The Hookscratch Inn (Open to everyone/anyone)

Game Master Halflingtime

Oh, I'm delighted to hear you'll take the case Mister Jankowski. Now, please, I have pressing business. My Valet, Malcolm, will be here shortly with a payment that should cover your standard fee, plus expenses for one week. Tonight, say sunset, I'll return and tell you exactly what it is I need from you.

"*gulp* Of course, sir, and sorry about your pens." Cyrielle grabs the coffee pot and pours a cup for the private investigator. Is he a regular? Did I take some of his pens already?

It's alright Aebin, I say as I place a silver coin on the table.

This dame is with me, and she will be on her best behavior. You have my word. Now, as soon as she tells us her name. I'll introduce you to her.

Aebin ignores the coin, letting Cyrielle sweep it up when she comes over. "I'll hold you to that Victor."

She stood and extended a hand to the bouncer My name is Rubianna Mysterian. My friends call me Ruby.

"Nice to meet you Ms.Mysterian. Let Cyrielle know if you need anything." He steps away to let the two chat in peace, if not privacy.

Aebin gives a nod to Ms.Crimson, going back to his seat, placing both boots on the ground. He puffs slowly on his pipe, still listening to the conversation between the two while sparing glances outside.

Hallidan wakes to sunlight streaming in through the window. He squints against it. "Morning already?" he mumbles. It feels as though he had just gotten to sleep. He rolls over and dozes. Like most mornings, this one had come much too soon.

Beside him, a figure stirs and groans softly in a feminine octave. Hal opens his eyes. A mass of dark-red hair attached to a bare torso with its back to him lies within inches of his face. He snakes a hand across the figure's waist, and it rolls over to look at him. A girl whom Hal had thought was much prettier the night before meets his gaze through half-closed lids. "Hi," she says with a sleepy smile.

He exhales through his nose. "Hi." He rolls onto his back and stretches, rubbing his eyes. What was her name again? R... Roxy? Rada? He's fairly certain it started with an R. He rests one arm across his eyes and, with the other, points across the room on the girl's other side. "Be a dear and fetch my shirt, would you?"

She pauses for a second, not moving. Undoubtedly she had been expecting more pillow talk. Then, slowly she starts to leave the bed. This particular shirt was quite special. It was, in fact, his armor, made of mithral links and enchanted to make it look however he pleased. Right now it had kept the same appearance it usually had; that of patterned silk. "Ungh," the girl grunts, presumably having just picked it up. The shirt is much lighter than most armor, but still heavier than any silk garment had a right to be. "What is this thing?"

He waves a hand, uncovering his eyes and looking at her. "Never you mind, just toss it over." It lands with a muffled thud on the bed, and he grabs it and pulls it on. "Thanks, love. Now fetch us some breakfast too, I'm starving."

The girl clearly starts losing her patience at this point. She stands next to the bed, fully nude, having started to climb back onto it but gotten back off again. "What's my name?" she says after a pause, her hands on her hips.

He bites his tongue in thought, squinting at her. "R... Renee?"

"Ravelle," she says in a harsh tone. She grabs various pieces of clothing scattered on the floor, putting them on. "And I'll be damned if I'm getting you breakfast." She slams the door behind her.

The girl emerges into the common area, hastily dressed. Noticing she isn't alone, her cheeks turn pink as she lowers her gaze and heads quickly toward the door.

Aebin's eyes flick up to see the half-dressed girl. Sun's up. Guessing that was Hal's. He sips at his coffee.

Davi stirs under her blankets. She groans and stretches. It's been two weeks since she started the night shift and she still hasn't learned how to sleep through all the daytime noise. "Ugh. Do people really have to slam doors? It's too early for this."

She quickly throws on a change of clothes before staggering into the common room. "Coffee. Please." Davi leans against the doorjam with her eyes half closed. One hand starts smoothing out her fly away hair. "Coffee is magic."

Ms. Crimson emerges from the employee's quarters almost immediately after Davi. This time she looks like she should; her orange hair is tied up in a flamboyant scarf, and tanned skin breeches cover her legs until they are swallowed by well-loved, shining boots with an emblazoned swan motif.

"A notice to all of our dear employees. There is a reason that the bathing chamber is blockaded. You are NOT to move the blockade until such time as someone fetches Professor Ebenezer Vaghn from the Arcanamirium across town."

She smiles serenely. "In the meantime, feel free to ask for the pittance required to frequent a better bathing facility."

She regards Davi for a moment and makes a "tsk"ing sound at Hallowid.

The cat makes some weird, guttural sounds in response and leaps next to the coffeepot on the bar before she jumps down and struts to the front door.

"Morning, Davi! You're up early." Cyrielle pours her co-worker a cup of coffee and hands it over, perking her ears at Ms. Crimson's words. "Boss-lady, do you want me to go? I could go get the prof-ess-or from the Arc-can-nar-ium if you'd like." An eager expression is plastered on her face.

I'd be down to write a solo adventure across the city, unless you'd prefer we get used to a routine at the Inn instead.

He lies back on his pillow. Ah, well. Worth a shot. He isn't worried that he might never see the redheaded girl again. She wasn't the first to leave in such a huff, and he has no reason to suspect she'll be the last. Absently he waves a hand toward his other possessions. With a command word, each of them in turn floats casually toward him on the bed. He had asked the girl to fetch his armor for two reasons: one, he wanted to know if she'd do it; and two, it's the only thing he owns that he can't summon this way. Too heavy for such a minor spell.

He dresses just enough to be presentable, rubs his eyes again, and heads toward the bathing chamber. When he reaches it he finds it blocked off. He returns to his room, finishes dressing, and makes his way into the common area. "Ms. Crimson, dearie," he calls out before spotting her. "I notice the bathing chamber's blocked off. Problem with the pipes?" He sits down heavily on a stool at the bar. He won't be on to start playing for some hours yet; might as well have a drink. He nods to each of the other employees in turn. "Morning Aebin. Cyrielle. Davi, such a pleasure love."

Hope you don't mind if I dot this. It's fun to read.

Go ahead and dot it. It's an open-participation tavern. Stop on by and have a drink if you'd like!

"Ah, thank you little one" Davi leans against the counter and takes a sip. A look of pleasure flashes across her face. "Drink of the gods, that is" Davi waves to Aebin as Hallidan enters. Her expression darkens when she sees the bard. "Hal. Was that your new friend I heard storming out of here?"

Anyone may dot in OOC terms."I could cover for you, if you're willing to make the trek, little one, but not without his name pinned to your frock. Twouldn't do to send you through the largest metropolis in the world without a clear destination."

Ms. Crimson brushes her chin in thought, then gives a knowing glance to Aebin.
"Well, maybe that once, what with the man who wore the live homunculus on his head in the shape of a pointed nose? I wonder what happened to him whilst we ran from the orb-shaped Menace of Truul..."

She waves her hand. "Neither here nor there. HAL!" she barks. "The theme of tonight's performance is "flame"! I trust you won't disappoint. Or immediately find a new one."
Her pointing finger lands on Davi.
"Miss Davi, the potpourri to use today is lavender. You will find it stocked in the proper cabinet."

"'Morning Hal." Aebin greets the bard. "Got a show planned for us today?" He gives a morning nod to Davi as well.

Hope you don't mind if I dot this. It's fun to read.

Dot? Join in on the fun!

Ms. Crimson brushes her chin in thought, then gives a knowing glance to Aebin.

Aebin briefly barks a loud laugh before settling himself down, not bothering to explain the inside joke. He also gets sobered up by the "flame" performance idea. "I hope it's all just illusion, I'm a lot better at throwing rowdy drunks out than putting out a fire."

He shakes his head at Davi. "Old news, sweetness. You know I only have eyes for one." He gives her a wink.

He jumps slightly as Ms. Crimson barks his name. "Flame, huh? I can work with that." Mentally he goes over some of the songs he might perform. "Dragon's Fire," "Hotter Than the Seven Hells," and "Burned By You" would all work nicely. Would "The Efreeti and the Marid" be flame-y enough? He supposes he'll just have to see how things are going.

"And it's whichever 'one' you're looking at!" Cyrielle finishes for Hallidan. "Okay, I'll be back with the prof-ess-or in a bit. Wish me luck!" She shifts appearances, taking on the shape of a blonde-colored desert fox with a red discoloration on her face-fur, and steps out the door.

Will be writing a solo mini-adventure.

Ms. Crimson holds out a hand tersely, and then draws it back.
"She never did get that name, did she?" The innkeeper shrugs heavily. "That little girl is giving me gray hair." she says quite seriously, though even a single strand of-non orange hair can be seen on her head.

"It goes without saying that sometimes, I am tempted to assign you boon companions, with which you must always linger, and whose well-being you are responsible for. I think there is already a term for that, but the syllables always evade me."

She puts on a dignified smile. "Ah, yes. A botty system."

He laughs at Cyrielle's retort. "I'm afraid I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about." He watches her scamper off. That girl's savvy for her age. He turns back to the bar. "A 'buddy' system, lass? I'm sure she'll be fine, clever girl as she is. Anyway, I'm starving. What's good this morning? And a mug of that house ale, if you don't mind."

A gloved hand shoves a steaming pile of spiced potato dumplings on the counter of the kitchen window. Another, identical glove provides a tiered dish covered in bacon.
For a moment, Davi is certain she sees a green tentacle pepper the latter, but it is over as soon as it starts.

Quite out of place, the doors to the Inn open to a very short visitor. And scaly. A green-brown scaled kobold wanders into the main room of the bar and scopes out a table suitable to his size near the fireplace. His attire almost begs to be inquired about - the little dragon wears a city guard uniform, clearly sized and tailored to his anatomy. But it's almost impossible to see underneath the belts looping around his torso and waist, all of them clinking with glass bottles filled with vibrantly colored liquids in nearly every color. Every other spot not occupied by a bottle holds what looks like a tiny paper rocket.

Draxwile seems to spot a table he likes, hiking over to the space with a thunk of his spear's butt on the wooden floor. Leaning his weapon on the table, Draxwile claims the place as his own by laying out his backpack and rummaging through it, pulling out papers, pen and ink as he picks a bottle seemingly at random and placing it on the table in front of him, starting to scribble on the paper. Of course, reading over his shoulder, it appears to simply be gibberish...

Davi watches Cyrielle trot out the door. "I wouldn't mind going out after her m'am, if you feel the need." She moves behind the counter and pours ale for Hallidan. "Hair of the dog, hmm? I don't know if the cook's up yet-" She snaps her mouth shut as the food appears like magic. Was that a....surely not. I just need more coffee.

"Well lucky you Hal, seems the kitchen is all fired up." She places the plates in front of him, but not before grabbing two of the potato dumplings. "Dumpling tax, nothing I can do about it." Davi grins as she pops one in her mouth.

Hallowid,the black cat, followed after the small kobold with a low mewl, even as Ms. Crimson started to dote on an extremely skinny halfling who had just emerged into the common area from the stairs.

The cat jumps up beside him and then onto the table, sniffing the ink as the light of dawn streaks through the window.

"Ah, customer!" Davi pops the second dumpling and chews hurriedly as she makes her way over. Upon reaching the Kobold she ducks into a quick curtsy. "Welcome to the Hookscratch Inn! My name is Davi, I'll be serving you today. Our breakfast specials are potato dumplings and bacon surprise. Can I get you started with a drink, we have coffee, ale and barley water, or wine if you'd prefer.

Draxwile doesn't seem to mind the cat taking interest in his work. He actually appears content, reaching up to stroke the cat's back as he scrawls in his odd language. His slitted yellow eyes dart up a moment, looking as a streak of light looks to make contact with his concoction, scooting it to the side and out of the light's path.

Placing his claws back on the paper, Draxwile continues to jot down some more words before placing the pen back in the ink vial. Looking up, he jumps a little, apparently shocked that the black cat was there. "Hss!" he exclaimed, before looking between the cat and the ink. "...cat-pet is interested in alchemy?"

Davi's sudden arrival seems to do nothing for the kobold's nerves, jumping back in his seat at her welcome, staring somewhat blankly as she listed off their specials. Sitting back forward, Draxwile inhales before nodding back at the waitress. "Maid-you is appreciated. Uhm... Draxwile-I would like... w..wine. Yes. Is combustible, yes?"

Aebin is quietly sitting at this table when he suddenly groans and stands up. I hope they didn't drink too much. He walks to the stairs, turning to give one last sweep of the main room, then heads up to check on the two women. Once there he knocks, announcing his presence and asking if they want breakfast.

Hallowid skirts the edge of the paper and mews quickly, apparently satisfied with what it found in the kobold's inkwell. She jumps down and marks the table most thoroughly with her body before moving on.

If Hallidan had said Davi's "tax" was unexpected, he'd have been lying. "You're the only serving girl I know who brings me food and then takes some of it back..." He makes a point of watching her as she turns her back to him and strides off toward their diminuitive new customer. Hate to see you go, love to watch you leave. Turning back around, he pops a dumpling in his mouth and washes it down with a swig of ale, trying to recall whether there's anything he's supposed to do today.

"Errr....I think some wine could be combustible, yes.. Dave speaks very carefully. "I don't know that we serve those kinds, we do prefer it when nothing explodes or catches fire in the inn...it upsets the maid you know. I could bring you a basic, non combustible wine if you wish"

Perception: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (12) + 16 = 28

Aebin grins, half tempted to go in before turning and going back downstairs.

The mysterious forces that work in the kitchen provide a giant tray of sweet, fried pastries in the interim, which are quickly grabbed by a few regulars making their way out into Absalom. Many of them paid the night before, but those who didn't usually do well enough on the honor system.

Everyone starts to toss their gold into a tin that the kitchen "help" put out for this very purpose.

I decided to take your option rather than write an entire separate adventure. I got a little busy today and I didn't want to fall behind at the Inn.

Aebin looks up at the new arrival from thin air, then his eyes go back down to his book.

We are looking at this being almost lunchtime, now, though Flextime is always possible with the @earlier @now framework.
Note to everyone else: Cyrielle just appeared out of nowhere with a more studious gnomely type.

Ms. Crimson quirks an eyebrow, and then looks at the mechanical time-piece near one of the windows. That was perhaps the quickest jaunt she'd ever witnessed on the part of Cyrielle. Usually she'd come back late and carrying things that probably didn't belong to her.

"Well done, my dear. A job done as quickly as this merits a reward...,"
And, perhaps, a coming-of-age present she might have never received. It is halfling tradition, after all. If we don't do this, who will?

The professor and the innkeeper just stare at one another eerily, with small tells on their face indicating some sort of communication with a DC 10 Sense Motive check.

This goes on for a full three minutes.

Draxwile stares at Davi for a moment, before blinking and apparently realizing she was actually speaking. "Oh! Maid-you must forgive Draxwile-me! Draxwile-I do not want it combustible! Have plenty in backpack already!" He held open his bag, revealing a number of bottles with equally vibrant swirling liquid, though these looked much more energetic.

"Draxwile-I was--" he paused, putting a clawed finger to his mouth, thinking to himself, before opening his maw again and speaking. "Please forgive mmmy speech. ...I know it confuses bigger races... it is a holdover from mmmy Draconic tongue. Pronouns work differently in dragon-speak." Draxwile clasped his claws together. "No, non-combustible would be preferable. It's more for a personal experiment."

Draxwile dug back into his backpack, pulling out more papers and dipping his pen in the ink vial. "Drax-- ...I am actually investigating on Captain Beller's request. Several citizens in this part of Absalom have reported sighting a... uhm..." Draxwile squinted at his papers again before continuing. "...they describe it as an octopus or jellyfish. Something floating that has tentacles. Being part of our forensics division... matter of fact, the forensics division, I was asked to investigate, seeing if my alchemy could unearth something. Very little luck so far..."

Davi blinks a few times when Draxwile shows off the volatile collection. "My but that looks dangerous. We might want to make sure he leaves before Hal's flame inspired performance...with my luck Hal'll start juggling fireballs, lose control of one and then it's goodbye Hookscratch inn." She snaps back to attention when he starts describing his mission.

"Something floating with tentacles? My, that sounds...fascinating! I wish you best of luck with that. I'll go fetch your very non-combustible wine" With that Davi turns on her heel and heads back to the bar. She pours a glass of the house red as she thinks. "I'll look crazy if I'm wrong...but I swear I saw it putting pepper on that food"

Davi, wine glass in hand, heads over to Ms. Crimson. She clears her throat. "Sorry to interrupt your, um-" Here she just bows her head at the professor Well, anyways, our customer over there is working with the city guard. It seems people in the area are seeing some sort of um giant jellyfish tentacle creature and I uh, thought you might like to know that." She looks at the kitchen. "Yep, thought you should know. Ah, I'm just going to deliver this"

Davi points awkwardly at the wine glass and takes off. Somehow she makes it back to Draxwile without spilling a drop. "Your wine sir. Is there anything else I can get you? We have sandwiches and I'm sure the cook has a lunch special going"

Ms. Crimson and her guest shake their heads at the interruption. The former takes a moment to sputter and regain her bearing.
"Searching for a what? Oh. Yes."

She gives her contact one last, long look, and Ebenezer makes his way into the employee's quarters, rolling up the sleeves on his scholarly robes.

Meanwhile, the innkeeper regards the kobold guests intently, despite the patrons now milling back and forth. She passes him several times through her time aiding with the delivery of orders, sharing a couple of glances with Hallowid.

Finishing his breakfast and his ale, he tips his hat toward Davi. "See you tonight, love." He hops down from the stool and heads out the door. Might as well see what I can get accomplished today.

After resting from her unexpected teleport trip, Cyrielle takes the key and heads for the strongbox. On opening it, she quickly grabs the little butterfly-stone, tossing it from hand to hand while admiring the flickering lights it throws across the room. Only after a minute or so does she notice the note.

Grown-ups don't cry. I can't cry in front of everyone. Cyrielle spends another couple of minutes in the staff quarters before reentering the common room. Unable, or unwilling, to speak, she just smiles appreciatively at the others.

A tall woman, almost too beautiful to believe, but also seeming to be made entirely of wood, yarn, and straw enters the tavern carrying a book.

The book speaks, the sound of a voice comes out of it. The voice is masculine, but friendly and warm

Fascinating. Yes Jacquelyn this looks like the place.

Are you certain? Look that Private Investigator is here, you know that handsome fellow our lady hired to travel to Riom.

No, no, well, I suppose yes, but then again, no. You see, sweet Jackie, that hasn't happened yet. We are four years BR, in this particular scenario

Following Cyrielle's lead and posting in-thread.