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After Fahim is finishes talking to the shopkeeper, he will politely end the conversation and let the group buy any supplies they may need. Fahim will then lead the group around town to do "other shopping" while talking to the townsfolk about Rimetusk, his mood, what he likes, and the best way to get across the river without paying an arm and a leg. While he is not as good with general chit chat as he is with one on one negotiations, his silver tongue still somewhat offsets his disheveled appearance.
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Honus looks burdened by the idea of having to wait out a troll just to afford a ferry ride across the river, then affronted after the shop keep suggests that Rimetusk may be in danger from their group. He says nothing, however, and allows Fahim to continue his banter.
If anyone can convince a troll to float a band of ill-matched do-goods accompanied by a murder of goblins across a river, it's Fahim. Wait, did I just describe a group of goblins as a murder? It's scary how accurate that sounds.
"Speaking of pleasant thoughts, do you know how Rimetusk has been feeling lately, and what may cheer him up if he is in one of his less cheerful moods?"
Hrm. Yes, a bribe is a good plan. We should still disguise our elven friend, however. It would be a shame to sour a good bribe with Zaiharahel's presence. Of no fault of his own of course. Wait, do I even know that to be true? He did speak with the troll already, so maybe it was something he said that is the real reason we can't cross. He does carry the same ugly pretension that all elves seem to share. At least the elves I've met.
Honus exhales a long sigh and picks through the shelves for items that might aid in fashioning a disguise.
Fahim's perambulations about town earn him little more information than he'd already gathered at the general store; many of the locals are loath to speak to him, though some are persuaded by his loquacity.
In short, he compiles the following facts from five different conversations: If anything bad happens to Rimetusk, the entire village will suffer reprisals from the jadwiga Elvanna once the regional tax collector finds out.
That, and Rimetusk is not supposed to impede legitimate commerce, but he sometimes does to exert his authority.
A general air of resignation and resentment accompanies these conversations, but nobody seems eager to confront the troll in any particular.
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Fahim gathers the group in a "private" location, maybe a corner table at an inn/tavern, maybe off to the side of a store, where they can talk without concerns of being easily overheard.
"Well, we're not much better off than when we started, though it is good to know that ... more direct options are not available. Always good to know what roads you shouldn't travel, even if you had no plans to go down them in the first place."
Fahim gives an exaggerated sigh and looks in Rimetusk's general direction, though he is not in their line of sight.
"It looks like we'll just have to ask Rimetusk to cross, and see whether fate deals us the Satrap's Vault, or a Taladarian Honor."
Fahim reflexively winces as he realizes that the worst hand in Qadirian Qaurters would be an insulting reference to someone from Talador. Like Mexus.
"On the plus side, I'm very good at cards."
Fahim smiles sheepishly as he waits for responses from the group, if any, before heading off to confront Rimetusk.
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Zaiharahel nods as Fahim speaks, then interjects after he finishes.
"...So, disguise then? The troll is not very well mannered, and has a proclivity for antipathy towards elves. Probably humans too. And..." He glances at Mexus. "...And, so, yes. Any ideas on that front? I could put a handful of rocks in my mouth, and put a mop on my head, and call myself a troll, but I'd still be far too dashing to pass for one." He smirks.
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Fahim chuckles at Zaiharahel's joke, then again as he imagines what Zaiharahel would look like as a "troll." He focuses, though, when Honus seriously begins discussing disguises.
"An amusing suggestion, my dashing friend. I, at least, won't need a disguise. It's not a talent I have, and I work best when my mouth is not full of rocks." Fahim winks at Zaiharahel.
"If either of you feel comfortable with making disguises, then have at it. Anything we can do to limit the number of things that will upset Rimetusk can only help. However, if no one has that particular skill, I think it may be best to just play to our strength. After all, we would not be telling stories of the fabled Abdula's victory over Pharasma's Voice in a game of skill if he had chosen a game he was terrible at?"
Fahim sighs whimsically as he thinks of the story.
"How silly would it have been if he chose Djinni Disks over the Satrap's Board? Or maybe Salamanders and Slides? Oh, that would be a funny story indeed."
Fahim continues to giggle to himself as he trails off.
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Confusion spreads across his face, and Honus gives Fahim an odd look.
"Why would you need a disguise? I think you are missing the point, Fahim. This troll has already dealt with our elven friend here, and made it clear that he is not allowed to pass. So unless we intend on parting ways, manufacturing a disguise for Zaiharahel would prove quite useful."
Is he even paying attention? We just had this conversation. Zaiharahel needs a disguise, or a crate to hide in, which he expressly stated was not his preference. So how to disguise him to not look so... elfy?
"Unless you think we can convince him to transport all of us?"
A change of clothes to start. Definitely a hat. Or a wig? A wig is probably hard to come by on short notice.
"I still say a crate is the way to go. Or a barrel! A barrel is probably cheaper."
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Honus procures a barrel from the general supplies shop. At the market, he purchases some freshwater cod, cheap and native to the Rimeflow. Outside the square, he puts his plan into action.
"Into the barrel with you. It won't be comfortable, but it's the only way since the troll has a distaste for you. It's probably your own doing, so maybe next time you will guard your tongue better."
He tosses the basket of fish over Zaiharahel, then pounds the lid down to seal him in. "Everyone, follow me." He leans the barrel over and onto its side, then rolls it down to the riverfront.
"Oi! You, there... with the coils of rope. I'm told by one of the peasants that the other side of the river is better than this one. These lot don't seem the trustworthy type, and I've a bit of time to spare, so I thought I might lay eyes on it myself. The river looks powerful though, so I hope to find a ferryman with the strength to see my group across with safety. Do you know of anyone strong enough for the task? What ferryman here is a reliable fellow?"
He stares up at the troll, one eyebrow cocked higher than the other, hands on his hips, and a foot planted firmly on the barrel of fish and elf.
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"Well, that's excellent news! You appear to be quite capable resisting the river current. Is it true? Are you strong enough to ferry us across?"
Without waiting for much response, he turns to his companions.
"You heard him. Everyone onto the ferry. Load up the supplies. This champion of the river can manage all our weight."
Honus lets everyone aboard, wrangling the goblins and allowing Fahim to roll the barrel from underfoot.
"We're ready when you are, Captain."