand might have gone 'taking a leak', and was taken by wolves.
Yet by now, even townfolk have gone missing.
Within the walls, something is clearly amiss.
Talk of 'the estate lost in time' is consistent of speculations, much of which include what Khane suspected.
Some deem it delusional talk, some are fascinated by the possibilities.
A local huntsman says his old hunting mentor might have known, but he's been dead for some time.
Speaking with the innkeeper, yields some leads to the traveling seer comment of the patrons.
"Well, if it's a dead man's knowledge you want, you could try the varisian fortune teller. She's got a hobbyist interest in the occult."
"Lillianne also once told of a witch living in the forest, a middle aged woman. She said that the woman helped her with a favor for a favor.
Lillianne said the old woman was able to talk to the dead."
"However, she mentioned the woman being somewhat distrustful of strangers."
Alluriel, for a moment is amused at the antics of the waitress. Then her mood darkens. 'If I hadn't been so beautiful - would my family been able to marry me off like a prize cow to the highest bidder? My beauty has been more trouble then it has been worth, but at least it comes in handy now...'
"What is the name of the kobold tribe again?" Alluriel asks the patron. "When was it they had first contact with the townsfolk, and what has the relations between them and the townsfolk been like?
"How many citizens have gone missing thus far? And when, and where did the farmhand and the others go missing go missing? Has anyone found any bodies yet?" She asks, as she takes notes of the places of the mysterious disappearances.
Alluriel's heart sinks when she realizes his old mentor is dead. 'I am NOT wresting answers from the dead, even if I knew how. That would be desecration of the body' "Did you old mentor leave a notebook, or a journal anywhere?"
"What's the name of the Varisian fortune teller, and where does she live, and also what time would be a convenient time to visit her?" Alluriel asks the innkeeper. "Where would I be able to find Lilliane, and do you know the name of the witch living in the forest?"
Alluriel gratefully thanks everyone who has been bringing her news of the area. She is, afterall a stranger to this place, and does not know anything about it.
She gathers the entire party , her expression serious. "We appear to have some problems. Firstly the kobold tribe living in the caves to the north is fortifying itself up - I don't know what that means. I think we could parley with them before the situation becomes worse."
"And there have been people disappearing around town. At first they thought it was wolves, but people have gone missing within the town itself. I think that we need to keep a watch at night. God knows what is causing those disappearances."
"The estate lost in time...the only person who knows about it is dead. I would rather leave dead bodies the way they are. There might be a varisian fortune teller that might be able to help us, though."
Ask folks about that elemental creature we met on the road Alluriel. Have any encountered such before?
"What is the name of the kobold tribe again?" Alluriel asks the patron. "When was it they had first contact with the townsfolk, and what has the relations between them and the townsfolk been like?
"The name? I'm afraid i can't help you there. You'll have to ask the priestess, she prayed for the power to understand the little lizards' speech."
How many citizens have gone missing thus far? And when, and where did the farmhand and the others go missing go missing? Has anyone found any bodies yet?
"16 so far. It's like they'd gone up in air, gone without a trace.
Though i've overheard some of the watch say that with some, the windows were open."Did you old mentor leave a notebook, or a journal anywhere?
"He might have, he was an organized man. I haven't categorized everything yet with everything that's happened as of late.
Come see me at the lodge tomorrow. Out the door, and the 2nd street to your left. Can't miss it, with the sign of a bow and hatched hanging above the door."What's the name of the Varisian fortune teller, and where does she live, and also what time would be a convenient time to visit her?
"Her name is Melena, a young one, she's arrived last week with her grandmother, who is one of the missing. They made a stop here for some reason, a vision of her grandmother, she told the watch. Poor girl.
She's got a booth stalled out in mornings at the town square."Where would I be able to find Lilliane, and do you know the name of the witch living in the forest?"
"Lillianne's arrivals are one of the mysteries of the town. The girl's traveling the woodlands so often, i think it is safe to say she spends 70% traveling and hunting, and only 30% in town.
The witch....the witch....i'm sorry, sweetie, you'll have to ask Lillianne."
Ask folks about that elemental creature we met on the road Alluriel. Have any encountered such before?
Patron: "A cloud of smoke that attacks people? Can't say i have even heard of it before. Why, is it related to the missing people?"
Jurgan takes largr gulpsand after drinking enough for two humans he finishes his food and drags a chair to the table where the others are sitting. Finding a spot right beside Alluriel
"What have we uncovered? You are all moving about like carrier pigeons so hopefully you have some information to share by now."
"None of your business you obnoxious dwarf. Since you think you're above us all - you can enjoy your table, and solve the towns mysteries by yourself." Alluriel snaps.
"Unless of course, you'd like to apologise for your condescending attitude and rude behaviour, to your comrades in arms, then we'll consider."She says, her voice dripping with scorn, as she looks down her nose at him.
The war priest almost chokes on his beer when Alluriel provides her retort. He barely manages not to look at the dwarves wizard.
"Oh innkeep - I do not care for this dwarf's company." She hollers for the innkeep. "He's boorish and uncouth, and has an inflated opinion of his self worth."She gestures at Jurgan. "Could you please help us get him to the opposite side of the tavern, to spare us from his ill-manners? "
"I could probably handle it myself, but I may alarm other patrons doing so."
"Where may I find the priestess who has spoken to the kobolds?And what might her name be? " Alluriel asks.
"16 is a lot. And they went up in air.. and the windows were left open...hmm we had a run in with a smoke like flying creature on our way in. It might have been responsible. Where can we find the watch so that we can ask about their investigations? What would be the watch captain's name?"
'This is strange - the creature that attacked us did not seem overtly hostile and backed off once it was told we would fight back. It did not seem actively malicious. Same creature? Or not?' Alluriel thinks to herself.
Alluriel thinks about the sign of the bow. 'Erastil?' " I'm sorry if I may be digging up painful memories, but it would be most helpful."
"I'm sorry for her too. To have her grandmother just kidnapped like that..."Alluriel's voice trails off. " We'll be sure to visit her booth to see what we can do to help."
"Lilliane is the ranger, I see. I guess we'll have to see if we chance upon her, then?"
Alluriel briefs the party on what she has heard. ”The town priestess was the one who initiated contact with the kobold tribe. We could possibly ask her more about it. If it helps – I understand Draconic – which is what most kobolds use – I may be able to speak to them.”
”So far, 16 people have gone up in air and vanished without a trace – the watch said that in the cases the windows were open – I say we should go to the captain of the watch and ask him about his investigations.”
”The estate lost in time…Ive been given an offer by one of the hunters – to meet him out to the second place to the left, in the building with a sign of a bow and and hatched hanging above the door.”
”The varisian fortune teller, Melena, has her grandmother missing as well – she has a booth in the morning in the town square.”
”My recommendation is we speak to the town council and ask why they summoned us here, then we check Melena in the townsquare before she closes for the day, then speak to the watch about the townsfolk going missing, and the priestess about the kobold tribe. If we have time – then we should talk to the hunter about his old mentor.”
Eileen, priestess of Erastil.
"You'll find priestess Eileen at the chapel in the north part of town."
Sir Geoffry, captain of the town's watch.
"The quarters of the watch, led by Sir Geoffrey, are just outside, next to the building where the council holds their meetings."
"Seems so."
-------------------------
Vaunu enjoys talking with the people in the tavern about nothing specific, realizing that the humans would rather speak with the engaging Alluriel.
'He had that coming.' the Wayang smirks when she snaps at the obnoxious dwarf. Walking past Agnar, "He had that coming."
While he was talking to Agnar Alluriel came near and explained what she had learned, Vaunu nodded his head. "Well that's a heck of a lot more information than I got. good job. I speak draconic also. If no one minds I would like to take a look around some of the rooms people came up missing from, especially around the windows."
When they were done talking he adds. "Seems like it's time to head to bed. If folks are being drawn out of windows someone staying in the hall on watch won't help much. Should we share a room to keep each other safe?"
”You do have a point, “ Alluriel concedes. She walks over to the innkeeper, apologetic, ”Sorry for the inconvenience caused – but do you have a single room that all of us, sans the dwarf, can fit in? We’re willing to top up extra for the deviation from the plan.”
”Examining the scenes for the dissapearances is a good idea, but we should get the permission of the Watch before we do that. We don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble.” Alluriel answers.
As Alluriel lays out her inquiries, Belegar finishes his drink with a hearty belch.
”Mighty work, Alluriel. You have the knowing of things.”
"Thank you. One person can't know everything but together we can piece the puzzle together."Alluriel replies.
To the request of the can of sardines:
"Beg you pardon? 3 of you and a large cat in 1 room?
I have only single rooms available right now.
Only thing i can do, is lay down a spare matrass in them, that's as much extra as can fit, a bed and 1 matrass."
"We'll get two single rooms with extra mattresses, then. Do you happen to have adjoining single rooms, or those that are linked?" Alluriel asks the innkeep. "I'm Alluriel by the way, I didn't catch your name?"
"Alright. Two of the rooms are indeed adjacent.
And my name is Catharine."
Whichever way you decide to conclude your evening activities, the rooms are modest, but homely. The beds are soft, and you can hang your clothes in a closet and sort your items in a cupboard.