Scout will add the coins he collected earlier to the total if that has not already been done.
Sergei seems more interested in pleasing the people than the money. And from previous experience, you know that the big guy is terrible with money. He'd probably give what he had in his sack away if someone asked for it. It was without a doubt that he would want his share to go into the food money; after all, he'd be taking his share out of it.
Veilwar helps clean up and straighten up the stage and equipment. He waves away the money, as he always does.
"If I need anything, I can always ask...money is not so hard to come by.."
He keeps to the shadows in his hooded cloak, and shrinks back if anyone approaches.
"Oh. Good. I was just going to come find you. Glad we'll be able to work together! We can work out the details tonight of that's alright. Oh. By the way. What are these?"
He shows one of the white disks.
"We can always add it to the rainy day fund. I think the last of that went to that new wheel for the stagewagon, so I suppose this starts it again."
He says to Veilwar.
Tarrio takes a look at the disk shown and shakes his head, "Horns! One of the reasons you'd never make any money just doing shows here. The barbarian-types try to use these as currency, although they're not actually recognized anywhere outside of the Tent City."
"Now get yourselves some dinner! If you're going to ask for recommendations, Fort Rendezvous - the big longhouse next to us - offers traditional fare, while Casteran's and Watenga offer some of the best damn grub this side of the city. Casteran's seedcakes are probably the most popular, but Watenga makes some damn good chicken and ale, and he's crazy as three-brained horse, which is always good for a laugh. I've also heard rumors that Watenga offers certain, ahem, "intriguing substances" if that's your thing as well. Whatever you decide on, don't wait up for me, I've got a bit a preparing to do for our move tonight."
Tarrio runs off towards the Wanderer's encampment, but turns back for one final comment. "Make sure you save a bit of room though. When we get done setting up, you can bet your mothers' pearls earrings that we're celebrating at the Felled Ogre!"
Veilwar watches Tarrio from the shadows. He nods to Simon in agreement for keeping the money in trust, then slinks off. He does not trust the fellow who has a ring that makes him invisible. He goes looking for Scout to tell him his concerns.
Sergei respects that the sneaky one maintains distance from the cirque and their belongings. He had felt that perhaps he was a thief by trade. But the distance helped to give Sergei presence of mind. The fact that he could steal unseen, then avoid suspicion while visible never occurred to the big man. Perhaps in spite of his experiences with Veilwar. As for the barbarians, Sergei was more interested in getting everyone involved. There was no reason for the big men (and Women!)to feel left out! "Come, Come! Show strength together! Much stronger with whole tribe!" Sergei exclaimed, digging not a crate and pulling out the canvas for one of the group's tents, spreading it flat on the ground. "No need to be feeling left out! Fun to be had for all! Take a place and can toss much greater together, and much safer, yes?" the big guy asks as he grabs a portion of the canvas and holds it at stomach height, flapping it slightly to show his plan to the other wild-folk.
Scout listens to Veilwar voice his concerns. Scout comments, "You're right. The guy who can turn invisible is a potential problem. Simply keeping an eye out for him is not going to work. However, if we were to get rakes and do a good job of raking the dirt around a wagon or two we want to protect we might be able to spot him by the tracks he would make. "
Veilwar smiles and nods at the good ideas Scout has.
"I like that idea."
After listening to Tarrio, Zathyl goes over to the group.
"What would you guys prefer: Me and Simon going and getting prepared food to bring back here or me and Simon getting fresh ingredients so I can make something? Its probably cheaper if I just make the food, but we have been on the road for a while and I want your guys' opinion."
He pauses for a short moment to count some coins he has on hand.
"I personally think we should go with the cheaper option, but if you guys want better food than I can make, then its not going to hurt my feelings if we get something prepared by more skilled hands."
Simon has already added his ivory coin to his, and I quote, "Box of Interesting, But Never Terribly Useful Things" that he keeps in the case of his pillow when he isn't sleeping on it.
"I doubt anyone here is any better than you."
Simon waltzes in, joining their conversation just after his last remark.
It's always best to use the term waltzing when Simon walks somewhere. He has a certain sway to his gate, that when his tail is out(though it is not now), causes it to swish back and forth with his hips.
"If anything ever happens-"
He raises his right hand.
"Goddess-Good forbid it, to our little ensemble, you and I are starting a restaurant and getting rich and fat from it."
This isn't the first time he has said this, though it's usually after the meal, and for some reason always said with the high class southern accent usually associated with paddle boats and plantations. Simon has a tendency to adopt accents as it pleases him, to emphasize, generalize, and even mesmerize those that listen to his colorful words and turn of phrase. Perhaps as a mechanism to make people more at ease.
Zathyl scrounges a bit from the wagons and purchases some odds and ends from around Tent City while the rest of you get a fire going. Of note is the gruff, half-orc spice merchant Jotolf whose tent is set up adjacent to the Circus clearing. Jotolf thanks Zathyl for the free show and cuts him an excellent deal on some spices. All things said and done, Zathyl manages to create a hearty and filling meal at the cost of only 1 sp per person.
Simon helps with shopping and cooking as promised. He doesn't have the knowledge of recipes or such, be he can take instructions well and has some great finesse with a knife, as well as helping make merchants a bit more pliable if they hadn't seen their performance.
He also pays for half so Zathyl isn't stuck with the whole bill.
Jack can stay and guard the wagons. He's a little leery, though, about how many meals we'll be able to pay for, and that depends on how much a proper show might make.
Zathyl delights in the help that he is receiving to cook the evening's meal.
Zathyl:
Simon: to add +2
(as an after thought) Slatha: to add +2
As you finish an excellent meal thanks to the efforts of Zathyl, Simon, and surprisingly Slatha, you are approached by Tarrio, Lolly, and Belonda.
"Finished lining your stomachs yet? Let's get packed up and hit the town! Hope you've got an extra tent for my card games, I've brought Lolly along as well to run a little, how should I put it...eye-pleasing interference on my customers. Mama Bobo gave Belonda the night off as well, so we'll have a little added muscle to keep things running smoothly."
With the added help from the three of them the packing goes quickly, although it still takes long enough for Tarrio to give a quick primer on some Bard's Gate customs.
"Before we hit the city proper, you-all should probably know a thing or two about how it's done round here, yeah? Generally, the guard frowns upon any sort of armor heavier than leather being warn openly. That coat that Mr. Tattoos likes to wear is probably illegal, but it's inconspicuous enough that he can keep it, and even in the unlikely evet the guard did catch you it would just be a warning at first. As for weapons, only small ones may be carried openly and even these must be sheathed. Anything medium or large sized will need to be wrapped and polearms are strictly prohibited. Naturally, in some of the seedier districts, these regulations are going to be a lot looser, but the Market District where we're headed is fairly well-policed.
Open magic use - like my ring here - is very much disliked, especially if it involves spellcasting. Barely noticable personal spells are usually fine, but the merchants here sometimes refuse to do business with even suspected spellcasters. Any of you spellcasters here would do well to approach merchants with your arms outstreched, hands empty, and palms upward. This is generally seen as a sign that you're willing to have detect magic spells cast on you, although most merchants simply take this in faith and won't try to actually detect anything. That being said, the Alchemist's Guild sells potions that detect magic here for wicked cheap, so just about any merchant will catch you if you seem suspicious."
As the caravan approaches the main gates, now closed for the night, a watchman calls down, "Ho there travellers, you'll never find stabling for all those wagons at this time of night, wait until morning back in the Tent City!" Before any of you can respond, Tarrio shouts up to him, "Please sir, a member of our troupe has died and it is our custom to bury him on the other side of the Stoneheart River before morning!" As the gates open, Tarrio turns back to give a wink; the fact that his clever lie was actually partially true lost to him.
Inside, you are greeted by what appears to be a newer district of the city, as you travel down a well-maintained street set with stones and lit at regular intervals by lamplight. Most houses and shops along this street are closed, although there seems to be a fair amount of activity coming from a martial looking brick building with a the shield and crest of some lesser duchy over the door. A sign in front reads "Private Club - spellcasters and other undesirables unwelcome. Further down the street is a decent sized property surrounded by a ten-foot crenellated wall and patrolled by two armed men - the sign out front advertises this as the Bard's Gate Fighters' Guildhall.
Soon enough the street opens up into what must be the Grand Plaza, filled with closed stalls and surrounded by closed shops, although plenty of action can be heard coming from a nearby tavern with a wooden sign bearing the image of an ogre teetering on one leg. At Tarrio's direction, you move over towards an empty space near the very finely decorated facade of "The Inn of Six Candles."
With Tarrio, Belonda, and Lolly's added help you once again find unpacking to move swiftly and have the Circus set up in no time. With an exagerated wiping of sweat from his brow Tarrio gather everyone arround. "It's high time we got to celebrating! Everyone over to the Felled Ogre, I insist. What a better way to thank the man who can get us this space by patronizing his tavern!" Without waiting for anyone, he head's off in the direction of the establishment with the ogre sign. Belonda and Lolly seem to think this is a good idea, as they follow him.
Scout will stay with the wagons.
Zathyl slightly frowns at the word celebrate. Not that he doesn't like to celebrate things, but because of the context he assumes Tarrio means to drink and revel... Which the Volo isn't a fan of. He never quite understood why getting drunk and doing things because of inebriated judgement was "fun."
However the Volo quickly smiles and heads after them if that's what the rest of the group is doing (though he will avoid any beverage he finds therein). He is also careful to keep his hood up and try not to draw attention to his tail while within the city.
"Hmm... Magic Detection might not work against us—as I talked with some of the fellows about earlier, there's little magic in our act other than that we directly announce and describe."
"No point in performing with armor on anyway, but I'm assuming we can still keep it in our packs? And does the guard have a problem with shields or whips, if I use them as props?"
"He talk very fast. And then leave. Hm. Is very strange little man." Sergei comments, with a bit of humor crackling his tone. "Is fine if you tie them. Tied whip not very useful, but tied shield and tied hammer? Seems like very strange custom, but Sergei will do this for them." he nods,as he begins to wrap the hammer in a tarp that leaves the earth-breaker looking like an earthbreaker with a cloth draped over it. "Strange customs, always with strange customs. Why cannot simply ask that we throw mighty stone into pile to show that we are friend like any sane person..."
Veilwar will stay with Scout and watch over the wagons. Once the others have left, he pulls out a box with a number of ivory tiles within, each marked with a number of 'dots' on one side.
"you feeling lucky tonight my friend? We go double or nothing!"
Scout replies, "What I am feeling tonight is suspicious. I would rather get a rake and prepare the ground around the wagons as we discussed earlier."
Given the brief on city customs Scout will wear his leather armor, but not his bigger weapons (heavy crossbow, morningstar). He will have his sap, dagger, throwing darts and gladius.
"No point in performing with armor on anyway, but I'm assuming we can still keep it in our packs? And does the guard have a problem with shields or whips, if I use them as props?"
"You could use your own grandmother as a prop if you like! Stick spikes on her like you've done with that shield though and she'll not be allowed outside of your performance. That whip's a trickier situation - while some guards might find a problem with it, if you coiled it around your waist discretely you might be able to get away with it. Regardless, the first offense is always a warning and only repeat offenders have their weapons confiscated."
While walking with the group,almost as an after thought, Zathyl will tie the mouth of his coin pouch closed (more than just the pull string), arrange it so that the coin pouch is tied to the front part of his belt on the side of his leg (so its noticeable to him that it is there but doesn't constantly hit his leg, making noise) and drape his cloak over it.
"Hm. Magic might be a problem for one of our friends during his act, but besides him none of us actually use magic during ours.... Well, except Slatha here." He takes a short moment to pat his head, "But I guess he can lay off it while we're here if they don't like that sort of thing."
He starts to whittle his block of wood, not being very serious about it and being careful to not make deep marks, but just to give his hands something to do and waiting for more in-depth work if he finds nothing better to do later on.
Scout will just undertake a slow, steady patrol of the group's wagons and other gear, taking '10' on Perception and Stealth checks as applicable.
Slatha will untangle himself from Zathyl's scarf and will look at his new surroundings, attentively spying everything in sight and smelling the air. It's been a while since Slatha was in a place like this.
Sorry, Scout—Jack doesn't gamble while sober, and he's proud of how long its been since his last drink.
"Fair enough—props in the bag. I suppose if nobody's got weapons, anyone who knows how to use their fists'll be fine."
Jack will start setting up whatever he can do now.
Simon will accompany his companions going to the tavern, taking only a couple coins and the clothes on his back. He sticks close to Zathyl, his bestie.
Sergei will go with those going out to eat. He hasn't been treated to something -big- and not in the middle of a city since... probably before things started falling apart. He was mostly in awe of the wide open spaces for now, as he moved towards the ogre.
Those of you following the Wanderers to the Felled Ogre are greeted with the familiar (or perhaps not so familiar) din of a packed tavern once inside. All sorts of travellers, adventurers, and mercenaries can be seen at the tables here. Once Tarrio is close enough, he waves to the bartender, a huge bald man with a gold ring in each ear and an intimidating steel glove upon his meaty fist. Immediately behind him you spy a huge and disgusting humanoid head pickled inside of a jar. As soon as Tarrio catches the man's attention, his booming voice cuts across the room. "Why you little! What did I tell you last time you snuck in here!? I'll show you how we deal people like YOU!" The man reaches underneath the bar and takes out a very finely crafted but cruel looking greataxe. In one swift motion he brings the axe down on the neck of a nearby bottle, expertly striking in such a way that neither the body nor the contents of the bottle are much disturbed. Returning the axe to its place underneath the counter, the man cracks a grin and pushes the bottle forward. "Tarrio, you rogue! Get over here!"
Tarrio walks backwards to the bar, addressing you as he does. "Durst Hammerhand everyone! Now get up here and try some of his damn fine signature whiskey!" As Tarrio turns around he flicks a gold piece into the tip jar and begins to pour himself some whiskey out of the broken bottle.
Belonda and Lolly set up at the bar near Tarrio. A chalkboard sign at the bar shows prices:
Brin Zwiesher's Ale - mug 4 cp
Hammer Hand Whiskey - bottle 1 gp, glass 6 sp, shot 2 sp
Heart of Aeulyn Brandy - glass 4 sp
Goldsberrie Wine - glass 1 sp, bottle 5 gp
Vinewood Port - glass 1 gp
Food - 2 sp
Zathyl will buy some food and give a 2 gold piece tip. (Will painstakingly untie coin pouch and retie it after payment)
He will then set up somewhere and start whittling (careful to keep all scraps off the floor and make a clean pile on a table to be picked up afterwards) of the Ogre head (cleaned up and less disgusting of course).
Slatha will slither onto the table and use his Cooperative Crafting feat (+2 bonus and doubles GP that can be got from it), "nibbling" on Zathyl's food every now and again. He will also half-heartedly keep watch.
Simon will buy a bottle of wine(if it's sweet), because he likes to share.
Anything left over he'll keep for the road.
Durst beams at Zathyl's tipping and shouts for the cook to bring out a meal right away. In no time at all a huge meal is brought out, consisting of eggs, bacon, bread, roast beef, roasted chicken, and meat stew - a full sampling of the cook's abilities.
Tarrio is quick to pour a shot of whiskey for any of the Circus members to approach him and insists on toasting to tomorrow's success.
Zathyl shares his bounty of food with the group and continues to whittle away at his Orge head carving until its just right. After he's done, he cleans up the shavings and shows the carving to the rest of the group (Simon first) and then to the tavern owner.
"Is very strange. Is being long time since Sergei is being treated like a celebrity. Was only when he does many things for much time with single individual that something like this happen. Tell Sergei how Durse and Tarrio know each other?" he asks as he helps himself to some of the food, leaving his sock of money at his waist. He will pay Zathyl back if he requests it! He partakes a small amount in the alcohol, with the aside that "Is good! Put hair on chest, but Sergei has no need of hairy chest. Cover tattoos. Also bad for bones, which Sergei is needing!"
"Now there's a story..." Durst settles into a familiar rhythm, as if he's told this tale countless time's before. "Back when Tarrio was but a young lad, lacking in proper sense..."
Lolly interjects at this point, "If his lack of common sense is how we're placing the story, then this could've happened yesterday!"
Durst continues with a chuckle, "Hah! There's a truth if I've heard one. Anyhow, it was back in my adventuring days and there I was sword in one hand, torch in another, exploring a cave full of rather frighteningly large furniture. Soon enough I come upon an empty cage, or at least it was empty until you know who appeared inside. Says he was 'hiding from the monster,' and I replied that hiding exactly where the monster left you wouldn't be the best hiding place. So we go back and forth like this while I get the cage open. Just as I pop the lock open the hand of the sneakiest damn ogre you've never seen has grabbed me by the collar and tossed me clear across the room. How this ogre managed to sneak up on us both I'll never know, but now I'm against the wall with the ogre in front of me and Tarrio and my sword just past him. As I look over at Tarrio I see him heaving the sword like he's ready to throw it to me, but the problem is that so does the ogre. See, most people don't know that ogre's have damn fast reflexes considering their size, and had the boy thrown that sword to me, the ogre would've swatted it away without so much as batting an eye."
Unable to contain himself, Tarrio butts in to comment, "But I knew this, of course, so I slid the sword past the brute, but away from Durst, so as to distract his attention and all."
Shaking his head, Durst continues his story. "I'm still convinced that you were just a bad thrower back then, but regardless he had the ogre's attention pulled away from me for but a second. And that second was all it took - I swung as hard as I could and connected with that brute's face right as he was turning back towards me - felled the beast with a single blow. If you don't believe me just look back over the counter - his head's right there." With this Durst jabs a large thumb back at the pickled monstrosity that you noticed when you entered.
Sergei laughed at the images the three were conveying. "And what was tiny man doing in cage in first place?" he asked as he stuffed more food into his mouth and washed it down with a generous amount of water.
Tarrio finishes off another shot of whiskey before answering Sergei. "Like Durst said, that ogre was one sneaky bastard! I, being, a much more experienced adventurer, had discovered the cave first, and was snooping around with my magic ring until I realized there was nobody home, at which point I became visible and quickly found out that there WAS somebody home. A somebody who stuffed me into that cage!"
"Very interesting. After killing him, you are finding treasure? Sharing it? Where I am from ogres have much that they have taken from locals. Not all is interesting, but some is wondrous!"
"Interestingly enough, the real wealth came in the form of the fame that my stunt brought me - the gauntlet I wear and that axe you saw me using earlier were both crafted as gifts by impressed patrons. That's my advice to any would be adventurers - do something impressive, settle down, reap the rewards, and live long. It's the fools who go chasing excitement their whole lives that end up like Tarrio would've had I not come to his aid - no offense Tarrio."
Tarrio leans in close but makes no effort to quiet his voice. "He's jealous at heart of those 'fools.' But just between you and me, ol' Hammerhand did make a pretty penny off of that ogre's treasure - it's how this inn got opened. I, of course got my share as well, but that's another story for another night."
"You were already having the ring in the story, yes? Then... Sergei guesses will wait for story. Is sounding very interesting!" He provides a big nod, as he finishes off another mug of water.
Zathyl gives a little chuckle and sets the Ogre head carving on the counter and sits down facing the tavern owner, Durst.
"No offense taken here either friend, but as I am who I am, I can't feel satisfied living in one place. It's not that I don't understand the concept of a stable home, a place where you can settle down and live the rest of your days, but I've never felt that way about any singular place."
He pauses to fiddle with his carving with a look of contemplation on his face.
"Though I hope to find what you have found one day, today this young 'fool' hasn't found it yet," he looks to his fellows with a smile, " Though, I hope my journeys with my friends will help me find it."
With that and a polite nod, he will except the shot of whiskey offered to him and down it (rescinding on his earlier statement, but will refuse any other alcohol offered to him).
He will also offer the carving to Hurst should he want it.
Clearly impressed with the workmanship of the whittled ogre head, Durst accepts it and places it on the counter next to the real one.
The time is now getting quite late, however, neither Durst, Tarrio, Belonda, or Lolly show any signs of wanting to shut the party down. In fact Tarrio calls everyone over to finish the whiskey, filling a set of shot glasses to the brim in order to drain the bottle. "To ogres! To magic rings! To circuses! To everything!"
"Sergei has important show tomorrow. Has already drank his fill, yes? But will still toast." He nodded ascent, as he took a long drink of his water. One of many secrets that make Sergei mighty. Plenty of water, and sometimes milk. But only fresh milk.
Simon limits himself to one glass of his wine, joining the toast with that. He's learned to drink in moderation, and to stick to wine. That way less is more and you're still the most aware person in the room after. He's learned well what alcohol does to people, as he's done more than his share of getting other people hammered. Always keep ones self a step ahead and make sure everyone else is a few staggering steps behind...
He makes sure Tarrio has had a few before mentioning he'd need to show him how grateful he was after the show was over. He slides in besides him, perhaps acting just a little more inebriated than he was, so if Tarrio was put off, it could be blamed on the alcohol.
Tarrio, although intoxicated, still recognizes Simon's advances, and regards the cat man with both amusement and surprise. He seems a little put off guard at first and looks to Lolly uncomfortably, but then cracks a grin and begins to play along. "Lolly, it would appear our affectionate friend has us a little mixed up. Yes sir, the distractingly attractive female I believe you were looking for is over there!"
As Lolly and Belonda share a laugh at Tarrio's plight, Lolly responds, "I take on enough attention during your card games. While I don't mind those men ogling me while you fleece them, I think tonight the well-deserved attention belongs to you!"
Even Durst notices and joins in the teasing despite being busy bartending, as he sets two mugs of ale on the table. "Ho ho! A round of ales on the house for the two lovebirds!"[b] As he walks away, you just barely catch him muttering under his breath. [b]"Although to be honest I should be paying you to drink this sewer water that Zweisher puts out, I swear he'll be the death of good alcohol in this city!"
Zathyl cocks his head at this slight (or enraged?) outburst.
"Calm friend. Who is this Zweisher... and what does he have to do with your alcohol?"
He fiddles with his other shot of whiskey but doesn't drink it yet.
Realizing Zathyl heard him, Durst pauses before spitting out his next words in disgust. "Brin Zweisher." In an instant he is next to Zathyl, completely ignoring all other patrons in the tavern. "As the maker of the excellent, if I do say so myself, Hammerhand Whiskey, I'm of course a member of the Brewers and Distillers Guild. Our current president, Ayn Vinewood, could hardly be called a real leader, as he's let a feud boil up as two party's jocky for leadership, threatening to split the guild in two. On one side are the Stoneheart Mountain Distillers, a group of dwarves from the Stoneheart who tragically lost their clan, but know how to make some damn fine liquors. On the other side is Brin Zwiesher and his brewery - you won't find a barkeeper in town who actually likes his beers, but they're cheap enough to be popular. By this point he's bullied and cajoled just about every taven in town into carrying his wares, and with the rest of the brewers at his back there's little anyone can do to stop him. I've even heard he was responsible for a raid on the Stoneheart Distillery, but both the dwarves and Brin are silent on the matter." Durst let's his words taper off as he finishes his speech then glances around to make sure no unwanted ears heard him.
+++
Two men approach the wagons, dressed in leather armor and robins egg blue cloaks, both armed with clubs. "What's this here? Some sort of carnival? Do you reckon they'll block the market traffic come morning?" The other scratches his head and replies, "Dunno, perhaps we should find the owners and warn them. Right in front of the Six Candles, too. Hmm...." Neither of them seem to have noticed Scout or Veilwar yet.