Nel laughs on hearing that.
that's sneaky saul. Well done
Volk listens to Gramlag and doesnt cheer up he does however lose some of his downcast appearance, taking a different stare. " alright, but I'll see it when I believe it. " He responds after some time.
However when Saul speaks the realization has Volk thinking how complicated and simultaneously simple the plan he had laid out was to the weakened man. " Is that who that man was? When he hurt one of us really bad I made sure he died, I drowned him Boss. Personally. And then there was an Archer that accompanied him.. He was rended to pieces. " Volk said this without batting an eye to the older man. Worse yet, he did not seem remorseful at all.
" He will see his uncle again drained and naked, probably being picked away by birds by now. That was a good plan, Boss. But that means you lied about the shipment... Why would you do that to us? " Volk now seemed.. different not upset but not happy either.
Strigala frowns.
"Maybe we better not head out tonight... When he finds his uncle, he won't be happy."
Volk looks to Strigala and agrees but for different reason. " We can sell the crate tomorrow Miss Strigala, but I am not worried about them attacking our group. From the looks of what the Boss has said, Zlincher will think the ones who did so were from the Crime Boss who he 'owes' , The issue we have is that you can no longer make happy faces and that most of us are still wounded. Though they may find our one wares odd to suddenly come upon, it is not the whole shipment of wine. "
Ternock smiles at Saul
Not in the buisness anymore, aye Saul? You sure do like to pick and choose the parts that are not the "Buisness." Not that I care much though. I keep getting paid so nothing to complain about here.
Ternock then looks to Volk with a "come on, really?" look.
As he is our employer, he only needs to tell us what he feels we need to know at a given time, also due to his past, I doubt he's the type to play all his cards at once, so to speak. Never the less I find myself in need of some barding.
He looks to Gramlag, with eyes wide and a cocky smile appears upon his face.
Since you said you were a good armorer Lil'Beard, it should be a simple task to make some Masterwork Chainshirt Barding correct? During the next five days? Or should I look to one of the armorers in Riddleport?
Strigala grins.
"If they inquire or Zlincher gets word we sold the crate of absinthe, we simply say it was a payment to us for services rendered. It is the truth, after all." She chuckles, then shakes her head and looks to Saul. "But, Zlincher may be seeking a more immediate revenge, given how we left one of the bodies..."
Saul responds to Volk, "I distorted some details here to avoid any moral issues."
"Why send you out with the burden of committing a robbery of your own. Better you think yourselves justified and leave me to carry the weight of our actions today."
"Oh and Volk is right Strigala. Croat will be taking the fall for this."
"Not that he was supposed too, but he stipulated his terms poorly."
"Croat requested to avoid being implicated in this event by making sure my men were seen carrying the crates away."
"Well Bojask is one of mine isn't he?"
"He left before the rest of you did he not? Anyone who saw anything would have seen a half orc leaving the scene of the crime and go running off to Zlincher."
"And why wouldn't they? After all Croat owns all the Half-Orcs in Riddleport!"
Saul laughs and slaps his knee.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Volk seems overall content with the actions but keeps the fact Saul lied in the back of his head. If he would lie about one thing, he could lie about another. Even moreso would not Croat become annoyed at the fact Saul new of the attack and as such may seek absolution later on? He did not know.. everyone, even Volk himself seemed to be fueled by Vengeance. And if that was the case.. was his earlier actions not justified? Another topic sprung up and Volk broke out of his deep thought.
" Well then, I guess you are right, Saul is the Boss he is allowed freedoms so that we are safe and he by extension cannot be traced to. Ternock getting armor is a good idea otherwise I will have to pull out your weight in javelins again and you may not live this time. Let us hope Croat doesnt react to quickly and focuses on Zlincher.. but at least if he does not we are now not surprised but prepared. "
Addressing the small dragon's request Gramlag says "i could certainly try, i may find it a tad difficult with out a proper forge and tools, and a request such as yours would take me a couple months to complete. we probably dont have that kind of time" with a hint of a chuckle
after Saul says his bit Gramlag feel like pitching in his two cents "ill admit Saul that im not font of being used to do underhanded deeds most of the time. on the up side its not as if we are killing innocents but i would prefer to operate under the full truth instead of half of it if thats at all possible"
Volk nods somewhat agreeing with Gramlag but understanding Saul's actions. " Either way what to do tonight? Celebrate.. eat food? We are to weary to do much else. What are you going to do with Rhodes? "
"Rhodes is an interesting predicament. He can't leave the Gold Goblin and be seen or he is a dead man. And the only way out of town is either through the mountains are by ship."
"Croat certainly isn't going to let Rhodes skip town, and Rhodes isn't a mountain climber either I suspect."
"And I don't have a use for a prisoner. So I came up with a solution. Get out here Rhodes!" calls Saul.
A few seconds later a man comes up to the main floor from downstairs.
He is wearing tattered rags but underneath you can hear the clink of chain as he walks.
He wears a hood and multiple Daggers are strapped all over him. But most eye catching is his face.
The man is wearing a dull silver mask that covers his entire face and even mouth, even the eyes are only slits.
Arriving to Saul, he turns and faces the party, bows and says "Hello."
The voice however is entirely monotone and devoid of emotion, it sounds nothing like Rhodes at all.
"I thought we could use another intimidating figure around here, say hello to the faceless man." says Saul with a flourish.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Well I do need it pretty bad... As Volk was so... indulgent to describe.
As Rhodes enters the room, Ternock gets a large grin.
Hmm, it would appear you have "molded" him into quite a different being all together. The question is, is he truly faceless?
Volk blinks a few times and just blurts out what first went to his mind. " He speaks like me. Also I guess you cut his face off when you told him to pick up that blade and he didn't. Is this what sleeping with Bojask does to you? " Volk seems curious a bit more than normal, as Rhodes was re-equipped.
" What is his job supposed to be now.. and is his name simple 'the faceless man' ? We call him faceman for short? "
Volk, his job is to scare people, and dispose of those who do not scare. That's obvious
Shade shook her head. He is obviously intelligent. why can't he understand these simple things.
Volk blinks, " But don't I already do that... as well as deal cards. That reminds me, I should speak with Dealer-san, thats what he likes me to call him, to get better at that. I don't know if people liked my show from before. But if Miss Shade says so, welcome aboard faceman " Volk reaches out to shake Faceman's hand.
"I... " Rhodes begins, but just shakes his head and shakes Volk's hand.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Volk shakes limply as he has little grip strength and stops as if midway remembering something. " Ah, I guess I should apologize now that you work for Saul. Sorry for the Torture.. not that I did much. " He lets go of the shake and then stares, thinking about what to do. This may or may not bring up terrible memories for Rhodes.
"i dont think i want to know what went on with that one, better for me to accept it as part of this town i know i dont like. no one did answer my question about that hot tub, i would really love a good soak" Gramlag said as he tried not to think about the man before him, and the apparent torture that happened to him, working for Saul seems to be an idea that Gramlag is liking less and less, but the pay is certainly nice i will have to do my best to run the strait and narrow and have any do the same that are willing
Having come too with a raging headache, Kertria was glad to hear the rest of the seizure had gone well enough and the man who had nearly offed her had died. After getting caught up on the workings, she also meets the new 'Faceless Man'. At Volk's misunderstanding, she giggles slightly. Setting a hand on Volk's shoulder, she shakes her head.
"Welcome aboard, our unknown friend."
Volk blushes quite readily as Kertria places her hand on his shoulder. He was glad she was well and happy. Though he knew not why she giggled. " M-Miss Kertria did I do something to make you happy like when Miss Strigala uses healing magic? And Mr. Gramlag I can only assume a Hot Tub is a Tub.. that is hot. What is the difference there than fro a normal tub? Does not the tub have have hot water in it when you normally bathe? "
Volk fidgets a little, " I am glad.. you can still make that face Miss Kertria, I made sure you were avenged... and healed you with Ternock' s magic. "
Touching her face, a small scar now on her lower jaw, she smiles still. "I let my emotions overwhelm me, and in so doing nearly passed. But it was you all, my friends, who allowed me to stay away from the Boneyard of the Beyond. And for that, I thank you." Rather nonchalantly, she gives Volk a small peck on the cheek.
A plethora of emotions and sensations from sudden contact with another person who did not wish to harm him. The soft emotion and feeling of the lips made contact with his skin and Volk did not know what to do.
Volk's entire body shudders, he seizes up and face turns completely beet red before falling to the ground, passed out.
Ternock watches as Volk passes out from such a simple thing... and blinks in wonder...
So he is uneducated on the matters of the flesh... writing mental note about such interactions... and done...
Ternock looks to Kertrai and smiles.
Yes, very good, very good... anyway about my armor... I was going to ask Volk, but he seems to be a bit... out of it... so, yeah could I ask one of you to find such barding in town for me. Im pretty sure theres at least another person in Riddleport that thought it would be funny to make a chainshirt for a cat... it would work at least for me, if not im gonna have to ask Shade to cast Mage Armor upon me every time we venture out. I don't want to limit her...ehem... VAST selection of spells...
"Well Ternock if you feel like accompanying me we can certainly pick you up some armor, i could use some fresh air and id like to leave these two alone" Gramlag said with a chuckle
Mmm you would have the best eye for armor.
Ternock rubs his chin as he says this, almost reassuring himself.
Though we must wait until the crate of spirits is sold, for before that, im afraid I would not have enough for a masterfully made piece. And i simply must have the best!
Ternock flies up onto Gramlag's shoulder.
Hmm, much more padding than Volk's shoulder. You sure do eat well don't you Lil'Beard?
As Volk falls flat, Kertria's eyes widen suddenly. "Volk!" Bending down, he raises his head and waves her hand before his face. "Do you all think Volk was more injured than we thought?"
Not sure if Volk is hurt or if this was her fault, she tries to rouse the man.
laughing as Kertria tries to help Volk, Gramlag points out "The lad isnt very accustomed to the attentions of the fairer sex lass, im sure he will be fine soon enough. Dont let that dissuade you from actions along that path. just perhaps warn him next time so he can start hyperventilating before he passes out from his heart jumping through his throat!"
"If we are done the events of this evening then im turning in, Ternock we shall get our money and do our shopping tomorrow if thats alright with you" Gramlag says, making his way to what he was told at the beginning of the day would be his room
Strigala nods hello the returning, and now faceless, person. She still thinks they should have left a message using his body, though.
And, as soon as Volk passes out from being kissed, Strigala bursts into laughter, covering her mouth to try (and fail) to dampen it.
"I think turning in is good. Volk is already there!"
Ternock watches as Volk passes out from such a simple thing... and blinks in wonder...
So he is uneducated on the matters of the flesh... writing mental note about such interactions... and done...
Ternock looks to Kertrai and smiles.
Yes, very good, very good... anyway about my armor... I was going to ask Volk, but he seems to be a bit... out of it... so, yeah could I ask one of you to find such barding in town for me. Im pretty sure theres at least another person in Riddleport that thought it would be funny to make a chainshirt for a cat... it would work at least for me, if not im gonna have to ask Shade to cast Mage Armor upon me every time we venture out. I don't want to limit her...ehem... VAST selection of spells...
At least I didn't end up nearly drowning in the last fight, shorty. My spell selection is doing just fine.
Shade looks at Volk, and shakes her head again. That boy needs a girl friend. Seriously
"A girl friend? But I am a girl and I consider him a friend?" Getting more confused, she lightly taps his cheek. "Come on, Volk, wake up."
Volk's face rocks back and forth until his eyes suddenly snap open to see Kertria's face somewhat closer than normal. He leaps up and looks around.. disoriented and confused as well. " What.. happened.. why was I on the floor? Why is Miss Strigala laughing? Why do you all have smiles or looks of disappointment? Did I do something?"
Thanking the divinities that he was fine, Kertria helps him up. "I don't know what happened, but you suddenly turned red and fell to the ground after I thanked you."
" Thanked...Me? " The moment rushes back into his head the sensation assaults him once more, but to a lesser extent a the realization shown clearly upon his face almost like fear. " That was when you... *!*" Volk jumped back and tried to regain himself. " You.. kissed.. me.. Why? "
"Yes, I kissed your cheek. Is that not a good thing?" This was very perplexing to her. In her home village, a small kiss like that was usually a gentle reminder of friendship.
Ternock raises his head at Shades retort.
Wow, Darkone. You never thought you could call anyone else that? The difference is however...
Ternock then jumps from Gramlags shoulder, and takes flight doing a few loops in the air before flying right up to Shades face.
I can choose not to smell the crotch stink of others. Now I'm afraid I must turn in for the evening. Saul, I hear the others got their own room... I'd like one as well, though it must be of the most exeptional quality! I am... as you know, a dragon.
Shade looks the small dragon in the eye
Back off Lizard. Your breath is a bad as crotch stink any day of the week.
Dark shadows play over Shade' eyes as she speaks. One of her hands seems to be covered with a shadowy flicker
Ternock laughs.
I don't even care that you called me a lizard. Because you didn't deny my observation.
And with that, Ternock awaits to hear about his room.
Volk stammers, " N-No it is a very good thing! I think.. But it is a show o-of affection. And i have done nothing t-to deserve something as great as that. Y-you kiss people you really care about. Or.. maybe that.. I.. I need to lay down... Umm.. Miss Kertria, Miss Strigala, Ternock, Miss Shade... I- I will see you all the next day! " Volk about faced like a construct and straight-walked his way to his room. He had completely forgotten about the arrow wound and was first seeking not to display the expression on his face of awkward joy/fear/embarrassment.
Blinking as Volk walks away, Kertria sighs. "I'll never understand the ways of your city people. I believe I, too, will turn in." She walks to her room and settles in for the night.
The party awakes the next day well rested.
Laurer cooks everyone breakfast again, the appearance is still terrifying, but the taste remains excellent.
It's still a few hours before the Gold Goblin opens for business and Saul is busying himself directing Rhodes and Bojask with re-arranging the tables to try to provide a better look at them from the catwalk.
Still yawning away the drowsiness of his nights rest Gramlag enjoys his breakfast in relative silence and upon finishing his meal awaits Ternock to do the same. once Ternock is finished eating Gramlag addresses him "Well my scaly friend, shall we take that crate, sell it and get you that armor you were asking for? maybe take the others and you all can show me around town, i only just got into town looking for work when i was hired on here so i could use a useful guide of where to not go. d you know if any of the others are native to the town?"
Volk awakens the strangest way of all.. he seemed to have.. color in his skin. It was light but a noticeable difference, and with eating Laurer's gorgeous food, gained a little much filling out his body for now, it was possible to improve Str.
Once he had gotten comfortable Volk chimes in from.. directly behind the dwarf " We have to sell all this loot anyway. Lets do it as a group for safety and whatnot. "
seeing volk has recovered from last nights "adventure" gramlag smiles and replies "of course lad the more the merrier, im sure Ternock has no objections either"
Ternock awakes to the group eating that awful looking slop of a breakfast. Ternock just orders a steak instead. How can they voraciously eat such a thing? Upon hearing Gramlag's proposal of everyone going. Ternock nods his head in agreement.
I agree there is safety in numbers. However I'm not sure how well the shopkeepers might take a talking... "lizard." As such I will most likely talk to you in my other way. Unless a verbal response is needed.
Kertria rises and performs her morning ritual and dance before settling in and prepping her spells. Rejoining the others, she falls in readily enough.
"I think I'll have to agree with Volk. If we plan to sell these, we should go as a group. At least until I can make my way over to the Cyphermages later today."
"then let us be off, i dont mind bearing the load, dwarves like some heavy liftin from time to time"
Volk fidgets once Kertria shows up and began perspiration.. heavily. He tried and readily failed at hiding this fact, " C-Come on now. I-I am not from this place b-but I think I remember a few of them, We first have to find Miss Padomae, then the Black/Street M-Market. " Volk did not make eye contact with anyone And he seemed to be somewhat distracted.
Hoping Volk wasn't catching ill, Kertria keeps a small ways away from him, what with him acting all worked up and stuff.
"Here, Gramlag, I'll help. I was of little use in the fight, so I should at least shoulder some of the goods to market."
"I dont mind the help lass so long as ye can keep up with a dwarf" Gramlag says with a smile
The party makes their way to the place Saul directs them to sell the alchohol at the best pace that a dwarf with a heafty load can manage