Nice to meet you, Mister Tauster. I do hope you can help us with this... problem with this young man.
After greeting each of you in turn and introducing himself to those he doesn't already know, Tauster lights up a pipe with a simple gesture of his boney, old hand, using a simple cantrip that he favors as you tell him the tale of the last day or so. He casually rifles through the small chest full of bat guano and eagle talons (after opening up with a an arcane uttering and rap of his knuckles, of course), but pauses when you mention the attack targeting magic users on the road with a bit of a shocked expression. He quickly quells the fear on his face and returns to an attentive posture.
"Puzzling. Puzzling indeed, lad," the evoker responds after you've finished; using a familiar term despite Telsyn easily being 50 years the mage's senior. "I could definately look into the matter and ask this young one here a few questions to see what I can piece together. Let us get the obnoxious business matters out of the way first though-"
Tauster asks for the contract so that he may countersign it telling you that Squire Marlen should be able to turn it into coin and deduct it from the appropriate accounts at your leisure. His hands shake a little bit, but his signiature comes out loopy and ornate.
"Perhaps we can work these matters out over a late lunch or an early supper. You've come all of this way, the least I can do is offer my apprentice and his friends a hot meal and a mug of ale or glass of spiced wine. The Hound and Tails will have decent enough fairs, if for want of a better selection. And depending on what becomes of this boy it might be merciful to grant him the joy of warm bread and stew once more. Just remember the first rule I have about eating there; don't get the meat pies. I've never seen a man sicker than one whose eaten that slop. Marlen should really look into the condition of their kitchen on that matter. It is actually good that you have returned, Telsyn. There is a matter that I could use your help with in light of what you've told me."
We have much to discuss, Tauster. I'm all ears. (big pointy ones)
Turning to Brionne Wolfhorn, Telsyn says, You'll come with us, unbound for now. If you try to run, or cause any trouble, you'll meet a quick end. Understood? We're going to eat, and you can come along if you behave.
Telsyn still thinks Wolfhorn got caught up in something he couldn't resist.
To the Hound and Tails, then. We'll try the vegetarian entrees, he says with a laugh.
Wolfhorne gulps and nods following along quietly.
Tauster engages in small talk with your party as you all pass through town back toward the main gate. The Hound and Tails, easily noticable by its ratty bundle of fox-tails haning by the double-hinged, saloon-style doors, is a short, wide building, already full of rowdy laughter despite the early hour. Only once you are in an seated at a (relatively) quiet table does the mage turn to more pressing matters.
"I'll see what I can do with the lad here in a moment," he begins, setting down a mug of stale ale and fiddling with the white-grey mustache of his thick beard. "Do you remember Jeleneth, another of my apprentices, Telsyn? I can't seem to recall whether or not I had you both under tutlege simaltaneously. In any case, she's been a bit of a bother. I never wanted to take the girl on as her teacher. Call me old fashioned, but I believe in keeping a small group of dedicated students and it seemed improper for a man of my age to be around a sprat like her; barely out of her teens, and she had enough of the spark in her to do well in the Academy, but her parents begged me to teach her. I eventually gave in and started mentoring the girl in matters arcane. Her studies were coming along rather well actually. Sweet girl, I grew to love her like the daughter I never had. But that is beside the point. Her parents live in Nybor and she regularly travels back and forth between here and there to visit her parents and her sweetheart. Normally she's here for a month and there for a fortnight. She was scheduled to return three days ago, but hasn't popped up just yet- I had thought she just got disctracted and caught up with family matters, but if there were attacks on mages along the road..."
Tauster pauses and turns to Brionne, his eyes suddenly razor sharp with realizations. "Looks like I've some more questions than I initially thought for you, child," he says, his tone quickly changing from grandfatherly to chilling.
GM:
Given that he's an elf, well, he may have been there longer than a human, but that whole 100 years to cast a cantrip thing is a little weird.
I'll leave that to you. Telsyn probably spent much of the last year learning from Tauster, then left when he was a real 1st level wizard. He was also learning swords and bows, at the same time. XD
Dreadan follows the party to the inn, his eyes never leaving Brionne. It dose not mater if he was duped or willing, he is a murderer and thief. I must not let him out of my sight.
The half-orc gets an ale and even he turns away from the meat pies for something a little more trusting, as he watches the old wizard begin the interigation.
The tall, thin elf orders an ale, eager to hear the results of the impending interrogation.
Bone Breaker follows the others into the inn before siting down quietly.
After another swallow to calm compose himself, Tauster once again adopts a soft, grandfatherly appearance as he continues. "If you all wouldn't terribly mind, if you're planning on passing by Nybor again soon, could you check in with Jeleneth's parents after you get matters settled here? I could spare some coin for the trouble. That is of course if you trust my judgement on what happens to the lad here after I get done with my own questions and learn what I can- that traveling priest, Lafayeur, who runs the circuit of the Harenshire should be stopping in town within the next couple of days, and he may hold some divination magics which can unlock more to this than just I. I'll just have to keep him out of Marlen's sights and talons, at least until the father shows up. Regardless, my tower only has room for a few aside from myself, but let me put up any of you who wish it here for the night after you've done your shopping and resupplying. It is the least I could do," the old mage offers.
"I don't mean to sound selfish, but it sounds as if it may be better for the arcanists to stay in your tower, sir. In the night, we would have much more trouble defending ourselves. Isn't that right, Telsyn?"
It would be nice to see the old lab again, and chat a while with my instructor. We're still neophytes, but Tauster would have no trouble defending the place. Let's see how many can stay at the tower, and we'll find suitable lodgings for Flash and the rest of the group.
To Tauster, I see no reason why we couldn't inquire after Jeleneth, and make sure she's okay.
Bogorin seems sullen and dissinterestd through most of the conversation, concentrating on the food, and most especially the ale, set before him. At the mention of coin though his attention is suddenly fully alert.
"Now, now, just a moment'ere. How much coin is we discussing 'ere, exactly? N' I fer one ain't startn' no new bizness until we've fully finished discussin' the last bit, if ye know what I mean?"
(Telsyn says this at a convenient point of confident discussion within a reasonable time frame.)
"Well my tower may get a bit cramped; I only have three beds-two for the apprentices and one for myself, but if you are concerned any of you who wish it are more than welcome to roll a few bedrolls on the floor and stay at my home. I apologize in advance for the rustic accomodations, I don't entertain many guests overnight," Tauster replies amiably to Telsyn and Iriesys. "Of course, friend dwarf. I can give you each 10 gold coins upfront for expenses and trouble for traveling to Nybor and back, and an extra 50 gold to split if Jeleneth is returned safely. She may be perfectly fine and with her parents or sweetheart, but with attacks on mages on the road I'd rather feel safe. If she isn't with her parents when you check in, I'd suggest stopping by Cooper's farm on the return trip. He's a fair woodsman who watches the comings and goings on a small stretch of road between Galduria and Nybor. If she's been through, he'll know of it for sure." He pauses to take a sip.
"And if you are concerned about stabling, I recently use a spot of magic to help the Bedfords with a small problem, so I'm sure by dropping my name Dak will be more than willing to house your beast of burden for the evening."
Thank you very much, Master Tauster.
That would be fine.
"I know Cooper. He is a good man. he helped me when I made my way here from Belkzen. He will help if he can."
Bone Breaker listens as the others speak wondering who some of the people they were speaking about were.
Once Flash is stabled properly, Tauster gives you each the coin that he promised in advance after you return to his tower for the evening and makes sure that your contract is countersigned properly so that you may get it cashed at any acting magistrate's home or office. The tower is filled with oddities, both magical and mundane, though all fairly minor and relatively cheap.
The tower is a little cramped, but warm and cozy, and the conversation is pleasant. The old evoker breaks out a small barrel of ale from his cellar and brings up a bottle of wine for those who would like some. He spends some time asking Brionne Wolfhorne a few simple questions to make sure his answers match those the lad gave to your party, but doesn't go too far in depth, promising a more serious analysis after Lafayeur arrives in town. After a little while he gives the would-be bandit a few small servings of the alcohol, not seeing the harm in keeping him relaxed.
Dawn seems to break too early after such an enjoyable evening, but the concern for the missing Jeleneth hovers about uneasily.
As the gold is placed into his waiting palms, for a moment his companions think the old Dwarf is having some sort of seizure. But after a a couple of seconds, they realize the horrible rictus on Bogorin's face is actually his version of an avaricious smile. It is, quite clearly, not a pretty sight.
After a couple more moments he notices the horrified and/or uncomfortable states and, the 'smile' disappearing to be replaced by the much more welcome and comfortable scowl, grunts sourly "What? I be a Dwarf. I like Gold. Bah! Tae tha lot o' ya!" and stomps off and prepares to leave on the next stage of their journey.
After handing you each the money he promised up front from for the brief trip to Nybor, Tauster gives his farwell to the party. The local(s) in the group are able to point you in the direction of Squire Marlen's home. While still a relatively modest affair, it seems nearly palatial in relation to its surrounds; made of a solid stone foundation and with newer, cleaner wood holding the walls. A large hound lazes in the sun, chained not far from the front door, and barely lifts its head as you approach. A quick knock on the heavy, oak door brings a muscled, thick-necked man before you. He glares sternly you with small, beady eyes for a moment before taking a stride back and to the side, arm still barring the portal.
Sitting at a lavish desk further back in the office/entryway, counting out stacks upon stacks of gold coins of various mint (some glittering others old and dull), is a short, balding man with an overly large nose and sharp features. He glances up from where he is ticking away on an abacus and gives a greasy smile after carefully looking over your group carefully for a moment.
"Let them in," he says too kindly to one supposed to be an employee.
"Please, come on in," he continues, motioning to you with one hand and a plush couch with another. "Have a seat and tell ole'Squire Marlen what he can do for you."
Sense Motive:
Bone Breaker looks at Squire Marlen as he speaks wondering why he spoke the way he does.
Sense Motive:
Frozen into immobility for a moment by the sight of all the gold, Bogorin finally shakes himself and moves forward, perhaps a bit to quickly for the guard's liking. Noticing Marlen's forced mannor but not even remotely caring, unable to find his voice at the moment he simply thrusts the payment notice towards the Squire, managing to grunt "'ere"
He declines the offer to sit. The particularly perceptive can motive a bead of sweat begin to trickle down the side of his face from underneath the helmet mashed on top of his thick head of hair.
"Ah!" He perks up with an even larger smile after reading the note, puching some spectacles up the bridge of his beak-like schnoz. "So old Gordrenn's got some new help? Fine man, fine man; focused businessman he is," Marlen says, ringing his hands briefly and he starts deftly counting out and sliding over stacks of 10 gold coins each, all of Chelish mint. "Shall I take out the taxes now or later, sirs and ladies?" He asks with wry grin. "Gordrenn did inform you of the adventuring tax, did he not? 10% of all financial gains, including for courier work that is non-courier guild approved, yes?"
No, sir. And I think the reason that he didn't tell us is because there isn't. So unfortunately for you, we'll be taking the whole 10 for each of us.
As she says this, she reaches for and takes her own stack.
history:
Dreadan looks at the dwarf and shakes his head, "Looks like the pitmasters are right in their teachings about dwarves. I thought it was just a stereotype."
Sense Motive:
After Iriesys statement, Dreadan cuts his eyes at the squire and shows his teeth. "Are you trying to swindle us good squire? I had understood that someone in your position should protect those in your trust. Maybe the pits of Belkzen are safer than this place of humans. At least there I knew what to expect." He snarls and takes his stack also.
Bone Breaker shakes his head at the squire. He than taps Bogorin on the head, when the dwarf shows that he notices him Bone Breaker will say "I think he wants to keep your gold."
If there's a tax, take it up with someone else. The note is good, and the payout is specific. There are no attendant fees specified. And please, don't try to tell us you haven't the gold to pay.
Squire Marlen's face quickly falls to a scowl at the party's response, and rolls his old shoulders uncomfortably as he glances over to his personal guard who bristles menacingly at nothing in particular but doesn't otherwise respond.
His guard doesn't seem overly eager to come at his aid in this endevor, but his rigid stance shows a respect for duty and will likely defend his magistrate if ordered to do so.
After a moment's hesitation his mouth twisting into a forced smirk. "Clever and bold," he responds to the group as a whole, speaking slowly as he thinks, his lips twitching ever so slightly, but looks pointedly at Dreadan, raising his chin as he does so. "It is far from proper ettiquite to accuse a man of my standing of such an act, half-orc. I could have men locked up for less than that. But this time I will forgive it out of pure genorosity; I merely like to see that Lord Parlfrey sees his fair share." He waggles ringed fingers back and forth disaprovingly.
"Why don't I mark down that you're interested in paying your taxes at a later date?" He slides the remainder of the payment across the desktop.
Knowledge(history):
Knowledge(nobility):
Not being too familiar with the laws of the region Bogorin's face shows an interesting and somewhat amusing mix of confusion, anger and dismay. However the moment he learns from the others that the damned human was trying to cheat him out of his gold his face starts to very quickly purple in rage. That Nodin picks and particularly poor time to go poking a dwarf on the head. (The Barbarian is apparently not a student of history and is therefore not aware of the short but viscous and bloody 'War of the Long Finger' which had been started for that exact same reason)
Turning first to deal with the Barbarian, Bogorin pushes Nodin square in the chest. Not hard enough to send the big man stumbling but certainly hard enough to let him know that the next push, should it be provoked, would be much harder. The shove is followed by the angry warning "Git yer bloody ogre mitts offa me ye blasted tree trunk!"
He then spins to face the squire, stepping as close as the edge of the desk will allow and blasts "R ye a fool man! Oviusly ye ain't never met a Dwarf afore or ye'd know tha' trying tae cheat one outta 'is 'ard earned gold is a damn good way tae git yerself kilt!"
Intimidate:
Sense Motive:
Will Save DC15:
Struggling mightily with his urge to leap across the table and throttle the human, finally, realizing that while he and his allies may have the clear advantage in this room, becoming a hunted criminal was not the best prospect for increasing one's profit. With a sigh, he snatches his gold off the table, leans in very close and says much more calmly, but with threat still clear in his voice "Ye try n' charge me any o' yer bogus taxes lad n' it'll be the last thing ye do."
He then turns and stomps to the door, where he turns again, leans against the frame and glares generally at everyone in the room who is not currently giving him something cold, wet and alcoholic to drink.
Well then, shall we be on our way?
Absolutely. I'll get Flash, then we'll be on our way.