Fully aware of what Mordrin was getting at, Light sat quietly listening out of curiosity as well, only speaking when pulling the server aside for her order. "if you have any, could I get some juice please?"
Kael uses the quill and after he finishes writing, the swan feather and the parchment he wrote upon seem to be encompassed by the glow from the quill and evaporate into thin air. Moments later the parchment and quill snap back into Kael's hands. The swan feather however crumbles upon touching it. Just leaving the golden grip behind.
"Jaythail "Bluejay" Newbury. Captain of the Bluejay Pirates. Hasn't been active for some 10 years, many believe dead. Due to her just suddenly disappearing."
The scene that awaits you from within the Taphouse is one of many intriguing sights. You first notice the door is made up of what looks like cork. Prodding it with your finger proves this to be true. Opening it, you see a thin layer of wood between the seam of the door. The knob itself is ornate with many engravings and is clearly worn from repeated use. Entering the establishment puts you in a small 5x10 room. The walls also seem to be made out of long sheets of cork and many shelves line the walls with miniature versions of farm equipment and old signs sitting upon them. The archway just ahead of you is filled by two smiling faces both seemingly identical.
These twin female human girls smile brightly to you as they speak, "Welcome to Twidiler's Taphouse!" The girls exclaim in unison. "I'm Marleen!" One sweetly says. "I'm Darleen"! The other one says in the same exact sweet way. "And we'll be your servers for today!" They both announced in unison again, absolutely beaming at you. They beckon your group over to a corner round table with a semicircle booth encompassing it. They take your orders and recommend the blackberry wine as apparently they are the ones that make it.
There aren't many Halflings in the taphouse save for an older man behind the bar, clearly standing on something to alleviate the difference in height. Most of the patrons wear commoners clothes while a few wear courtiers outfits, one man in the building wears fullplate, and has a Greatsword leaning upon the table he sits at, a hooded woman sits across from him and they speak with low whispers drowned out by the crowd of other people in this building.
Kael seemed confused not sure if it was normal for the feather to do so.
The information Mr. Edison gathered however was of great use. How could such a Pirate disappear?
The severs come back with a pitcher of blackberry wine, blackberry juice, and ale... All identical pitchers. They also place mugs and a basket of unshelled roasted peanuts and a basket of fresh steaming rolls with butter on the table. "Are we ready to order?" Marleen asks... Or maybe this was Darleen...
** spoiler omitted **
"So Tassadar?... My thought is if you'd like we would be more than happy to add you to the roster of our ship. We were hoping to recruit more folks to join us on our endeavors.", Light then pauses to give her attention to the waitress, "oooo! I'd like to try something new... Do you have any specials you recommend?" all the while she begins pouring herself a mugs worth of the juice she'd ordered.
Marleen... Or Darleen, smiles at Lightt with bright green eyes and clasps her hands together. "Boss is always coming up with new dishes weekly! His latest meal includes half a chicken roasted on a open flame with a tomato vinegar and brown sugar glaze and a side of roasted cabbage and carrots. Also your choice of a pork bun or a helping of seasoned fried rice! That meal goes for half dozen silver, but it is by far his greatest yet!" She places her hands upon her hips and leans forward, "Waddaya say hun?"
Upon watching the pitcher of wine filling the mug on it's own she will clap. "Your so talented mister! Boss can do similar stuff to, he's a one man show in the kitchen." You look beyond her to see many items floating or moving on there own around the old halfling in the kitchen, from a turning spit to meat being cut to drinks being served at the bar.
"that sounds absolutely delightful! Ill definitely order that then if you'd be so kind! Hrmmmm,... I'll take the rice over the pork bun. Thank you so much for your help! I can't wait to try it!"
Looking to Mordrin now, "should we order for Lael you think? Or just wait?"
"Really? That'd be fabulous! We could...go on all those wonderful adventures, get filthy rich together. Then I could get buy myself a island paradise...get a harem of beautiful girls fawning over me...party all day long," He goes on dreamily.
Darleens loud voice brings him back to the present. "Get the half chicken, pork bun and seasoned fried rice. This meal's on me, to celebrate being a member of your crew!" He says heartily, clapping Lightt on her shoulder.
He looks curiously at the halfling doing the 1 man show in the kitchen. Is he using the same cantrip, mage hand, or the more advanced one, unseen servant.
"Really? That'd be fabulous! We could...go on all those wonderful adventures, get filthy rich together. Then I could get buy myself a island paradise...get a harem of beautiful girls fawning over me...party all day long," He goes on dreamily.
Darleens loud voice brings him back to the present. "Get the half chicken, pork bun and seasoned fried rice. This meal's on me, to celebrate being a member of your crew!" He says heartily, clapping Lightt on her shoulder.
He looks curiously at the halfling doing the 1 man show in the kitchen. Is he using the same cantrip, mage hand, or the more advanced one, unseen servant.
Mordrin chuckles at the exuberance of the waitresses' greeting. When the wine is brought to the table and magically poured into his goblet, he nods approvingly at Tassadar's casual skill. Well done, he remarks with enthusiasm, Light has taken the words right out of my mouth. It would be a pleasure to have you aboard. We should let you know, however, that we are currently in the midst of a terrible and potentially deadly mission. All I will say for now is that our captain and one of our crew was abducted by a mysterious...person, and we hope to discover who is responsible, make them pay, and rescue those taken from us. Though Mordrin's voice had been bright and cheerful at the start, by the end, a dark and fierce tone had crept in and his face had taken on an almost savage appearance.
When Darleen/Marleen interjected, however, the dark mood passed, and Mordrin ordered some food for himself, [b]Ah! That special dish sounds delightful, but I try to abstain from eating meat as much as possible. I would be glad to try the fried rice, however, so long as it is vegetarian. This blackberry wine is wonderful, by the way![/ooc]
As they wait for their food to arrive and continue chatting, Mordrin will take a closer look around the room. Noticing the magical food preparations, the patrons, both finely and casually dressed, and finally, the armored man and his hooded companion. He tries to discreetly observe them, trying to pick up on any peculiar markings on their gear and seeing if he can catch any snippets of their conversation.
"Well, wheres the excitment if a quest was not fraught with peril?" He doesn't seem fazed at what Mordrin has been describing."We will hunt the evil-doer down with and give him a good @ss-kicking. Such a good @ss-kicking that they'll be talking about it for decades. Then we loot everything valuable of his that isn't nailed down. And we will rescue your friends. Ah! A making of a great tale indeed."He proclaims enthusiastically as he thumps the table once for emphasis. You wonder if he's read too many of the wrong books.
"I would advise however, that we act more discreet while in public in the case of unwanted attention or misconception based on eavesdroppers taking our business out of context." Light would chime in casually. 'If I've learned anything it's that things aren't always what they seem' she thinks to herself while now taking a sip of her juice.
The Taphouse is a loud and eye catching place. But as your food arrives, Lightt and Mordrin can't help but peer over to the duo sitting across the building. While it is extremely noisy and cannot pick out their conversation, you are able to lip read a few words here and there slightly.
The woman speaks first. "... ... ... ... weeks ... we... ...no ... ... finding... ... giants."
Then the man in fullplate. "Your... ... ... hasty... ... elf. The man then erupts with laughter. Clearly he has drank too much of that blackberry wine as his face appears flush.
Kael enters the Shaking Salamander with the loot he wishes to sell and it almost gives off the feel of a tiny bazaar. The building has two levels, each wall has 4 to 5 shops that line it. This place appears to be the main shopping hub of Hovelhome, at least for the taller folk. General goods, weapons and armor and luxury furniture shops are found on the lower level while specialty clothing, jewelry, collectible and exotic pet shops are found on the second level.
A very old halfling hobbles up to you, leaning heavily on his gnarled staff. His face kindly through all his many wrinkles. His pure white beard wisps down his hunched body and almost grazes the tiled stone floor. He wears long flowing robes made of silk that shimmer with golden and purple tones in the light given off by heatless brazers that outline the walls. One of his eyes open wide to look you over.
"Looking ta sell yur stuff aye me boy? Well ve hope you enjoy yur time here. Olgen Hovelhome... most people just call ve Ollgy... me family ave lived here for generations. They even named the town after me family. But I don't vant to take up yur time. Go and shop to yur hearts content." And with that, Ollgy goes hobbling back to a nice bright green padded chair that sits just to the side of a door that reads "Management."
Light immediately breaks away from looking at the two's talk of... giants?... Noticing Mordrin was still staring she would interject, "Hey,...Mordrin?"Once eye contact was made she would continue. "Let's not act on anything rashly here,... there's always a catch", casually she says as if in general yet in warning as well, crossing her legs and continuing another sip of her beverage. "Thassadar?, Keep in mind, each journey has pain, sorrow, and indescribable losses for the gains that occur... The world is cruel" Her face changes from light hearted to a more solemn expression before she returns to her normal self. For in that moment while she sat there her mind escaped for a moment.
Mordrin simply nods in agreement at Light's comment, then turns to Tassadar again and adds, Light is correct, Tassadar. Do not forget that, while you may have little to lose from your past, there is much to gain and hold dear in your future, and even the loss of newly-gained treasures can be felt deeply. He hangs his head and shakes it in frustration as he struggles to hold back the tears welling up in the corner of his eyes. After collecting his thoughts a moment, he looks back up. Now, enough of this solemnity! Tell us, what do you know about this place? Did you come here for any particular reason? Did you hear some rumor that this Jaythail person you're looking for had come this way?
Kael reaches a hand out to shake the wise halfling man's. " Salutations Mr. Hovelhome, I wish to impart a transaction with my vessel, its current cargo and your very wares. Now, for obvious reasons I could not bring all of it on my person, but I have made a extensive inventory to give you an idea of what such material and items of interest we could trade as well as those I believe to be of magical make. I would appreciate the assistance in that field as I have no similar capability. Perhaps we could ensure both sides benefit the other, especially if there are any current items that have need to be lifted from your establishment. "
Kael gives the man a look of the magical items as well of those of note like the ship in the bottle, the rest he lists.
Helm
Sword
Wand
Ship in a Bottle
Lacquered Box
Navigators Tools
Footlocker
Small Jewelry box
Dagger adorned with rubies
8 shaving kits
Everburning candle
Large Copper Tub
a pair of courtier clothes
beautiful silken red dress that reaches the floor
a pair of red silken slippers.
6 Cutlasses
The door to Twidiler's Taphouse swings open unexpectedly, and Lyannara, a silent Elven venturer, enters the room. From head to toe, she is covered in robes of gold and green. When she pushes the hood from her head, pure white hair cascades down across her shoulders but remains out of her face. Her vibrant and curious violet eyes have seen much of the known world already but seem to be always looking for something more. A significant vertical scar starts just above her left brow and nearly reaches her jaw. She wears it proudly.
Lyannara strides gracefully over to the table next to the seemingly friendly crew and takes a seat.
Making note of the new arrival into the tap house, Light watches through her perephrial vision. Without bringing attention to her self she would wait a few minutes as if more were to enter behind the elf's entrance. Finally, leaning in toward Mordrin and Tassadar, "Excuse me gentlemen, my curiosity is peeked..." Standing she walks past the newcomer and instead approaches the bar seemingly for another drink. Moments pass before She begins returning with another mug she places it at the table, before the elf now silently sat at. "hello?" light smiles brightly. Without sitting she would nod towards her table, "I won't interrupt you if you indeed are awaiting friends, or wish to be left alone,... But you're more than welcome to come join us" with that, Light returns to her seat and continues the conversation with the others.
Lyannara stares at the cup as she listens to the buzzing of the Taphouse. She had never been a part of a crew before, always more the lone wolf type. However, as Lyannara sits in her own silence, she becomes intrigued by the members at the table beside her. She would never admit that she was a bit shy and always stood with her shoulders back to appear far more confident than she really was. Not wanting to seem too eager, Lyannara waits until she can make a smooth transition over to the table. Seeing her window, she stands up from her solitary table with her empty mug and takes a seat next to Light. As an elf of few words, she offers everyone at the table a warm smile and an awkward wave before introducing herself, “I’m Lyannara. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you”
Mordrin follows Light's gesture with curiosity and amusement, and nods approvingly when she returns to the table. Seems we're all about making friends today, eh Light?
As Lyannara takes her seat among the crew, Mordrin tilts his head respectfully toward her and answers her greeting in her native tongue.
He then shifts back to Common for the sake of any at the table who may not speak Elven. "I am Mordrin Green. I serve as our ship's medic and religious authority...to some extent. Your robes are beautiful. Might I ask if there is some spiritual significance intended in their coloration? Oh, and do help yourself to the wine. It's quite delicious."
"Welcome Lyannara. I've just gotten a new job!" He looks around to check that no one is listening in, then whispers, "I'm going to be a pirate. Isn't that awesome?" He pumps Lyannara's hand enthusiastically. "I'm their latest crew member." He proclaims proudly, as he taps himself on his chest. "Erm...Lightt, we were looking for more people right?", as he looks at Lightt for assurance.
He looks back at Lyannara,"Oh sorry. Forgot to introduce myself. I'm Tassadar. Don't mind me...I get distracted sometimes."
"well Mordrin, I assumed we were, and being that I gather she is most likely not from around here I was shooting in the dark as to weather or not she might have heard something that would improve our 'search'... Also,..." she leans in toward Tassadar, "even if only in small numbers, I would advise not claiming to want to become a pirate until you are stronger... There are some who've killed for less" with that Light would sit up, regaining er posture. Raising a glass, "for now, to the safety and well being of friends new and old... Wherever they may be."
"I would like to hear more of your capabilities and morals, Lyannara, of course... If we can reach an agreement I would be pleased to have another female among the ranks again." a soft smile is momentarily held as her emerald eyes gaze off into her drink before taking another sip from her beverage.
Mr. Hovelhome peers at the items with a pair of crystal spectacles, they light up briefly. It's easy enough to guess that he is doing math in his head.
"What you've brought here I'll take off your hands for about... Hmm say 2500gp? The craftsmanship of the ship in the bottle is alright... Pretty common, the dagger, it's seen better days, only worth the silver and rubies really. I would offer more for the helmet and sword but unfortunately they are badly damaged and money will have to be put into them to fix them the candle is a neat little item, won't be hard to turn it over."
Mr. Hovelhome takes the list and looks it over, his face scrunches up, his eyes dart about the page... He looks up at you and back at the page, then back at you, then at the page. He finally lowers the list and looks at you with an inquisitive look.
"Now I may be an old man... and me eyes are going, but what the hell did you write on this list boy?! It's all gibberish!"
Kael looks at the list and sees what he wrote, plain as day on the list. Nothing weird about it. The thought of the bad feeling you got after using the quill grip springs into your mind as you stand there in contemplation of what the halfling sees and you don't.
Mordrin joins in Light's questioning of Lyannara. "It would be wonderful to hear a bit about you, Lyannara. Tassadar here has been regaling us the fascinating tale of how he came to travel upon the seas. Have you traveled much yourself or is this something you are just beginning?"
Kael looked down at the inventory and then back up to the elderly Halfling. That was impossible. He was sure his writing was impeccable and articulate. It was often something he had some form of praise for. And sure enough he looked down at his writing, nothing was amiss. The Elven man squinted his eyes and blinked, remembering the quill he used.
He pulled it out showed it to the man along with some slippers. " First can you tell me more about these i feel they are magical. I know that costs a fee. Secondly.. When I wrote this word it meant Wand, What did you see? Can you draw it out for me? "
He seemed obviously interested and determined, this was until it seemed a fact he needed to remember sprung into his head. " Ah, do you have any Alchemical Reagents by chance either? "
The elderly halfling draws out what he sees, confused by Kael's apparent lack of knowing what he wrote. What he draws is obviously not what you did.
Mr. Hovelhome shuffles in place and looks up at Kael. "Its 25gp per magic item to be identified. Payment required upfront of course." The halfing says these words in such a monotone manner you can almost feel how many times he's said the same words before. "Would you like the helmet and sword included?"
Once payed, the halfling will pull forth a wand and begin to identify the items.
Smuggler's Quill, 7000gp, sell for 3500gp (Nothing new is learned that you don't already know.)
Helm, Maiden's, 3500gp, Currently Broken, sell for 875gp
Slippers of Cloud Walking, 4400gp, sell for 2200gp
+1 Greatsword, 2350gp, Currently Broken, Sell for 587.5gp
At the request of Alchemical Items, the old halfling points with his staff towards one of the shops on the second level.
" Fascinating, I've never seen this language before and I've never written it. I believe.... I might know the reason why. May I keep this parchment? Ah, one more thing. " Kael pulls out the Wand in which he wished the man to inspect.
" You forgot this. As for your deal I will think on it, not exactly the worse trade, ignoring the recent addition of items. Tell me was there anything you had on hand as I asked earlier? Items of note? "
Just as you just finish eating. A loud sound is heard, a church bell rings loudly outside. A mans voice can be heard crying aloud, "Giants!!! Giants are attacking!!!"
Suddenly a crashing sound can also be heard from outside and screaming as well. Everyone in Twidler's Taphouse gets down and many locals pull on each of you to also get down. People from outside rush in the Taphouse and then the door is eventually barred shut.
A man yells out, "My wife they have my wife!!!"
"INITIATIVES"
Mordrin begins to stand, but quickly recalls the condition under which the crew was allowed into the city. He makes his way over toward the tavern's windows so he can see the fight and provide any healing that might be needed after the battle concludes. Even if he can't fight, he has no intention of letting any injured people die. Once he reaches the windows, he drops to one knee to sate the crowd of halflings pulling him to the floor. As he drops, he begins praying under his breath for the safety of the woman who had apparently been seized, but also for the brave warriors who would fight the giants.
Kael's eyebrows raise as the sounds of attack comes quickly to his ears and the instincts of a risktaker comes to fruition.
He looks to the old man and speaks, " Seems we have an issue. I hope your protector is coming. "
He pulled out his Longbow while crouching by the window trying to see what the enemy may be.
Tassadar looks outside the window.
The windows in both buildings are large, enough to squeeze through. However there is glass separating you from the outside and the windows do not open. In Mordrin's case it blocks line of effect, so spells can't be cast through it.
Thoughs of the party that look out the window see many Halflings running about screaming. Both Kael and the rest of the party can see that a few carts are getting thrown about more than 200ft off.
"Onward to adventure!" Tassadar runs out of the door, towards the commotion.
Finishing her last bite she would calmly reach for her musket and stand. "Lyanarra?, It seems we might be in for a fight. Do be careful." Her tone was dry as she spoke, "I knew something would happen"
Kael, seeing that he couldn't quite get a good sight on the situation looks to the elderly halfling and sighs. " I'm sure you are telling me to stay inside is the right decision, however there are people in trouble and I am not fully made of glass. Please close up after I leave. I will be back to finish our business. "
Kael went outside and skirted along the building closer tot he action but using the cover to his advantage.
"Initiative Order"
25: Kael
18: Tassadar
12: Lightt
11: Giant?
6: Mordrin
1: Giant2?
Outside there are screams and many halflings running about in a panic. Many rush past you into the Taphouse after you exit. 200ft out you can see two creatures. They appear to be stooped 10ft tall humanoids. Except there bodies are made of what appears to be paper, marked in strange kanji. One holds a halfing woman in its large hand, who appears to be unconscious... or worse. It then opens its mouth and swallows the woman whole. The other overturns another cart, appearing to be searching for hiding halflings.
[Dice=knowledge dungeoneering]1d20+8
[Dice=knowledhe arcana]1d20+10
They are vulnerable to fire and if forcibly submerged they take 1/3 of their maximum hit points every round they are submerged. However, Because of their lighter frame, they can float/walk on water at half their normal speed with no danger to themselves.
Their always staggered as their movements seem methodical and done with purpose.
Kael moves up along a building and places himself adjacent to a cart before loosing an arrow at the giant that seemed to eat the woman. " Focus one down if you can. "
Tassadar takes stand beside Kael.
"They're some kind of magical servants with construct properties. Slow as heck, but I bet they hit like a truck. They're vulnerable to fire."
"I'm not really good at this," he grumbles.
He moves up to Kael and loads his underwater crossbow.
Kael sighs at the mention of fire vulnerability. " Of course they are, just as I was about to requisition certain materials. I have to say, you seem quite knowledgeable. Not often do I meet those who care for such. Alright then, being good at t5his isnt important. We need to draw their Ire. Hopefully the town hero will get involved as well and we can save some people. "
The half-elf said seamlessly readying another arrow.
"Well whatever these atrocities originate from they wont be around long enough for me to care." Light says putting on her mask and heading to the door. "I plan on finishing my juice when I get back ladies..." She then exits the tap house, gun in hand and moves towards Kael and Tassadar.
"Still a couple hundred feet away, I'll need to get closer..."
A male half-elf crouches beneath the window, occasionally peering over the sill and cursing beneath his breath. He watches with a look of desperation as a half-orc and a young woman rush past him out the door. Any patrons of the tavern who happen to look at the young man see him muttering something to himself, strangely, apparently using two different voices.
No, they note said we should stay inside if we hear the bell, said one voice.
To the Abyss with their bell, the other voice replied, If they're too blasted ignorant to accept help, then they deserve to be crushed.
But...the bell!
As the argument continues, Mordrin's head swings back and forth, the colors of his eyes shifting rapidly from green to black. A few minutes pass by until finally, he jumps to his feet and shouts, Fine, we'll go, but if we get locked up for this, you're on your own! With that, Mordrin charges out the door. As soon as he gets near his crewmates, he raises his holy symbol and calls out a prayer. A flash of light emanates through the town square, coursing over his friends, both new and old, inspiring them to greatness.
Kael's arrow hits its mark, though only in the Ofuda's thigh region. It looks up in your direction and begins moving on you. The other attempts to grab a halfling that was hiding underneath a cart.
Which it easily does.
There is a commotion from one of the side alleys to the party's right. Out of said alley comes 2 Ofuda Ogre's and Mayor Goldwill giving chase. The two Ofuda bring their heavy arms down on Goldwill as he charges them.
Both smacking him hard, but the Mayor finishes his charge and attempts to punch Ofuda Ogre #4.
Goldwill's strike is true and strikes the Ofuda in the head. The sound of ripping paper can be heard as it's head gets ripped off by the sheer force of the punch and falls to the ground. The body of the Ofuda Ogre slumps to the ground and shreds away, revealing two halflings who are unconscious inside.
He looks to see Kael and the others readying for a fight.
"What are you doing?! Weren't you informed about this?!"
"Initiative Order"
25: Kael
18: Tassadar
17: Ofuda Ogre #3
12: Lightt
11: Mayor Goldwill
11: Ofuda Ogre #1
6: Mordrin
1: Ofuda Ogre #2
0: Ofuda Ogre #4 (Falcon Pwanched=Dead)
0: Ofuda Ogre #4 (Falcon Pwanched=Dead)
"Mr Mayor, Sir, we couldn't be cowering in the inn, hiding under the table when the town is under attack. We're not that kind of people!" He protests.
Tassadar points at the ogre throws a blob of acid at it, while touching his acid flask, then retreats 30 ft.
Kael responds to the mayor, " We understand, but there are people who are in trouble. We are capable, so reorganize the thought of us as support. We will assist in dispatching these creatures concurrently and save your people. So Please, allow our assistance. For it shall be happening regardless. Now, There are those out there with some people. I've attracted another. "
The enemy already using their strikes on the mayor, Kael dashed forward from the other end of the Giant and simultaneously drew his Ninja-to. With practiced speed he stabbed into the Giant's leg.
Kael's strike pierces the Ofuda in the thigh. Tassadar's acid misses its mark and lands onto the cobblestone streets.
The beast turns its attention to Kael.