Arter answers Ky as he checked the mooring ropes, "One more stop, Ardagh, before we head into the Shudderwood's waterways. One stop more after, in the heart of the forest, then we arrive at Ascanor." He doesn't seem too happy contemplating it.
"Unless you guys feel we have some pressing business at this manor I feel we should stay on the boat"
Agreed, that place gives me the creeps. Lets just stay at the boat. Very good idea.
The Doctor regards the manor on the hill, trying to place the name Beumhal.
"Captain Arter, have you moored here before? Are you familiar with this establishment?"
Edward - recently awoken - chews the inside of his lip thoughtfully. "We're in Odranto now, aren't we? Hmmm. Appalling as this place may seem, it is obviously a major point of call for river traffic. It may be that there is information here we could use."
"Still, I cannot help but think that Morcei might be a better target for information. If I left tonight I could be there by morning, hopefully avoiding those accursed bats you referred to, Ivan. I could try to hire a local - perhaps a woodsman - to brief us. I could then make full haste with that local to the Vhatsuntide river. If the captain were to leave a little later we should be able to rendezvous without losing much time - though obviously I would be days recovering."
"I think it looks Edge. Why don't we go look around? Does it cost a lot of money?"
"Heh, I can go check it out. I'll see what there is to see up there."
The Doctor packs his pipe and lights it, puffing on the stem to get a good fire going. Exhaling contentedly, he grabs his crossbow. "I'll go with you, Ivan. We should know those we aim to rule. To have a manse on the outskirts of civilization suggests that the owners have some manner of power or influence."
The Droht had allowed ample time for the others to respond, but their silence and petty fears rankled him.
"Mircalla, are you sure you do not have some noble blood in your veins? Uncommon bravery to approach an inn that our boat captain has docked us at it seems. One might assume if the inn is haunted, and still operating as a business, that the haunting cannot be so severe."
"There will plenty of spirits inhabiting the Wood as well as long shadows and rustling of grass to leap at."
"I am going up there with whomever else wishes to. The rest of you can remain aboard."
Mircalla snorts
"Yeah, I do. I'm related to half the families of Ustalav, if you go back far enough. But my dad wasn't married to my mum, so I'm not inheriting anything."
Mircalla, the law can be a cruel thing, but must be followed to a T. However, the law can allow for you to get what you desire, if you can convince those others to sign it over to you. A contract is legally binding after all.
"Oh, I'm good. I managed to take the Library. Now I'm learning wizardry. Once the school sets up I can ride that up a tower. Thanks for the idea though." she looks at Edward predatorially.
"Amos. Please refrain from advising my apprentice on how to overthrow me." There's a note of dry humour in the Earl's voice.
He looks out at the group "So, should I try for Morcei, or accompany you to the house?"
"Come to the house Edward. It seems with you we have a quorum at least."
The Droht steps off the boat and offers his hand to assist Mircalla.
"We will neither gain or learn anything from remaining on the boat. I could have remained on my lands until the end of my days, I am not content with that. It is time to venture forth and take action to change my station in life. If we expect to succeed it is time to strike out and take affirmative action."
"You can abide by contracts written for you to sign, but I will write my own."
Arter replies, "Many times, never go up to the house though, no offense but the rich prats think staying in a haunted house is an amusement...one of these days, it won't be so amusing, that's how things always go."
The path to House Beumhal is well maintained, lanterns running along either side. As you trek toward the house, you encounter a portly gentleman lighting each of the lanterns. His clothing is well appointed, and tailored to his type, and his eyes sparkle in the firelight as you approach. "And a good evening to you travelers!" He gives a theatrical bow. "Welcome to the House Beumhal, I am Renault Pinough, innkeeper, it is a pleasure. You must excuse my tartiness in lighting the path, I assure you it adds a magical, almost romantic, ambiance to the journey. You can see for yourself, of course, from here all lanterns are lit."
Amos walking along behind the others is amazed by this place. A bit spooky don't you think? Everyone be on your guard, if it really is haunted we may have trouble.
The Droht looks over to Edward and the good doctor waiting for them to give their answer.
The Doctor nods in agreement with Arter, his mind wandering back to Caliphas, and what Beauturne left there. Or didn't leave there, actually. "No offense taken, captain. You're absolutely correct, in my opinion, and I for one am quite happy to have a keelboat captain on this journey with such a sensible head on his shoulders. It is a real pleasure to have you along."
-------------------------
Aldous chuckles as he walks up the path. "I'm sad to say that I've seen much spookier, Master Windleton. Which is not to say that this inn is not haunted."
Coming upon the innkeeper, the Doctor offers his hand. "Master Pinough, it is a pleasure to meet you. I'm happy to report to you that the sign by the dock drew us in. Tell me, is there a haunting here? The Beumhals were quite a scandalous story once upon a time, what with the mass hanging and all."
"What does it cost to stay the night, and what amenities do you have on offer?"
I look over at the captain as everyone else heads up the hill "These guys are going to get me killed" I then jump off the side of the boat and run to catch up.
Edward gestures to the long suffering Mircalla and heads off after Ivan
Arter doesn't answer after Ky, he just lights his pipe and watches the group as they ascend the hill.
---
Pinough takes Aldous' hand, careful to keep his lit instruments out of harm's way. "Welcome good sirs, welcome. Rooms are 3 gold per night, some of which are furnished with double beds...some of our visitors insist on it, with the ghosts hovering about. And I can assure you, there are spirits in the house, but they mean no harm."
Three gold per night! This had better truly be a mansion.
Edward stifles the urge to roll his eyes. "Pinough, was it? Can I ask where the bulk of your visitors come from? Three gold per room seems expensive for those just passing through, and few would have our ability to throw half a week's wages on a room for the night. Can I assume the manse is the destination for many?"
The Doctor raises and eyebrow as Pinough's voice wavers a bit at the end of his declaration. "You know, I am something of an expert when it comes to matters of the occult, as is Master Caromarc here. We've also got with us men of great skill with weapons. If you are unsure of the intentions of these spirits - as I believe you are, and as well you should be, with the history of the house and its former inhabitants, - we would be happy to offer our advice. Let us stay the night - for a gold each - and we can look into the matter of the intentions of your house's haunts."
"Yes. Letting the good doctor go about his work could be beneficial for both parties. We know you are not sure about the intentions of the spirits. This is a good opportunity for you."
Pinough gives Edward a large smile, "We cater to the finest clientele, and our accommodation is the finest, and most unique, in this country or any surrounding country. No where else in Ustalav may you spend the night with the very spirits themselves, and not fear for your very soul!"
I never fear for my soul. I know it is protected by my lord.
Amos Gives a menacing look to Pinough. I will pay you just 1 Gold, as you obviously need my protection.
Amos then flips 1 gold coin at the man.
Pinough gives Edward a large smile, "We cater to the finest clientele, and our accommodation is the finest, and most unique, in this country or any surrounding country. No where else in Ustalav may you spend the night with the very spirits themselves, and not fear for your very soul!"
Edward's right eyebrow creeps up.
"Indeed? That's a pity. High society and the unquiet dead are no novelty for me, I'm afraid. We're on our way to hunt the Shudderwood, and I was hoping for information on the river and the forest. We're hoping to bag the Devil in Grey for the club wall."
"What audacity!" Pinough takes a step back from Amos, as the coin bounces off his vest, clanging onto the cobbled path. "No. I will not be mocked on my own grounds, you are unwelcome here, you behavior insolent and intolerable! I suggest you turn around and get back in your boat, sirs."
Edward hesitates, looking to the doctor for his lead.
The Droht is incensed, but tries to salvage the situation.
"This devil worshipper is not one of us. He came on our boat, but please do not confuse his behavior with our intensions."
"Defrauing an innkeeper is a crime in Lozeri, sir. You may negotiate a rate, but demanding a room and services with threats while tossing coins skirts dangerously close to being labeled a highwayman. This gentleman has given you leave to return to the boat. I think that would be a wise idea, his clientele includes many of close to the council whom would not view your actions in a favorable light."
I see things have escalated quickly while I was catching up. Please forgive my friend he comes from less civilized lands where people often try to swindle him of his well earned coin. he will give Amos a look that basically says don't speak again Please allow me to make up for his brash reaction I will pay double for his room and will gladly pay 3 for myself
You see I would never break the law. I was merely negotiating my services of protection in lue of payment. 1 gold coin plus my service is surely worth 3 gold worth of bed. Could we make it 2 gold coins plus my service? You will find that I am most loyal to anyone that I have a contract with of any sort. My god demands it. Perhaps I could flush out any particularly evil spirits.
Aldous frowns as the coin bounces off of Pinough's chest. He's not exactly sure how to respond, so thankfully the Droht speaks up and gives him something to work with. "As one of the nobles on this expedition, please let me offer my sincere apologies. The huntsman is correct - our friend of the devils isn't familiar with our customs here in Ustalav. He was simply trying to open a negotiation from a position of strength - a common tactic in his homeland, and one that is not so... offensive there. You can take the man at his word, however - if he says he will take on any particularly evil spirits, he will do so."
Reaching for his coin purse, the Doctor continues. "And I must admit, I am quite keen to see this Beumhal manor. How about we each pay the 3 gold asked for, in accordance to your wishes, plus the double rate for Master Windleton's room, as Master Ky suggested, to smooth any wavy waters? In addition, we will look into the nature of your hauntings without any expectations for remuneration."
"Can I have the top floor?" asks Mircalla, who comes from a society where height equals status.
Pinough's eyes widen, bulge even, as each of you interjects. He goes pale and begins to step away from Amos, noticing finally the man's heraldry. "Devil worshipers..." he almost whispers, then yells in desperation, "Help! Help!" The portly man almost trips as he twists awkwardly away from the group.
Help? No one is harming you here good sir. Please keep you voice down. You have no reason to scream for help. Has no one ever negotiated rates with you before?
Trying to salvage something with the innkeeper and create the impression of a separation between two groups, the Droht continues to address Amos and steps protectively to shield the prone man.
"No one negotiates in good faith by demanding services or throwing coins at people in an intimidating matter, let alone while wearing pentagrams. In the very least it projects a brutish and domineering attitude like you believe you can take what you want due your might."
"I care not what lands you are from or how you were treated there. You are in Lozeri now and must adapt to our ways and customs. My companions and I are proud Sons of Ustalav. We entrust our souls to Pharasma and lean on Desna for a bit of luck. This man and his business serves our friends and families. No harm shall come to this man by you while we are here."
Amos raises an eyebrow, and has a look of annoyance on his face. I believe you people to be a bit strange. Can a traveler not negotiate pricing with an innkeeper?
Am I going to be forced into a fight with one of my companions that I swore to protect? What am I supposed to do. If I strike down the inn keeper, it is murder, and murder is a crime. If I strike down my traveling partner, I have broken a verbal contract. What am I to do here? Very strange land that I find myself in here.
With arms held up at chest level, clearly unarmed. I do not wish to fight anyone. Why are you all being so difficult? I am a stranger in these lands. Are you not accepting of strangers from foreign lands?
From where he stands forgotten Edward rolls his eyes and chants a few words
"Baronet Thune, I am afraid etiquette is far different here to your native Cheliax." lies Edward through his teeth.
"Regardless of your breeding the innkeeper has the right to refuse service for any reason. Further, threatening the undead from whom he makes his living is threatening him, though I understand the situation may seem strange to an alien such as yourself. Why don't I walk with you back to the boat, and we can play" Edward struggles to think of a Chelish game "darts."
Aldous grimaces as his words are thrown back at him. Careful with your tongue. Not all are as tolerant as yourself! He grimaces again when Edward, off to the side, utters a quick incantation - a simple charm really, but one that could backfire on the group if the innkeeper shrugs it off.
"Calm yourself, Pinough! No one here wishes to harm you!" The Doctor's hand inches towards his crossbow, slung from his hip...
"What was that? Agh!" Pinough falls to the ground and starts to crawl forward, "Demons! Ah, they have me! Pharasma, save my soul!"
Two men in chainmail, bearing the Ustalav coat of arms on their tabards, are racing down the path toward you, halberds at the ready.
Stepping back, Aldous draws his crossbow and loads it, yelling, "Let's not do anything anyone will regret! There's already too many widows in this world!"
Ivan points to the man and yells to the approaching guards.
"You there! Do you have a priest? This man claims he is beset by demons!"
He turns to Amos.
"Get out of here. Get back to the boat. This is why I said to keep your mouth shut and your symbols out of view."
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"Can someone remind me why staying on the boat was such a bad idea? This is not what I would consider suddle. With that you see Ky throw the end of his scarf over his shoulder and two daggers appear in his hands.
Pinough continues to crawl up the bath, one hand anxiously scratching at his backside. "Get them off, get them away!"
The guards stop before Pinough, and the older one with the graying goatee steps forward, "What's going on here? What's happened to the Innkeeper?"
"He was speaking with my employer and suddenly said he was beset by demons. Is there a priest?"
"This man is a doctor (indicating the Doctor), but this ailment is not a common cold, but something different."
When I see they aren't going to immediately attack my daggers vanish again.