The little man just points at a house that is outside the east side of town.
"Okies, I think. That's all I gots.. so you has your maps.. I go stay someplace safe away from bigs people." He gets off the stool, leaving the map behind and runs off hurriedly.
Diaz's brother walks after the little man. Diaz calls after him saying "Ali, you don't have to heal him." Ali just waves and keeps going.
Diaz sighs and mutters what sounds like an expletive in Terran. "Oh whatever, we got our info I'm going to get drunk." Diaz pumps his arms into the air then walks off to the bar, likely staying there to get drunk quicker.
The two girls are left with the party. They have seemed fairly silent this whole time. The two of them seem to be awkwardly staring about unsure if they should break the ice or not.
Rikaku cackles in glee at the commentary between the little man and Diaz. "Big-folk so rude! Rikaku tail already trod on in this place. Happens too often! Big-folk don't know benefit of looking down, we trip them up if they don't learn." He grins at the hooded little man. "Rikaku like this one. He know true."
"But dragon! Dragon surely Rikaku kin. No worry Beren, brother-dragon or sister-dragon no doubt happy to see Rikaku." He pauses for a moment, frowning, and a look of anger flashes past his eyes. "Fire creature taking dragon-shape is offensive. If just fire creature, I freeze it to ice for the grave insult. Only dragon can take dragon-shape! Si durrhop brinsar svent geou!"
He quietens down again though, listening carefully to the rest of the goblin's exposition. After he and Diaz leave, Rikaku seems thoughtful, peering across the map. He finishes off the last few morsels of his roast beef as he considers their options.
"Rikaku think we ask town-people if know more about taken young. Where taken, when taken, if saw someone. Yes?"
Slight Retcon:
Jazz smirks when Sventon speaks to the cartographer in Goblin, cocking an ear and smiling at the little creature's attempt to cover itself up. He cocks an eye to Beren when he sees his friend's manner change toward the mapmaker, but says nothing.
Present:
"Yes, we should ask around town absolutely, but that little goblin gave us some interesting information -- and this map will come in handy."
Jazz says something in Elven then, looking at the other Elves in the party. Then he translates it into Dwarven, looking at Trogg.
Well, that little goblin was an interesting fellow. I admire it's bravery. I'm sure there are a few people who would not like a goblin here.
He looks at the girls and smiles
And you, ladies? Anything fun to do in this town?
Interesting... I never considered the Fey as an issue, he thinks as the conversation unfolds.
It DOES make sense though, albeit somewhat unexpected given the traffic through the town
"Yeah," he says, turning to the girls as well, "What's your story, anyway? How'd this family group of yours come about, and what makes that brother of yours so confident you're going to get the job done before we do?"
Diplomacy
But Jazz is speaking with his mouth full, and spits a bunch of half-chewed bread onto the nearest girl in question.
The older of the pair shrugs at Sventon. The younger one says "Sorry I don't know, this is the first time we've been here. I suspect that it like any other small town. Maybe a bit of gambling or something. I saw some people playing Karrom outside, can give that a go I suppose? Though can we be quiet about Krsk? He's really a nice 'little man', he'll do nothing bad I'll vouch for him."
The younger of the two is wearing a set of chainmail not unlike Diaz's. She has a curve blade slung over her back and a small chain that acts as a tiara over her head. Across her hands and neck you can denote the edges of some tattoos, they aren't as blatant as her sisters.
She does a double take and laughs "Oh sorry, we haven't introduced ourselves yet. Sorry I'm Ingrid and that's Hin. Forgive her she kind of .. sorta.. doesn't have a tongue. So she won't say much. If you understand sign language you can talk to her I suppose."
Ingrid gets a bit of bread shot towards her as Jazz speaks. "er .. well, I suppose you could close your mouth while eating. Though Diaz is always sure of himself, takes it from our father I suppose. The main thing is he has trained himself really hard to prove that you can win a fight through wits alone and never needing magic to help you out. He even refuses when I try to help him! The nerve sometimes. We have done many a job without any of us dying, so I suppose that has gotten to his head." She seems happy to answer questions about her brother but is avoiding talking about her family further.
Beren visibly relaxes as the little goblin leaves, he sits back in his chair and listens as the conversation unfolds. Drinking deep from his second mug of ale, he looks toward the bar to see what Diaz is up to.
"Ladies, do you know if there is going to be some fanfair or ceremony where the Duke will make his quest public. I would like to go talk to this Tremain, but do not want to miss anything important."
How do Sventon and Jazz know that Diaz doesn't speak whatever it was they we using - Elven probably? Jazz (an elf) knows Dwarven, shouldn't he see that a human could know it too? thinks Trogg. I'll have to suggest that they be more careful in the future - a suggestion that will have to wait until we're alone.
"I don't think the Duke will make it too public, I just know that adventurers and mercenaries everywhere have been getting information about it though he doesn't want the majority of the populace to know. Panic and all that, so doubtful there will be a ceremony. Not that this place needs more, I think the adventurers are loud enough as it is!" Ingrid giggles.
"Ah well, Diaz has paid for your rooms too. Or at least I think he has, he has probably overpaid the bartender quite a bit. He really likes using our father's resources for the silliest things."
Ingrid looks over to Hin who is signing something to her. "Yes Hin, I know, you'll likely be staying outside. Why don't you like beds anyway?" Once again Hin signs something. "Huh, I find them plenty comfortable..."
Ingrid slaps her knees in quick succession "Hey erm, we aren't bugging you by staying here are we? Diaz is going to get very loud shortly and Ali hates it when we watch him work... you don't mind us hanging out with you for a little while?"
I don't mind all. Stay as long as you like. He leans back in his chair and lazily sweeps the room with his eyes.
Also, he isn't going to be drinking anything they offer him.
Hin, would you be interested in seeing Clarence do a trick?
Rikaku is too busy being frustrated at the fact that his 'friends' are speaking in strange languages that he doesn't understand to focus too much on these other, newer big-folk that seem all kinds of weird anyway. He squirms in his chair, pretending to nod along with what they were saying and occasionally adding in a "Oh! Yes, yes!" from time to time. But mostly he seems impatient to get out of the tavern; with no more food left on his plate, there's just the annoyance of being surrounded by so many loud big-folk remaining.
Of course you can hang out with us. After all, you were nice enough to show us this fine establishment. Tell me, what are you skilled at, if it's not a secret? Sventon leans on his hand, looking at the girls.
If Hin accepts Trogg's offer, he'll wake Clarence up, walk six or ten feet away and have him "come" then "heel" and walk back.
Whether Hin accepts or not, he'll notice that Rikaku is getting antsy and say "I probably should go see about accommodations for Clarence. He won't sleep without me, so either I'll have to make him up a bed in our room, or we'll both be outside with Hin. Rikaku, do you want to come with me and see our rooms?"
If any do not wish to use the rooms, I could put up one or two friends at my place.
Beren has seen this scenerio play out before, his elvish friends always seem to do well with the fairer sex. He is glad they seem to enjoy it, as it usually keeps the wide-eyed local girls from pursuing him. He starts to nervously finger the braid of hair he has tied around his neck and tunes out of the conversation, lost in his memories of home.
When Trogg mentions something about seeing to our rooms, Beren snaps back to the present and sits up in his chair. "I will accompany you Trogg. I need to stretch my legs, anyway, and get a better look around this town. We could all meet up again later and share what we've learned." This last comment he delivers while cocking his eye at Jazz and Sventon.
"I should like to come by your place later, Variel. I have to see what domestic life has done to you."
Hin nods at Trogg and inquisitively waits to see what will happen. Once you perform the tricks she claps somewhat excitedly.
"Oh I'm good with arcane magic, or at least semi decent I'd think. Other than that, er, I can sing a few things. I can dance a bit too, that's why I went into sword fighting. Might as well be dancing with swords right?" She glances at Hin who seems to be having a good time and smiles. "Hin tracks most of our foes, she's relentless when it comes to her mark. She isn't skilled in much past killing things. I guess that isn't true, she used to be good at speeches as she is the eldest of us. Hin used to talk to advisers and traders back home, obviously she can't do that anymore."
Rikaku almost instantly leaps out of his chair as soon as Trogg offers to leave for greener pastures, nodding ecstatically at the chance to leave behind the women and the all-too-flirtatious elves. Mating was something he understood, but he always found the big-folk went through such strange rituals when trying to achieve that goal. He does give Hin a second glance as he leaves though, his expression somewhat sad.
"Rikaku no like chatter, but sad to no speak at all," he says to Trogg and Beren as they leave the table. "Rikaku feel bad for Quiet-One."
Beren watches Clarence do his trick as he heads for the door. He thanks Diaz for the drinks and makes his way to the door.
You can dance? Well, that's great, I was just looking for somebody to teach me to dance. I find it a big hole in my overall education. Plus, we could maybe practice together?
Sventon momentarily looks after Beren as he leaves.
Not noticing anything out of the ordinary, he turns back his attention to Ingrid.
Not caring one way or the other, Variel drinks and listens to the conversation around him.
Now I have these with us, maybe we could start sweeping around the town for bodies and signs of battle?
Beren walks out into the streets, the commotion around the tavern is still quite vibrant though the streets themselves are started to grow quiet.
Ingrid giggles at Sventons question. "Perhaps we could, I haven't had a dancing partner in a long time. Elves are fairly nimble and flexible aren't they? I suppose we could put that to the test."
Whomever went up to the rooms can see that the rooms you are provided aren't lavish though they are functional. A good bed, clean sheets and a small basin with water in it. Not much but perhaps more than you were expecting with it being so busy.
Trogg will get his message to Beren and Rikaku before heading up to the rooms.
Once there, he sweeps the room with Detect Magic and his Spirit Sense before entering.
Does Detect Magic tell me anything about the scroll or the rest of the room?
If Detect Magic doesn't show anything interesting in the room, Trogg will have Clarence track down the previous owner of the scroll.
As the others leave for their rooms, Variel thinks for a while then decides to do a circuit of the town before heading home.
Beren feels the fresh air on his face as he leaves the tavern. Stopping he breathes in deep and looks around. Seeing that things are starting to die down, he feels a little less on edge.
As he stands there trying to decide what to do next, Variel come sout of the tavern. "Variel, do you think you could show me around? I always like to get the lay of the land when we first come to a new town."
He will then fall in with Variel to make a circuit of the town, looking for anyhting out of sorts.
Rikaku follows Trogg upstairs, looking rather concerned at the dwarf's suspicions. "Rikaku no want obligation to big-folk. Or worse! Why they want us though? What special about us, over other adventurer-folk? Rikaku no like how they come from nowhere and talks to begin with. Suspicious." He fiddles nervously with his scarf. "This town stink with bad energy. Rikaku don't like it here."
Upstairs, the kobold is only mildly interested in the scroll they discover until Trogg informs him that it is (or, well, was) a magical scroll. Rikaku immediately frowns, he himself also flicking his sight into the magical realm to check for any nearby threats.
"Maybe we sneak out and go to Variel den, pretend we go sleep here and then leave through window. No trust this place no more..."
Knowledge (Arcana) on the tattoos
Jazz takes note of Ingrid's tattoos, but says nothing about them for the time.
Sense Motive
Seeing Variel rise to leave, Jazz stands as well. "Ladies, I trust you'll take care of our friend Sventon here. I'll let him teach you a thing or two about Elven grace. See you around." He nods to Sventon, and then follows Variel outside.
Outside, he joins Variel and Beren. "What a weird bunch, that family."
As Trogg and Rikaku inspect the room they notice that the spell was cast inside the room though there is no lingering effects of the spell itself here.
Clarence starts tracking the person who might have owned the scroll, he notices that three people entered the room though only one left. Clarence starts to look out the window for the other two. Trogg and Rikaku notice that there is a muddy footprint near the windows edge. Looking down to the ground they see what looks marks and scraps of someone landing.
Variel, Jazz and Beren are walking around town looking for anything that might be out of the ordinary. They do spot one thing, they find a house that has a candle lit in the main room. The front door to the house is wide open and swinging in the wind. However inside it doesn't seem that there is anyone in the house at all. Almost like it was abandoned albeit recently.
Variel brightens as the others join him.
Ahhh - I thought you'd abandoned me for free rooms and freer women, he smiles.
I had thought to patrol the town - please join me
He walks the others through town, pointing out this shop or that before they stumble upon the house with the open door.
Whose is it I wonder?
Variel surmises that this house belonged to a young Half-elf called Varis. He has seen him around town before though is unsure of his profession nor his general habits.
Rikaku's expression darkens further. The kobold scowls as he crouches down, inspecting the muddy footprints closely. "Trogg, we must go! Not safe here!" He insists, his crimson eyes fiery. Rikaku quickly gathers up his belongings and rushes out of the room, using his small stature to his advantage as he bounds downstairs and out the front of the inn. He then wraps around the outside of the tavern, searching for the tracks on the lower level. When he finds them, he'll wait around for Trogg and Clarence to catch up before following the tracks further.
I ... think this place belongs to a Half Kindred... name of Varis. Strange sight. Lets take a closer look.
Beren approaches the door, Great axe in hand, and bends to check the ground for any signs of recent passage or if there are scuffs or signs of struggle.
perception
He calls into the house, "Hello, is there anyone home."He looks through the door for anything amiss without entering the house.
perception
Rikaku follows the tracks as best he can making sure Trogg and Clarence don't fall out of sight. Eventually it leads to a small grain storage building. It is on the edge of the one of the plantations.
There seems to be a magical aura near the door entering the storage building.
Meanwhile in the abandoned house Beren and Variel get down to inspecting the area. In the immediate vicinity there is no signs of struggle at all. There is no reply to Beren's question from inside the house. Looking inside from the door in the front room there is a set of chairs around a hearth.
Nearby you can see a desk with another chair though this one is lying on the floor. Adjacent to the chair is a quill with its nib oozing ink onto the floor. On the desk there is some documents in a cluttered mess. One was being worked on though is unfinished.
Next to the door hung on a peg you can see a buckler and a sheath for a shortsword, however the shortsword itself is missing. Below the peg is a bag ready for travel filled with supplies.
Variel looks over the fallen book then scans the room with Detect Magic.
Trogg motions to Rikaku to step back and whispers, "I think someone might be inside. Do you notice anything about the magic near the door?"
Jazz moves to the scrolls and leafs through them, looking for something of interest.
Perception
Knowledge arcana
Knowledge engineering
Knowledge local
Beren searches the rest of the house and then returns to Variel and Jazz to see what they have found with the books and papers.
Perception take 20 + 6 = 26
Rikaku steps back with Trogg and shrugs helplessly. "Rikaku no know. But someone inside." He pauses, then grins widely. "Trogg, come come, I try something." Gesturing for the dwarf to follow, he ducks behind a nearby building, poking his head around the side so he can still see the entrance to the grain storage. He then begins to chant in Draconic, conjuring glowing blue magical energies like snowflakes to the tip of his clawed finger. Raising his fingertip to his mouth, he blows on it, scattering the snowflakes away from him. They drift over towards the door, alighting on the ground and immediately melting there with a faint flash of arcane light. Moments later, the sound of thumping boots and clanging armor can be heard, followed thereafter by the sound of someone knocking on the door of the storage building.
Trogg hides with Rikaku.
In the house Variel scans around the house noticing no magic presence or auras.
Jazz leafs through the scrolls, most of them are about day to day book keeping for the merchants in town. Some with scribbles about finances and advice to good money saving and spending tactics. The only one of interest you find is the note that is unfinished on the table which reads:
"My Friend Lionel,
I hope this finds you well as I am currently fearing for my own sanity. Even with my knowledge of my magic it is hard to fight something that everyone perceives is not there. I have investigated the cave, I know I have but I don't remember anything! Please tell me if you are able to send over the care package so that I might..."
The note abruptly ends. Looking around the desk a bit Jazz can see that that most of the writing implements including the quill have been imported.
Beren searches the rest of the house not finding much in Varis's room. In the kitchen there is a plate with crumbs left over and a mostly finished glass of water. Though it reeks of something horrible for some reason.
Take 10: 14 perception
As soon as the ghost sound goes off both of you hear more shuffling inside the house. Suddenly a human pops his head outside the door way and looks around. He spots the hiding place where Trogg is hiding though hasn't quite noticed him yet, if he walks over to investigate you can guess that he'll find Trogg.
Beren rejoins Variel and Jazz, carrying the glass of water. "There is something foul about this water, would either of you be able to detect for poison on it."
"I can see why the Duke is desperate to put an end to these disappearances. It looks like the Varis character up and vanished during the middle of the day. You would think someone would have seen something."
Most curious... and it seems some people 'know' of a threat that others can't 'see'...
"I think we should figure out who this 'Lionel' is, he might know more about this. I'm sure at least he'll want to know that his pal Varis seems to have... encountered troubles."
Jazz looks at the water and sniffs it hesitantly, but shakes his head as he doesn't have any knowledge pertaining to what it could be.
"Variel, do you know where Varis is from? Is he a local, or has he traveled? There's something unique about this quill..."
Can't remember to be honest... we didn't really mix and I didn't pick up much in the way of gossip - can we track him out of his house here and try to find where he headed?
Suddenly a human pops his head outside the door way and looks around. He spots the hiding place where Trogg is hiding though hasn't quite noticed him yet, if he walks over to investigate you can guess that he'll find Trogg.