Why is it snowing in the Border wood?
The adventure begins in the village of Heldren, a small village in Taldor just north of the Border Wood near Qadira. Hassan al' Akbar has just walked in to town after two days of overland travel. He had been part of a larger group of zealots that had chased heretics and bandits, over the border of Qadira in to Taldor. Hassan's horse was slain in a skirmish and the remainder of his group needed their saddles for the wounded or to watch the prisoners as they escorted back to Qadira for punishment of their crimes.
Hassan volunteered to walk the nearest village to purchase an animal. However, the smaller villages had refused his letter of credit that the Imam had provided. He had been informed his best bet to get the letter of credit honored was the village of Heldren. The wind has picked up the last couple of days and Hassan has found the night-time weather un-seasonable cold. He approaches the The Silver Stoat, Heldern's only Inn with hopes of a warm cup of tea and that Dawnbringer grant him grace that, this town would honor the letter of credit so he could find his way home.
Outside the Inn a Tall Ulfen man speaks with a pale-skinned Dwarf. The Dwarf is patting the head of a smaller hunting cat that keeps rubbing up against his leg. The Ulfen man mentions, something about getting fired, from his last caravan guard duty for hitting a fellow guardsmen. The Dwarf, simply nods seemly not approving or disapproving.
Inside the Silver Stoat sits a lone gnome. Drawn to Heldren over a month ago from a far away place. Visions of snow and wind and dreams of Taldians shivering and frozen deserts in Qadira have led him to this small village. Visions that, he's sure the ephemeral lord Toic sent him. Now with the rumors and whispers of the strange weather...Krestimbunt Gruth is sure he's where he's suppose to be...for the first time in his life.
Bidding the tall Ulfen man good luck with finding gainful employment Lanfried moves off, Grawlic in tow. They have sold their deer and rabbit furs and move inside the inn to warm themselves before their trek home. Grawlic is a familiar sight in the town and the inn has a small bowl for the snow lepoard.
Lanfried orders a mug of stout and haunch of spiced meat and Grawlic gets a bowl of water and some meat offcuts. Over the rim of his tankard Lanfried spies the gnome sitting alone.
Arrac laughs loudly as the dwarf bids him luck. In a deep, thick, and accented voice he replies Bah, I have accomplished what I wanted by working for the caravan. I am here, where strange weather seems to promise me an adventure worthy of tales! he rubs his nose and gives a big grin.
besides, that guard won't be working for several days either. He rumbles out a laugh
Though I find it strange they would remove me from the job, when clearly I am better suited to it than the one I knocked out. T'was not much fun at all!
The ulfen man towering a head and shoulders above the dwarf removes his helmet as he enters the inn. His blonde hair falling past his shoulders and his eyes the color of blue frost. Strapped upon his belt are a large assortment weapons. The scabbard of a sword carrying what seems to be a family insignia etched on his side, hangs by his left hip. A warhammer wrought of cold-iron and etched with the same insignia as the blade's scabbard, hangs from his right. In addition several small throwing axes are held in various ways along his leg and belt. His armor, a leather suit reinforced with patches of chain armor is covered with what seem to be pelts, the pelts form together at a wolf-head attached to the right shoulder of his armor. On his back he carries a large, round, wooden shield with three javelins locked into containers designed to hold them. The head of a Ransuer also pokes out underneath the shield.
As he enters, he sits in an open space near the dwarf. Apparently taking the earlier comment as an invitation to chat. After placing his helmet on the table he shouts in a boom voice.
Tavern keep! A large tankard of your mead! And a hefty lunch as well if you would! Haha! Before turning back to Lanfried.
Ah, I am Arrac Velstromm, Wolf of Thule. Tell me friend, how came you by your pet? It is very Fluffy.
Nodding to his table companion Lanfried introduces himself. Lanfried. And this is Grawlic. I have had him since I found him as a kit in the roots of a tree. He had clearly lost his mother and I took him in. He has become quite a good hunting companion. He ruffles the fur on the small snow leopard's head.
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Hassan eyed the village ruefully as he pulled his checkered keffiyeh tighter over his nose and mouth. This time is was not the dusty plains of Qadira that caused him to wear the heavy head scarf, but the bitter wind and the unseasonable cold weather across the border in the woods of foreign Taldor.
This was the third village he had entered, looking for a horse-trader to supply him a mount in exchange for the letter of credit drawn by his liege, the Imam. So far, the infidel villagers of Taldor had laughed at this letter which might be worth dozens of gold rials in his homeland. It was all Hassan could do to bark at the unlearned (and mostly unwashed) simpletons on this side of the border, but he didn't relish walking all the way back either. As it turned out, if no one in this small thorp could offer him a mount, he would have to consider stealing one, leaving the letter in trade.
He passed a few outbuildings, spying the inn ahead, with the sign of a silver weasel clear even from this distance. Preparing for a rude welcome, he stomped his boots on the duckboards of the outer veranda of the inn. He saw no soldiers or other challenge to his presence here, so he ducked inside the building, thankful for the warmth of the fire burning. Standing just inside the door, he unwrapped the scarf from this head, revealing his long dark hair, tied in a knot at the back of his head. His dark eyes scanned the common room, as he came and stood next to the fire.
He spied a soldierly type, replete with many weapons, and he felt the comforting bang of his scimitar at his side, just in case it came to that. A small gnome man sat alone at a table, and dwarf with a cat at his feet dined there. Otherwise the room was quiet and empty. Good.
He took a seat at a table near the fire, warming his hands from the long journey on foot, waiting for the serving woman to attend to him. If she ever comes, he orders bread and coffee, hoping they have the dark brown drink here in the uncivilized part of Golarion. "What other fare have you?" he asks in thickly accented Common, hoping not to draw too much attention to himself.
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Sitting by himself, feet swinging idly under the table, the pale, blue-haired gnome sat, looking into his swirling bowl of soup, grinning as he willed it to swirl around and around. Looking at the others as they entered, he scooched further into his chair, almost trying to very away from them, but couldn't help smile at the snow leopard. Yet another sign I've come to the right place! Life is good. He winced a little, thinking to what he'd lost. But this place, in the brisk weather, was where he felt quite comfortable.
Looking to cheer himself up, an idea popped into his head. He watched the dwarf and human interact, waiting for them to have their drinks. The moment they did and the dwarf looked away, Krestimbunt couldn't resist a little fun. Focusing, he'd look over at the leopard, drawing water from another realm to pour right on the poor cat, on the side of the human. Surely this would be a most hilarious prank!
Arrac looks down to the cat. Indeed? There were a couple hunters from my clan that had similar bonds with animals. Though theirs was a wolf, and a bear. Much better for fighting in my opinion, though a cat would have its uses I suppose. So, what have you and your pet hunted?
When Hassan enters the inn, Arrac gives a slightly distasteful glance at the man's attire and choice of weapon, before putting him out of mind.
When the drinks arrive, and the spray of water happens he looks down.
What in the name of the white wolf.
As the water splashes onto Grawlic, he jumps up with a start and wails. Hearing the distress in his companion Lanfried starts and casts about the room, looking for danger.
Arrac looks around, slightly perturbed at first before he lets out a chuckle.
I believe someone here does not like cats, or they like to prank people they should not. He shakes his head twice before slamming his palm on the table top and standing.
He bellows
Who was it that threw the the water on me and this cat?!
After a moment of glancing aorund, he would grin and add in a almost friendly voice. I would have a chat with them.
Lanfried sends Grawlic to sit by the fire to dry once he has calmed the cat. The cat has no hesitation about curling up in front of the hearth and after a short while quiet snores emanate from that direction. Lanfried orders another tankard of stout and sips it slowly as he finishes his meal.
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When the leopard wails and man cries out, Hassan jumps from his chair, drawing his scimitar almost before his mind can recognize what really happened. His nerves are drawn taut by being in the land of his enemies, and he reacts more dramatically than needed.
"For the Dawnflower!" he cries in Kelish turning to face the man and dwarf, expecting a fight. Any hope he had of being non-chalant is out the door at that point and he knows it.
Once he recognizes the scene and that it is not an attack, he sheathes his scimitar once again, but remains seated tensely seated, waiting for the serving woman to attend to him.
He eyes the laughing gnome warily, sizing up the strange creatures magically nature. Is it a witch or not a witch? Either way, it is silly and bears watching closely.
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The entire common room can hear a heavy book *thud* shut; the sound seems to come from, a corner table. A stout Dwarf with a round belly thuds forward, hands on his hips. He looks at the cat, then the barbarian, his gaze pans over Lanfried and Hassan, finally settling on Krestimbunt. His eyes narrow a bit at the gnome before, he clears his voice and speaks. You'll see stranger than that, in the next few months or years..... if my research be correct...*hmphh!* The Dwarf looks at the group with a knowing nod and then scowls at Krestimbunt again. But, there's no need to usher in the super-natural events, sooner than fate would have them knock on our door... The Dwarf spits on the floor and turns again, to look over his shoulder at the gnome, Isn't that right master gnome?
My name is Newmark...my family name is none-of your business thank you very much. You men may be wondering what's up with the strange weather...well your not the only ones. I've a feeling our fates are tied together. Newmark pauses to spit again... Whether we like it or not...
Arrac raises an eyebrow at Hassan as he draws his scimitar. His hand resting on the hilt of his blade before seeing the man sheathe it again.
Arrac watches the dwarf walk in. He points a finger at him and asks.
Are you the one that doused the cat?
After a bit of a pause he asks. And What do you mean tied fates? What do you know of this weather?
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Krestimbunt couldnt help but snicker as he went back to eating his soup. While not quite the prank he had been going for, it was amusing to watch all three of the larger folk jump around over a splash of water! He even got the other man to pull his weapon and start shouting! Still, he did feel bad for the cat. He'd have to see if he could do something for him at some point before the night ended. Like a belly rub!
The gnome gave a look to Arrsc as he called for the guilty splasher to fess up, and the friendly tone in his voice almost made him give himself in, til he realized thast would be foolish. He was covered in weapons! who knew which he used to punish those who splash around!
Kres nearly jumped out of his seat and into his soup as the other dwarf slammed his book. He made eye contact and grinned slyly as he was glared at. He tilts his head curiously as he speaks of fates and the supernatural and the weather, the laughs louldly and nervously as he's called out. Wha-what about me? I'm just trying to enjoy my s-soup His voice was both soft and raspy, like it hadn't been used in a long time. He glanced at the saliva on the ground and frowned at it, flicking his wrist to dry the floorboards, then chuckled as Arrac accused Newmark. And what's wrong with c-cold? Why is everyone s-so worried about it? I like it, and would love to see s-snow. A gift from Toic...
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And What do you mean tied fates? What do you know of this weather?
Newmark looks astonished for a moment and throws his hands up in exacerbation. What do I mean?! What do I mean?!....let me tell you what I mean!
This sleepy village of Heldren hasn't seen so much excitement or concern since the Age of Enthronement!
4603 AR. This period became known within Qadira as the Ghevran Victories.
Hunters from the nearby Border Wood speak of unnaturally cold weather at the beginning of summer! I'm told the frost descended on the forest just days ago. However, heavy snows have followed since, and those who have returned, speak of an uneasy presence in the woods. They also speak of new dangerous predators! No one knows what any of these event means. That's why someone must investigate!
Newmark looks to the rest to see if he still has their attention.As for myself. I was sent here by my superior at The Acadamae... When he perceives that, some of the others, don't get what or where he's from, Newmark says, You know...only the largest school of magic in Korvosa? Newmark has trouble keeping the sarcasm dripping from his voice. Anyway, it doesn't matter...For those of you who don't know magic, there's a group in Magnimar called the Stoneseers. I studied with them several years back. Anyway, they're really good at a few types of magic and one of those types they're good at is called divination. Newmark's voice automatically drops to a condescending tone as he speaks about things the others most likely have no knowledge of. Anyway...these Stoneseers, sent a message to our leaders at the Acadamae. The message foretold of strange happenings and un-naturally cold weather near the Talden and Qadirian border. Newmark pause for a moment to make sure he hasn't lost anyone yet. The Stoneseers having studied with me years ago, knew I possessed a few unique skills that, might come in handy identifying the nature of the disturbance, should it come to pass. Therefore, they asked my superiors to send me to investigate the area and report anything un-usual. My superiors agreed to their request so here I am. I've been here in Heldren these past few days and witnessed many strange things. However, I may need to recruit some help...that is if any of ye are willing? Newmark finally softens his tone when he makes that last request.
Newmark looks to the entire group considerably long before speaking,*sigh* Whatever we do, we should hurry, the townsfolk cast fearful eyes toward the snowy forest. Newmark goes to the inn's window and pulls the drape aside. More than a bit of frost still clings to the fir tress outside the window; it's late Desnus. Truth be told..I'd be too if I were them. I'd be worried at what else, might emerge to threaten this peaceful village.
Setting his tankard down Lanfried addresses his fellow dwarf. This village has been good to me. I would not see them harmed if I could help it. You propose an alliance to investigate. I will join you.
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Hahaha! I came to this town seeking these very rumors of which you speak. They sound promising for my personal quest. Saving a town would bring much glory. However.. Do not speak down to me again. I care not for your petty magics, nor this Acadamae you speak of.
Arrac towers in front of Newmark with his arms crossed. After a few tense moments, he smiles, and holds out his hand, offering a handshake.
With that in understanding, I will gladly look into this with you. Where do you and your seers suggest I start?
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Arrac rubs his chin in thought for a moment after the dwarf finishes speaking again. Well then, Let us go speak to this shamed mercenary. Even a coward can prove useful I suppose, even if it is to merely lead us to the spot he fled from. Haha, saving a noble and slaying some beasts, it is a start at least.
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Hassan listens to the dwarf speak a frown furrowing his features. Wizards and seeing stones sounded suspicously like witchcraft to him. But he had been in the woods for the last two days, and it was bitterly cold. For something like that to happen on the border between his nation and the hated Taldans -- well, he should go check it out. It might be a weapon of some kind needing testing or it could be something more dangerous than that.
As the druid piped up his interest, Hassan spoke again in heavily accented common tongue: "I will join you too, if you will have me. We must protect this woods along the border it sounds as if witchery is behind the strange happenings. I will lend my time to this endeavor also."
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Krestimbunt nodded the whole time, enraptured as the dwarven wizard spoke, though was more focused on the way his beard moved when he spoke than the actual words being said, as he understood little of seers and such. Still, he perked up at one thing that had been said-snow. He grinned widely Hey, if there's room for, ah, for one more, I'd like to come along! I can be pretty handy, and would love to see some snow with my own eyes. And who can say no to a rescue mission! hoping down from his seat, the incredibly small gnome got a little closer, then looked up to Arrac. Ya know, one man's coward is another man's survivor. If being a coward means you live, maybe it's not so bad. And useful for sure! Do we want to, uh, head out there now?
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Newmark actually manages to smile, That's Grand! Newmark rubs his hands together. The hall is just across the street. I've only manage to meet the town councilor, once. Nemark begins to count a few coins to a woman in an Apron. Krestimbunt, having spent the night on the woman's floors near the hearth, recognizes the woman as Kale Garimos 1/2 owner of the Silver Stoat and wife to the other owner and cook Menander Garimos. Newmark is talking quietly with the lady but isn't trying to be circumspect. So the gnome stayed with ye last night? Good ..good..um...as I mentioned to the councilor, I may be here a few days. These people, Newmark turns and points to the rest of the group; May be of help to me, in my investigation to the unusual weather. Mind ye I know you don't have any spare rooms , as ye told me when I first arrived. But, we might be needing a bit more space on your floor at night. When Newmark observes the woman's frown he quickly puts his hand up to fend off any objection.
Now I know the town council will feel the same. Also, I've given ye some compensation for the inconvenience haven't I? Newmark looks at the silver already in the woman's hand. I promise, myself or my order, will compensate you for any damage, or if anything comes up missing....ye have me word. Newmark nods, as if that should be the end of it. If you be needing me, you know where to find me at the Apothecary...
I promise, myself or my order, will compensate you for any damage, or if anything comes up missing....ye have me word.
Kale Garimos, looks irritated at the Dwarf's brisk manor as she replies, Now you listen here, master Newmark! Travelers have always been welcome to a spot on my floor here at the Stoat. That's why Menander splits extra fire wood every week. So wayfarers can have a spot next to the fireplace for a night!That is, as long as they’re up early and on their way. Those who linger might feel my mop in the morning slap against their lazy faces! It's the way it's always been...and I suspect it's the way it always will be...unusual weather or not! I'll keep the silver, as lien against the tab your motley group is sure to run up on food and ale! She glaces toward Arrac, That big Ulfen...has had two pints of three devil already! And it ain't but the 10th hour of the morning! Hrphph! She stomps to behind the bar and grabs a bar towel to wipe off a table. The local customers who were not quite finished with their meal quickly scurry out of her way. So..don't be threatening Kale Garimos with town council worries! Me husband is one of the foremost members! As is
Tessaraea Willowbark, my good friend who's house you happen to being renting a room in right now!*hmph!* She stares a few daggers at Newmark. So when you go talk to Councilor Teppen later, you can tell them the Silver Stout is doing it's part to maintain order and decency in this town as it always has Kale slams a chair back under the table. And you tell um that, "we help of our own accord!" not because some fancy Wizard from Korvoso comes in and tries to bully us!*hrpph!*With that, Kale goes in to the kitchen and comes out with a mop. Well, you've all eaten! Get going so I can do my work! Make sure you wipe your feet if you come back here for lunch. Now off with you!
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Hassan has not, in fact, eaten. He's still cold and hungry from a few days wandering in Taldor wildnerness. He waits until the hostess tirade ends, and approaches her witha reverent bow. "If it's not too much trouble. Do you have coffee and flatbread or some simple fair for a lonely traveler? I have coin to pay." He smiles and takes out his coin purse which is filled with Qadiran dinarii not Taldan coins.
Arrac listens to the woman tirade with a smile. At the mention of his drinking, he bellows out a laugh. Aye! an' one more for the road if you would!
After she comes out with a mop, Arrac laughs again.
I like this woman. She is fiery, fierce. Something that is liked by my kind. Tell me, does this town house more women like you? That is a blessing in itself haha!
He turns to regard the others that offered to join. Looking over them his gaze stops on Hassan Well now, you are a bit small yourself friend. Let us see what this, small one, can do before we send him away. Also, are we all agreed that we should go and speak to this cowardly mercenary? At the very least, he can show us to here he was ambushed.
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Krestimbunt hopped up on one of the barstools to get closer to Hassan I may be small, but there's a lot of fight in me, kid. You'll be glad to have me around when I take down some beasty before it gets anywhere near ya! He grinned up at Arrac Thank you! And besides, you'll want me along for what I've seen. I've sensed the coming of this weather since... since I left home. Trust me, I'll be of use. Then he bowed deeply to Kale with a smile. Thank you for the hospitality miss. But I think these guys are what I've been waiting for!
"If it's not too much trouble. Do you have coffee and flatbread or some simple fair for a lonely traveler? I have coin to pay."
Kale gives Hassan an appraising eye, You're from Qadir aren't you? My grandfather used to complain of your lot coming across the boarder to raid when he was a child. But, I've got no beef with you or your kin. I still keep some spice I bought from a Merchant of your people, it goes well with lamb. Kale pulls out a chair a walks back to the kitchen. She turns to look over her shoulder. Well you going to take a seat? Or do you think of us Taldians as such a brutish people, we'd turn a hungry man away? Kale smiles and winks before she disappears back in to the kitchen.
She sets a tankard of ale in front of Arrac and a bowl of steaming stew and a small loaf of bread in front of Hassan. The Stew is Venison...a house special. If I recall correctly, it doesn't violate any of your dietary laws. No flat bread, you'll need to make do with what came out of the oven this morning. I'll put the coffee on wood stove over yonder Kale points to a wood stove at the opposite end of the common room. Help yourself when it's done.
Kale looks to all the group, I'll finish up moping in 20 minutes, I trust you'll all vacate by then and let me have my mid-morning break? Come back for lunch when your hungry. Kale points at Newmark. That one has given me enough to fill your belly's for three or four days..... Kale pause for a moment and then directs her gaze at Arrac, That is if the big one doesn't empty our kegs before nightfall.
Kale returns to the kitchen after the door closes, she peeks her head out and says, You know if you get lonely for the presence of one of your country men, Natharen’s wife, Zaarida is also from Qadir. with that, she lets the door swing shut.
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Hassan raises a skeptical eye at the gnome. "How exactly do you take down men from range? I see no bow on you. Are you a dabbler in wild magic?" He asks his eyes narrowing as he says these last words.
AS the serving woman offers him some stew, Hassan bows low again. "It will be perfect." he says, attending to the coffee while he waits for the gnome's reply. He looks at big man, knowing is likely strong and handful in a fight, but without the faith, he would be a mere obstacle. Hassan sits to the stew, interested that another Qadiran couple would be in the village.
Once he has filled his belly, Hassan leaves the right coin, plus a bit extra, and joins the others, if they are set on going to see the wounded mercenary.
Arrac downs the drink in a long gulp. Ah, thank you. He calls to her. Before standing and giving Hassan a heavy, but friendly, slap on the back. I'm sure it will be fine, after all, the only real danger if his claims are false is to himself! I'm going to meet the mercenary.
With that he heads out to speak to the mercenary.
Once he finds the man. He stands infront of him, arms crossed.
So, tell me coward. What happened to the lady you were hired to protect? I want all the details. What you saw, who they were. The works.
Curious Lanfried and Grawlic follow Arrac to speak to the mercenary.
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Krestimbunt leans in close to Hassan waving him to lean in closer Actually, now that you mention it... He looked to the left, then the right, then leaned in a little closer ...NOPE! He cackled as he hopped down from the stool, As for what I do, well now that would be telling. What's the fun in that? He smiled up at Arrac as he defended him once more. Exactly! My risk to take-Hey, wait up! He dashed out after Arrac, his tiny legs barely able to keep up. Thanks for that back there. Krestimbunt Gruth, by the way
Eventually everyone finishes getting their fill of food and drink. After, thanking Kale Garimos it's decided the best place to start looking for the mercenary is across the street at the town hall where the council meetings are held.
Rather grand for a village of this size, Heldren’s town hall boasts a clock tower overlooking the town square. Arrac, pounds on the door loudly and an elderly human man with thinning hair eventually answers, I'm coming, I'm coming! No need to be in such a hurry! The man *starts* a little as he flings the door open to see, the hulking Barbarian and the motley crew that, accompanies the Ulfen. Um yes? What can old Orillus Davigen do for you folk?
AH, I'm, er, we, are here to speak to the injured coward. Er, the mercenary, that came in claiming about an attack on the road?
He smiles to the man.
AH, I'm, er, we, are here to speak to the injured coward. Er, the mercenary, that came in claiming about an attack on the road?
I'm sorry old Orillus... the man says obviously referring to himself; doesn't know much about town doings. I'm just here to clean up the place and keep the clock running. The man points to the clock on the tower above town hall. Ya know it's originally from Qadir!? Brought here some 70 ought years ago I'm told.
Arrac sits a heavy hand on the mans shoulder and gives him a firm squeeze.
We are looking for information on an attack on a caravan that was said to be carrying a noble. We heard that there was a mercenary from said caravan here after he was injured and fled from the battle. Surely you know something about this man? Or at least of someone who might? You aren't trying to hinder us right?
he leans in, ever so slightly at the end of his sentence.
Orillus pales at the Big Man's threat..um there's no need to get physical.. Orillus squirms away from the Arrac's big mit. Like I said, ain't any of my business what the council does. You need to talk lead councilor, Ionnia Teppen. I might even tell you where she lives if you stop your bullying!
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Hassan looks over the clockwork tower. Brought from Qadira. Stolen is probably more like it. The incessant incursions and pillaging from Taldor kept his country on a state of low-grade war with this place, and things like that tower were only physical manifestations of the conflict. Part of the reason Hassan was here in the first place...
Irritated, he snaps at the custodian. "Simpleton, where can we find this counselor. We don't have time to waste trading words with someone useless like you."
Let's all just calm down. I know old Orillus and have seen him about for years. There is no need to scare the poor man. Orillus, could you please direct us to the house of the councillor.
Orillus steps back at Hassan’s sharp words, alright, alright... no need to raise your voice. She’s just down the street there. The old man steps out and points to a house with yellow trim and frosted hanging planters hanging from the porch. I’ve told ya what ye wanted can I go now?
Arrac flips a gold coin towards the older man.Thank you elder, here, for your troubles haha, buy yourself a drink at the silver stout. They are very good! Ha!Arrac then heads down towards the house.
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Krestimbunt, who had been hiding in the back watching as the other two bullied the guy for information, then gave Arrac a curious smile as he flipped the other man a coin. Add they started to leave, the gone stepped forward Sorry about them, they're a bit... Thanks for the help!
Hustling after the rest, he did his best to catch up So maybe when we get there, maybe one of us shorter folks should do the talking? You guys are a bit... scary
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So maybe when we get there, maybe one of us shorter folks should do the talking? You guys are a bit... scary.
Newmark chortles at the gnome, You've obviously got no sense how to deal with the common folk gnome! *har*! I say our two human companions handled that just fine! Newmark rushes to catch up with the others. When you walk across the street to Ionnia Teppen's house, Newmark pulls the bell. Soon an attractive middle-aged woman answers the door. Newmark: Is this the residence of Ionnia Teppen? Teppen: Yes I'm Ionnia Teppen, what can I help you with? She looks to your group with a bit of curiosity but, no fear. Newmark: We've heard your head of the Town council, my friends and I would have words with ye...if you have a moment.
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Hassan dealt with the servant man as any soldier would in his land. He is unclear why some of the group are complaining about it, especially since the servant yielded useful information. He sees Arrac reward the man with what would be a week's pay and shrugs, unclear what social norm has been violated. A servant in Qadira would expect a cuff across the face rather than a gold crown as reward for not providing sharp answers to questions from his betters.
The stranger in a strange land follows along to the Councilor's home.
There he stands uncomfortably in the back. If this is the head man of the village, his presence is sure to raise the alarm, and he very well could end up the night in a prison, or worse. Better to keep a low profile, though in a group of gnomes and dwarves, that wasn't going to be easy...
We've heard your head of the Town council, my friends and I would have words with ye...if you have a moment.
Ionnia Teppen stands puzzled and a seems a bit impatient as the group quietly discuss how should be the lead speaker. You had a question pertaining to council business, you said? Ionnia raises an eyebrow as she speaks.
Arrac nods. Aye, well, maybe. I'm not sure what your towns leaders deem their business. I'm trying to find the mercenary that drug himself into town a day or so ago. Saying something about an ambush. Supposedly he was guarding some high life noble? Not sure, we just need him to take us to the spot he was ambushed.
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Krestimbunt nodded. Yeah, we're hoping to help out, save the day and all that. We're t-trying to help find who was taken, save the day and all that. Maybe f-figure out what's up with all this weather. We don't want to take up to much of your time, I'm s-sure you're a busy person, so we just need the info so we can get out of your hair He scratches the back of his head a bit at that last part, running his fingers through his own blue locks.
Ionnia dismisses the sceptical look and sighs, I had heard strangers were in town but, I’m surprised there are so many of you? And from such wide and varied backgrounds it seems. She states the last part as if it were fact. Perhaps, fate has sent you, just as it has the late snows. Perhaps .... but, first pray thee tell me why you are interested in this mercenary’s account. Why have you all come here? Do you work together for a common goal? Why do you want to help our little village?
I don't believe in fate. A man forges his own destiny. Whether he succeeds, or fails, is his own fault. As for working together. Heh, Well I suppose so. Though Until about an hour ago I did not know these people. Arrac gives a smile.
I seek glory and wealth, for myself, and so my people. I'm the son of our chief, and so I set out on a personal quest. It has lead me here, where rumors seems to promise plenty of it. Newmark here has asked our assistance.