[AP] The Shackled City Adventure Path by GM Rutseg (Inactive)

Game Master Balacertar

On the Road

Kikinnin listens distractedly to the others as a cover story is formulated. Research team... Traders... Bounty hunters... Circus performers... Pilgrimage... Explorers... Diplomats...

When Maxim reveals his range of influence, he settles back in the saddle more or less comfortably, knowing his fellow dwarf will do most of the talking, should the need arise.

Arrival at the Lucky Monkey

Kikinnin dismounts/falls from Hardhead, picking himself up slowly, as his legs begin to circulate enough blood to get past the tingle of awakening nerve endings. "Suppose you get used to that, if you do it enough, eh?" His arm is fully extended before he reaches for the reins, so he can lead the horse into the stables.

"Hey-yo! Stable boy? Stable girl? Sorry we're arriving in the wee hours, but we could really use your help! Got ourselves six horses, could use your loving care." He looks through windows or knocks on doors to get their horses secured.

It takes some minutes but finally a very young boy dressing in a white pyjama appears in the courtyard. He yawns and looks at you with difficulty "Sorry sires. We are just waking up" he closes to Kikinnin's horse and helps it into the stable. There are at least 14 other horses in the stable along with three large carts.

After leaving the horses at place the boy invites you to go in through the main doors, but he suddenly notices Kikinnin's axe "Do you all really kill things with those?” pointing at the weapons "What kinds of things? Monsters? People?!”

JJ, tired and with a butt that feels like "mamma" had been wailing on it, gratefully climbs down from his mount.

With a big yawn he quickly checks out the livery.
know(nobility): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 <- but would take ten if he can.

"I want a soft bed and not to see a horse again for several days."

He watches Kikinnin with amusement as the stableboy looks in awe at the dwarf's big axe.

"Trees too!" he suggests.

Juraan will give the stable boy one moon (1 sp).
"There's something for your trouble."

If the stable boy gawks at Juraan's distinctive eyes …
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
"Ah. You must have seen my sister a few months ago!
"She passed through here on the way to Sasserine.
"Was she in good spirits?"

Thought we were only about 4hrs from the Lucky Monkey and it was suppertime, is it morning when we are arriving? That's why I said push on"

Scratching the weary Jasper between his ears, Ryan dismounts and spends some time quietly caring for his horse while the stablehand makes his way to them. Applying a second sp to the young man's hand, he simply ask for them to be taken care of, while they rest.

kn:nobility: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Maxim see you friends from Maavu exports are busy plying their business"

Walking towards the Lucky Monkey Main building he is already dreaming of a soft place to sleep, hells a stack of firewood right now would probably suffice.

"Innkeep, pardon the late, er early? guess it depends whose side your on, anyways hour of our arrival. Hmm, 3 from the school, myself, and 2 dwarven brethren, we'll be needing 6 beds."

I think it's like...predawn hours, the sky is beginning to grow light but the sun isn't really up yet.

"W-well...I g-guess m-monsters and b-bad p-people when we have to," Marigold responds to the excitable stable boy, stifling another yawn. "B-but m-mainly we have them to p-protect ourselves; t-traveling can b-be dangerous!"

"Do you all really kill things with those?” pointing at the weapons. "What kinds of things? Monsters? People?!”

Kikinnin looks to the boy, glad for the early morning enthusiasm, at least. "The wilds are a dangerous place, but I'll admit, I didn't have to grab for this," he pats his axe, "anytime on our way from Cauldron. Now, the axe has been used, but only in defense of the city. Trolls and goblins. Even got snatched out of my hand by a creature that looked just like a chest, but I got it back, as you can see." He ruffles the kid's hair, surprised at how easily he can palm the skull for as small as it is, and as large as his glove is.

Kikinnin keeps up with the smoother speakers, hoping there's room left, considering the number of horses already stabled.

"I've slept on floors before, but I'd prefer a bed, after the pounding my backside took on the ride here."

Maxim takes heed of Ryan's words, noticing the markings of the rival merchant house.

"Huh. So they are indeed... Interesting..."

As his steed is stabled, the gun-mage wanders to the carts, casting an critical eye over them, perhaps peeking under any tarps;

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Then he rejoins the others, also tipping the lad a silver moon with a wry smile;

"Keep her well little Master. Promised her an apple..."

The stable boy eyes open like dishes as Kikinnin explains about the creatures the group has defeated, he forgets very fast though when he receives both silver coins "Wow! Do not worry sires, I will make sure your horses get the fresher feeding!"

The boy shrugs at Juraan's question and points out "We have some merchants today and other guests, but my father always says the Lucky Monkey is the largest inn from Sasserine to Cauldron and beyond!"

As you walk into the main room you discover a large common chamber with some people already having their breakfast.

In a corner, two people dressed in leathers are drinking a bottle of rum and eating a steak. The largest table holds three very well dressed men and six other ones drinking a cup of milk and some bread slices.

A middle-aged women receives you in the counter and nods at Ryan orders "Good, the common bedroom is already allocated" she points to the large table "But we can place you in six single rooms or three double rooms. The single rooms cost 2 sp, and the double bedrooms go for 3 sp. Also you can include a full day feeding for just an extra 2 sp, breakfast, lunch and dinner included"

"What option would you chose?"

As tired as she is, the smell of freshly-made breakfast still causes Marigold's stomach to rumble just a bit but she puts it aside. "Um...a s-single room would b-be nice," she whispers as she tugs at Ryan's sleeve. "For p-privacy...and...um...in case s-some of you s-snore..." she adds, unable to keep from glancing at her two dwarven companions.

Ryan smiles a Marilgold makes her request, and nods obligingly.

"A single for the young miss, a second single for our resident Master Rat Catcher, while a very capable man at arms and stealthy in his own right, he sounds like a avalanche at night." Ryan adds simply with a grin at Kikinnin. "Two more doubles for the remainder of us, preferably all together, we'll be staying for about 5 days, and would like our meals provided. I believe this should cover it and a little on the top for discretion." Ryan says the last as he slide a small pouch to the innkeeper containing 15gp, he spoke with Jenya before they left concerning the Lucky Monkey and what pricing he could expect. 11gp should cover 5 days for the rooms and food."

"Should we need to leave sooner then you may keep the balance, if we need to stay longer I will advise you and pay for our rooms and board at that time."

Kikinnin takes a step away from Maxim, as Marigold eyes Maxim. "Thanks, Marigold. Didn't know he snored."

When Ryan points out the likely mistake, the black-beard snorts, but doesn't try and argue. He's sore and tired, and the promise of a full day's meals reminds him to be hungry.

"Alright, Ryan, just let me know how much we owe, so you don't take the full burden on your shoulders."

He claps Maxim on the back, and beckons him and the others to sit down and fill their bellies, before turning in for some sleep. He only asks for loquats, hoping the local plantations grow them with the rest of the seed-bearing fruits.

JJ sits down at the table and looks forward to breakfast.

"Maybe we should have camped at the roadside, but it's so dark out there at night without any of the city lights..." he murmurs.

He takes a seat next to Ryan. "Mind if I share with you?"

Still, he looks around the room, trying to decide which of the people might be assassins. His eyes keep landing on the men drinking rum, but he tries not to be too obvious about it.

stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Juraan tucks into his meal.
He isn't used to this travelling business.
Yet.

"We can share a room, Marigold."
"I'm pretty sure I don't snore."
… he says with a chuckle.

Then he whispers to Marigold:
« Ùn vi scurdate perchè simu quì! »
« Hè decision di nisunu di noi à esse ritiratu ... »
« Specialmenti quannu dormu! »

Juraan will occasionally look casually at the other guests in the common room.
Trying to see if he can spot anything unusual.
We're looking for possible assassins, after all.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

The woman accepts the money from Ryan with gratitude "I will make sure you get the best attentions during your stay. If you have any other need, please tell my husband, Orin Marsh or myself" she calls someone behind the counter then comes back to you "I will call your bedrooms prepared. Meanwhile, please, take sit and have a breakfast"

You sit on one of the tables and try to look around while one sixteen or seventeen years old girl comes to you and ask what would you like to eat "We have fresh milk, pastries, chicken and baboon meat"

JJ and Juraan attempt to observe the other parties in the place. It calls your attention two at the large table are heavily armored. The ones drinking rum have shortswords at their belt and seem taking in a low tone and looking at you.

At the large table Maxim quickly recognizes Maavu Arlintal. One of the merchants sitting with him stands up and comes to your table sitting close to the dwarf "So does now Garthûn need contracting a full group of mercenaries in order to not be assaulted?" the man in very black hair talks very serious while looking at you all.

Ryan - take the cost of accommodation and food from the communal coin - that's essentially what its there for :)

Maxim flashes a quick smile as he continues to eye those sitting at the large table;

"Aye. I will bunk with whomever... or on my lonesome..."

His scrutiny is snapped by his fellow dwur beckoning he sit.

As one of Maavu's men approaches, the gun-mage finishes his order, then meets the gaze of the black haired man;

...Just milk and a pastry for me darlin'... Looks like the baboon is being served already..."

At his words Maxim keeps a hard stare;

"Huh. Interesting take... You must be the smart one! Well since you have such interest in my Uncle's business - Garthûn is busy sealing deals back in Cauldron, so just sent me... My travelling companion have other business..."

The dwarf leans back and taps the handle of his firearm as continues to talk;

"One gun is enough... but I digress. I'll let you crawl back to your gilded Master, afore I spoil breakfast by teaching you a hard lesson boy..."

Intimidate: 1d20 ⇒ 17

JJ smiles at the serving girl and gives her a naughty wink.

So it looks like two groups? The two men drinking whisky and with shortswords as one group. And then three merchants with six guards as the other? But two of the six are more heavily armed than the other ones? Or do two the six at the table who are drinking milk look armed

"Is it often busy this time of the morning?" he asks.

"This is my first time out of Cauldron." he adds, sheepishly.

Marigold's face grows pink as it becomes clear that both Ryan and Kikinnin seem to have misunderstood her. "N-no, I wasn't m-meaning that anyone actually d-does snore, j-just that they m-might and...um...j-just forget I s-said anything...I'll sh-share with Juraan..." she mumbles.

"E...I nun avia a pinsari ca. Scusa. Iu sugnu novu di sta tutta a pista-falà-adumbratu-parsunaghji cosa ancora," she adds quietly to Juraan before hurrying to take a seat at the table before she could embarrass herself any further.

Am I really cut out for doing this sort of thing? The others think of all kinds of things that just don't cross my mind, she wonders gloomily.

When the serving girl comes to take their order she can't even muster the energy to give JJ a hard time over his flirting. "J-just a glass of m-milk and some p-pastries p-please," she says quietly. As she idly looks around, her attention is drawn to the dark-haired man that makes his way over to their table and has a seat close to Maxim. As he and Maxim exchange words, her eyes nervously flit between them and the man's companions at the other table.

Nonono, we *just* got here...can't we have a meal and a little peace???

Marigold's face grows pink as it becomes clear that both Ryan and Kikinnin seem to have misunderstood her. "N-no, I wasn't m-meaning that anyone actually d-does snore, j-just that they m-might and...um...j-just forget I s-said anything...I'll sh-share with Juraan..." she mumbles.

Ryan smiles in thanks to the Inn Keeper's wife and with a wink "Thank you madaam, it smells wonderful." turning back to Marigold he leans down and whispers "It's OK, Kikinnin's a good sport, and a ladies modesty when she can afford it is always to be respected. Besides no one ever said you would be left unguarded. But the choice to room with someone will remain yours. We'll work the rest out as needed"

Smiling to the waitress Ryan orders some chicken and milk with a few pastries for the table, feeling it a bit early in the morning for baboon, as well as the rum. Only watching Maxim's exchange however for now, feeling the dwarf has things well in hand.

"Who is this Garthûn they're on about?"

With a shrug, he turns to Marigold, whispering:
« Sò ancu novu à stu. »
« Speru ca avemu a fari a notte fari 'na tirata! »
« Simu stanchi, dopu ca tantu accriscimentu. »

Juraan will also try to be alert for a fight, with the
exchange of pleasantries between Maxim and the other fellow.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

"One gun is enough... but I digress. I'll let you crawl back to your gilded Master, afore I spoil breakfast by teaching you a hard lesson boy..."

Kikinnin's recently-lowered eyebrows raise to reveal his dark brown irises, which are now fully trained on the discussion at hand. His mustache and nose are still firmly planted above his cup, mid-sip, when he lowers it, whiskers slightly soaked in milk. He holds his tongue, waiting to see if someone bites on more than fresh pastries.

"Mighta left your chalkboard in your saddlebags, Maxim. Wouldn't be a proper lesson, without pictures." He looks at the long haired man. "Don't suppose we've met. Name's Kikinnin. Obviously Maxim knows you, but the rest of us haven't had the pleasure. You just starting your breakfast, or will you be finishing up anytime soon?"

JJ takes note that only two of the six helpers appear like real soldiers, the other four probably just carriers or drivers.

The man talking with Maxim changes his expression to a insecure one "You think you are the boss because you have some machine?"

Just at that moment an overweight bald man comes out of the kitchen and intervenes with cheerful mood "Commerce is commerce my dear clients! Leave that at place. We are all free to be friends here. No business" the man comes to Maxim and offers his hand one by one to everyone of you "My name, Orin Marsh. You probably have seen the art baboons in the house. My grandparent build this place in honour to the animals that populate our jungles"

You observe the man walks with a slight limp in his left leg "So, where are you going if I might ask my friends?" says smiling.

While he is greeting you a dusky skinned half-elf walks in from a room in the eastern side of the inn. She stops a moment to look around at the room and who’s there, then goes behind the bar, gets a cup of wine, says something to the middle-aged woman, who laughs as she smiles. She then heads back towards the room at the east.

The merchant, much more calmer answers to Kikinnin "We were just beginning our breakfast. Please, feel free to join and share news, specially if you come from Sasserine as we are heading there"

"Alas not. We were travelling from Cauldron. " says JJ

"Night came upon us quicker than we anticipated - we had hoped to spend the night here."

He happily shares the gossip from Cauldron, and takes out a copy of the paper to show to any who wanted to see. He specifically doesn't point out that the people who saved the orphans and other citizens were sitting around the table!

"How long did it take you to get to the Monkey? "

Gesturing outside

"The road with wagons must have taken some time. Did you leave before dawn, or is this your second night on the road?"

"This is the only safe place in miles. We heard rumours a bugbear is assaulting the hillfolk and feared he and his tribe might attack us." Maavu explains to JJ " Traveling with full carts is slow. We decided to force the march for almost twenty hours. We are now taking a full day rest here to recover before continuing our trip"

He seems to avoid giving details about his travel plans from now on.

That makes two of us, Marigold thinks but as Orin appears and introduces himself she relaxes, the man's appearance apparently putting everyone more at ease. Ryan's words also make her feel somewhat better, so she tries to put on a more cheerful face as introductions are made.

"Um...M-Marigold," she offers shyly as she shakes Orin's hand. "And it's a lovely p-place...your g-grand p-parents did a wonderful j-job. I b-bet you see travelers from all over here!"

Juraan addresses Orin:
"My name is Juraan."
"My twin sister, Essodydd, must have passed through here a few months ago on her way to Sasserine."
"She's got the same distinctive eyes I do."
"She would be hard to miss, I would think."

"My name, Orin Marsh. You probably have seen the art baboons in the house. My grandparent build this place in honour to the animals that populate our jungles."

Kikinnin's fatigue melts just enough to allow a couple of synapses to fire. With thoughts of lessons and students, the black-beard raises his hand to get Orin's attention.

"Which one's the lucky one then? The one on the plate, or the one on the wall? Do you hunt the baboons, or do you raise 'em like cattle?"

When Maavu speaks of bugbears, Kikinnin's mood turns dark, though he refrains from reaching for his weapon just yet. Just rumors? Or are we gonna have ourselves a bugbear hunt, just to be sure?

"My twin sister, Essodydd..."

Kikinnin hears Juraan speak on his sister, drawing attention to his and her eyes, and frowns a little. Is he trying to get noticed? The way he talks about his sister, he must be very fond of her. He won't shut up about her... He thinks on his own sister, and her care in Cauldron, then frowns some more, only after turning back to his strawberry scone.

JJ eyes up the strawberry scone on Kikinnin's plate.

"You got more jam than I did.." he notes sadly. After a moment or two he picks up on Marigold's suggestion.

"Have you had many people pass through recently Orin? Most folk heading to Cauldron, or the other way?"

Orin nods to Marigold, then answers Juraan "Well, well, a lot of people goes around everyday" he closes up to the man and looks deep at the eyes "But I guess so, I guess I remember somehow those eyes"

The man laughs openly at Kikinnin's proposal "The one on the plate is surely lucky enough" he winks his eye to the dwarf "I have some skill with the crossbow. Me and my son will hunt those pesky baboons often enough. It is definitely the best meat you can get in the area. You will be delighted to taste it"

To JJ he just answers "That is difficult to tell. Sasserine and Cauldron region see a lot of trade these days." he smiles and rubs his hands "Fortunately!"

After the breakfast the people in leather's stand up greet your table and leave the inn. At that moment you do realize one of them was a woman, although you would have not told from afar by her manners.

Just some minutes later a different man and woman enter the inn. They are both very young, in their early twenties by sure, and have brown hair and white skin. They close to the counter "The best suite double room for me and my sweetie please" he looks at the woman with admiration and love and taps her ass as he says this.

Perked up somewhat by the good food, Marigold listens with interest as Orin shares a little about the area and the people that pass through. When the merchant makes mention of the possible bugbear threat she shivers. "I h-hope the rumors are j-just that!"

When the young couple enters the establishment, she's first tempted to write them off - especially after the somewhat tasteless public display.

Marriage is surely a wonderful thing but yeesh, that sort of thing really should be saved for private!

No, wait...we're supposed to be watching for assassins, right? Right! I need to keep an eye on *everyone* that passes through...that's a lot of people to try to watch though...

She continues to munch on her toast while surreptitiously attempting to watch the couple.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Maxim continues shoot Maavu's man a hard stare but abides by Orin's diplomacy.

You'll keep bravo. Call out The Gun and you'll feast on lead.

However the gun-mage refuses to sit at the rival merchant's table or share news, resolutely (stubbornly) remaining at the group's table as he tucks into his breakfast.

As the amorous couple enter, the dwur turns his scrutiny to them;

Huh. Best Double Suite. Boy's got coin... and seeking to impress... but picking this place for a dalliance..?

Sense Motive (Hunch): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Kikinnin paws several scones, squeezing each for content, before settling on a similar strawberry to his own. He sets it down on JJ's plate, and nods with confidence. "That should probably bleed jam like this one. I should know. I've squeezed plenty of rats." He goes back to the stack, picking the runner-up, and welcoming it into his maw in one mouthful.

The black-beard occasionally lifts his head to take in the new arrivals, and finds his eyes drawn to the lass's backside as the man's hand travels to the hindquarters. He finds himself blushing a little, for the trespass.

When he finishes his breaking of the night's fast, he inquires with Orin which room he should take to, in order to get some sleep from the long road's journey. He speaks his parting with the others, and catches up with the owner to find his bed.

JJ looks at the scone, and then at Kikinnin's hands.

"Did you wash your hands first?"

He then looks down at his own travel stained fingers and sighs.

"Gretchen would have a fit."

Standing he asks the pretty barmaid if there is somewhere he can wash up.

And take the opportunity to have a look around the place

Kikinnin holds his hands up, looking over the leather gloves he continues to wear. "Perhaps a little dusty, but they're mostly clean. 'Cept for the strawberry from the second scone. Thanks for pointing it..." The black-beard watches the boy get up and look for a place to wash his hands. He eyes the scone he just handed off, then thinks better on taking it, since the young man is, after all, washing his hands to partake of the pastry.

Juraann keeps an eye on the couple for something other than their stated intentions.
perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Then, stifling a yawn.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to sleep the day through after that horse ride."

« Avete vulemu sparte una stanza, Tagete? »

The waitress girl brings JJ into a small washing room "Do not worry, it happens to me all the time" she smiles.

Meanshile Orin Marsh goes upstairs with Kikinnin, helping the dwarf to navigate through the corridors up to his room. The young couple comes with you too and Orin shows them a small suit "All the double rooms are the same, I am sorry, but I hope you enjoy your stay"

As time passes in the common room, the conversation at Maavu's table reverts to details about trading topics and weather for the next days.

When the couple are out of earshot, Juraan casually addresses Marigold:
« Chì ne pensate chì l 'acelli amuri portunu? »
« Iddi pudia micca esse ciò ch'elli parenu. »

And then Maxim:
« De to har mærkelige bagage. »
« Ikke kun tøj. Måske våben? »

JJ smiles at the waitress. "I'm JJ! JJ Surabar! Is Orin your father?" he asks, hoping to get her name.

"You must see lots of interesting people come through your inn. Soliders, wizards, nobles. Why everyone who enters or leaves Cauldron probably stays here!"

Kindle posting so bear with me on the translations!

With all the hustle and bustle of breakfast, chatting, and watching guests come and go, Marigold had very nearly forgotten how weary she was until Juraan's mention of room-sharing reminds her.

Better Ryan or one of the others to deal with it if he starts bringing strange women around. Ruben, if you were here I think I'd hug you and then throttle you. This is all your influence, she thinks grumpily. Realizing that Juraan had asked another question, she drags her mind back to more immediate matters.

Juraan raises his eyebrows at Marigold's speculation.

« Di sicuru, micca! »

Now wishing she'd kept her mouth shut, Marigold rubs distractedly at her temples in an attempt to stave off what feels like an imminent headache.

I really need some sleep...bedroom props, really? What was I thinking?

Kikinnin takes his time removing his armor. 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 minutes

It reminds him of the aching spots in his side where the bugbear anatomy and his own fail to align. It reminds him.

He sets it down on the chair, then sits down on the bed to study it, and his new key pendant. He debates which one to clean first. Eventually, he breaks his stillness by reaching for the armor, and wiping it in slow circles. He starts to nod off in the monotony.

He startles, his eyes bolting open, only to realize that in his tired state, he's already moved onto cleaning the pendant. He turns it over in his still-gloved hand, which reminds him that he's alone now, and able to remove them. Seems more respectful, to handle the key in his bare hands. The scales on the back of his hands makes finer movements difficult, but he gestures with the key, unlocking a phantom lock, then removing it.

"Alright, Abadar. Been brought 'round to Your way of thinking. Even have a new key here. Can feel it under my armor, but it doesn't irritate. Kinda good knowing it's there, to be honest. We're moving forward here, and I only ask that You nudge us if we find ourselves getting lost in the wilderness. I already rode a horse, outside a city, can you believe that? I'm only glad we found ourselves a pocket of civilization here at the Monkey. For that, I want to thank You."

He dons the key, and falls into bed, asleep before his head hits the pillow.

Maxim continues to flit his gaze betwixt the amorous arrivals and the rival merchants.

He begins to focus more on Maavu and his cronies, when Juraan's words cause him to shift his gaze back to the lovers.

The gun-mage muses of a few seconds before answering the sorcerer in the dwarven tongue:

"Interessant. Jeg havde dem markeret udelukkende som kærester. Du har et godt øje Master Juraan ... Skal være at sorte orme blod dit!"

Maxim takes a bite of pastry as he watches the couple depart with Orin, then speaks with a hard smile playing upon his lips;

"Måske skulle vi besøge dem? Som nygifte vi kunne gave dem noget? At velsigne deres ægteskab ... En ædelsten under madrassen eller nogle sådan noget vrøvl ..."

The waitress blushes when JJ attempts to interact with her "Y-yes, I-I am Sara Marsh" she timidly offers her hand to the young man then realises he have them still wet "Oh, so-sorry, my fault" and takes a clean towel for him.

"I-It is nice to have someone of my...my a-age at the inn. Usually only old merchants coming and going" she blushes again.

---------------------

Kikinnin starts to rest at the bed. Dreaming with Abadar, rats or dwarven matters, his mind starts to restore from the tough night trip.

---------------------

After some hours in the common room some of the merchants start to say they are getting hungry. Maavu asks "Hummm, what will be the lunch menu mistress?"

JJ gives her a wide smile. "No, no worries, you have been very kind and helpful. And to be honest, it's nice to be around young folk. " he realises given his companions ages that may sound odd. "Maxim and Klik... they are a tad more mature than the rest of us. And dwarves tend to be serious at the best of times."

He dries his hands.

"Well, I think we'll be here for a couple of days. Resting after last nights long trek. If you get some time off later and want to show me around..." he leaves the question open.

Though after your surprise in the bathhouse three nights ago, maybe you shouldn't press your luck. Of course, that is not what Ruben would say is it. Bahh, I wish I had his easy way with girls.

He turns a little red at the thought.

As he turns to go, a worried look crosses his face.

"You don't get much trouble here do you? I mean, so far from any help. Rowdy customers or unpleasant mercenaries?"

"I can show you the courtyard. I-if you meant that..." she says before adding "Well, my father was a soldier for a time. People tends to respect him and thus they do to our family... You are so nice to worry"

"That would be fantastic!" says JJ.

"But for now, I need some shut-eye. I guess breakfast time is the busiest?"

As he makes his way back to the main room, JJ looks around those still down stairs.

Quietly he asks
"You all going to crash? I think someone should stay up, just in case there are problems with the horses after the long ride."

He doesn't look like he is keen on volunteering for the job.

Having finished his breakfast, Ryan offer to remain awake for the moment while the other get some much needed rest, waiting for Orin to return from seeing Kikinnin to his room. A hint of a smile as JJ attempts to become the new Ruben for the group. While shy and inexperienced he couldn't fault the lad for his efforts.

"Master Orin, I need a quiet corner of your of your Inn to spend some time in contemplation with Ababdar and perhaps to try a spell that was gifted to me by his grace, with your permission of course. It is a spell designed to detect poison, surely a good thing to be aware of within some of the delves we have to inspect. I have a small dose here I'd like for you to hide before you show me within the room. Will this be ok sir?"

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10 how is Master Orin taking the request
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

With eyelids heavy, and a last smile at Sara, JJ heads upstairs. A few moments later he returns.

"Ahh.. which room is mine?" he asks, a blush on his youthful face.

Juraan speaks to Maxim.

« De to kan være harmløse. Eller ikke. »
« Vi bør være opmærksomme på dem, selv om. »

Then he addresses Orin:
"Could you please show us a double room?"
"Me any my friend here," indicating Marigold ",need a good sleep."

« È PONTE nuddu! »