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As Lomen opens the pantry to give the party some food to offer to the pseudo- dragons, Eamon spies a decorative cake covered by a glass top. Ah there Lomen isn't it? Eamon points to the cake. I think that will be a suitable offering for our friends up stairs no? Pseudo-dragons are small just like children no? What food does a child enjoy more than sweets?
Lomen thinks for a moment and then grudgingly nods his head. "I don't know much about the dragons myself but that certainly makes sense. If they're anything like us then of course they'd appreciate dessert after a good meal. Fine, go ahead and take the cake with you too," he says as he offers it to someone to carry. "It isn't like I can't make another."
As the group files out of the kitchen, you suddenly feel a tap on your shoulder. Turning, you spot the balding man from earlier, standing just outside the kitchen door. He motions for you to join him a bit further down the hallway and out of earshot and eyesight of everyone else.
"Sorry to bother you, but I couldn't help but listen in on the rest of your conversation with Cadmion," he whispers. "My name is Craik, and I'm the personal chef for Lady Qualstair, who is lodging here right now on a visit from Taldor," he explains. "And I've got an offer for you. I can't offer you lifetime room and board in a fine establishment but I'm willing to top Cadmion's monetary reward if you'd be so kind as to retrieve a single pseudodragon egg for me, for my mistress's sake. What do you say?"
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Trenchers of stew and an entire fresh-baked cake in hand, the group makes their way back to the lobby. The two armchair commentators are still lounging there on their sofas and watch the group with interest as they make their way up the stairs leading to the Frisky Unicorn's turret.
"See? I told you that they're exterminators - they've even got bait to lure the little beasties out of hiding," the tall man comments. You hear the purple-clad woman make a reply but whatever it might be is lost as you head up the stairs.
The group winds their way carefully up a single-file spiral staircase that circles around and around until you reach the top of the landing. A single closed door lies just ahead and from beyond it you can clearly hear the sounds of the pseudodragon's agitated shrieks and growls.
As you ascend the stairs you notice what looks to be the leathery, spotted remnants of a shattered egg lying on one of the steps.
The squealing and growling from within seems to quiet as Dalen calls out, but that is all. As she contemplates how to proceed, she does notice that door doesn't appear to be locked.
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Dalen opens the door then takes the trencher Guillaume was so kind to carry for her and enters the room.
"We mean no harm, I promise. We just want to talk. We have some stew and Eamon behind me has dessert," she says as she walks a few paces into the room and sets the trenchers down on the floor.
"What has happened? Did something or someone attack your nest," she asks, remembering the broken eggshells just outside.
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Karayan picks up as much as he can of the broken egg shell and puts in his pouch before moving on. At the door he follows Dalen.
"Oh...w-well..." Craik stammers, clearly not anticipating Karayan's request. "I c-can't really do that because truth be told, Lady Qualstair knows nothing of this. It's my attempt to surprise her with something new," he explains, fidgeting nervously. "B-But if there's no way that I can convince you otherwise...well, that's a pity but you're w-well within your rights to refuse, of course."
He glances around. "But whether you do or don't, let's just keep this between you and me though, eh? No need for anyone else to know."
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Boldly, Dalen opens the door into the turret and steps inside, trencher of stew in her hands. Designed to emulate Castle Korvosa's Seawatch Tower, the turret is cramped but has a high ceiling with wooden rafters crisscrossing overhead. Slim windows offer breathtaking views of the city and beyond. The furnishings here are covered with drop cloths, which are themselves bedaubed with many seasons' worth of dragon droppings. And, unsurprisingly, you also see what looks to be a small, cat-sized reptilian creature perched up in the rafters watching you intently.
The pseudodragon isn't the only thing in here besides yourself. Over in the corner, you spot what looks like a creature that's half bird and half horse - ready to pounce!
Suddenly, there's movement from a nearby corner as a creature bearing the head, wings, and forelegs of a bird of prey and the body of a horse stands and screeches at the party - ready to pounce!
This is a hippogriff, a magical beast that is often the bane of ranchers and livestock as they prefer a diet of horseflesh. Being as intelligent as a horse but easier to handle than a griffon, they're also prized as mounts by some groups. Judging by this one's size, it's likely a juvenile rather than a fully-grown adult.
In spite of the creature's screech and posture, it doesn't seem as if it's hungry or being territorial. Instead, there almost seems to be an eagerness to its actions as if it's feeling happy and playful.
______
Karayan
Shelya
Guillaume
J.H.
Round 1
Karayan
Shelya
Dalen
Guillaume
Eredur
Ramon
J.H.
Karayan, Shelya, and Guillaume may act in the surprise round!
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Karayan stares at the horselike creature, trying to appear as big as he can "Down boy!"
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Shelya noticed the hippogriff immediately as she entered the room. "Are you sure it wants to play?" she asked almost timidly, still keeping her voice calm as to not spook the pseudodragon. They don't need two creatures attacking them. "Or is it hungry?" She looks towards the dwarf, acknowledging him for the first time, "I've never played with one, how do you? Is it like playing with a horse?"
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Eamon looks down at the cake still on the last landing of the staircase by the inheritors shield that was tasty. What's that almost 1/2 gone! What ? Oh ! Dalen will never let me here the end of it! pst...pst! Eamon tries to grab the attention of Eredur peaking his head through the door. Eredur, .... Eredur over here... um yeah got a little carried away with the cake... here you take it ! Eamon practically shoves it in the Dwarf's hands. See if that horse lion thing wants some or save it for the baby Dragons. Just don't tell little miss pie police how much I ate ok?
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Suddenly, the sweet foods that Eamon had brought with him - despite seeming a little ridiculous a few moments ago - seem like exactly the thing... Guillaume doesn't reach for his weapon, at least not yet, and attempts to make soothing noises.
Well... this is unexpected
As he looks towards his fellow Pathfinders, Guillaume's eyebrows are somewhat arched in exaggerated surprise...
"Oh!" Craik responds, looking at first surprised but then delighted. "You don't say? Why haven't we heard about this organization before!? Of course I would be interested! What sort of work or membership fee would this entail?"
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Several of you get the sense that the hippogriff isn't actually interested in harming anyone but the clack of the creature's talons on the wooden floor is still enough to be worrisome. Karayan and Dalen both attempt to coerce the creature to stand down, one with stern words and a harsh look and the other through gentle coaxing, but it doesn't seem inclined to pay either of them any mind. Guillaume, Eredur, and Shelya watch the creature nervously, wondering how best to play with a hippogriff, while Eamon hopes that a bribe of cake will be enough to distract it! Meanwhile, the fledgling pseudodragon in the rafters begins screeching again as though alarmed by the whole thing.
The hippogriff seems to set its sights on Shelya and bounds forward, attempting to leap at her as a dog might. Except dogs don't usually possess razor-sharp talons...
______
Karayan
Shelya
Dalen
Guillaume
Eredur
Eamon
Juvenile Hippogriff
Everyone may act!
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Seeing the animal spook so easily Eamon grows quite angry with Karayan, Go back downstairs Karayan! Your un-natural family heritage must be spooking the poor thing! In fact I suggest all of us leave the ladies alone to soothe this wild beast as Dalun seems to have grown up around livestock and Shelya also is comfortable with animals.. Eamon considers for a moment then adds.. although Shelya...you might want to keep your little companion hidden.. Eamon shoots the Hippogriff a worried glance, Most equine creatures fear serpents.. finishes Eamon.
Eamon then pushes his way to the nearby door and opens it.
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Dalen takes a slightly too quick step between Shelya and the hippogriff before trying to calm them.
"Whoa. Easy. Easy there," she says as she holds her hands up. She waits a moment and steps up to be able to pet it.
"It's okay, I'm not gonna hurt you," she tells them in soothing tones as she lets them get a good whiff of her. She slowly reaches out and, if it will let her, begins to stroke their neck and pat their nose.
While Eamon proposes a strategic withdrawal in the hopes that the hippogriff will respond to a more feminine touch, Dalen attempts to put the cleric's suggestion into action. At first the energetic creature utters an excited screech and continues straining to reach Shelya. But then, it begins to calm somewhat as the combination of Dalen's gentle pats and the smell of the stew prove a pleasant distraction!
______
Karayan
Shelya
Dalen
Guillaume
Eredur
Eamon
Juvenile Hippogriff
Karayan, Shelya, Guillaume, and Eredur are UP!
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Guillaume maintains his calm... the hippogriff seems somewhat less of a danger than when the door was first opened... and the 'dragons' are far from the tyrannical beasts of the ancient tales. Indeed, Guillaume's thoughts are now far more towards the small creature that had escaped upwards into the rafters...
I thought we were investigating more than one Pseudodragon?
Looking upwards, the inquisitor attempts to determine if there are any more of these 'dragons' roosted out of sight...
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Eamon exasperated that no one seems to be listening to him walks around the other side of the turret, keeping as far as he can from the hippogriff and says Well they didn't take my advice Dalen...you seem to be doing a fine job ..but here's a blessing from Iomedea regardless. Eamon cast guidance on Dalun then heads back down the stairs of the turret and sits on the third stair from the top. I'll be in the stairwell if I'm needed...crowded up here!
"Oh, of course! Yes, yes, by all means go and help your companions take care of the beasties," Craik nods. If he was disappointed by your reluctance to retrieve an egg, it's all but vanished at the prospect of having an 'in' with a group that can help him better serve his mistress. "I'll be in my room, it's the last one at the end of the hallway here. I'm looking forward to learning more about you and your organization," he smiles.
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With the hippogriff beginning to calm down slightly, Shelya attempts to speak softly in the hopes of keeping the creature calm and sparing her the pain of sharp talons. Eamon decides to do something useful and offers a bit of magical guidance to bolster Dalen the Hippogriff-Whisperer's efforts while Eredur wonders just how a hippogriff wound up inside the Frisky Dragon's turret in the first place. Meanwhile, Guillaume scans the rafters in search of additional critters but as best as he can tell, there's only the one fledgling pseudodragon, still shrieking and squalling.
Until...
A second pseudodragon flies in through the eastern window and circles over the group as if assessing the situation down below. After a moment it alights upon the rafters next to the first dragon, which immediately ceases its crying but continues to watch the group. The pair seem to communicate with a series of chirps, growls, and trills and you almost have the feeling that the smaller of the two is explaining everything that's just occurred inside the small room. The large one utters a particularly...stern? chirp and to your surprise, the hippogriff backs down and falls back a few paces - though it still looks at the stew a bit longingly. And then, each one of you hear a tense-sounding voice inside your mind.
"You! You bring food and play nice with adoptive son but why are you here? Are you friends of the egg thief? If so then get out!"
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"...Novi. And you don't sound bad, from what Frovi says...but it could be a trick! How do I know you help? Could be friends of egg thief, back to finish job!"
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Eamon looks up in to the rafters irritated at being accused of consorting with commen thieves. He manages to reign his temper in a bit before addressing the two little dragons perched above. Now see here Novi! Neither myself or my friends have any business with thieves. We were contracted by the owner of this establishment to aid you in whatever problem that, you and your kin might have in order to restore the peace and prosperity of his fine Bed and Breakfast. But, if you insist on throwing out unfounded and untrue accusations... well we've better opportunities for employment I'm sure. Eamon takes a breath and then smiles opening his hands wide. If however, you can put aside your mistrust, perhaps we can help you catch this thief and recover anything that's been stolen?
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Karayan checks to see if his pouch is still tied shut. with some proper coaching that human could be a good diplomat, it is shame he takes everything personal.
"As my companion here said, we are not here to steal your eggs. We are indeed here on behalf of the owner of the establishment who is worried about your well-being."
Novi continues to study the group for a moment and then his demeanor visibly shifts as he relaxes his wings. The smaller dragon, Flovi, chirps.
"We believe you. Last night, a nasty, shiny-headed human crept in here and stole from us! He took our eggs, our children!" Novi explains. "We tried to stop him...he dropped one," he continues sorrowfully. "But he got away with the others. We've looked and looked but we can't find them! But maybe you can? Please! Please find our missing children!"
"No, not a helmet! Shiny skin," Novi explains. "And little beady eyes! Bad human, bad man!"
And you have in fact seen a man that fits this description - the little bald man that had been hanging around in the kitchen earlier while you were talking to Cadmion and Lomen, the cook.
You realize that this is the man who had been arguing with Lomen when you burst into the kitchen.
Novi has to be talking about your new friend and potential recruit, Craik.
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For once Eamon is in agreement with Dalen and nods at her as he says, It seems we may have already run across a prime suspect Novi. Please be patient while we investigate A moment later he approaches Dalen, You thinking what I'm thinking?...the man arguing with the cook on behalf of the Noble woman?
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"We will investigate this and come back here as soon as we can. How many eggs are we looking for?"
Once outside the room Karayan gathers the others "This is weird. I was approached by the bald man, who goes by the name of Craik. He asked me if I would bring him one of the eggs. Naturally I refused, but that is not the issue here. What is strange is that he likely would not ask for eggs if he already has them. We should ask him, but I am afraid there is something else going on here..."
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"I don't understand how someone could steal children, regardless of species. It just isn't right. We need to get to him as soon as possible, before he suspects that someone knows what he has done." Shelya's voice isn't as calm as before, there is anger that she is trying to keep in check.
This type of thing is absolutely disgusting. How could anyone put these wonderful creatures through this?!
She ponders for a moment then looks to Karayan, "Perhaps you should approach him as if you thought about his proposal. Make it seem like you're willing to do whatever he wants. Maybe he could even tell you where he is keeping them. Of course, you could mention that one of is would be interested as well so that you're not alone in meeting with this...disgrace of a person. Hmmm."
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"I already said no to his plan, but I will approach him again as if I reconsidered. It is a good thing I picked up these scales outside. Having said that, we should also investigate if there are other bald man on the premises."
Karayan moves down a level and walks towards the end of the hallway. There he knocks on the door.
While everyone stands around discussing their game plan on how to approach the likely egg-thief, Flovi finally flutters down from her perch to hover in front of Dalen though she addresses all of you.
"Um...sorry for not saying anything to you when you came in earlier. Parents told me not to talk to strangers, you see. But thanks for being nice to Gentlefluff and papa and me. And the food!"
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Eamon accompanies Karayan to confront Craik. As they walk down the hall Eamon says , I'll back whatever play you want to take with this my pale friend...just don't mess it up..
"You too. I hope you can find my siblings!" Flovi responds as she begins sampling some of the stew. "Hey, this is tasty!"
______
Leaving the two pseudodragons and their hippogriff friend, everyone troops back downstairs. Both Karayan and Eamon head off toward the guest rooms to speak with Craik, leaving everyone else in the lobby.
The two armchair-commentators are still there and even seem surprised to see the group returning so quickly.
"Well! That certainly didn't take long," the purple-clad woman observes. "Did you take care of the little dragons?"
______
Meanwhile, Karayan and Eamon head to the room at the end of the hallway and knock on the door. "Hmm? Yes, hold on just a moment!" you hear a voice call from the other side. The sound of a chair scraping on the floor is heard and footsteps approach the door, which then swings open. Craik at first seems both surprised but also pleased to see Karayan returning so soon, but then his expression changes to one of unease as he spots Eamon on the threshold as well.
"Um...yes? Is there something I can help you with?"
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Karayan ignores Eamon's comment.
"Hi Craik. I am sorry to have to disturb you, but we have a situation at hand. Would you mind if we come in? I think this is best handled in a more private setting."
Once inside (or if he refuses to let us in it will be in the opening of the door) Karayan continues, while keeping his eyes focussed on the man.
"We have been talking to the dragons in the tower and they are so angry because their eggs have been stolen. They were there when it happened and said it was a bald man that did it. The fact that you were asking around for eggs earlier does not help, so you can imagine that suspicion falls on you. Naturally I do not think that someone who had stolen those eggs would go around asking for them. We also had such a nice chat earlier, no need to repeat that again, so I think you can't be the thief.
"Therefore we need to remove that suspicion from you. Why don't you come up with us so that the dragons can see you and tell everyone that you are not the thief? That is, unless you have something to tell us...?"
Something was discussed in the earlier chat between Karayan and Craik that Karayan does not want to be out in the open