I can't help but think something is amiss in the taverns. I know the moods there on any given day, but this season they seem to be too aggressive. Something in the ale maybe. Dunno, but at least without other options its worth a look.
"If we're to go to the taverns, we may want to go as a group then. If they are more aggressive as you say, then safety in numbers may be a good idea to follow."
I agree. Shall we?
indeed
Jerex nods in agreement, "I tertiary agree and let's?"
"looks like you're in the lead, Karson."
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Aye lad. Fair idea. Maybe we should hit some of the wealthier taverns this time.
"I agree. The rabble proved all but useless."
Right then, I think I know just the place. I've only ever been to celebrate, but there's a nice place a block from my bookstore. Away we go!
Upon entering an unfamiliar bar, Ethan looks around seeking a game of chance. Nothing loosens tongues more than ale and coin.
Unlike Ethan's last barhopping adventure, the predominant sound in Moosewood was not of fighting or play, but of coin. To the discerning ear, one can hear the distinct clinks of different coinage hitting the mahogany tables: the harsh crack of the sharp-edged imperial coin of Cheliax, the pleasant roll of the local coinage, and the heavy thunk of the asymmetric, crudely hammered coinage of the far north.
Many of the travelers seem to have left, leaving a more-leisurely group loitering while waiting for brunch to be served. The wall behind the bar itself sports the stylish head of a Moose and a small selection of fine drinks. One or two seem to be reading the latest news of the day or a book, and Bathus may have seen some of them occasionally in the neighborhood.
At your arrival, the bar-goers look up briefly and not seeing their lunch contacts, return to the business at hand, the movement of coin.
Eran looks about for some indication of what is on the menu, be it a signboard or a menu on a table.
Bathus strolls up to the bar alongside Eran. Ascending the minor scaffolding that accommodates those of smaller stature, he manages (with minor difficulty) to seat himself at the main bar. He pulls out a brocade handkerchief with a flourish and begins polishing his glasses. Setting down some mint of his own, he awaits the barkeep. In a hushed voice he asks his companions What's the plan? Are we going to harass random citizens and hope one of them knows something? Or should we try to gather the attention of whomever we are looking for and hope they take the bait?
Ethan walks over to a game table.
Room for one more? What's the game and what's the bet? Server! Ale over here please. Ethan says calmly before sitting himself in an empty seat.
Eran turns to Balthus, replying "I prefer to let others do what they prefer, and simply observe. Viewing the entire scene objectively is easiest when you are not in it."
The bartender, if you can use that title for the sharply dressed elderly man behind the counter, walks briskly by and sets a small menu by Eran and Bathus. Everything seems to be an expensive version of a classic food item.
Ethan sits himself with two merchants playing a game of blackjack. They barely look up at you, but the younger (and more ostentatiously dressed) of the two says meekly that the wager is 10 gold per hand. "Are you sure that you have the coin to be playing?"
10 per hand? Whew. You lads must be some landed gents to play for stakes like that this early in the day. Mayhaps I'll sit a spell and see how the deck is running before I toss my earning in eh?
The older gentleman motions to the younger. "Why don't you play the bet, this time? I know that you like to take charge of things." The younger smirks slightly at the little verbal jab, but then nods. The older gentleman deals the cards and turns to Ethan. "What profit could a landed gentleman extract from the lands around these parts? Excellent sand, I might imagine. Some say that wealth comes from the land, but really, wealth comes from wealth."
The younger decides to double his wager to finish...
...and busts. The pile of coins slide across the table.
Never having had much wealth myself I will have to take you at your word my friend. The greatest wealth I've ever held has always been owned by others. Ethan Rivers if my name recently from the River Kingdoms, newly local bargeman and deck hand. Ethan says with a tip of his hat. I came to this fair city seeking work that is less likely to end up with a knife in the dark if you know what I mean.
The older holds his tongue, but the younger seems friendlier. "Marcus, nice to meet you. I think you decided to come to this city at the wrong time, if you want to avoid knives in the dark."
What do you mean? This is the City of Splendors is it not? Largest port land, home to countless wonderful sights and unforgettable wonders? Ethan says before taking a drink of his ale.
Jerex walks around and watches the various things going on in the tavern. He is not used to such games and observes. Anything out of the ordinary?