Kraull, can get the best dinner in town, a whopping 10 gold piece. A whole braised duck, with green beans and mashed potatoes. A whole bottle of fine wine to wash it all down.
You head over to Hammerstone's Weaponry. You walk in, and are greeted by the sight and smell of a hard working forge. You see a dwarf, hammering out some imperfections on the anvil to what appears to be a longsword. He looks up.
Aye, speak up boy. I can't read ya mind.
When you tell him about why you are there, he smiles.
I got a few finely crafted weapons around the shop. Most are hanging up top, as display of me craftsmanship. Take a look around, and let me know if anything suits your muscle fancy.
You see a masterwork falchion, a masterwork great axe, and directly above the forge you see a fearsome sight to behold, a large sized masterwork bastard sword.
Chef, you head into Chef Vincent's kitchen. He hears the sound of your shoes as they tromp in, and he raises his voice,
God's be damned. How many times do I have to tell you Marcus, you..
At that point, he comes around the corner, and the vegetables he was carrying clang on the ground as they fall from his hands upon seeing you.
Chef Bolognese, is that really you?! I though you had left or died or something. The talk of the town wasn't pleasant to you I must say. Take a seat, tell me everything young man. He takes a seat on the bar stool, and orders a stiff drink to accompany the incoming story.
Rubin, you head on over to Leafly's forge. You walk in, and he is nowhere to be found. At midday, that seems very peculiar. You poke around out back, where you know he takes his lunch, and he isn't there either. You wait around for a good 30-45 minutes and are just about to call it quits and begin to leave when he walks in.
He carries a crossbow in his hands, and it drops to the ground as he sees you.
He picks the crossbow up off the ground, brushes it off. You can tell the wood is special. It is called darkwood.
Oh my word. Where have you been boy? I sent to out for lunch, and that was two weeks ago. I have had apprentices quit before, but most at least tell me to my face, and you never seemed like the type to not be forthright about your views. Why should I allow you to come back to work for me?
He doesn't sit, but stands there, taking in every word you speak and judging it to determine if you get a second chance.
Ah well, Chef Vincent, I almost did die, let me tell you where I have been and sorry that I didn't tell you earlier.
Chef sits down and tells Vincent of his misadventures in police work. He tells of his disastrous attempts at gambling and harrowing sewer fight, along with the misery of being in the woods with only jerky to eat!
I hope I can get a chance to get away from all of that for a while and engage in some nice relaxing kitchen work where the only risk I have is getting pinched by a grumpy crab.
His head a little foggy from the large meal and full bottle of wine, the half-orc takes his time looking over the weapons. Eventually he settles on the falchion. "Hey, I guess I better upgrade to a real orc's weapon. I'll take it. I have a good chain shirt I want to sell first though."
Ah, Master Leafly, I am sorry, but I was on a quest of utmost importance, for the good of society. Discretion was imperative, and I'm sorry I couldn't give you more information. Now that the operation has concluded, I can tell you that I and two companions have rid the community of a dire criminal threat. Rubin relates his adventures, conveniently sidestepping any details about burgling houses, nearly chopping off fingers, or anything that might reflect poorly on him. I am anxious to get back to my studies here, believe me. Is there anything I can help you with?
Chef Vincent looks at you long and hard, and after a few moments of deep thought, gives a deep sigh.
Fine, at least you are safe. Now get back to work before I change my mind
And with a gruff voice, he gets up and walks back to the kitchen, and turn to you as he gets to the door.
You still remember how to chop vegetables I hope
You get back to work in the kitchen, and it is a feeling that seems like it never left. You chop carrots, onions, and celery. You than throw them in whatever stew or soup Chef Vincent needs at the time. A few hours fly by, like they never existed. Around 3 in the afternoon, a messenger comes in and yells for Chef Vincent.
He speaks to Chef Vincent, who in turn calls for you.
Boy, it looks like Captain Trone is looking for you, go. I can finish from here
Hammerstone, gives you a large grin Kraull, and heft the beautiful weapon over to you.
Treat 'er right boy. I made her myself, a labor 'o love
He happily trades coins for the masterwork falchion.
You heads out of the shop, it is about 11 in the morning. What do you do now?
Leafy, listens to every word. He processes every stream of thought you divulge to him. He than sits at his workbench, hand on the bow. He looks to you, his eye still full of questions, and inquiries. He leaves it for another time, as he knows when to push and when to leave be.
I will make you a deal young man, take the day off and come back tomorrow. I will have made my decision on you employment at that time.
It is about 12-noon, what do you want to do, where do you go?
Chef is very happy to be back in the kitchen and hums under his breath as his hands fly over the ingrediants and soon he has a nice bowl of stew bubbling away and some fresh bread is baked. Hearing Vincent call for him, Chef heads out and nods. Yes, sir! I'll be right over to speak with him. Chef then heads out to meet with the captain.
Kraull next heads over to his old job at the Pink Bunny to see how things are going there and/or to show off.
I could use some time just to relax and not have to think about anything. Time for the ol' watering hole. Rubin heads down the road to the Blue Salamander. Along the way he practices a new arcane skill he has been developing, opening and closing the doors of the houses telekinetically, to the astonishment of the few passers-by. He stops at Hammerstone's smithy, and picks out a finely crafted and perfectly balanced shortsword to splurge his earnings on. He continues on his way. Hopefully there will be fewer hepped-up junkies to deal with after our little excursion. He steps into the dim public room and sits at an empty table, exhaling a sigh of relaxation. He waves to the serving wench, I'd like a light lunch, with a nice beer to wash it down, please.
Kraull, the Pink Bunny is just as you left it...unruly and obscene at times. The bar patrons don't even glance your way. It seems as if you've been forgotten. You start to stroll into the back room like you own the joint. When you get to the entrance to the back door, your stopped by a equally muscular man, with what appears to be a sap strapped to his hip. He stands from his stool, and literally looks you dead in the eyes.
Where you going to boy? You ain't the boss, so you WON'T be strutting around like you are. I will be happy to give the cranky bastard a message from ya.
Your way to the bar is uneventful. You open a few doors and close a few. A few people his you cross looks as you interrupt what they are doing. You open a door that someone just shut and vice-versus.
A few children come up and ask you to "prank" random people, just to mess with them. The kids also marvel at your magic and ask you to do tricks for them.
You make it to the Blue Salamander just fine, and your order is taken, and 10 minutes later a cold beer, with a slightly hoppy finish is brought as well as a chicken sandwich. The waitress tells you it will be 2 silver pieces for the meal.
Lunch goes by, no intrusions or issues arise. You head to leave, when a errand boy bumps into you.
Sorry mister, I didn't see you there. I'm kinda in a hurry, trying to find some old guy to give this letter to
The half-orc snorts out a derisive laugh, "Hey, relax bud. Just tell old Bash that Kraull is here to see him. I might throw in a tip if you move fast."
You're in luck, my friend,
I happen to know that old guy
Just give me that letter to send
I'll make sure it arrives by and by
La la la la
(using Versatile Performance)
But what if the right old don't get it, I will get in trouble. Do you know Robin Slude?
Hey boss! There is some pushy, fugly green half blood named Kraull here wanting to see ya. Want me to get rid of him?!
|
A minute passes and out steps Bash.
B$@$@*~%, I heard Kraull was..
He stops talking, mouth open mid sentence and blinks twice.
How in the name and greedy hands of Abadar? Where the hell did you go you ugly bastard? I lost a few regular drunks cause your muscle wasn't around. I was lucky to find Elijah here on short notice. I should kick your ASS for doing me like you did!
Chef waits anxiously at the captain's office.
"I went underground to stop a crime ring. If you don't believe me just ask the captain of the guard, whatever his name is. This new guy you hired is a little puny, but I guess he'll do. Just wanted to stop in and look around. It looks like you're fine without me. I'm thinkin' of checking out a bigger city, I've learned some new moves since you saw me last. Check out my sick falchion." He partially draws the weapon to demonstrate its quality. "Yeah, I guess I don't need this job anymore, so see ya around."
Chef, you make it to the Captain's office, and are the first to arrive. He looks like he is anxious, and is wondering how long does it take to find three fricking people in such a small town?
Take a seat if you wish young man, we will have to wait for the others. I only want to go over this once. Want a shot of whiskey while we wait?
About 15-20 minutes later Kraull shows up, with his stellar toothy smile and all. The Captain looks at him, Okay, you are one of the few half-orcs in town, and your a fricking behemoth. How is it Chef beat yo here. Oh well, want a shot of whiskey while we wait for the last?
Rubin, enters, fashionably late. He takes a seat, and the Captain offers him a shot of whiskey as well. He takes a sip from his whiskey glass, looks out the window in his office, and turns to address you all.
So, it seems fate has smiled upon us in many ways of late. First you all are safe and sound, and that brings me much relief. It is time I come clean, you were not the first attempt I had used to try and eliminate the drugs that were infecting my beloved Jasper. I had sent another man into the fold, in an attempt to take down their organization. You ARE however the first to actually expose Taidus Raine and his role in the drug and people smuggling in our home.
He lets that news sink in, fully aware that you finding out that you weren't the first pawns in this endeavor may be hard to swallow. After a minute or so he continues.
The man I sent in, was a fellow guard member. I had not heard from him for a good 2-3 months, so I just presumed he was found out and killed for his attempted infiltration. You can come in now Paul
In walks a man, clean shaven, with a few bandages on. It appears to be the right hand man you had captured. The same man that had killed the head of the drug and people smuggling ring. He looks to you all, and a big smile starts to creep over his face.
It appears fate has given me another chance at life, and I am shocked that you all didn't end my life when given the opportunity. I have resigned from the watch, to spend my second chance with my family and sons. After his short statement, he takes his leave, after giving the Captain a proper handshake.
The Captain than starts talking again, I know you have tons of questions which I will answer to the best of my ability. Just know that without you three and Paul, our home would not have been made safer from the drugs and depravity it knew months ago, and for that I thank you. Please, ask you questions now
Chef downs his whiskey and looks on rather surprised at who they had captured. He really didn't see himself as a pawn, but an un uniformed patrolman trying to stop the drug trade. He was at a loss of words at the moment.
Kraull scoffs at Paul's apparent change of heart, "Sure, boss. If you think you can trust this guy who already back stabbed you once and tried to take over the gang you were trying to take down. I'm just a simple half-orc, what do I know?"
"I don't really have any questions though, unless you have another job for us. Going back to bouncing would be too boring now."
I suppose it would be naive to think that dispatching one boss would shut down a country-wide crime ring of slavery, drugs, loan sharking, and who knows what else. So I guess the question is, what needs to be done next to protect the helpless citizenry of Jasper? One other thought that has crossed my mind, this Authority figure must have had quite a stash of moolah somewhere, and I think it is only our duty to find and confiscate it before it falls into the wrong hands. Any leads to that end? Rubin appears quite anxious for a reply.
Chef arched an eyebrow at Rubin's boldness. Well, no doubt all the thugs that we left behind took it for themselves when they found out their boss was dead.
Paul, stops just has he has one foot out the door.
Are you crazy boy or do you really wish to take on the entire Authority Crime Family. The man we just took down was one of the Family's elder brothers. They will be looking for any leads to who killed him. I have no problem, with you all wanting to help out Jasper, and it warms my heart knowing that there are younger ones than I wanting to make a good mark on our town, but I would advise against such an action at this present time. I suggest you rest up, do some smaller labor around town if you wish to make a few coin. Take a few weeks to let this recent chaos die down.
After a puff from his cigarette, Trone chimes in.
I agree, if you wish, I will be happy to set you all up in the same watch if coin is a concern. It may not have been as exciting as before, but it will be safer for the time being. Give it two weeks, and after then I will be happy to give you all the information Paul can relate to me regarding their organization, their movements, who might be the potential next in line for that chapter as well as anything that may prove useful in putting an end to any and all illegal crime activity The Authority have in Jasper and outlying towns.
I feel if you go in now, you will be more suspicious and potentially killed. If you go in later, you could claim you were new to The Authority when all this happened, and were trying to find out where to go to get out the The Shield's grasp.
I agree with waiting. I can see how going in while they are all chaos and perhaps fighting it out amongst themselves can help but we'll be pretty much on our own.
Agreed. I'm happy we were able to provide some helpful service to the community, but I feel if I stick my neck out any further just now, it's likely to make a nice target. Back to the nice, anonymous night watch for a while, and I'd be only too happy to have my new boon companions join me on patrol, if they're so inclined.
Of course
"I think we could probably take 'em, but if you want us to wait, I'll wait. I just got two questions about the town watch job: how much does it pay and do we get free healing?"
The pay is 1 gold per day, and we have a contract with the church to patch watchman up, within reason.
The two weeks, goes by uneventful. Whether you work for the watch, cook for a cranky bastard, or practice making bows and flecthing, the Captain calls you back to his office, as he had promised.
Thank you for waiting even thought I know was was hard for you to let things fade to the background. Paul and I had talked about much over the past two weeks, and we have a plan to proceed. The man killed from Pitax, was a brother of The Authority, and he was the leader of that sector. The next sector, is Mivon. The leader is a female, but I am unsure of her name. You will head there, about a month's ride from Jasper. There you will find a way to meet with one of the smaller leaders, and show them this.
He hands over a sash, embroidered and stylized with a clenched fist.
This had belonged to Paul, and you will use it to claim you caught him assassinating the lead of the Pitax sector, and then teamed up to take him out. After escaping The Shield's ever stretching arms, you had learned of another chapter, there in Mivon. Do what you must, within your own morale grounds to gain their trust. Learn of the leader, take her down, but first learn of another Family to keep going. Report back here, when or if you feel the need. You have my full support, and the mayor has taken money out of the town funds to give you all a better chance at success.
He takes out a scroll, and places it on the table.
Take this when you leave my office...and for Abadar's sake don't let this damn thing go to waste...its bad enough what I agreed to in order to procure such a thing
You are each entitled to a weapon or armor, whose summation of value is not to exceed 2500 gold piece in value from any vendor you see fit. Any remaining value not spent upon single item will not be carried over, and be forfeit back to the town of Jasper. Should you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
~ Jasper Mayor
My thanks, I'll put this to good use. Do you have any idea where the criminal element tends to gether in Mivon? Woudl the law there be trustworthy?
Rubin heads back to the archery shop and Mister Leafly. Good day sir, how is business? It appears the realm once again stands in need of my service, and has gone so far as to offer a substantial equipment stipend. I know you hold a low opinion in general of crossbows, but I have got along fairly well with mine. Perhaps you have something of a finer quality, maybe even with an enchantment? I noticed the other day you were holding a high quality crossbow.
It takes him a little longer to read the scroll than it does the others, but afterwards the half-orc looks overjoyed at the news. "Hot damn, this is finally paying off."
Once given an opportunity, he looks for someone in town to enchant his falchion, or, if available, he just buys a +1 falchion and sells his masterwork version.
You gather your supplies for your long and arduous month long journey to Mivon. The first week goes by smooth, no issues, no random brigands trying to shake you down. The second week however is less than stellar. There are thunderclouds that dot the sky. Rain comes down, everything from drizzling to full on downpour. It too passes, but not before you get soaked to varying degrees.
Halfway during the third week, you comes across a plethora of hills and valleys, with a small river part way through. You stop for a brief moment, to let you horses rest, and take a few drinks of water. You tie them up to the bridge that spans the shallow river.
Initiative:
Chef
Rubin
Kraull
Me
Initiative:
Rubin: go
Chef: go
Kraull: go
Bandits: waiting
Out from behind the treeline steps three half-orcs. The larger one in the middle, looks at the three of you, raising his greataxe high in the air, and points it at you.
Rend flesh from bone, take all they own...LIFE AND ALL
Kraull charges the larger half-orc in the middle, wasting no time talking to bandits.
Chef throws a bomb at the orcs
Those orcs within 5' take 3 points, DC 13 reflex to just take 1
Roll an attack roll chef :)
Startled by the unpleasant intrucion, Rubin fumbles for both his crossbow and his shortsword at the same time. Look out guys, bandits! As if it weren't already obvious. The leader's threat leaves little doubt that parley will not be an option. Collecting himself, Rubin backs away from the trio and begins singing an inspiring battle anthem.
Oh drat, we're surrounded!
Have no fear, their chance is nil
Their bodies will be pounded
As we move in for the kill!
Inspire Courage: +1 Attack/Damage, +1 save vs fear/charm
chef, who do you wish to target? Remember, your range is only 20, so I will move you within range of whomever you target unless you tell me otherwise :)