The folks around here were certainly chatty, and they all seemed to want to mill about the inn. Dorian supposed that was normal in a place like this, even if you couldn't see 5' in front of you.
Trenna notices something peculiar about a middle-aged red-haired man holding a broom who is currently engaged in discussion with three other men. A disturbing tattoo hidden on the small of the back is exposed for a moment, just a moment when the man bends over to pick up a broom he just dropped. The tattoo is a seven pointed star - the same star the group saw used by goblins and murderers the last several weeks.
Trenna is curious about the Paradise and asks around to see if it was a popular attraction or it the more religious-minded locals had objected to its proximity. She quickly realizes that like everywhere else, she's better served dealing with issues instead of talking to people. She's pretty sure at the very least, they're no longer pleased with HER proximity.
When Trenna retrieves the next round, she quietly tells everyone else about the star tattoo and asks Dorian for some pointers on how to not piss everyone off.
Nadesico has enjoyed this extended break from battle and is getting used to her eyes no longer bleeding. Having enjoyed the weather during their trip, she now grows accustomed to the rain once they reached this town.
Nadesico makes her way over to the red-haired man, and tries to make friendly chatter with him. "So. This rain. Am i right? This is crazy isn't it? Yes it is! How have you dealt with this for so long. Don't you miss the sun? I sure do. Yes I do!"
+3 more if we are 1 on 1
"To be honest, we're not used to the rain." the man says, turning to face the catfolk. "Normally it's dry, some occasional snow, but this? This, well, I've lived here all my life and I ain't never seen it rain every day, all day for a week straight! It's like we being punished!"
"hey fellows, I still kinda wanna see Paradise..." Syrenna says hopefully. She follows Trenna in asking folks around about it.
She apologizes profusely about Trenna's brashness to the locals. As they head back, "What were you thinking? Why did you ask that noblewoman if she was a local whore? Are you trying to get us arrested? At least let me have some fun before we see the inside of a cell...." she mutters angrily at Trenna as they return to the group.
"Pointer #1 - don't shove people's sins right in their faces. Sure, everyone knows what a whorehouse is for, and many people get entertained there. But it isn't appropriate to call them out on it."
"Pointer #2 - Always get people to give you the information you ant as if it were their own idea. For instance, you could try striking up a conversation by talking about the fine entertainment houses you ahve seen in other towns and cities, and that you ahd heard the Paradise was another gem in the rough, so to speak. That will encourage the person you are talking with to give you information, either 'yes, it's very nice, and Kayleen is a vixen but try not to tell Charlotte you like redheads', or 'I don't know who hates you enough to tell you that, the Paradise'll give you the 7-year itch for 10 years'. You see?"
"No, what are you looking at over there? That man with the broom? What about him? Perhaps we should try and have a talk with him about that tattoo."
Akivar looks at the man with the broom. "Talking? We do that? I don't do that. I thought we just beat information out of people."
"Though in retrospect given our location and the likely response to us doing that... maybe someone should ask. Politely." He looks around blankly.
"Talk nicely? Sure, I can do that." Trenna begins to walk over to speak with the man before Syrenna grabs her arm and shakes her head.
"Well if everyone is afraid to trip over their own tongue... shall we just follow him?"
When Trenna asks about paradise, it gets the man attention "Paradise? Bah! It's sunk-it's a tragedy, I 'll agree. But know what? Good riddance, I say. I know it ain't nice to wish ill on no one, but I hope that strumpet Lucrecia's at the bottom of the lake as well. Tartin' around town with her chest all pushed out and flashing leg with every other step .... That type of walk might go over well down in Korvosa, but we're respectable folk here! Wouldn't be surprised to find out Paradise sunk on account of her bringing down Erastil's judgment on the whole sinful lot of 'em!"!
"How long ago did that happen? Seems something like that doesn't happen every day."
Nodding, the red-haired man say sadly "Indeed. It happened just a month back in fact. In a town this small, losing dozens of lives at once is quite noticeable. We're still mourning for our losses, though don't be talking ill about Lucrecia, seems like I'm the only one who be talking bad about her. Everyone else be thinking she is remembered fondly."
"Oh, I have no doubt they do. That name sounds familiar, though. I think I ran into someone once that mentioned their sister Lucrecia lived up this way. Can't remember who, though. Deja vu, eh?"
"Hey, what can you tell me about that fellow over there with the broom? He's been leering at my lady friends a little too intently. Are we going to have problems with him? Because I tell you, my big friend over there doesn't take kindly to handsy men. She's been known to cut off a man's sack and hang it around his neck as a trophy after a pinch on the rump." Dorian indicated the red-headed man with the broom.
Trenna watches Dorian work, careful to keep her mouth shut lest she actively scuttle the good will he's earned. She turns away at the mention of the forceful castration, hiding a snort.
"Ain't nobody seen Lucrecia since Paradise sank. I think it's safe to safe she went down with the ship, so to speak."
Holding a broom in his own hand, the red-haired man looks over in the direction Dorian is pointing, not finding anything. He looks around the room intently for another red-haired man carrying a broom. "Uhm. I be the only one with a broom in here that I know of. I don't think no one else be causing any trouble abouts here."
Confused, he goes back to sweeping.
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Hedge is lost in his own world, sneaking glances at the few women in the crowd.
His renwu, as assigned by Grandmaster Fon, was to experience a life outside the monastery before committing his final vows. In the monastery he lived a life in service to knowledge and perfection of self, and so he gravitated towards those serving others and working to perfect their community.
However, his recent brush with death and his brash new companions reminded of all the small pleasures and indulgences that he had been eschewing. If he was to truly understand his companions and this life, perhaps he needed to relax and really live the adventurer's life.
There is one particular indulgence that fascinates and terrifies him. He tries to focus on the group's sleuthing, but his attention keeps being drawn back to the curve of that one barmaid's backside.
He leans over to Akivar and whispers "How would I go about soliciting a prostitute?"
"Hedge - I can call you Hedge, can't I - look. In a town like this there are two ways. First is to visit the local brothel. It's not complicated, and everyone there knows why you are there. Simple business. Exchange coin for pleasure and release. Unfortunately for you, the local brothel appears to have burned down. That leaves option 2, which is as likely to get you slapped as laid. See that buxom serving lass over there? Go up to her and tell her you've got the coin if she's got the time. She'll either take you upstairs and shag you raw, or slap you in the face."
Dorian didn't mention a third, and much more reliable, option. That was to slide a few coppers to the barkeep for information on where to find an enjoyable, yet safe, time. He really wanted to see how Hedge's adventure played out.
Trenna sits back to watch Hedge work his magic. Once he moves away, she turns to Dorian and slyly points at Nali, "there is another way, it looks like Warri is in heat and may be up for a good rutting."
"I'd prefer to keep that sort of thing outside the party. If things sour, it could tear us apart from within. And if they don't," he shrugged. "If they don't then they could become distracted by each other when we need them to have clear heads. Trust me, it's much better this way."
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Hedge doesn't overlook the eager anticipation on his companion's faces. It's the same look the younger monks would have when they were trying to play a prank on one of the elders. At the same time, the advice given seemed honest - they just expected him to screw up.
It wasn't a bad expectation, as he has seen only a small handful of women in his life, and has never spoken to a woman casually.
He watches the barmaid for a moment before choosing a means of approach, intercepting her on her way to the kitchen where he could speak to her without people easily overhearing.
"Excuse me, miss?" He does his best to keep his voice low and firm; not too loud, but not as timid as the butterflies in his stomach made him feel. "I find you very attractive and, if it is not too forward of me, I was hoping we might be able to spend some time alone together after your work is done today."
Nadesico jumps when she hears her name, but quickly her smile turns to a frown. "What? Heat? Stop it! No No No No No No No!"
She then walks over to Dorian and whispers "So... 7 pointed star tattoo guy amirite? Did you get anything. What do we do now?"
"Well, we watch and see if Hedge gets slapped silly, then go investigate this burned out pleasure house before heading up to the Keep, I guess. That tattoo is curious, for certain, but other than following the guy, I don't..."
Dorian broke off. Of course they could follow that guy. Well, one of them could, at any rate. Syrenna was about as sneaky as a cat in heat, and he wouldn't say Nadesico was much quieter in all that armor.
The barmaid's hands were full with dishes as Hedge interrupts her path to the kitchen. Covered in splotches of ale, grease and other stains, she looks herself up and done when Hedge propositions her. She turns to look behind her and asks "Wha-at? Me? You want to spend some time with me tonight? Who are you and what is it you want exactly? Did you just show up on the ferry? Does Pa owe you some money or something? It ain't my fault he died in the sinking of Paradise you know, I don't have money to pay off his debts."
The women quickly scuttles off around Hedge, leaving him there while his companions eagerly await a thumbs up from behind him.
At the bar, you overhear a conversation between the barkeep and another man talking about the lack of "The Arrows". "Still nothing. That' odd, right? Not like they could be gettin' there s'plies from somewhere else. Don't right know what's going on. Maybe they all went on a trip somewheres."
"A trip? Are you an idiot? They Black Arrows don't take trips, Feliax. How many ales have you had tonight anyway?" he barkeep response, crossing his arms.
Akivar looks back at the group with a semi-confused look. In hushed tones he says, "If the Order of the Black Arrow is supposed to be in control at the Fort and in these parts it would seem odd if the locals haven't seen them in addition to them not reporting in through expected channels back to Magnimar. It seems like a trip to the fort is in order. Do we have any business to tend to here before heading out?"
Pausing a moment, he reflects. "I mean I suppose we could wait for Hedge to uh... celebrate his manhood."
He half-shouts to Hedge, "Tell her with all the brigands about you think it might be best to check her treasure chest for booby traps, it works every time!"
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The barmaid rushes away before Hedge has a chance to process her confusion. He is considering a second approach when he hears Akivar calling out. Glancing over, he see the group looking ready to move on.
Hedge swallows his pride and returns to the group, picking up and downing the remains of his drink in order to avoid eye contact.
"I'm ready." he mutters. "What's the plan?"
"One - check to see what the locals can tell us about the Fort and the Black Arrows. Two - figure out where it is, what we will encounter going there. Three - investigate. Four - establish our success as true heroes to the locals to earn notoriety for Hedge to be more popular with the ladies."
Talking with the locals, you find that while the Black Arrows normally are frequently seen in town collecting resources and supplies for the Fort, none have been seen recently. Some chalk it up to the rains being to harsh and making travel difficult, but others think that is ridiculous since they are supposed to be the roughest, toughest group of survivalist around.
As the group reconvenes to share what they've learned, Trenna suggests they make any necessary last-minute purchases and head out.
You find six good horses saddles and barding. The stable master gives you easy directions to Fort Rannick. "The simplest route is to follow an old road leading up along the banks of the Skull River. The road crosses an old wooden bridge to the western shore about three miles north of Turtleback Ferry, and from there heads all the way up to on old impressive Thassilonian ruin known as Skull’s Crossing, an immense stone dam that holds back the waters of the Storval Deep. A side road branches off about three miles before the dam, and a wooden sign points up this trail to Fort Rannick."
After checking your provisions you leave Turtleback Ferry and make your way north to Fort Rannick. It's wet, very wet. After an hour in the rain you quickly grow tired of it. Looking up and around, it looks like it's not stopping anytime soon either.
After you cross over the old wooden bridge you hear a muffled murmur of pain in the woods nearby, as if a large animal were wounded.
"Anyone hear that? Sounds like something is in pain, maybe wounded. Might be an animal, or a really large person. Let's check it out."
Trenna looks toward the sound, "wonder what it is. Sounds big." She looks around for any obvious tracks
Trenna's face becomes pained as she answers Hedge, "I can try that, yes, but after Warri di ..." She looks over at Nadesico, "ahh there you are. What was I saying?"
"If nothing else it might lend a clue as to what is going on with the Arrows. Let's go see what the situation is."
Waiting for the others to take the lead Akivar slowly filters to the back.
Following the tracks down off the path, it's not too long before you come across a smalls-sized cougar. It's front left paw is wrenched inside of a tremendous bear trap attached to the base of a thick tree. Upon seeing you, it scurries backwards in pain, snarling at you as you approach.
Trenna walks behind a tree, out of the sight of the cougar and shifts. She moves out and settles down on the ground about 10' away from the hurt cougar, putting her head on her paws and trying to communicate with it.
"What happened cousin? Do you need help getting out of that trap?" She sniffs the air, trying to determine if there are any other animals nearby. "we can help."
It doesn't take Trenna long to realize that this is not a wild animal, but a trained animal companion.
The cougar explains its name is Kibb and he's being chased by some hounds and their terrifying slaver. Kibb goes on to say that his master has been captured and is being help prisoner and that he had escaped when-
The conversation is cut short as the sounds of animals rapidly approaching with baying hounds and a loud "HEY KITTY, KITTY, KITTY"
"We're going to try and get you out before they get here. Can you tell us anything about the slaver?" She moves to the trap and wedges her shoulder under the jaws, "can I get a hand with this? Kibb's master has been captured and the slaver and his dogs are on their way!" She doesn't wait and begins to strain to spread the jaws far enough so Kibb can escape.
She winces and crouches down to try again, grunting, "almost ... got it"
Akivar looks at the trap and pauses. "I will uhh... get you some help. Hedge!"
Akivar begins casting Enlarge Person on Hedge. [ooc] 1 Rd cast time.
Nadesico grips her hammer, and places herself between Trenna and the sounds of the approaching creatures.
"Don't worry Trenna! I will protect you while you free our new friend. Yes I will! "
Working together with Hedge, Trenna is able to break the bear trap free of the cougars wounded leg.
Dorian drew his wand of healing and lightly tapped Kibb with it.
Syrenna thinks about climbing something to ambush.. but then realizes this probably wouldn't end well for her. Instead she draws her swords and waits to ambush and looks up at the tree again... "Oh, why the hells not..." she mutters.
Syrenna barely makes it up the tree in her armor, but she manages to get up just as five snarling dogs arrive, running and howling from the west.
As the hounds come baying down the path, Dorian cast a quick spell, speeding everyone's limbs up. Then, he lined up another spell, trying to get as many of the dogs in it as possible. A ball of glittering dust flew into the pack of hounds and exploded, coating the dogs with glitter and getting in their sensitive eyes.
Trenna quickly casts Greater Magic Fang on herself to buff her teeth and claws and then darts down the path to hit the first dog.
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