Both of the watchers oddly ignore Tobar's flirtatious glance focusing on their job.
Lefty, no place for hidden casting except a private room.
Tobar waits outside for a couple of minutes and then, disgruntled, heads back inside
Valessa sets down the plate and nods thanks to Jasmine. Leaning in a bit closer, she smiles and speaks in a low conversational tone.
"Is there a blacksmith in town? I could always use a bit more coin and I do have some skill making repairs."
Yaz, about 3/4 the way through his pitcher, is getting a bit loud now. In a stage whisper that can be heard throughout the common room he asks the barmaid if there is a place in town that 'isn' so damn quiet?!?' He is itching for some kind of action, whatever that might be.
Jasmine replies to Valessa
"Yes there is a Blackmsith in town, though the Bucket and Bellows already got a new hired about 1 month ago I think the new hire's name is Mark Gunner, he's big and strong."
Jasmine replies to Yaz
"Yes, The Conqueror's Blade, though I'd not recommend causing trouble there, as that is the town's tavern, and most of the guards go there for drinks."
Lothorian's interest is piqued.
Let's go check it out, Yaz. I could use a change of scene.
A little eavesdropping could help.
Downing the rest of his pitcher in one extended quaff, Yaz slams down his drink and says "Right. No time like the present." and heads to the door with a loud belch.
Lefty goes along, hoping to quietly listen to conversations and glean some info.
"Hey, guys, wait for me." Zero found this place too boring, too, and hurried after Yaz and Lefty.
"I see. Well, I wouldn't be looking for a permanent place... just to see if I could make a few extra coins before my next protection job. I am sure that even a small town like this has projects that could use a third set of hands on. I'll check over there in the morning."
Valessa smiles to the young woman, and nods to her companions as they walk out to seek adventure in the other tavern. Casually she keeps an eye on the two folks that Zero and Tobar had mentioned as being likely spies to see if one or more of them had to conveniently leave as well.
Tobar joins the group looking for a livelier place to party and drink
Hey, Kari!
Telsyn, the redheaded half elf, waits for her to catch up.
He sidles up to her and speaks quietly, almost in a whisper. I'd like to cast a spell before we go in. Detect a few thoughts. It won't last long, though. If you want to cast something, do it when I do. Message, if you've got nothing else.
He looks for a place where they can cast unnoticed, taking 10.
Lefty decides it's too risky, and settles for going in and trying to overhear something.
Daniel sits, eating his second meal attempted to find any change in the mood of the room.
Those going to The Conqueror’s Blade
A stone building looms over the surrounding homes and shops,
rivaled only by the temple across the street. A peaked roof sports
a massive chimney merrily exhaling clouds of smoke heavy with
the pleasant odor of roasting meat. Fiendish suits of armor stand
guard next to the wide entrance of a place that a wooden sign over
the door names “The Conqueror’s Blade.”
Running the place you see;
Rhasper who thinning black hair slicked back with scented hair wax.
He has a habit of overdressing in worn court garb that was once fashionable in Cheliax, but is now years out of date.
He talks in a high nasal voice.
3 Barmaids
Elka, Treesa, and Mairen.
And you see a LOT of soldier here, some are even playing games to relax, some are even fraternizing with local women in the bar.
---
Those staying behind
Valessa doesn't see the watchers do anything odd.
Daniel doesn't really notice any change in the rooms mood.
Lefty looks for a likely spot to overhear what the soldiers are discussing.
Hopefully, he'll overhear some little snippets that will mention something about their boss.
Yaz, never having developed much skill at stealth or subtlety, peels off from Lefty and heads for the nearest dice game while loudly calling for a drink. This place was definitely more his style of establishment!
Tobar heads over to a group of soldiers playing a game she recognizes (preferably the kind of fun game you play while drinkning, NOT a serious game like poker or the like)
"That looks like fun. Mind if I join you?"
You all hear the sound of an alert going though town, that the army is coming and that they are closing the gates.
Though the off duty guards stay in the bar as if knowing that there will be no problem.
Lefty finds a nice spot near a game,
You hear a bit about the guard rotation and that the Captain should be hear soon provided that no problems arise from the approaching army.
Tobar would definitely buy a round of drinks
"careful with the beer. Don't wanna spill it on these fine men, do we?"
Zero/Kari squeezes into the group to see how the game works.
Yaz tries to get in the game
Valessa hears the horn sounding outside. Turning to Jasmine, she leans in toward her.
"What on earth was that racket? Does it happen every evening and what does it mean? I had been thinking of going to see this Bucket and Bellows, if only to examine their workings... should I wait until the morning now?" She glances in the direction of the two spies as she says this.
Lefty sit quietly, orders a drink, and continues to listen.
Let's get a look at this captain. He might say something about the baron.
Jasmine replies to Valessa
"Sounds like the alarm for when go into lockdown and prepare for a siege, if I had to guess."
The guards are happy with drinks but none of you are let in any of the games at the tables.
Lefty hears not much more, sans a few more details of who'll be on watch when they go to work.
Lefty will commit those details to memory, trying to figure out what he can about where they expect to be, and when.
Yaz get's a drink and sulks about not being able to get into any of the games.
Feeling bored with the whole thing, Tobar goes off to the old inn, goes to her room and goes to sleep. Alone. Sigh.
Lefty lingers, hoping to hear more that might give him a clue.
Before she heads up to her room, Valessa motions Tobar over.
"Alarm was them securing the gates. Possibly an army out there. We might be here a bit longer than anticipated."
She keeps here face somewhat neutral as she says this, hoping that the other woman catches on.
"I plan on swinging by the blacksmith tomorrow. Originally to see if I could get some extra coin, but the city defenses might need bolstering." Valessa cannot help but smile as she adds, "Every hand helps, after all."
Walking with the young woman as she heads up to her own room, she gives her a tired smile as she says, "If anyone finds work with the guard let me know. I might be able to help with those duties as well."
Nodding thanks to the woman, she heads into her own room and (after locking the door) goes to sleep, armor and all.
Jasmine replies to Valessa with a whisper
"If your looking for guard or similar work, drop the idea as the Baron will only allow locals that job.
Also Watch what you say in town or you could find yourself in trouble."
You also learn rotation of men, shifts and more change and are never the same for more then 3 nights in a row.
Lefty hangs out, waiting to see if anyone else can indirectly inform him.
Valessa nods at the barmaid's words, but smiles. "Not to worry, I am not trying to step on the Baron's toes. Still, depending on whether this lock-down is more serious than just passing bandits, he might change his mind about turning away volunteers willing to bleed and die for him simply based on not being 'local' born. Hells, depending on what is out there and what their motives are, me and my companions might have as much incentive to fight as anyone here. None of us are looking to die at the hands of indiscriminate invaders, after all." She gives a grim smile as she adds, "Besides, it would be bad form to let your host's establishment get raised to the ground, eh?" Laughing to herself, she closes and locks the door before going to sleep for the evening.
Daniel waits for more of his comrades to return, making sure they all make is safely back to the inn and keeps an eye on the two spys in the room.
Jasmine replies to Valessa with a whisper
"Just remember who your fighting for and what job needs to be done."
Valessa, still not used to having her facial features revealed for the world to see, cannot help but raise an eyebrow at the barmaid's comment.
With a good buzz going but nothing fun to do, Yaz sulks in a corner and nurses his drink. This assignment was going to take some patience, clearly.
Lefty decides to pack it in and prep new spells for tomorrow.
Zero keeps Yaz company. They couldn't get into any of the games, but watching others win and loose and fight over cheating accusations was already half the fun. They kept a low profile and tipped the waitress generously.
Valessa you get the feeling she knows something but can't put your finger on it.
Now onto Day 1 of Investigation.
Yaz wakes with a minor hangover.
Zero's presence helps cover Yaz from watchful eyes.
The two watchers in the Room seems to be in the morning nursing a minor hangover.
Valessa emerges from her room with most of her gear. Nodding to the barmaid, she leaves to head to the blacksmith. "You can tell a lot about the preparation of a force by their tools and the care they have for them. Besides, I might be able to sabotage anything their guard had left for repairs."
Lothorian preps a few spells, then waits for his friends to join him.