Sam'hain smiles genuinely. I'd doubt you could drink less than me, my friend. I'll keep a drink for pretense, but my faith leaves little room for inebriation.
He looks at Liandra, almost as if seeking her approval. Do you think that the Tavern is a good place to start?
Liandra grins and nods at the powerful warrior.
On the field he's full of confidence but in a city, this is my territory.
"The best, the more people drink the looser their tongues, especially towards the person paying for the next round."
Sam'hain smiles genuinely. I'd doubt you could drink less than me, my friend. I'll keep a drink for pretense, but my faith leaves little room for inebriation.
Omaz smiles back, "Perhaps after this mission is over, we'll have a reunited Piren's Bluff to toast be it with wine or water."
Liandra grins and nods at the powerful warrior.
On the field he's full of confidence but in a city, this is my territory.
"The best, the more people drink the looser their tongues, especially towards the person paying for the next round."
Omaz nods, "I've noticed the same. A few drinks can make men speak forth things they'd never consider with dry throats."
It is decided then, though there are two taverns here, perhaps we should split up?
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Iridae is only marginally more comfortable in taverns after her time in Liandra's company. A roomful of inebriated men is still far from her favorite. She speaks quietly,If Liandra thinks its the b-best place to start, then thats where we should g-go. She moves closer to the protective wake of her friend. I'm n-not much of a d-drinker either, but I am a very g-good listener.
With a grin that reflects his clarity of purpose, then turns to Gaskar. We'll be at the tavern, then, should you need us. Let us know where you wish to stay; we can make accomodations if you haven't..
Then, Sam'hain offers his companions a resolute nod and heads towards the tavern to get a seat and catch up on gossip.
Omaz will go to the Conqueror's Blade. He seems at ease with it, but then he's been in such places before in his short bouts as adventurer and soldier.
Sam'hain gives Zarif a quick nod. Good idea, Zarif, but I wouldn't like you to go without someone to watch your back. He glances over to where Gaskar had gone. He knows these people...I must assume he will be alright, for there are bigger responsibilities here.
I will go with you, and the others can find out what you can at the Conquerer's Blade. Let us make haste, before any wonder why us strangers are milling about.
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Dead Well
Long-railed hitching posts frame a wide stoop and tall, narrow pine doors providing entrance into the inn. Wood smoke wafts from stone chimneys rising from the steep, wood-shake roof, carrying the promise of warmth and a hot meal within.
Inside the building is a large tavern built around what looks to be a dried out well. About a dozen peasants sit at scattered tables around the large room sipping from what looks like watery ale. Two doors sit behind the bar, likely leading to a kitchen or private room of the staff. A flight of stairs leads up to a balcony that runs around the entire length of the building offering access to a handful of rent-able rooms.
An elderly man with a dagger at his hip wearing an apron moves from table to table, speaking quickly to the various customers and dropping off a mug here and there. When he see's you enter the man gives a small nod of his head and motions towards a table, sizing you up with sharp eyes. "Welcome to the Well. What can I get you?"
Sense Motive DC 20(for those in the Dead Well)
Conqueror's Blade
Inside the building is a well made tavern, fancifully decorated. Several dozen people are gathered around various tables, the majority of which seem to be soldiers or guards. About half the guards seem to be playing cards or dice, calling out raucously, while the other half appear to be simply watching the others play as if waiting here for something.
In the corner of the room sits a human man dressed a bit pompously in brightly colored court garb that looks a bit out of date, his stringy black hair slicked back with scented wax and he looks over the various people in the tavern.
Once inside one of the three barmaids nods towards you, but seems busy enough so as not to direct you to a table, leaving you in peace until you call to them for your order.
The tavern has a flight of stairs that run to a second floor, looking as if it likely has rooms to rent.
DC 18 Perception Check(Conqueror's Blade)
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I suppose its best to try to blend in. Usually its okay if I'm holding a drink, even if I'm not actually drinking it. I-I'd like an ale t-too, please.
(Omaz-- it's a whisper for your ears only.) D-do you see that p-poor girl? S-someone's been hitting her.
Sam'hain returns the nod and sits himself at the table as he takes a visual measure of the man. He turns the seat ever so slightly to afford him a view of the far corner of the room. Ale, if you please good sir
When the barkeep turns away, Sam'hain leans in close to Zarif. It seems as if we've already caused a stir. The two in the corner, they look to be perturbed at our entrance.
He motions to that barmaid in particular to serve his drink if he can.
If that works, and she grows close, he mutters to said barmaid, "Someone treats you unkindly, I see. While you serve me a drink, perhaps you would share your story? Perhaps I can help."
This is not why he's here, but this young woman needs help, and may be a source of information besides.
As they enter the tavern Liandra takes in the scene, the variety of activity keeping her attention from being drawn to anything in particular.
It is with both surprise and a bit of pride that Iridae's message indicates the barmaid has been abused. A low growl sounds in the back of Liandra's throat, one that Iridae knows usually ends with someone on the floor choking on their arrogance, and she clenches her fists as she watches the girl called over by Omaz, studying her reaction and looking at her eyes to see if she glances at anyone in particular when asked about the bruises.
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The Blade
The Well
For their part, the two in corner seem to continue to go about their drinks, talking quietly between each other, but particularly with attention drawn to it they seem to be focusing a good deal on the two of you.
After a few moments the door to the tavern swings open an a tall young man enters making quite a sight, though few of the others seem to pay much attention to him. His clothes are filthy and he wears an extravagantly colored cloak that is far too long which he trips on as he makes his way over to a table.
After a quick look at the newcomer and his outlandish garb, Sam'hain turns his eyes to their two new friends, to see what their opinion of the man might be.
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The Well
The Blade
"Its nothing, truly, Miss... Just spoke a bit without much thought is all. Rhasper has been wanting us paying extra attention to the passer-bys for some reason lately, but he's not one to tolerate rumors or wasting his time. I should 'ave minded my tongue better..."
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The Blade
She gives a small smile to the fighter after the two of you have tried to be kind to her, adding "I have no doubt that there is plenty interesting about you, sir..." Pausing a moment she glances back towards the man in the corner before looking back to you three. "I should get back to work if you don't need anything more."
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Iridae gives the barmaid a soft smile. My n-name is Iridae, by the way. If you n-need to tell anyone ab-bout us, we came in with G-Gaskar's wagon today. I d-did a little scribe work for him, and my companions were his guards. We're enjoying our p-pay.
Oh, who do we speak to about g-getting a room tonight?
After the barmaid replies and leaves Iridae will turn to the group and whisper softly, W-why are they alert for st-strangers here? If they are l-looking for us, then someone close to the General has t-told them to.
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When she is gone, he listens to Iridae's comment and cannot help but agree, "Very curious. Perhaps they will attempt to 'hire' us. New blood might be under watch, but it may also be in demand."
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The Blade
The barmaid nods her head a bit, seeming to accept the explanation evently before flashing a smile back to Omaz. "A pleasure to meet you both and thank you, sir, you really are too kind. I don't know that my problems are something which can so easily be solved. There isn't much work here and Rhaspar isn't one I would wish to be on the wrong side of..."
At the question about the room she brightens and steps back to the table with a smile. "You intend to stay the night then? I can certainly help you." She looks for a moment to the kind fighter and then towards the two who accompany him, asking softly "How many rooms would you be needing?"
The Well
He pauses a moment and glances again from the pitcher to the mugs. "Something wrong with the booze? If you don't drink up how am I supposed to earn my name in cards? He flashes a bit of a grin at that.
Liandra glances back over at the foppish man, concealing a sneer.
"Two I suppose, perhaps three."
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Hmm... she looks pleased that Omaz will be around for a little while longer. Y-yes, I think we'll need th-three rooms; One for m-me and Liandra, one for Omaz, and one for our other 2 c-companions when they g-get back. In a quieter voice, she adds with a little smile, P-please feel free to stop b-by and talk later, with any of-of us.
Liandra couldn't help the small smile that reached her lips.
Given her past Iridae was quite perceptive when it came to the interactions between people, and subtly pointing out that Omaz would have a room to himself was brilliant. She had definitely picked up on the girl's attraction to the exotic warrior, and left the perfect opening should she feel the need to seek protective arms.
As the girl walked away she gave Iridae a subtle nod and a wink.
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The Well
He nods his head at that and then glances back up towards the cloaked man indicated. "Who, Bumbo? He works with Shenk running the kennels, probably for the best. He's Vendikson's nephew but doesn't have much of a brain in his head. Wanders around a lot but doesn't get into much trouble so he's pretty much left in peace."
The Blade
Liandra returns Iridae's smile with one of her own.
"I think I can do a pretty good job of dissuading anyone with light fingers. We won't be needing the private lock"
After the barmaid leaves to retreve the keys she leaans forward.
"While I don's necessarily trust anyone here right now, random guards all getting private locks for their rooms might arouse suspicion. They might not think anything of you getting a lock Omaz, since they'll probably think you an outlander. That way we an all keep anything extra valuable in your room anyway."
Liandra returns Iridae's smile with one of her own.
"I think I can do a pretty good job of dissuading anyone with light fingers. We won't be needing the private lock"
After the barmaid leaves to retreve the keys she leaans forward.
"While I don's necessarily trust anyone here right now, random guards all getting private locks for their rooms might arouse suspicion. They might not think anything of you getting a lock Omaz, since they'll probably think you an outlander. That way we an all keep anything extra valuable in your room anyway."
Now that they are alone, Omaz confesses in a soft comment, "I was thinking not of our property so much as privacy should we need to talk as a group." His voice still a whisper, he adds,"Informers do seem to abound even if they aren't sure why they do what they do now. I find this a bit exciting, but leave it to you, Liandra, for I am out of my depth."
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The Well
While he is watched, Bumbo doesn't seem to pay too much specific attention to anything, simply finding a seat at a table and sitting with his head back as if he were blankly following the lines of the rafters with his gaze while waiting for some food to be dropped off.
The Blade
She trails off as a tall man with long dark hair enters the building, flanked by several other guards. The man wears full plate and has a longsword at his side, a longbow strapped over his back. He wears a tabard with a murder of crows stitched onto it in golden thread and makes his way over to a table amidst the various guards who set down their cards for the moment to focus their attention on them.
The barmaid bites her lip lightly for a moment, giving a small nod towards his table. "If you will excuse me, sir. I must attend to the captain."
The Blade Knowledge Nobility DC 12
At the table, Sam'hain clears his throat politely when it looks like the players are between hands. Pardon me, gentlemen, but have you room for two more?
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The Well
Keeping an eye on the other two new arrivals, they seem to have returned their attention to their drinks and own conversation now that you have settled in with the locals.
[dice=knowledge nobility]1d20
*Message Spell to Omaz and Liandra* D-do you know who that is? He l-looks important.
"No idea," He admits softly in return.
During the game, he'll bring up the following topics in an effort to gauge the opinions of the locals:
The rulership of Cheliax - just, or tyrranical?
The rulership of Andoran and the worth of freedom
General feelings about the Baron...is he a just ruler? A trusted one?
A local temple to Asmodeus, huh? That must be interesting for you?
Sense motive
Bluff
Diplomacy
Hands: