The Path back to the Coastal Road
The group travels for nearly thirty minutes, at a snails pace, with Edan and Soros needing to stop a few times to rest. The stranger is clearly in poor shape and the walk to the road was unforgiving at best.
Grond checks the area and Rabalar scans the area quickly as Soros and Edan change spots with the Olf and Narciso.
Perception rolls for group.
Naia halts.
"Oi!" she calls to the group.
"I think it's the horses! Or cows. Owlbears?"
She waits for the group to stop, then, harpoon stowed, walks carefully toward the noise, making low comforting noises, arms and hands spread and low.
"Hey....naw....loo. Easy folks..."
]
Grond keeps a firm grip on the rope tying the prisoners, but draws his weapon.
]
Naia halts.
"Oi!" she calls to the group.
"I think it's the horses! Or cows. Owlbears?"
She waits for the group to stop, then, harpoon stowed, walks carefully toward the noise, making low comforting noises, arms and hands spread and low.
"Hey....naw....loo. Easy folks..."
[dice=Handle Animal (untrained)]1d20 + 2
[dice=Handle Animal (untrained)]1d20 + 2
As Naia shouts Oi you hear neighing from the tree line, about thirty yards are so into the tree line.
As you approach the shrubs (wild blackberry or redberry bush) starts to move and jostle around. You see a silhouette of a medium or large shape on four legs...behind it maybe two or three more all moving back and away but they seem to be tied to a tree or something. The bushes are concealing them a little bit but from the road and the elevation once on it you would probably see them if you were looking for them.
They don't seem interested in Naia coming near them.
The young cook keeps his head up and his eyes about him. He remains quiet for the most part.
I missed something...
During one of the breaks, D'ogryn takes the papers out of the bag the Naia provided and organizes them better. As the group gets back on the road he take each paper out and looks at them more closely. Saving the two that he does not know until last. When it comes to the last two documents, the cook turns his head toward the sky as he rubs his chest at something that is under his leather armor.
Dalt grant me the eyes to see that which is hidden.
"Umm, the owlbears are all tied up. Someone know horses - I'm afraid I'm all sea-legs and saltwater..."
Narciso chuckles at Naia's comment, "Owlbear? Funny. But I'd go slower advancing. Those horses are nervous. Does anyone have anything the horses might like? An apple? Or carrot? But regardless talk low and slow and approach the same."
"Silly, Naia. Silly. Well, they're tied up next to some berry bushes, so they aren't likely to be real hungry. All I've got is dried trail rations, anyway."
The young cook keeps his head up and his eyes about him. He remains quiet for the most part.
I missed something...During one of the breaks, D'ogryn takes the papers out of the bag the Naia provided and organizes them better. As the group gets back on the road he take each paper out and looks at them more closely. Saving the two that he does not know until last. When it comes to the last two documents, the cook turns his head toward the sky as he rubs his chest at something that is under his leather armor.
Dalt grant me the eyes to see that which is hidden.
[dice=Linguistics]1d20 + 1
"I know that much Narciso! Exactly what I was doing." Naia nods to Narciso, then pokes her tongue out at Rab. "'Sprobly cos I stink like goblin, corpse and ash..."
She makea a quick search of her pack. "Nothin' but dried fish crumbs..." she smiles. "If I had an apple I'd have eaten it!"
Soros
He looks at Naia's backpack...."I would eat the fish crumbs..."
[dice=Knowledge(Nature)]1d20+7
"Silly, Naia. Silly. Well, they're tied up next to some berry bushes, so they aren't likely to be real hungry. All I've got is dried trail rations, anyway."
The horses are just nervous with the large crowd near them.
"We're not too far from home Sor. And if we're lucky, Pissface's crew will have some provisions on the horses. If they have saddlebags..."
Grond takes a look around at the shrubs the horses were munching on, trying to ascertain exactly what they were eating - if the berries and leaves, or just one of them.
He hands over the rope holding the prisoners to Naia, and proceeds in collecting the plants and/or berries the horses seem to like - "If we gather enough of these, we may convince them to come to us... They seem to like this"
Antas will take the time to remove his armor and then remove his hammer and dagger and pass those all over
As Antas starts to remove his weapons and armor the man puts his hand out. "Hold on fellow. We have a dressing room and there are people to assist you in removing and storing your gear. No need in doing it out here. The cost is three silver to enter for you. The lady can come in for free. Once you go in and there will be two more lads to help you."
Both men or clearly ex-military...probably sailors or marines from the look of them. They have clubs at their sides encase someone gets out of hand. Both men appear to be seasoned men in their late twenties or early thirties.
Grond takes a look around at the shrubs the horses were munching on, trying to ascertain exactly what they were eating - if the berries and leaves, or just one of them.
[dice=Survival]d20+4
He hands over the rope holding the prisoners to Naia, and proceeds in collecting the plants and/or berries the horses seem to like - "If we gather enough of these, we may convince them to come to us... They seem to like this"
None of the horses have saddlebags. Just saddle, bit and bridle. They are eating on the clumps of winter grass and the berries.
Grond notices as he gathers a few handfuls of grass and berries the near horse turns to sniff the air near him. When she does that the other three horses seem to settle down.
Grond is now about five feet away from the near horse and the other three go back to nibbling on the berries and grass.
These are trained horses tied in place. This should be easy, right? So is loosing arrows, Rab, isn't it? While the others go to work with the animals, Rab tries to keep his eyes open and continue providing overwatch.
These are trained horses tied in place. This should be easy, right? So is loosing arrows, Rab, isn't it? While the others go to work with the animals, Rab tries to keep his eyes open and continue providing overwatch.
[dice=Perception]1d20+7
You are just below the road and about a hundred yards away. The path has small copses of trees broken up by large swaths of rocky out croppings and patches of wild flowers, grass, and ferns. There doesn't appear to be anyone around you or any thing of danger... At least the horses don't appear to be spoked any longer.
Seeing as the horses seem calmer, Grond keeps an extended hand with leaves and berries as he slowly and casually attempts to get closer to the nearer/lead horse.
If he is allowed, he then proceeds in patting her on the neck with soothing words - "There, there, all is good. We will not hurt you..."
If all goes well, the half orc attempts to round up the horses and bring them close, allowing them to eat, but keeping them tethered.
Grond and Rabalar
Both of you manage to move up to the four horses without any issues. All four have similar saddles as well as bit & bridles. Even the saddle blankets are the same. The horses are healthy and in good spirits.
The Full Moon - Antas & Ferona
'Ello there...need a hand?"
Peran talks to the first group unloading this vessel that he comes upon. He seems a little too eager as he grins and looks to help, but the fishermen can see he at least knows what he is doing.
Peran finishes up helping off load the fish for the three men. They explain that none of them are typically at the docks during the night and they usually arrive just before sunrise as they prepare their boat for the next day the night before.
The older man chimes in as you stand on the docks wiping your hands off with a dry towel that the middle aged fisherman handed you. The old man says..."Lately we been see'in all sorts of new fishinmen in the harbor comin in and tie'in up as we be leav'in... They got big loads...so whatever honey hole they fishin it must be a nice one."
As Antas starts to remove his weapons and armor the man puts his hand out. "Hold on fellow. We have a dressing room and there are people to assist you in removing and storing your gear. No need in doing it out here. The cost is three silver to enter for you. The lady can come in for free. Once you go in and there will be two more lads to help you."
Both men or clearly ex-military...probably sailors or marines from the look of them. They have clubs at their sides encase someone gets out of hand. Both men appear to be seasoned men in their late twenties or early thirties.
Ferona acknowledges the order silently, yet thankful she was not completely defenseless. Not that anything would happen to her in a public place but recent events left her feeling less confident of that.
"I shall wait here for you to return Antas." She nods at her companion. Once he has finished she again offers her arm to him, allowing him to escort her to the main room. "Let's find a table out of the way...Dear." She adds the term of endearment almost as an afterthought, remembering they were supposed to be a couple. Scanning the area to see what the crowd is like, she looks for a suitable table.
Rab moves up to one of the other horses and tires to get a hand on the reins. Careful to stay forward on the animal's body, and to run a hand across the muzzle a couple of times before actually grabbing any leather.
Once he's got the reins in hand . . .. "Thout? You good enough to ride, or do we need to have these drag you?"
"You ever been on a horse, Thout? " Naia asks, frowning. "Nasty smelly things they are. One time a horse I was on ran under low branches to get me off. Another time one stepped on my foot without anyone realising it."
She shrugs characteristically.
"So, I'm for walking. And on no account does the prisoner ride." she says with steely determination, at once dispensing with his urine-based appellation and making it clear that to her mind, there really is only one prisoner of consequence.
Narciso strolls along with Naia, "I'll pass on trying to ride as well, but perhaps some of the load could be tied on one of the animals? I think they might be able to carry even more than Grond...."
The Full Moon
Antas moves into the changing room after he passes the three silver to the man. He gets to the changing room removes his arms and armor. Once he does a man enters and gives him a key and shows him to a locker. There he places his gear into the locker. The man locks it for him and hands him the key.
"That is the only key...don't lose it. If you do we will need to have a locksmith open the locker. It will cost you five silver."
He finishes up in the changing room. He comes out of the changing room and rejoins with Ferona. The man, another bouncer of sorts turns and puts his head in to a curtian and waves his hand. Beautiful young women half-dressed in a silk gown and lace that shows nearly everything but nothing comes up to you. She smiles and then asks you question in a sweet and tender voice but one of expereince in these matters. "Will you wish to have a private booth or an open table madam? Or....would you like a private room and a private showing? We can accommodate most of your needs on request as long as they are neither violent or outlandish." With that she seems to size Antas up from top to bottom. As she speaks she guides you into the main hall. This room is dimly lit on the edges but in the center is a lavish stage and on it dances several young women... All in tight but modest clothing. Also on the stage is a young man who is also dancing and tumbling. He is also in modest clothing. Ferona notices they are have oiled skin so that in glistens in the fire and lamplight.
The music is paced to allow them to dance both quickly and in a slow rhythmic nature at the same time. Men, women, and couples are all sitting at tables and booths watching the show. Some have guests sitting with them that seen to work for the inn as well. The entire scene makes both of you very uncomfortable. Especially after the list of questions and the last comment was poised to the both of you.
The Coastal Road
Rabalar and Grond manage to calm and ready the horses.
Thout is too weak to ride a horse as he is unable to move his arms and legs.
Edan suggests that we modify the stretcher and build a litter for him that the horse can drag.
Soros walks up to closer to the road and keeps an eye out in both directions.
None of the horses have anything like saddle bags or gear on them.
The road is all quiet at the moment and it is sunny and cool with a very light on and off again breeze.
"Ok, let us do that then" - Grond nods at Edan, and sets up to try and produce a makeshift litter.
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Antas sits down at a table holding Ferona's hand a bit hard not all that 'experienced' in this sort of thing and severely uncomfortable he smiles a wan smile and says as he puts the key in the pouch around his neck we would like to have a private viewingtrying to remember who they are here to question or see again...
Ferona feels Antas's warm hand engulf her own and is surprised at how pleasant it felt. Putting it out of her mind she leans in close to him. "We are supposed to ask for Aydi, she is the owner and the mistress of entertainment. She might be busy but her daughter Zadi or her companion Umsa should be able to talk to us if they are here"
She eyes the beautiful young lady, along with the others crowding the main area, trying to resist the urge to blush here. Thoughts of the young man Aldon she encountered earlier run through her mind here.
Focus...Ferona, FOCUS!
She continues looking for any signs of Adyi though having never met the other woman knowing she may have already seen her without knowing it.
Keen as she is to pitch in and help, Naia decides guard duty is the task at hand requiring diligence. She pokes the prisoner with her harpoon.
"Oi. Where'd you bring the horses in from? Any more of your slippery kind hereabouts?" Given the state he is in, she doesn't fully expect an answer, but the Temlow lass has fallen into the decay most jailers assume - power and control.
"Ok, let us do that then" - Grond nods at Edan, and sets up to try and produce a makeshift litter.
[dice=Survival]d20+4
Edan and Soros gives Grond a hand building the litter and moving Thout to it.
Meanwhile, Rabalar, D'ogryn, Narciso, and Naia notice nothing of interest around them or on the road. Other than a few rabbits, birds, and other animals scurying about it is actually calm and quiet. Even peaceful...
Antas sits down at a table holding Ferona's hand a bit hard not all that 'experienced' in this sort of thing and severely uncomfortable he smiles a wan smile and says as he puts the key in the pouch around his neck we would like to have a private viewingtrying to remember who they are here to question or see again...
The young lady raises an eyebrow at the request as she begins to seat you at a table on the floor. "Let me move you into a private room then." She softly places her hand on Antas' near shoulder and subtly squeezes it to feel the firmness of his muscles under his shirt. She smiles as he looks at her. "This way then. I will move you into a private room." She gets the two of you moving in the right direction and Ferona and at some point Antas can see, and feel, the other guests staying at the couple. Mostly at Ferona but the looks are like farm animals in heat. It is an uncomfortable feeling for the two of you. Two young women pass by each of you and both let their bodies sway against each of you. Both seem to smile as it happens as if to flirt with each of you.
Once the young women gets you out of the common area she moves you by some booths on the side. These are open booths but semi-private a few are occupied but men with young women near them or sitting on their laps. Antas can feel himself sweating suddenly...he feels very out of place in here.
Ferona feels Antas's warm hand engulf her own and is surprised at how pleasant it felt. Putting it out of her mind she leans in close to him. "We are supposed to ask for Aydi, she is the owner and the mistress of entertainment. She might be busy but her daughter Zadi or her companion Umsa should be able to talk to us if they are here"
She eyes the beautiful young lady, along with the others crowding the main area, trying to resist the urge to blush here. Thoughts of the young man Aldon she encountered earlier run through her mind here.
Focus...Ferona, FOCUS!
She continues looking for any signs of Adyi though having never met the other woman knowing she may have already seen her without knowing it.
[dice=Intelligence check (to remember her description)]1d20+2
As you move into a small hallway and up some stairs off to the side of the semi-private booths that are dimly lit you manage to get your question in so that only she and Antas can hear you. She looks back at you and then to Antas. "Talk...such a shame...the both of you would enjoy yourselves her!" She comes to a door and opens it. Inside is ornate and beautifully furnished room with lots of pillowed benches and a softly carpeted floor. There is a strong smell of perfume and on a side table is a decanter of red and white wines, a liqueur of some type. There is window that looks directly onto the stage. The group of dancers that were on the stage are now finishing up and a new dancer is coming on. A young women in her late teens... Antas is struck by how beautiful the women are and he is never seen a women like her. She looks to be Balklunish but not. Her hair is silk black and just below her shoulder and braided on the sides and beaded. She is in a ornate silk garment that barely covers her and her golden-brown skin compliments the garments.
The young lady responds to Ferona as the two of you walk into the private room. "Zadi is on the stage. She has just started her dance and I am sure she will be on the stage for a while. I will let Mistress Ayadi and Umsa know you would like to speak to them. Are you sure you would not like a dancer to entertain you while you wait?"
Peran moves to help store the gear and continues talking to the fishermen.
"Outsiders are selling their catch here? Is that normal? Back home our prime fisherman would have had words with those fellows. Do you know from what port they hail?"
"Great. Everybody settled? One to lead Thout's horse and another to steady the drag litter? Anybody else ready to get back to Saltmarsh?"
"More than ready, Rab." Naia answers. "Let's get back!"
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First one thing then the next! Antas will have to pray many hours after this adventure. He steers Ferona into the room and then waits until she is seated and says we have some business to attend but both thank you for your kind offers. Antas must say that about six times on the way until they arrive at their destination.
Having never thought of himself as attractive he is a bit taken back by the attention continuing to hold Ferona's hand even after it is long past the time he could have let it go.
Noticing that the prisoner didn't reply to Naia's question Narciso moves up to try a nicer approach. "The lady asked about the horses, and possible acquaintances of yours. You know that cooperation is much more likely than quiet to keep you alive once we get you to town?"
Keen as she is to pitch in and help, Naia decides guard duty is the task at hand requiring diligence. She pokes the prisoner with her harpoon.
"Oi. Where'd you bring the horses in from? Any more of your slippery kind hereabouts?" Given the state he is in, she doesn't fully expect an answer, but the Temlow lass has fallen into the decay most jailers assume - power and control.
First one thing then the next! Antas will have to pray many hours after this adventure. He steers Ferona into the room and then waits until she is seated and says we have some business to attend but both thank you for your kind offers. Antas must say that about six times on the way until they arrive at their destination.
Having never thought of himself as attractive he is a bit taken back by the attention continuing to hold Ferona's hand even after it is long past the time he could have let it go.
Ferona sighs in relief as they are finally left alone here.
I truly hope we are not kept long in waiting here. While the person we seek may frequent this place, the...nature here prevents me from concentrating on my tasks here.
For a moment she considers withdrawing her hand from Antas but decides to hold for a moment. It had been a long time since she had felt the touch of a man, and Antas was quite attractive...
"Thank you for escorting me here Antas. I don't think i would trust anyone else..." or myself... "to keep my company. Do you think our...quarry frequents this place?"
Peran moves to help store the gear and continues talking to the fishermen.
"Outsiders are selling their catch here? Is that normal? Back home our prime fisherman would have had words with those fellows. Do you know from what port they hail?"
The middle-aged man chimes in.
"Aye...lots of fisherman come in and out...some live on the waters and make their way in to the harbor to sell their catch." He wipes his hands off and then wraps up some rope and throws it into the boat. "We have seen a few other boats coming in that don't dock here at night. They drop their loads off and leave...crates of fish."
The young man chimes in..."Yea, four days ago a boat came in dropped off eight crates of fish and a wagon came up hauled them off. Must be taking them to be smoked or salted I guess."
The old man..."I remember that boat. It has come in five or six times in the past few months."
"Hmmm...Are you sure the goods were fish? Could they have held something else? Also, where did these wagons go? And finally, do you recall the names of any of these vessels and were they traders or proper fishing trawlers?"
The House Party
The party makes it to the edge of the town. As you begin to pass the houses and buildings on Portleven three town guards, one a Corporal comes walking out. Rabalar and D'ogryn recognize the man. Corporal Flynn...he was the guard that brought Thout to Naia's home. Which is directly up the road.
"It is good to see you back!" He and the two young watch guards come walking up. He frowns when he sees Thout on the litter. "Is he ok?" The question is to everyone and no one. "Geolin will be happy to see you back." He sees the two newcomers and the bound goblin and the other man that is wounded. "Looks like you got new friends and a few prisoners." He looks at the half-orc and then the half-elf and gives each a nod to say hello.
He comes to Naia. "I can escort you into the Barracks and we can get a healer to help young Thout and tend to the wounds of your company. If you like, my guards can escort the two prisoners for you during the escort so the company can relax a bit."
"Hmmm...Are you sure the goods were fish? Could they have held something else? Also, where did these wagons go? And finally, do you recall the names of any of these vessels and were they traders or proper fishing trawlers?"
The older man sighs..."Not sure but every one of their loads coming in is full. Never seen a light catch then they head home."