Bor stands fast and helps clear the table so that Tycandus can be laid across it in an effort to calm him.
"Two sips and two visions. Something is wrong. It had no such effect on me. There's a link we are missing."
Bor looks at Gregor, "You said this temptress that disappeared with your brother was half-elven no? A charmer in more ways than mere looks you suspect?" He looks down at Tycandus, "Why would you see the boy in this vision and why would it come before sleep? We are dealing with something new here."
Bor turns and scans the room focusing on faces of the other travelers. Any other half-elves would be as pretty as the fighter. If this be magics a caster should be noticeable in such a small space. Maybe the cup? Bors thoughts rifle through his mind.
Zennor moves back to Tycandus and watches over the elf again. The dwarf smiles to the crowd casually. "Dorn, can you keep everyone else entertained maybe? I can look after our friend but not the worried looks we are getting too."
She shakes head to Vano, "no rooms, I'm afraid. Just a loft. He will be fine if we just let him rest and play it out. Take over the stew bowls and goblets while he thrashes. No need to hold him, just ease him to the ground if he is in danger of falling. This takes a lot of energy. Bor, can you ensure no one bothers us? Gregor thank you for the extra food and drink. He'll be fine."
The dwarfs face show a good deal more frowning concern once it is turned away from the audience. Even Gregor can see the medic's jaw twitch.
Tycandus groans as the convulsions fade, letting the wine fall from his mouth during the last of them, and takes the offer from Vano, and leans on him as they take him up to the loft.
He allows himself to be half carried up to the loft, and tries to steer the group to an area where they can at least section themselves off. A corner or something. He sits with his head between his legs a minute, before looking up, and checking to see that they have a bit of privacy, at least.
"Something's not adding up. All the visions here are centering on the barkeep, in some fashion, and acting almost like warnings for half-elves and maybe elves in particular." He shakes his head, and relays the visions that he had.
Vano shakes his head. What kind of backwater tumbleweed tavern didn't have rooms? Not in Waterdeep anymore, he reminds himself, as if he was ever in any danger of forgetting.
"Dorn, can you keep everyone else entertained maybe? I can look after our friend but not the worried looks we are getting too."
"Your wish is my command. Just take care of him with your usual skill."
Dorn places his hand on Zennor's shoulder and speaks words laced with arcane power. "Just take care of him."
Dorn then moves off to distract the crowd.
As and when Tycandus gets up to the loft, probably with Bor's help, Zennor stays with the elfblood and watches for signs of deception from his patient. The dwarf looks round for beer and remembers where he is. [ooc]Insight roll
No dwarven infirmary would do without ale. Oh yes its the loft. Is he faking this? No then why the problem with elves and half elves around Gregor? He needs a beer. Dwarves are not fey so this does not happen in the mountains?
"I should go calm Gregor, he may not let us stay this night if he feels Tycandus is plague-ridden or haunted by spirits."
Bor>
You notice only a growing apprehension on the faces of the other patrons of the establishment. Some of them are making warding signs in various religions.
"Bahh". "An evil temptress and home-wrecker she were". "I miss my brother, but am happy that she is no longer around". "Still they left me to raise their son, and run this inn alone".
Zennor>
You also notice a few warding signs. Though you have seen fits before, these manifest all the symptoms, except that when they're over, he is as hale as ever. No aftereffects. That you have never observed before.
Dorn>
You rise, and step to the now empty stage area, and begin a performance which slowly gets most of the room paying attention to you instead of the drama at your table...especially since Tycandus seems alright now.
Vano>
You keep an eye out on the crowd but see nothing dangerous or out of place. Eventually you begin to tap your foot along with Dorn's performance.
Tycandus>
You feel fine and wonder why everyone is raising such a stink.
Wisdom: Insight - DC 15
Gregor is hiding something. He seems a bit nervous.
Gregor stands wringing his hands as the second fit fades.
He quickly takes the wine and picture from the table, and gathers up the goblets. "I'm not sure what is wrong...perhaps an allergy to some of the wine's ingrediants". "Let me clear this away, and bring you the houses finest as a means of apology".
"Hey useless"! "Bring a jug of Hollowood Autumn mist for these fine folk".
Perception
You notice that as Gregor stands and barks out his commands, he steps so that his back is to the wall, and his hand hovers near his hidden dagger.
"Good sir you must excuse our disturbance. I have faith our compatriot Dorn can keep your clients entertained while we handle this matter."
At the offer of another finer wine Bor perks up all but forgetting Tycandus' episodes, "Finer wine than we've already tasted?! How is that possible?! You must tell me the secret of your soil!" He steps towards Gregor with intention of helping carry more wine back to the table.
Zennor feels surprise at the quick recovery of Tycandus. He takes a few moments play over the happenings, tahnkful that Dorn is doing so well. He is helping no end.
Then when Gregor leaves, the dwarf waits for the better wine, frowning at the behaviour of the innkeep. When it arrives he stops the boy for a word, making sure Gregor is not watching or listening now, "I am sorry to hear that your father left with a woman. What a shame that woman took him." He watches the boy closely.
"We've had enough to drink," Vano says, more decisively than anyone has ever heard him say anything before. Under the table he draws his daggers.
Tycandus steps down from the table, "I feel fine." He looks over to Gregor, "Your finest vintage, except what you gave us already, right? You did say it was the finest you'd made."
Tycandus moves towards Gregor, "You don't mind if I look at my goblet, do you? I'd really like to figure out what it was I was allergic to."
Dorn walked upon the small stage, and winked at all those gathered around. He took out his flute and playfully tuned it. And then with a dramatic flourish, he spun it around his fingers for a moment, before announcing to the crowd, "Here's to fellows in good spirits! And good spirits in fellows!"
He then laughs heartily and begins to play The Golden Treasure - a fast, upbeat song with brutally tragic lyrics. Of course, no one ever pays any mind to that, since it's sung to such an upbeat, thrumming tempo. A wonderful bar singalong.
But instead of singing the chorus, he opts to playing it on his
flute and hoping some of the patrons know the words. And of course he's thrilled when a few of them chime in, prompting some of the others.
"And give me my treasure! My one, only pleasure! The rest can all go to rust!" they sing in that wonderful, slurred, offkey way that somehow still manages to be glorious praise to Milil.
As Penden tears out through the back door...obviously to grab the Hollowood Autumn Mist, Gregor continues to nervously talk to the group, but keeps his distance. He sits the tray with the unfinished goblets, and half empty jug on another table, and begins to wipe down an adjacent table.
"Oh but I did provide you with the finest from our vineyards". "But our vintage is young, and there are others that have had more time to mature". "We have wines from all over the area, and even some like the Hollowood from exotic locations".
He looks impatiently towards the door. "Now what's keeping that boy"? "Do I have to do everything myself".
He then steps around the table to head towards the door, when Tycandus's words stop him. "Certainly". "Feel free to inspect your goblet". "I have nothing to hide...though I'm not sure which one it was". He nods his head towards the tray he just set down, then hustles towards the back door.
Vano>
You are able to draw your weapons, and none are the wiser, as they have their eyes on Dorn and his merry song.
Tycandus>
Though no wine expert, everything looks OK to you in all the goblets. You are able to single out the one that you had used...you think anyway, and it appears to be normal. When you pour out the contents, you see only the normal residue of rough pressed wine.
Dorn>
The group of residents takes up the spirit of your song, and for the most part forget the troubles at your groups tables. The three halfling brothers are giving you dirty looks, as they are used to being the only semi-professional act in this tavern.
Bor>
Gregor acknowledges your comments, but shews you away when you attempt to assist him. "Don't bother yourself sir". "Just sit back and relax, Penden will bring the really good stuff soon".
Zannor>
You have to wait for Penden to return with the cask of wine before you get a chance to speak with him, as he snaps too when Gregor gives him a command. When you question him you get the following answer.
"Gregor says she stole away my father using magic, and evil elven ways". "She was always nice to me". "I miss my pa".
Wisdom: Insight / DC13
You get the feeling that he is sad and misses his father, and that he is more than a little afraid of Gregor.
The sensitive dwarf puts a gnarled hand onto the boys shoulder and gently asks, "can you tell me all that happened or you saw, or heard after you last saw them. I'm guessing you never said goodbye properly to your pa?"
Zennor>
"Well I was younger, so it was a couple of years ago now". "I remember it was in the late summer, because we were all getting ready for the new press". "They were just here one night and gone the next without a word". "Uncle Gregor and I had to hire some local help to finish the pressing...lost half that batch".
"I can't believe he left and didn't even give me a note or anything". "I thought he loved me".
"I've had enough to drink Penden. Do want to show me this press? Please." Zennor encourages the youth, making sure that some of the others heard everything.
Vano has seen enough to be suspicious. When Gregor makes his exit, he sheathes his daggers.
"Ooof," he says, standing. "That wine's going right through me. I'll just step out to water a tree...."
He makes his way to the back door like a man who really has to go.
Zennor>
"I can't leave here with Gregor not here". "We'll have to wait till he gets back...or you could just go look yourself". "It's kind of boring". "It's up past our cabin to the right as you leave the back door".
Vano>
You head out the back door and a trail splits to the left down a hill towards what you assume are the 'Facilities' and up the hill towards several outbuildings, and a hillside full of grape arbors.
Notice: DC-10
You see Gregor duck into the door of what is obviously a residential cabin of some sort.
About that time Dorn finishes up his latest song to immense applause, and a scattering of coins (9 CP, 3-SP, and a gold from a homely lass in the corner)...and Penden heads towards a rowdy group up front calling for more wine.
Zennor>
"I can't leave here with Gregor not here". "We'll have to wait till he gets back...or you could just go look yourself". "It's kind of boring". "It's up past our cabin to the right as you leave the back door".
Vano>
You head out the back door and a trail splits to the left down a hill towards what you assume are the 'Facilities' and up the hill towards several outbuildings, and a hillside full of grape arbors.
Notice: DC-10
You see Gregor duck into the door of what is obviously a residential cabin of some sort.
About that time Dorn finishes up his latest song to immense applause, and a scattering of coins (9 CP, 3-SP, and a gold from a homely lass in the corner)...and Penden heads towards a rowdy group up front calling for more wine.
Vano spies Gregor slipping into a cabin and hurries quickly but quietly to the building, listening at the door.
"I've had enough to drink Penden. Do want to show me this press? Please." Zennor encourages the youth, making sure that some of the others heard everything.
Bor hears the mention of a press out back an wonders...it couldn't be! He quickly rifles through his pockets and pulls out a folded piece of parchment. Careful not to tear it he unfolds the scrawled page and spins it til its design is upright.
"Yes! Zennor let us go see this press! I have a fondness for farm implements of all kinds. Maybe I could enlighten you to its mechanics? Possibly enlighten myself! Bor exclaims as he heads towards the back door.
Zennor's mouth does a passable impression of a fish, not expecting Bor to turn all gnomish on her. "You.....you know .....farm... implements? Yes, lets go....thank you Penden."
She lets the big man drag her away.
Zennor's mouth does a passable impression of a fish, not expecting Bor to turn all gnomish on her. "You.....you know .....farm... implements?
Bor's eyes widen at the Dwarf's impression of a Gnome and a smile breaks his face in half. "Have I not told you about my days as a farmer?! Steering oxen through seas of dirt! The connection you glean from touching soil and brandishing food with one's labors?! It's a very validating occupation," he states proudly placing a hand on the Zennor's shoulder as they walk out back side by side.
DM Rolls
Perception
Vano>
You hear brisk movement of someone walking about rather quickly.from inside the house. As you sneak closer to the house, you don't see the branch beneath a layer of leaves, and the night is interrupted by a muffled snap as you step on a branch.
Zennor and Bor>
As you step out the back door you see the trail leading down towards the facilities (And a rather crude and vulgar sign makes that obvious), and the trail going up the hillside towards the vineyards. You see a small residence, and a larger shed further up the hill.
You also look towards the house and see Vano cringe as he steps on a branch. He appears to be sneaking towards the residence.
Vano, Zennor, Bor>
"Who is there"! "Is there someone out there"? Comes the muffled voice of Gregor from inside the cabin.
Thcandus & Dorn> You see the others step out the back door, and Penden rushing to serve the patrons. What are your actions?
Tycandus will leave out another door but try to keep an eye on Gregor
Tycandus will leave out another door but try to keep an eye on Gregor
There are only the front door, and the back door that the others went out. Gregor left several minutes ago, and is apparently in the cabin out back.
Then Tycandus will head towards the cabin.
At the sound of the unusually loud elf Bor quietly states, "What in the Gods' names is he up to?"
And when Gregor calls out from the cabin, Bor looks down at Zennor and almost bursts out laughing, "'twould seem the party is moving. Shall we see how far our welcome extends, MMMM'lady... With an ungracious yet courteously exaggerated bow, Bor extends his hand to the Dwarf as if he'd only ever heard how to court a lady via tales of pompous nobles (which is most certainly the case).
Zennor motions to Bor to quieten and then rolls her eyes at the noisy elf, but just as she is about to admonish Vano, Gregor calls out. The dwarven priest freezes for alittle while. She holds Bor's hand in a tight grip (for her) so that they can be still.
"Quiet Bor! He is hiding something. Something that hurts Tycandus. Vano knows what, I believe." she murmurs carefully.
When and if Gregor returns inside, Zennor continues with the large man but moving as stealthily as a scout, avoiding roots as she goes.
Tycandus steps out the door to see Zennor and Bor standing just outside looking up at a cabin, and Vano standing a few feet from the front door of the cabin.
Suddenly the door opens and Gregor peaks out.
"You"! "What do you want"? Can't a man go to his own house without causing a ruckus"? "Is Pendon not serving you"? "Please go back and wait inside". "I'll only be a little while".
Dorn> ?
Vano winces and realizes he's caught. He's got no choice but to put it all on the line and hope his friends back him.
"I want to know what you put in my friend's drink," he says. He draws his dagger again and keeps his eye fixed on Gregor. "Since I'm not in the mood to be drugged and murdered in my sleep tonight, so perhaps it is best that we step inside and see exactly what you're up to in here." He makes a gesture with his empty hand, inviting Gregor to step back into the cabin.
Dorn pockets his earnings with a smile and gracious bow. He even takes a moment to wink and grin suggestively at the woman who left him the gold coin.
He noticed that his new companions were gone, except for Tycandus who had walked out to follow Gregor. And so once he could do so he followed after him as discretely as possible.
He arrived just in time to find Gregor being threatened.
"Am I interrupting something?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Zennor casts thaumaturgy after sliding behind Bor and makes the hollow sounds of a man and woman's final cry from beyond the hut.
Bor and Zennor approach the house as Vano makes obvious his loyalties, "The lady and I were out to see the wine press and discuss some agriculture but we see a new chapter has developed this night."
Bor puts a hand gently on Vano's shoulder, "Maybe you've come on a bit strong my friend. This good man has suffered a loss and gained innumerable responsibilities because of it. We cannot be so sure that he was the cause of Ty's fits."
"I'll apologize for disturbing you this evening. If you think of any remedy for my friend please see me." Bor steps between Vano and Gregor and reaches in to shut the door.
Zennor nods appreciatively to Gregor and Bor. "Lets go see this press, Bor. Penden said it was a new one. Sounds good."
Tycandus> At the moment everyone is outside the man's cabin except Dorn, who is now emerging out the back of the tavern.
Vano> Gregor stares at you and shouts before slamming the door. You hear the sound of a bolt sliding into place.
"I've put nothing in his wine". "Why would I do that to a paying customer"? "Besides he is fine". "He stands right there". "If anything I am afraid that I might catch whatever illness he has".
"You're all nothing but troublemakers". "No you can't come in my house, and I'd appreciate it if you'd leave the property". "I don't want any trouble, so the wine's on the house".
As Dorn steps out the door, and exclaims on the confrontation, you all hear a male, and female cry of death from behind the cabin somewhere.
Zennor
Unless you're sharing with the party what you are doing, or you have adventured together enough to know, it might be preferable to put this action in a spoiler.
Bor>
As you approach, and lay your hand on Vano's shoulder, you see the door slammed and bolted. You yell your words at the now closed up cabin, but don't get a response.
Insight
From your brief exposure to the situation, and the sound of Gregor's voice, all you sense is that he is frightened... very frightened.
Zennor>
You know enough about wine to know that somehow the juice is pressed out of the grapes before vinting the wine. You assume this is what the "press" does.
You have no idea what is happening with Gregor.
DM Only
Zennor shouts back through the door, "I will go back inside. But we are all simply worried for our friend. Sorry to trouble you so much, Gregor."
She storms back inside annoyed at the way things turned out, especially the fact that Gregor is now wise to them.
Tycandus steps back inside shaking his head a bit and waits for the others to make their way back. "My suggestion for now would be we take ourselves to the common room above the fire, and keep watch, and leave first thing in the morning. The quicker we're on our way, the quicker we leave this place in our traildust."
Bor stands facing the door that has just received his apology and shrugs. "Well, hmm, I guess he's not interested in apologies. Let's go check out the press!
With that he turns and smiles at Zennor and they march off back down the trail but this time veering off to go see the wine press.
Zennor went back in the Inn. When Bor turns to the dwarf, she is gone. Probably sat with eldritch knight, checking to make sure that the elf is well.
With that he turns and smilesat Zennor and theymarch off back down the trail but this time veering off to go see the wine press.
But Zennor is not there! Hmm, she must've had her fill of apologies too. "Hmph, Off to the press!" and with that he marches down the trail alone.
Vano glares at the door for a moment, but his confidence is rattled. What kind of devious mind leaves sticks lying around on the floor? Or perhaps it's just a natural part of life in the country. Either esy, he slinks back inside.
"I don't know what it is exactly, but Gregor's up to no good. I would not eat or drink anything more while we're here, and if we must sleep here, I, at least, will be sleeping in my armor." he says to the others.
The group sans Bor and maybe Dorn head back inside, and make their way to the loft above the fireplace, spreading out their bedrolls, and making the best of the surroundings.
Everyone notices that Gregor does not return, but Pedren keeps things running as the crowd begins to thin for the evening.
Bor> And maybe Dorn
You walk up the hill past the cabin (Gregor talking under his breath, and some banging sounds from inside). You come to a fairly large covered shed just beyond the house. It contains a grape stained low wagon, and a quantity of boxes, and kegs under tarps. Out front is a large round tub about 8' in diameter and 6' high. Next to it is a ladder leading up to a platform. On the side of the tub is a spigot. There is a vertical post in the center of the tub, with a lid that has a hole in the middle of it for the post. There is a large pile of head sized rocks on the platform.You can see that the press works as follows.
The grapes are fed into the tub with the lid removed. The lid is then replaced and stones are packed on top of it to provide pressure to force the juice from the grapes. The amount of time they are allowed to sit before adding more weight, and the amount of weight added each time are what determine how good the wine is.
As it is late fall and almost harvest time, you can see that some repair work has recently been performed in the area, and grape pressing time draws near.