"I go to Grove first, then find you at the inn. Lion is hungry."
Trane speaks with some concern for his companion.
Balthasar shrugs. "Suit yourself, Trane. I will be at the inn for some time, I think."
His robes weighing him down less than armour, Balthasar finds himself already in front of the doors of the Inn. As he turns around to address his mates, however, Balthasar's eyes wander over the bluish stones as Trane disappears towards them. I wonder if the stones or the grove holds secrets for me?
The thought passes in a fleeting moment, and Balthasar opens the doors that lead into the Inn of the Welcome Wench. "Aah," he says, as he looks around.
"I will also be going to worship before I go to the Inn. I will see all of you later in the evening."
Turning to Garm.
"Garm if your singing tonight please keep it low key I don't want to pull Bryce down from the bar or off the barmaid."
Velcore bows to the rest of his companions and heads north toward the temple.
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Those of you entering the inn note this large place is bright and cheerful. It contains several rough-hewn tables and chairs, boards, and benches. Natural tree trunk pillars support the ceiling overhead, all dark with smoke and age. A motley group of people is here.
Several serving girls are carrying orders to and from the bar and kitchen, and a burly man wearing a white apron comes out from behind the bar and greets you at the doorway.
Ostler: Come in, come in! Welcome to the Wench, the finest establishment this side of Magnimar! I am Ostler Gundigoot, the innkeeper...how may we serve you?
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"Hearty food and a bottle of Corentyn wine if you have it, my good man," says Balthasar. "Do you have rooms available for the night?"
I will attempt to Master Valiantheart. No promises though, I haven't recounted the 101 Hounds of the 99 Hells in quite awhile. I may opt for the less...messy ending this time. I find I get better reviews...and coin, that way.
***
I whistle a little ditty as I walk into the Inn of the Welcome Wench.
My good man, I am a performer in need of a hot meal and a good night's rest. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement?
I give him a sample of my repertoire.
In addition, I can offer a number of curatives for snakebites and hangovers. problems with rats in the cellar? Not when you use my 100% Guaranteed Rat-B-Gone!* I show off my alchemy station as well as one of my Alchemist Fires.
*A large tag with fine print on the bottle reads: Alchemist not responsible for poor aim, miss chance, poor Base Attack bonus, ability drain, ability damage, or collateral damage. Do not leave within reach of children. DO NOT DRINK.
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Ostler: Hearty food we have plenty of sir, and we have rooms for you all if you so desire. Would you like to obtain rooms and settle in first, or would you like to fill yourself with our fine fare?
We have a delightful selection on the current menu, including choice venison, mutton, poached salmon, stuffed trout, specially prepared kidney pie with mushrooms, squab, stuffed pheasant, and boiled crayfish in drawn butter are just a few of the epicurean delights. We also have a wide selection of ales and beers, wine, mead, and brandies from throughout Varisia.
A room for the night for myself. As for the fare, I would love some Varisian brandy and the boiled crayfish sounds delightful. I am careful not to spend more than 4 gp.
Once the room arrangements and payments are in order I set my alchemist pack in my room and rejoin my companions at whatever table they have chosen.
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Ostler (to Garm): Very interesting, sir...we haven't had a gleeman come this way in quite some time. A performance in return for room and board may be something we can agree on.
As far as your alchemical notions are concerned, I would thank you to not engage in such activity on these premises...either concocting them or selling them. If that is not agreeable to you, feel free to find some other place to stay and sell your wares. Alcohol and Alchemy always result in disaster when people mix them together!
As you wish master Gundigoot. I would be more than willing to entertain your crowd this evening.
@Story Master:
Perform check for the evening. I will eat after the performance.
Velcore pauses before the building to take in the site and breath of fresh night air, then continues up the steps to the door.
"Icyu Iuseltael'l ansl I wu." (Into Iomedae's arms I go.)
Once to the door I will knock.
"Ah, nothing Chelish?" Balthasar looks decidedly disappointed. "I suppose a mug of Caydenbrew and poached salmon would be just as good."
"Now onto matters of bed and room," Balthasar addresses the innkeeper. "Is there any work for a master of arcane secrets, delver of ancient tomes such as I?... and preferrably something I can do as payment for such a service as a warm bed to sleep in and a roof over my head."
The druid and lion approached the Grove with caution. You never knew what to expect--so it was always best to be on guard.
Trane smiled at the design of the town that gave the Grove such a prominent place.
I am glad I was brought back to human society. Maybe nature and man can coexist.
Eric follows along with the group the to Inn. Keeps silent around the barmaids and to the Inn Keeper "Bread, stew, and tea with honey if you have it.
And two magicians are better than one, don't you agree Balthazar?
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Nervously glancing about the room as Carp feel quite uncomfortable in such a bright and cheerful setting, something must be wrong here:
Looking for anything amiss, such as zombie prostitutes, strategically placed thugs or overbearing city watch as nothing is naturally cheerful.
To the innkeep:
"I need food".
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Ostler (to Garm): Well! I had no idea you were so talented! Your abilities will certainly attract more customers once word spreads. You may have free room and 3 meals per day, and keep any tips you may earn from the audience, for each day you perform.
Ostler (to Balthasar): I know of no such work, sir, but then again I spend my days here serving customers…unless you know of a spell that scrubs pots! He tilts his head back, laughing at his little joke…Ha Ha Ha Ha…Ahem, sorry… I suggest speaking with the village Elder if you are looking for work. Does this mean you have no coin to pay for a room or meal? That would make this conversation…uncomfortable for both of us.
Ostler (to Eric): Certainly, sir! Find yourself a seat and we shall serve you promptly! He waves at one of the serving girls: Take care of this gentleman please…bread, stew, tea with honey.
Ostler (to Rafael): (Still chuckling over his “pots” comment) – Goodness, another spell slinger? I hope you gentlemen find something constructive to occupy your time in Hommlett that doesn’t involve turning people into newts! He laughs again, then quickly feels uncomfortable to have done so… Forgive me sirs, it is most unusual to have one magic user in Hommlett, let alone to meet two in one day! I am letting the commoner superstitions sway my behavior. I apologize. The advice remains the same, however…talk to the Elder, who may know of matters I certainly would have no knowledge of.
Ostler (to Cananthir): Certainly, sir. Have a seat and someone will be right with you to take your order!
Prestidigitation! The pots-and plates and everything in the kitchen- begin to magically scrub themselves. After a few minutes everything is spot clean.
Now let's talk payment. Remember: food equals money, more clean plates equals more food sold and faster food equals faster money. So, since I saved you so much time-money, you can give me a room and food and half of what you would usually pay for cleaning. A fair price and certainly quite less than what you would have to pay, don't you agree?
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Oster watches the kitchen dishes clean themselves, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Okay....Ummmm...tell you what... pointing at Rafael and Balthasar you two have convinced me that there is some merit to your talents. Now I have two pot boys who have nothing to do, however, so it is a mixed blessing. You can stay one night, and meals are on me. I still suggest you speak with the Elder and find something that would be more...challenging perhaps?
Very well. I accept the payment. So tell me Ostler,while the food is cooking, the innkeeper must learn of anything that passes in Homlett. What are the news, what's there to be?
@Story Master:
Delighted to have discovered an acoustically perfect stage, I re-tell a couple of my favorite short stories, (The Bishop's Son and The Boy who Cried Worg). After a short interlude, I begin the tale, 101 hounds of the 99 Hells.
I use Silent Image to enact hellish landscapes and still images of the valiant Paladin King slaying all 101 demons (being careful to limit my illusions to the stage so as not to unduly frighten the audience). I end with the more cheerful alternate ending where the Paladin King defeats his final adversary in hand-to-hand combat at the edge of the Worldwound and frees the souls of his fallen warriors before passing into the Celestial Heavens.
To sup upon the devil's tane.
Forthwith their souls, of angel's proclaim,
Would sup anew with him that day.
By one last deed was Lothragar known,
Afore they whisked away his bone.
T'was a final kiss to impart
To her that held steadfast his heart.
Behold the day is born anew.
***
After the performance, I sit down to my meal of boiled crayfish and Varisian brandy. Noticing the somewhat surly barbarian hiding at a corner table, I pick up my food and head over, despite his grumblings.
Whatever has you so surly this eve, master Acalimon? Surely it cannot be the food? I take an enormous bite of the crayfish before continuing. If it's adventure you are after I'm sure the Elder will have need of our services, if the recent rumours are any indication.
The graceful cat is drawn to the central oaks along the narrow path. Both a desire to increase her separation from 'civilization' and curiosity to see what lies at the center drive her onward. Her rumbling tummy is soon forgotten as she feels some comfort at her surroundings. The hard edges and sharp corners of the places humans loved to pen themselves up in offended and confused her.
Velcore shakes his hand with a firm grip.
Well met brother I wanted to use the Chapel for evening prayers and meditation. I also may need accommodations if the Inn is full. Do you have some food and a spare cot?
I would also like to speak to Terjon in the morning. Please let him know.
Bryce enjoys the Inn immensely. He follows Garm's order for Varisian brandy, and then follows with specially prepared kidney pie with mushrooms, along with some dark beer/ale (unless the innkeeper would recommend some drink which would fit better). Then his mood suddenly drops, as he comes to an inevitable conclusion.
"Erm, actually...I've changed my mind. Cancel the previous order good man. I'd take whatever, if anything, you are willing to offer in exchange for some manual work. I can wash the dishes, saw or chop wood if needed, peel potatoes. Whatever you say - for just one plate of broth, and cheapest ale you have." - half-elf squeezes his empty money pouch, and looks Ostler straight in the eyes, hoping for a positive answer.
Damn, it must have been one hell of a party last night, if I have no coins left
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Ostler (to Rafael): Well, being surrounded by farms, you might imagine that much of the talk that happens in here is either about the weather, the crops, or livestock. As far as out-of-the-ordinary troubles, I am proud to inform you that most of the able-bodied men around here are part of the village militia, and we don't put up with threats to our lives or livelihoods. It's been quiet for several years, since that evil bunch at the temple were run out of the country, but trouble seems to be creeping back. I hear rumors from travelers that bandits are roaming around, stealing things.
You might want to talk to several others in town, who also have frequent contact with others: Jaroo, the druid, hates evil in all forms, as does the church of Iomedea. There is also a trading post here, run by Rannos and Gremag - they see most of the folks who pass through here...and (he whispers) they try to squeeze every copper out of you, so watch yourself. The Elder seems to know everything that happens around here, but that's because he is also the Justice of the Peace. And...let's see...who else...oh, yes, how could I forget! Be sure and talk to Rufus and Burne, in the tower east of town. Those two made a tidy sum adventuring around here, and Burne calls himself "His Most Worshipful Mage of Hommlett." He can work a little magic himself, so I'm certain you folks would have a lot to talk about.
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Sense Motive: Calmert seems sincere, and is excited that a fellow cleric of the faith is in the village.
Perception: Things look like a standard Temple of Iomedea, and Calmert is wearing the standard vestments of the faith.
Ostler (to Bryce): Hmmph! Seems like many of you have empty pockets. There's an 1/8th cord of wood just outside the kitchen door out back...and an axe is there too. Split that wood into quarters...and be quick about it...and I will feed you a decent meal. Well...don't just stand there...hop to it!
Oh, just put it on my tab. He's exhausted from the road and I doubt he can lift an axe. After all, I saved you so much work so you can spare a meal, can't you?
Thank you Calmert, can you give me a brief tour then I can help myself and not bother you any more tonight. Velcore will wait for Calmert to invite him into the temple.
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Pulling Eric aside Carp tells him about Elmo the drunken idiot:
"Eric, look at the fool at the bar. He thinks someone should buy him chain armor, a BIG axe and boasts to be a real "man at arms". He's been watching us too closely and I don't like braggarts. I say we take him around back, rough him up a bit and see what he knows."
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Velcore: You are given a tour of the Temple's first floor, which includes the entrance hall, processional, sanctuary and altar. Calmert leads you up a flight of stairs to the second level, where there are several rooms that serve as the quarters for the Temple staff. He shows you the Cleric's Chamber, a large, well-furnished room with several cots, a brazier, and various furnishings such as washstands and closets. Above this chamber the temple tower extends another 30 feet, and you can see a collection of bells, chimes and gongs.
Calmert: This is where I stay, and you are welcome here as well. You shan't sleep in however, as I climb up there and ring the bells at dawn, noon and dusk, in addition to sounding them during services. He grins while he tells you this...
Thank you very much Ostler.
He eats his dinner, engaging in friendly conversation with the party and the other patrons.
“The bells will not wake me, I do not sleep well and I always greet the blessing of a new day with thankful prayers. Thank you again Calmert. After a short prayer I will dine with my companions at the Inn and will be back again later this evening. Good night Calmert. Iuseltael woant zuon nelly.( Iomedae guard your rest.) “ Bowing to Calmert, Velcore turns and walks down the hall toward the sanctuary.
The suggestion that he was not willing to pay for his meal brought a look of blatant indignation to Balthasar's face. "Well, I never...!"
"Here you are, my good man, for services and the good meal rendered. I shall talk to the Elder in the morn, then," he says, as he pulls out a few silvers from his belt pouch. The last ones I had, too. Damn. Balthasar hesitates for a second as the innkeep lays upon Rafael the local news. After the conversation is over, he pulls over Rafael and says, "Well, if this Burne fellow would not mind meeting me first thing in the morning, I will pay him a visit first tomorrow, so you know where to expect me... for the love of my life, I cannot see some of our companions, so please let them know."
"Now..." Balthasar's tone of voice changed as his gaze swept around the tavern. "If there is nothing more to do, I believe I will retire to my quarters."
As the druid followed his lion through the grove, he was quiet out as he contemplated the events of his life that had brought him here. Having a grove to decompress at would make his transition to a peopled society easier. Moving with his cats to the copse of trees, he was curious to meet another druid. His elven mentor was an accomplished druid. What would this one be like?
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A stout young man, looking somewhat inebriated, approaches the table where Eric and Carp are sitting, carrying three flagons. He sits down without asking, and slides a flagon of ale toward both of them.
Elmo: I have been waiting for this day my entire life! What good fortune that you have arrived in Hommlett! I can tell, just by looking at you, that you two are professionals in the use of arms! So...what say I join you?
He holds up his hands, palms out, at your expressions... Now, before you say no, hear me out...I am Elmo, and I too am a Man at Arms, a member of the Hommlett militia! But, we only practice once a month, and then we all go back to being farmers, or whatever our trade is. Don't get me wrong, helping out at dad's farm is important, but I want to do more with my life that milk the cow and shovel manure!
Now is the opportunity! I'm pretty handy with an axe, and have proven that in our drills. And, I'm big and strong, and I have hunted this area so I know it well. And, I can track better than anyone! Are you on an adventure? A quest? Off to smite the evils that threaten the innocent? That's what I want to do! Give me a chance, what do you say? I have a wood axe, but if you could help me get some armor, and maybe a bigger axe, that would be all I ask for...
"Look we don't really have a leader, so we'd have to put it to a vote. In fact I wouldn't call us an an adventuring company as such. We are more like band of travellers who decided to stick together when their money started to run out." Clearly thinking about it a moment, he goes on "If something does turn up for us and we need somebody and we can get enough money to get you some decent gear and you've got some references I'll see what I can do, but It won't be tonight."
You do realise Elmo that the adventuring life is hard. Many dangers, not enough payment. You would be better off in the farm. But if you insist, we can always use a good tracker, only I hope you won't be disappointed in our limited armaments selection
Balthasar nods. "My raven friend here is correct. Adventuring is a thankless job not for the faint-hearted - then again, we could always use an extra man on the front lines. My suggestion is as follows, gentlemen: let him try his luck at a good, old-fashioned test of skill. Best any one of us in combat tonight and I am sure my colleagues might consider your proposal in a better light. Oh, if we do, we'd better take it outside; I'm not sure the innkeep would forgive us if we broke... things."
I continue to dig into my boiled crayfish and listen to this exuberant young man.
I let the more martial folks talk things over about Elmo joining us.
Gentlemen, I would like you to accept this gratuity as a thank you for not letting that half - ogre from the last town throw me through the window.
I am of course not talking to Elmo. I hand 2 gp from my earnings to each of my party members (-14 gp). Assume I hand the rest of the party members their share when I see them next.