Passad smiles and waves off Echo's implications "That little mixup was years ago, and clearly water under the bridge between friends.
I wouldn't be here if the Society blamed me for that. Now you know those dwarves wares are overpriced... Surely the Society needs quantity for this expedition.. wouldn't be good to go completely broke right?"
Metella senses the tide turning.. "Quality does come at a higher price. But the last thing you want is your war axe cracking at the hilt in a life or death struggle."
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"High prices can be a result of high demand or low production, or both," Delzden reminds, "and now that Echo pointed out allegiances, the Five Kings Mountains have for long been an ally to the Society."
He looks at Passad with a sorry smile. "But worry not, my merchant friend, occasional large orders will happen in the future as well. A contract would only lower your profit margin, he!"
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Mor'Targh, who has been weighing the pros and cons silently steps forth.
"The Five Kings Mountains Dwarves have truly stood the test of time, while the fingers of Temel Pasad have stretched far in only one life time."
He looks closely at both the dwarves and Temel.
"I would see our fires burn long and bright. Something the dwarves have truly shown. We should make our arrangements with you, if my companions are of the same mind." He says to the dwarves.
Passad looks disgusted in defeat. He excuses himself from the table as you continue your meal with the dwarves.
After about an hour, the captain declares the arrival at your destination.
The silent Amauhak speaks "It is better we remain here. Avoid further combat on Razmirian soil." And for the first time you can remember... Passad and Metella agree on this.
The ship weighs anchor near a stone path through light foliage, and the inn can be seen a couple hundred yards in.
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Ula wakes up from whatever stupor she was in, "Are we here? Are those two loudmouths done talking? Are we there yet? We have to walk?"
Ula grabs her gear and steps off the ship testing the soil beneath her feet, "It's about time. Obviously we go with the original plan - Delzden, you're my guard. And such a cute guard you are too." Ula pinches Delzen's cheek.
Bleys, Delzden & Echo hear Lucious's music in their heads.
You make your way up the path, which is easy going, and find yourselves in front of a cozy establishment. A light waft of smoke rises from the chimney.
A sign above the wide wooden gates reads "Welcome to the Grey Revelation Inn." The gate leans open invitingly, and the smell of fresh flowers wafts on the cool breeze.
The profusion of flowers planted around this lovely courtyard fills the air with an enchanting fragrance. An oaken door to the north is the obvious entrance to the inn, while south are the broad doors of a stable. Wooden gates allow egress to west and east, and a roofed well lies at the east end of the main court.
Echo walks right in and checks it out.
It looks like a normal wayside inn on a main road.
As the chatter starts, the group enters into the courtyard, and a young man comes smiling out of the stables. He waves cheerily at you and motions you to follow him towards the main building.
You all quickly get the impression he is mute. And works in a stable often...
The boy looks at you, smiles and nods. He continues to wave you into the inn.
Dark oaken tables, chairs and benches fill this comfortable, L-shaped common room, and the faint odors of tobacco and ale permeate the air. Narrow windows with panes of smoked glass along the north and south walls allow some light into this welcoming space.
To your right, you see two women working in the kitchen - a fine smelling stew in a large cauldron, and plenty of apples and cherries on the counter in various stages of prep.
Inside the common room, an elderly woman clad in peasant clothing. Her voluminous white hair is piled atop her head and secured in a conservative bun. She wears a red scarf about her neck and a wry smile on her face.
"Welcome! welcome travelers. Thank you Rosh - you may return to your duties." The boy nods and withdraws.
"Such a good lad. My name is Addas Grymble. Now what brings you to our fine little establishment? Just a night to rest?"
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Ula perks up at the sight of another person that can do more than wander aimlessly.
"Well met Addas! It's a pleasure to meet something not intent to eat us!. We almost met our doom on the river from a pair of, what were they again Lucious? River drakes? In any case, there was goo, and spit, and gross things, and blood, and danger. Not my cup of tea. Not that I'd want that in my cup of tea, that sounds awful."
Ula snaps herself back on track.
"My name is Ula, humble gnome merchant and purveyor of goods from across Avistan. This here is my trading partner Lucious, the most fantastic rat-man you'd ever meet, and frankly, choice operator of one of the most reputable businesses I've ever encountered. His goods are fiiii-ine. We would be looking for a place to spend the night, perhaps to meet the local people, and perhaps even a meal?"
Ula gives a look of having an afterthought.
"Oh yeah, we also have our guards and..."
Anybody watching sees Ula almost say, 'cultists' but instead she immediately switches over as she has this mischievous look flash across her face but immediately disappear.
"Crew of our trading ship. Perhaps you have a dusty corner to put them in for the night too?"
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Lucius nods as Ula references her. "Goods and services, absolutely! As all merchants, we are looking to find new markets for our goods and services, and perhaps even some additional opportunities. Of course, we don't need to bore you with talk over business... at least talk that does not end up with us hiring some nice rooms, and you serving us a delicious meal, and perhaps some wine?"
With a grin "Ah excellent, excellent. You are in luck! We have a few openings including our more lavish quarters for yourselves, as well as more modest accommodations. Food and wine are also available of course. Tarsi! how long until dinner?"
A second elderly woman appears from the kitchen wiping her hands. "Maybe a half hour." She smiles at each of you.
She looks at Ula for a moment before smiling. "The den is at your disposal with any room choice. The single room is 5 silver, the double bedroom is 3gp, while our finest rooms, and of course only the best for fine merchants as yourselves... is 5gp. Silk sheets, fine thick comforter.
Dinner included with the lavish guest room. And you would have free reign of the inn."
Adidas smiles at the exchange, and the coins.
She shows you to your rooms. The den leading to Echo's room: This cozy room is dominated by a large fireplace. A few tables and upholstered chairs provide repose for guests of the inn, and assorted rugs of Qadiran manufacture cover the floor.
The baths are past the Lavish rooms. All the rooms have key locks. Only the Lavish room has a window.
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Ula attempts to make friendly with the innkeepers under her assumed guise, "What kind of traffic do you get along here? We typically deal in Sargavan spices, but we are always looking for new places to sell. I'm afraid this whole area is new to us. What do you know of the area?"
She then begins to babble in a nearly incoherent chain of thought that goes on throughout the dinner preparation hour, barely taking a breath the whole time.
Addas gives you an inquisitive look, then smiles "Mostly Razmirian pilgrims. After 3 centuries, our family has seen all matters of travelers."
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Echo will give her room a thorough inspection, casting detect magic and taking 20 on her perception check, DC 27.
After that, she will make her way to her bath. Once alone, she will search the room as well, again taking 20 on her perception check, DC 27. Once satisfied she has looked the room over, she will slide into the bath and relax a bit in the tub.
Echo will find her room's door does lock from the inside, but appears to have an exterior trigger to get in.
After an extensive search in the bathing room, she slides into the north tub. She realizes there is an outline on the ground that may be a trapdoor if the tub were moved.
@Echo - It only appears to unlock the door.
Sappho is allowed to fly around, although he is immediately shooed out of the kitchen while they are cooking.
He finds nothing worth reporting on.
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When Sappho comes back, she reports on her lack of things to report. Lucius then sends her out to check on Echo, with instructions to report on everything. He wonders if he should start learning some divination spells, so that he can see through her eyes. He expects that the Tian woman would be pleasant to look at in her all-together, even if she is a little rough to talk to. Or be in the same room with. Or continent, really.
As the evening goes by, Echo enjoys a hot bath, and makes a couple of discoveries. Lucius makes attempts on Ula unsuccessfully (that i know of). You have explored the entire main structure - with the exception of the Owners' bedroom.
The meal is as good as advertised. Delzden finds the apples to be particularly fresh and and the apple pie delicious.
An hour after dinner, the Grymble sisters retire to bed, the den fire dulls to a quiet smoldering. You all gather in Lucius's room to discuss the options.