Should I have some ale? No, best to keep my wits about me.
"Innkeep, I would enjoy a loaf of bread and a refill of my waterskin if you may." He says as he readies his coin purse to pay.
Cedric scans the patrons in the inn. "So how many of these people are against us?" he thinks to himself. He puts on his best smile and waves. "Greetings. What a wonderful day, isn't it? I've been looking forward to a place to rest my weary feet. Are you all travelers such as us or locals?" he says, not expecting a response based on Geary's comments.
Meat!, Bradley replies to the innkeeper.
He slides his pack off and sits gingerly on a table. The relief vibrating off him now that he can relax a bit. Though his eyes scan the place as he looks for anything telling from the crowd.
Happily sitting in the corner, Opalia waits for the innkeep to get his act together and find his responses. But there are so many requests that he has to think on but the man keeps an inn so he will get to it.
Meanwhile she takes a moment to watch the solitary drinkers to see who they might look like. And if anyone is paying any attention to the new arrivals.
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The barkeep listens intently, taking all your orders without comment. He then disappears into the kitchen. The other patrons seem to take little notice of you, but do not respond to Cedric's attempt to be friendly. After a short time, the barkeep returns with your requests in hand.
"So tell me, my friends. What brings you to our little village?"
"I've heard that your town has a crocodile problem. I just so happen to be in need of some fine boots, so here I am." Bradley says as he takes a generous bite out of the food.
He chews for a bit.
"Beyond that, looking for work or at least something worthy of a fire side tale. So do tell, got bandits or anything of interests going on in your town?
Geary sits back and observes the interactions. After hearing the barkeep's response he quietly addresses Opalia. "So what's the real reason for all o' you to show up here? Is something amiss that I was not aware of? I had only planned on passing through here but this is a lot of attention for a little village."
Opalia leans in close with a faint breath like sweet cinnamon and puts one hand on his knee without thinking.
"I met a travelling merchant who told me that Orlane is in danger from poisoned water. So I came swiftly to see what's what. The others have come for many different reasons but you will have to ask them."
Cedric pauses for a moment in case there is a response. When he gets none, he sits down with the others.
"Mmm, that sounds good, Albert. I think I will have the same. As far as staying, we have to sleep somewhere, and I'd prefer a bed than the ground."
When the barkeep brings their food and drink, Cedric listens to what he has to say. "Who is in charge of this fine village? Also, what do you have in the way of rooms?"
Geary's eyes widen as Opalia mentions poisoned water. His mouth goes dry thinking of the water he's consumed the past few days he's been in Orlane. Putting on a brave face: "Perhaps that's why everyone is so withdrawn. They all have a case of the winds.".
She certainly is persistent about that poisoned water
"I have come here to help deal the crocodile problem, though a safe place to rest is important to acquire before setting off into such a dangerous venture."
Sonya takes her ale and bread and heads to a corner table away from the group, but close enough to hear their conversation.
These fools are awfully loose lipped. How do they know they are not talking to a doppleganger or perhaps he is the poisoner himself...
As Sonya withdraws from the group she says a short prayer over her meal and asks for a blessing over her new group.
"Winds? Geary you think this is something to do with them worshipping the the Velaeri? I thought those gods were benign but they aren't elven."
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"Poisoned water?" the barkeep laughs a hearty chuckle. "Were it so, would I be willing to partake?" No, I am afraid that you have been misled, my olven friend."
Turning to Cedric, he replies, "Zakarias Ormond is our mayor, so I guess you could say that he is in charge. His is the large house with the columns, just down the road. As to rooms, I have four available; one has two beds, another three, one has four, and the fourth is a private suite. The two-and three-bed rooms are 2 gold per night, the three-bed room is 12 sp per night, per bed used, and the suite is 4 gp per night."
"Thank you kind sir. After we finish our meal, I believe we should go speak with the mayor. As far as the rooms go, let me discuss it with my travelling companions. I think we would need the two largest rooms," he says as he counts how many are there.
Bradley happy to have been fed, pats his belly in satisfaction.
"Mayor sounds good. Hey, Barkeep. Can you tell us a little about the other folks around here? You know, blacksmiths and what not. Maybe a scholar if you got one of them around here.", he says off the cuff hoping to get a better idea about the little village.
Geary opens his mouth to reply to Opalia, thinks about it and pats her hand instead while nodding seemingly in agreement.
Crocodile problems, poisoned water, wishing to see the mayor.... If anything this group might bring a little excitement to Orlane.
"I think I know the house he's talking about Cedric. I can bring you folks there."
Geary looks around the bar at the silent townsfolk then addresses Albert: "I see a town in the grasp of boredom that is for sure. But if you think there is something going on here, I'd be careful about announcing your intentions to anyone."
Sonya stands from her table in the back and approaches the group near the bar.
Geary, I say you lead the way to the mayor's house then, seems like no one here has anything to say on the goings on of the town.
As she finishes her statement Sonya heads towards the door looking back at the group.
Well are you going to come or what?!
Having gotten nothing from innkeeper, Bradley slides his pack and heads out side at Sonya's call. A lazy hand on the hilt of his blade.
Might as well look around, if no one has the info at the ready.
Cedric finishes his food and drink and pays the barkeep what is owed. "Thank you sir for the meal and information. Once we get an idea of what we are doing, we'll decide if we need the rooms. Have a good day." He then follows the group outside as the head towards the mayor's house.
Geary grimaces at the thought of going back out into the sun. He picks himself up off his seat and heads outside.
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Finding the mayor's house is a simple as following the directions given by the innkeeper. This house is set well back from the road, and is partially screened by a pair of medium-sized elms.
This is by far the most imposing house in the village. The walls have been regularly whitewashed and the roof gleams with new wooden shingles. A wide porch crosses the entire front of the house, and columns of wood support the overhanging roof. The columns have been carved into leafy patterns by a skilled craftsman.
A knock on the door brings an elderly woman with greying hair and soft, blue eyes. "My goodness," she says at the sight of your group. "What do we have here?"
Bradley steps up to the porch, puting on his best business smile, and greets the elderly woman.
"Hello Madam. We are an assorted group of adventures who have heard a few rumors of trouble in your fair town. We hope to meet the Mayor and offer our services in assistance. "
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"Well, then you've come to the right place!" She turns and calls out, "Zakarias! You have visitors!"
An elderly man comes forward and greets you with a hearty handshake. "Zakarias Ormond, and this is my wife, Henrietta. Please, won't you come in and make yourselves comfortable?"
He leads you into a cramped, but comfortable parlor and motions for everyone to be seated. "Now then, strangers. Let me welcome you to Orlane. What brings you to our village?"
Bradley takes a comfortable seat opposite Zakarais. He waits for everyone to settle before saying "Thank you for welcoming us into your lovely home, Mayor Ormond. As I have told your wife, we adventures have heard rumors of dreadful beasts and mysterious happenstance occurring in Orlane. We are looking to learn a little bit more of the circumstances and offer our services to you and your town."
Bradley stays alert, just in case the Mayor registers anything but tries to hide it.
"So, what can you tells us that would raise the concern of other travelers and neighboring townships? I've heard tales of fierce crocodiles, a poison wells and a... strangeness in the people."
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"Crocodiles? Poisoned wells? I know nothing of these things, but I, too, have noticed this strangeness to which you refer. I suspect that it has something to do with midnight disappearances. The person disappears for several days, to return... changed. So far, I have noticed the oddness in the storekeeper, the carpenter, the smith, and the clerics of the temple. I fear that they may all be affected."
"Wow - that's ssooo helpful. Maybe you should be careful too. I mean I'd have taken the mayor first and his lovely wife, Henrietta. Perhaps you need guards."
The girl elf jumps right back to her feet and gets ready for action. "Blacksmith, storekeep, chippie, smithy and priests. We are on it. Who has a plan? Huh."
Bradley listens and gives a wry smile to the two very enthusiastic members of the party.
He turns to the rest to see if they have anything else to add before commenting further.
They got to the clerics? What manner of powers do they have
"Well it would appear that that is an issue. If we must seek healing we should be wary about it."
Geary had been mentally taking notes of the easiest points of entry and escape routes out of the home when the mayor went into his tale about disappearing towns folk. Geary looks around the room in astonishment at everyone's reaction.
I can't believe they are buying this.
Raising his hand as he speaks. "So... Mayor Ormand... who else has noticed this change in people? What do you mean by acting odd? Has anyone in the village been asked to investigate these disappearances? How long has this been going on for?" Short pause. "Does being the mayor pay well?"
Cedric seems saddened to hear the clerics have been affected and nods at Opalia's comment about taking the mayor. "Yes, why not take the mayor? Maybe too fragile and not considered a threat. Or was he taken and is trying to throw us off?" He tries to sense if the mayor is telling the truth.
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No sooner than the words leave Geary's lips than a huge burly man charges out of a curtained alcove, sword at the ready.
"At ease, Travers," Zakarias shouts, rising from his seat. "I'm sure that the young man meant nothing by it."
The burly man visibly relaxes and scabbards his blade, but moves to stand in plain sight, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"As you can plainly see," Zakarias says, "I'm in good hands. But to answer your questions, by odd, I mean it seems as if their entire personality has been altered. People who were once friendly and outgoing become sheltered and cynical. I'm sure that others have noticed, it would be near impossible to miss.
"I've not tasked anyone within the village with investigating, as I'm not certain who I can trust outside of my own family or Travers, here. However, there are two friends, a pair of elves, whom I have asked to investigate. They are staying nearby and, as yet, have found little evidence to report.
"The only other things I can tell you is that I have reason to believe that the old hermit who lives in the grove is masterminding the operation. He's an odd bird, keeps to himself and all that. But I haven't enough solid evidence to approach him as yet.
"As to how much I make... relatively little. I earn a living through woodcarving."
Zakarias' wife reappears, carrying a tray of fresh cookies and cups of water, which she distributes to everyone. "Here, now," she says, "Matters of politics whet the thirst and empty the belly."
Bradley nearly charges at Travers when he explodes from behind the curtain. Hearing Zakarias call off the man, Bradley relaxes a little, but stays standing as he listens to his explanations of the going on lately in the town.
Hearing that a couple of elves are already investigating he thinks, That should be our next stop. But when he hears about a strange man in the grove, he's intrigued.
"I had thought your town had a Druid, to lead the people in the old faith. This man may at least know of some of the goings on in the town, if not the cause himself. Can you tell us more about your elvish friends, so we may ask them about their findings?
But when Henrietta comes in with a plate of snacks, he is quite delighted. "Why thank you", he says as he starts to dig in. His sweet addiction revealed.
Sonya jumps at the burly man and steps forward with Bradley. Easing with the call off.
I am most appalled by the tainted clerics. Those who actively practice their faith should be protected and off-limits to the actions of sorcerers or witch doctors. I agree with Bradley lets follow up with the elves to see where they have investigated thus far. From there we can pick up the trail and investigate this hermit.
Charnum lets out a small squeak upon seeing the man charge the party.
"I agree with Sonya, this is most disturbing."
"Not hungry ma'am. Can I have one later? Thanks. Pleased to meet you Travers." Opalia moves to the door now that half a plan is made.
She is positively hopping at the thought of meeting more elves. "We ready to go. Yes? No? Well? Let's do it while the sun is up."
Geary's daggers quickly appeared in his hands as the large man burst through the curtain. He looked quizzically at the mayor as he introduced this Travers. The Grifter shook his head in anger.
Can't believe I missed the possibility of their being someone hiding in that alcove. This town's making me soft.
After the mayor answered his questions, Geary leaned back after grabbing a snack from the plate. He looked around at the large home. "Never thought woodcarving could be so lucrative."
Seeing the others seemed to be leaning towards talking to the elves and agreeing with them for the most part that if they were looking into the matter they'd be the best folks to start with, Geary stood up to join Opalia.
Startled when the fighter bursts into the room, Cedric nearly trips over the footstool as he clamors to get behind the chair next to him. Once his heartbeat returns to normal, he too listens to what the mayor has to say and agrees to visit the elves next.
Seeing no one else partaking in the plate of fresh cookies. Bradley gingerly gobbles them down. Sweets! The rarest of treats.
Seeing others getting ready to leaves, he clears his gullet and stands. "It seems its decided Mayor. Before we go, are there any people who disappeared and never came back that we should be on the look out for?
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"No one I would trust implicitly. The temple is dedicated to Merrika, goddess of farming and agriculture, but I would not trust the priests."
The matter decided, the group bids farewell to the mayor and his wife and proceeds to follow his directions to the home of the two elves.
This small, square building has been freshly whitewashed. Heavy curtains hang over the windows, and the door is shut.
You approach the door and knock lightly. It is answered by a tall elf with long blonde hair. "Yes?" he asks.
Bradley looks about for locals that are to close or focusing in on the crew to intently before speaking.
"Mayor Ormond referred us to you. He said you maybe able to enlighten us of the odd changes happening in Orlane. Bradley leans in a little closer and in a softer voice. लिके थे दिसप्पेअरञ्चेस् अन्द् थेन चन्गेस इन थे तोव्न्स फ़ोल्क्
Like the strange disappearances and then changes in the townsfolk?
"Yeah spill it in common for these mortals - please!" jokes Opalia.
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The elf raises a curious eyebrow, but says nothing. Another elf appears behind him, also a male. "अजनबियों शहरवाले में अजीब व्यवहार के बारे में जानना चाहते हैं उन्हें लगता है कि हम साझा करने के बारे में जानकारी हो सकती है" the first one says, addressing his companion.
"उन्हें लगता है कि इस निष्कर्ष पर क्या होता है" the other replies.
"उन्होंने महापौर से बात की है" the first says. Turning back to you, he says, "My companion does not speak your tongue."
"वे भरोसा किया जा रहे हैं"
"हम देखेंगे"
"I am Dorian, and this is my companion, Llywillan. You may enter," the first says, stepping back from the door.
"What leads them to that conclusion?"
"They have spoken to the mayor."
"Are they to be trusted?"
"We shall see."
Opalia looks around at the gang to see if everyone can understand the Language. Then she proceeds to act as a translator, "they want to decide if we can be trusted now that we have come from the Mayor." She shrugs off any questions and adds, "he's Dorian and he's Llywillan. That one doesn't speak common."