Up close the new Varisian man notices a couple of things about that were not so apparent from a distance. Her ears give her away as a Half-Elf, which might explain her somewhat odd height to girth ratio. When she switches to Taldane so everyone can understand her, she has an atrocious accent, and maybe not a strong command of the language.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Eventually Bryndís puts her sword away to make it easier to jog along following the thugs. She gives Muziel a welcoming clap on the shoulder when he appears, but keeps on moving.
During the time they're closing in on the Fat Man's Feedbag, she starts to become concerned about the direction things are going in. It's not the potential fight that bothers Bryndís, but the after fight end game.
They may have the mayor's favor at this time, but how far does that extend? Towns have laws, and people to enforce them. Bursting into a place of business and throwing down with the people inside might not be interpreted as they prefer, and might invite trouble they don't want. Besides, they don't really know that much about the town when it comes down to it.
Wayilant's barrel maneuver is a welcome step toward a little moderation. But she brings up something that should maybe fit into their calculations. Hopefully something the Varisian man will have a sound opinion on.
"If this is Sczarni business we must think smart. I know things about them I heard in caravans. The Sczarni reputation always brought trouble for us, but there were no Sczarni in my caravans. They are clever, and pay to be protected. Here the town guards might be payed to protect them. We must be careful or we might go to jail. This is a small town, it would be hard for the law to not know about this place and what they do. If they know and do nothing, it is not a good sign for us."
Bryndís finds some boxes near Wayilant's barrel to lean against while waiting, which isn't long. Not enough time even to consider and respond to Talienda's offer to make her invisible.
Once the quarry is back outside confronting them, Bryndís starts setting the scene for the impression she wants to create.
"Why do you threaten us so?" she asks the dark skinned man.
"Do you mean you will force us to defend ourselves just because we are here in the street?"
She says all this loudly. Lots of witnesses will be best.
"And why follow us, skulking in old, abandoned houses like thieves? We wanted to have a chat with those that seemed so interested in our party," Talienda adds, seeing that she isn't going to have time to make one of her allies invisible nor reply to Gravi's comment. "I'm not so sure that if we do leave, we won't soon have you following us like dogs."
Alina nervously keeps an eye on the group of ruffians, her hands twitching just over her rapier.
"A-are you sure this is a good idea, Tali," she asks, not liking the tension rising in the air.
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The old dwarf walks up slowly, tapping the ground with his quarterstaff as he ends up next to Wayilant. He has a sense that Bryndis might want them to be acting in self defense. Which was all and good, but he didn't want those words to be TOO effective.
So, he tries a few words in Orcish, looking squarely at the towering green half-orc. "Bob? Bob? Jaký orkský válečník by měl takové jméno? Jste nějaký klínový pes, který přijde, když váš pán zavolá?"
Wayilant smiles to himself to see the others jump to the occasion. The cleric shuttered as the barman got close enough for the cleric to smell his old beer breath.
The aasimar smiled in the barkeep's face and pointed to Talienda and Alina. "That's perfectly fine. I just wished to make it known that the ladies are off the menu, indefinitely. And under my and Cayden Cailean's protection." The caydenite flipped his holy symbol on his finger to bring attention to it and his status.
"You see, gentlemen", Wayilant stood up and walked around the barkeep to address the crowd. "The Accidental God prizes Freedom, above all. And any such effort to stymie the freedoms of other, may cause disfavor from The Drunken God. I don't suppose you've experienced any particularly bitter ale or overly harsh liquor the past few days, Hmm? Those are often warnings from His Celestial Bigness. Harsher warnings come next."
A couple of the thugs begin to get a little fidgety as the conversation begins. Once you appear to be willing to talk, the barkeep raises a hand to calm his men. The large half-orc lowers his blade and then stands there with an expressionless face. After your group asks a few questions, the dark-skinned man chuckles. “Well I think you know the answer to that….emm…” He pauses just long enough to pull out a piece of parchment, unfold it, and then glance down at it. “Talienda. It seems someone is fairly vested in seeing you returned to Absolom.” After glancing at the parchment, he folds it back up and secures it in a small leather satchel at his side. “Now, I don’t know how they do it in Absolom, but here in Sandpoint, a bounty is a bounty. If there is some beef with the legality of the bounty, then you can take that up with the bounty’s sponsor. We were hoping to collect you up without too much fuss. That’s why we took care to try and grab you when you were alone. After all, Sheriff Hemlock has his hands full with more pressing matters. I would hate to interrupt his current situation with a perfectly legal bounty acquirement. Of course, smashing up the city to collect this bounty, well that’s another matter altogether. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate that.” He looks over his shoulder at Bob for a moment and then shrugs. “Well, I suppose it might not be avoidable.”
In the background the half-orc simply smiles as the dwarf makes an attempt at the orcish language. The barkeep then looks over at Liotierri. “I suppose you will want to collect your belongings before leaving our fine establishment.” He asks more in the form of a statement than a question. "As for the bounty, I really can’t see why we wouldn’t pursue it. It’s a fair amount of coin, and by the looks of it, I think we will have an opportunity at some point to grab you up without a fuss.” After looking over your group a little closer, he pauses to consider something. “Well now, I do have a pressing matter that if delt with, would inspire me to tear up this bounty and forget about it. It would require a little couth on your part and of course a bit of skill.” After pointing out an alternative to the obvious mayhem that is about to unfold, he leans on his stick and then waits to evaluate the group’s response.
When Wayilant wonders toward the barkeep, he steps back and then Bob steps forward brining him face to face with the cleric. After stepping back, the barkeep continues. “You good sir are coming terribly close to have a one-on-one drink with your god. I would strongly recommend not testing Bob’s patience. He is a little hard to control sometimes if you know what I mean.”
Bryndís cocks her head and raises an eyebrow.
"We have the girl. You have a piece of paper. The bounty is ours. Are you saying here in front of everyone that you are going to steal from us?"
"Are you saying you would go to the Sheriff and lie to him? It sounds like we should go to the Sheriff."
The barkeep pauses when Bryndis declares that Talienda is her captive. “I see. That is an interesting spin on things. So, you are telling me that you have captured this woman with the intent of collecting the bounty?” He seems a bit caught off guard by the sentiment.
Off to the left, the small dirty man, wearing the top hat begins to squirm. "Boss, I have to pee." He states using his inside voice. Off to the right, the crazed looking man, who has been smiling the entire conversation now looks a bit more concerned. Instead of twirling his short swords in an excited fashion, he now stands quietly with his blades hanging loosely at his side. Bryndis is imposing and her presence is obviously felt by everyone, except Bob, who seems unmoved whatsoever.
During the parlay, Bryndis gets a tingly feeling. Almost as if she is anxious about something. Excited in some way, which doesn't necessarily coincide with the situation.
The caydenite frowns in thought, then turns his back on the bar patrons to gather up their swag. "Ok, I'm ready to leave when you are."
Wayilant stands by the sorceress and her handmaiden, waiting for the others to depart.
"That is what I am telling you." affirms Bryndís while crossing her arms.
"You lost her, and then we found her. There are witnesses to this. The girl would rather be taken back by us because we do not beat her or her thrall."
After rubbing his chin a few times while considering the situation, the barkeep looks up and offers one last thought. “I’m willing to step down and allow you to claim the reward on one condition. If you can tell me who you are returning her to. Tell me the name of the person who sponsored the bounty, and I will back off.”
Muziel is disappointed that Bob is not easily taunted. A half-orc with some wisdom as well as great strength, surely to be feared.
Not having much understanding of the situation as a new member of the Flagon Slayers, he wondered for a moment if what Bryndis said was true. If so, perhaps he had misjudged his companions? No, Wayilant was a true Caydenite--he'd seen it in the Citadel with his own eyes. And as a Caydenite, he would surely defend Talienda's liberty--not deprive her of it.
Which meant that this was a ruse. He sure hope Bryndis knew who the sponsor might be. Or that someone could tell her. He looks not to Bryndis but to Talienda and Alina to see if they might understand the situation and be able to help.
Talienda and Alina both stare at Bryndis after she insinuates that the group would be turning them in for the bounty. Both of them pale and look to the others before their eyes settle on Wayilant.
"W-what is she talking about," Talienda quietly asks the cleric, praying that she misheard the woman. She doesn't like hers and Alina's chances of getting away from Bryndis if they have to run.
"Play along", Wayilant whispers to the noblewoman, as he grabs her arm.
"You will allow? You allow nothing. Our right to them is clear. You are either a thief or you are not. I will not dance like I am your monkey for what is already mine."
While Bryndís's tone has previously been cocky, her voice is now turning angry and dangerous. She uncrosses her arms and drops a hand to her sword. She draws the weapon and it goes back up to rest on her shoulder.
"Don't test me. It will end badly for you."
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Wayilant conveys his message, which Talienda receives as “I am long.”
Bryndis’s intent is clear. Her increase in aggression relays a message, which piggybacks on her previous statement. Together it leaves little doubt that she is more than capable of taking care of herself.
As Bryndis’s sword finds a comfortable spot on her shoulder, she once again gets a slight feeling of disappointment. The feeling seems fare out of line, considering the current situation, as it passes quickly.
You feel the man is dead set on a fight. Laying down ultimatums. Setting expectations. Making demands, all seem like some sort of effort to justify a fight.
After Bryndis’s blade comes out, the barkeep raises up both hands in an attempt to slowdown the hostility. Off in the distance a shrill voice can be heard calling out. “SOMEONE CALL SHERIF HEMLOCK!” Many of the locals, who have been shopping or doing business in the area, flee the alley. People exit the mercantile in a rush, while shop owners usher out customers and begin quickly closing up shop.
The barkeep attempts to keep his calm in all the dismay. “OK, ok, I get your point. She belongs to you. We will back off for now. That said, I will check up on the bounty’s status in a reasonable amount of time. If it goes unclaimed, well the game is afoot.”
Bob, the half-orc, mimics Bryndis by sitting his massive blade on his shoulder and then gives the Bloodrager a quick nod of respect. He looks more than willing to oblige the fight but waits patiently in front of the barkeep for instructions.
The other four thugs each try and find advantages spots to give themselves a slight advantage, just incase things go bad.
After taking a moment, the barkeep continues. “I will send word to Absolom, advising Hecka that you have been captured. The bounty, well in this case, bounties will be claimed by this woman and her crew. Please, give the assassin my best.”
After making his last statement, he claps his hands loudly and then heads back into the tavern. Each thug follows in his wake, except Bob. Bob give Bryndis one last nod and a smile before leaving.
The alley becomes dead quiet once the tavern’s door slams shut. You catch sight of people peeping out their windows as they try and asses what’s happening.
Bryndis doesn't move until the tavern doors have shut behind the men. At that point she lowers her sword to rest it tip on the ground.
"Let's get out of this alley. We can talk later in a better place."
Talienda looks at Wayilant as if he'd renounced all alcohol and declared his undying love for goblin polka music, at least until she hears the name Hecka. What little color was still in her cheeks disappear and she begins to panic, shaking her head in swift, little arcs as she desperately tries to deny the barkeep's words.
"No. Nononononono. Sh-she can't. I thought--" The young woman mutters. She doesn't even notice the men going back inside.
"The Rusty Dragon," Alina says when Bryndis suggests getting somewhere else. "That's where most of our stuff is, still."
"Shh. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh", Wayilant whispers, trying to calm down the noblewoman. "We're going to the Rusty Dragon. Your safe for now. Shhh. It's alright."
The cleric gently leads Talienda by her arm down the street and to their next destination.
I'll meet you there.... Need my things. Gravi enters the Fatman's Feedbag, hands held high. I'm just here for my pack, and I'll be going. A pleasure always... he says, assuming there is no resistance, he'll retrieve his belongings and follow the group to the Rusty Dragon.
Wayilant's soothing helps somewhat. At the very least, Talienda calms enough for him to guide her like she's a frightened child towards the Rusty Dragon.
Alina follows along, nervously glancing over her shoulder every few steps. Though she appears to be more in control of her emotions, she's gone just as pale as Talienda.
Echo slips out in front of the group, wanting to be away from the dangerous men that upset her mistress as quickly as possible. She doesn't understand, at least fully, why Talienda is so scared. Sure, the elven assassin is dangerous, but she is apparently far away, otherwise, why would she not come after Talienda herself?
Liotierri enters the Fatman’s Feedbag and aside from some unwanted stares, he doesn’t encounter and hostility. During the process, the dirty little man with the top hat keeps an eye on him as he handles his business.
Outside, the group exits the alley onto Salmon Street and then turns left. Light drizzle begins to dampen the road, while darker clouds start to roll in. Following Salmon Street North, you end up at the crossroads of Salmon and Market Street, which intersects directly in front of the Rusty Dragon Inn. Fare above the old Inn looms a giant rusty statue of a bronze dragon. Because it is early afternoon, the Inn is now in full swing. People are both taking tables for lunch, as well as frequenting the Inn’s bar for an afternoon drink. Barmaids, which appear to be four in total, quickly make their way around the room taking orders and greeting customers. A young brunet woman with greying features seems to be in charge, as she directs the staff from behind the Inn’s bar. As the you enter the establishment, the smell of fresh baked bread fills your nose. The sound of utensils clattering stands out among a course of voices, which blend together as the Inn’s patrons laugh, joke, and talk throughout the building. By the looks of it, you suspect you caught the place during rush-hour.
“Please make yourselves comfortable.” One of the maids says to you as she rushes by with a handful of plates.
“Please make yourselves comfortable.” One of the maids says to you as she rushes by with a handful of plates.
Wayilant waves at Ameko as he sits the Slayers down at a table.
Once a barmaid comes around, the caydenite orders an dwarven ale for Muziel and Bryndis, two very tall and strong glasses of wine for Talienda and Alina, and ale for himself and Gravi. "This first round's on me."
Bryndís drinks the ale with relief. It's only now that she has any free space to consider the invasive emotions she has experienced during the day. She can only conclude some sort of bad magic has latched on to her.
It's something she will have to ask Talienda about. Maybe there is some charm she can get to protect herself from the spell or hex. her thoughts return to the horseshoe woman. She could have been a witch Bryndís thinks.
But first the most pressing question:
"Who is this assassin Hecka? Why has she placed a bounty on you?" she asks Talienda.
"We need to figure out how serious this is."
Wayilant claps his hands in happiness to see the barmaid return with everyone's drinks. "Oh! Thank you, dear lady!"
The caydenite passes out all the drinks. Wayilant expresses his thanks to Cayden, offers a 'cheers' and drinks his ale heartily.
The cleric then looks to the noblewoman to hear her explanation, after she takes a good strong sip.
Talienda and Alina accept the wine, but do not drink it.
"She's the one that chased us out of Absolom," Talienda says as she stares into the glowing heart of her glass. "I didn't think she'd get word here so quickly."
2 glasses of fine wine 1 gp.
2 tall ales 1 sp.
1 dwarven ale 1 sp.
Once the group gets settled, the table you ended up with is crafted from hand-carved pine. In the center of the table sits several small glass containers displaying a small collection of herbs and spices, which are obviously used to flavor your meal. Braced up against the containers are a couple of thick parchments that display what’s available from the kitchen and pantry. Among these are a couple specials that can only be found at the Rust Dragon.
Cheese Blossoms Spicy cheese-curd-stuffed artichoke hearts (1 sp)
Curried Salmon Spicy salmon served over asparagus (8 sp)
Raspberry Mead Sweet and tangy (5 sp per glass)
Seasonal Ales Varies—from Two Knight Brewery (6 cp per mug)
After dropping off your drinks, the young server, a woman who appears to be in her early twenties with shoulder length chestnut hair and a full figure, quickly heads back into the kitchen and then emerges moments later with multiple plates. She delivers the plates to a neighboring table and then begins distributing them. The smell of the Curried Salmon is strong but is accented with several spices that quickly change its odder from a fishy unpleasant smell to something that makes your mouth water.
The bar, where Ameko is working nonstop to keep up with, is inundated with about twenty sailors who look like they just arrived in port and are ready to drink their weight in rum.
Your drinks arrive in well-kept glass, which is obviously from the glass works in town, and are chilled to a perfect serving temperature.
Talienda and Alina accept the wine, but do not drink it.
"Ladies. You've had a nerve-wracking experience", Wayilant states firmly. "Please finish the wine. It will help. Please."
Talienda hesitates. The fear and the paranoia she feels warring with the trust she has placed in Wayilant and Bryndis. After a long moment she picks up the glass and sips it.
Alina, seeing her mistress giving in, follows suit. After a small sip, she takes a longer pull.
"Are you going to claim the bounty on my head," Talienda asks as Alina puts her glass back down.
Bryndís, who's thoughts had turned to food, is jarred by Talienda's naïveté.
"No. But it mattered who had claim so if there was a fight we did not go to jail. If we killed them in self-defense, or defending our property, it is alright. That is why what the people there thought was important. They would have been witnesses who would say we acted in our rights."
"But now there are two matters. The first is what the Sczarni might do. Don't think that man in the street was more than a lackey. The real leader would not show their face like that. There are layers, and the top will stay hidden, secret. We will have to be watchful, for I think this matter is only settled if they see no chance to take you again."
"The second matter is why there is a bounty. You need to tell us that story. It will let us see how great the elf's will is in this. Also, is Absalom far or close? That will tell us more about her as well."
Muziel orders and starts downing his share of ale. "Gotta earn the Flagon Slayer name," he offers.
"Ye don't know me, but Wayilant and Bryndis ain't 'ere ta take ya in fer some boun'y. 'ell, Wayilant 'ere dinna wanna e'en take goblins pris'ner. Goblins that tried ta kill us!" He shakes his head at the thought and gulps down some more ale, before continuing in a louder voice.
"End o' the day, we all gotta trust someone. Spend long enough 'idin' on yer own and ye'll pay fer it."
A few minutes later Gravi walks into the Rusty Dragon, swinging a well-made backpack off his shoulder and dropping it near the group. He swings himself into an open seat, lounging. Greetings again! I find myself without lodging, so if this place is recommended by you, then I'll happily take a room here. That was...anticlimactic... so the Bunyip Club seeks a nobles bounty on yourself there M'Lady Talienda is it? No real need to explain. He takes a pull from the ale provided by Wayliant, Thank you there, I do appreciate the religious gesture in the moment. he smiles easily... gauging the depth of the conversation he subsides, allowing things to flow in the group.
Wayilant smiles, noticing the holy symbol and masterwork whip the new man, Gravi, is wearing.
"Of course! As both caydenites and calistrians, our faiths have been tied together for hundreds of years. Sometimes literally", Wayilant added with a toast to the varisian on the other side of the table. "We would also appreciate the grace of The Savored Sting on our adventures as well."
For the most part, you feel that the individuals you just encountered are nowhere in sight. That said, your observation is a little sharper considering the situation and you notice a few other things taking place within the Rusty dragon. First, you catch one of the Sailers stealing a fairly large tip off one of the tables. You estimate the tip to be around three gold, seeing it was for a banquet that had just settled their bill as you came into the establishment. Secondly, you notice a shady looking character off in the corner by himself. He catches your attention when another man hands him a small pouch of coin in exchange for a small vial. The transaction, in itself, wasn’t overly alarming. The fact the vial had no label causes you speculate about its contents.
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"Everyone"', Wayilant asks as he stands up abruptly. "Please I begin pardon.."
The caydenite points the sticky-fingered sailor. "No one's stealing from Cayden's faithful while I live and breath!!"
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The would-be thief jumps out of his skin when Wayilant verbally chastises him. With a shaky hand he places the three gold back on the table, while declaring he was only going to bring the tip to the server, which you feel is utter malarky.
After the incident, the sailors realize they have out stayed their welcome, drink down the last of their beverages, and then exit though the Dragon's front door. During the process, you notice that a few of the sailors slap the failed thief upside his head and begin insulting him with words like idiot, moron, and looser for ruining their stay.
As a reward for you sharp eye and quick wit, Ameko offers to cover your tab for the group's meal and beverage.
Audria nearly jumps out of her skin when Wayilant raises his voice. She takes another sip of wine to steady her nerves. Echo, sensing her distress, leaps up onto Talienda's lap and purrs while leaning into her mistress. Alina starts to reach out for the young noblewoman, but hesitates, remembering her station.
Station, Talienda thinks bitterly. Station doesn't make anyone better than anyone else, just tells you who has power is all.
Talienda leans over and gives Alina a hug as Wayilant sits back down after Ameiko offers the meal and drinks on the house. Alina stiffens, looking surprised and unsure of what is happening for a moment before awkwardly returning the hug. The young noblewoman relaxes a little. What Talienda needs now is friends, not station.
"Thank you," she tells everyone as she toys with the stem of her wine glass once things are settled again. "Bryndis is right, I should tell all of you what is going on and why I have a bounty on my head, though I've told her and Wayilant most of that tale."
She takes another sip of the wine, trying to keep her composure and her nerve.
"To be honest, I thought my uncle would have been content enough to see me run off so he could claim my father's fortune and businesses. I guess that Talib saw to it that he couldn't as long as I am alive and out from under his thumb. I've only met him once, though, when... when we were having a funeral for my father. It was not pleasant, even considering the circumstances." Talienda shudders at the memory. "I think he was the one that put the bounty on my head, though he used an insane elven assassin named Hecka Heckles to do it."
She looks up to Bryndis and Wayilant.
"I wasn't being hyperbolic when I said dangers were following me on the ship we took here from Magnimar. At least this time none of them were drooling like starving dogs leering at a cut of meat when they mentioned the bounty. Unfortunately they also seem to be a good bit more clever than Malgrim seemed to be. I thought they were holding me because of that strange book they told me they wanted me to look at."
The cleric stood up to several surly sailors alone and triumphed. Wayilant gave a small salute of thanks for Ameko's kind offer. Feeling quite good about himself, the caydenite decided to play it cool and sit back down like what he did was nothing. This could turn Alina even more to my favor, Wayilant thought as he took his seat.
Then the feeling of personal achievement quickly left as Talienda told her tale, and saw her still very raw nerves. "Skunk ale", the cleric muttered to himself.
"Well, you're a Flagon Slayer now", Wayilant stated. "And we take care of our own. We shall do all we can to protect you and keep you safe." The caydenite took a mindful sip of his now-free ale.
Bryndís leans back with a slightly surprised expression on her face after Talienda's account. It did stir some vague memories from before. She recognizes the broad contours of what the girl says.
"Hm. I wasn't really paying attention when you told us before. I thought you made it up so we would pity you and keep you with us."
"Maybe we should be busy with something that will take us away from this town for a little while. When we come back later things might have settled down some."
Gravi nods in silence, listening to Talienda's story thoughtfully. I am sorry to hear that your family has turned on you, family should be everything to everyone, but alas is not always the case. I suspect we have some time here in town since we seemed to have backed off the Bunyip Club, a few days perhaps. If I might accompany you until this is resolved, my religious mission would be completed by removing their opportunity to crudely cash in on this bounty. I do have a few things to check into here in town which may ultimately make Sandpoint a bit safer for you if I can untie the Sczarni from the scene. he adds thoughtfully at the last.
"Maybe we should be busy with something that will take us away from this town for a little while. When we come back later things might have settled down some."
"So no map", Wayilant nods thoughtfully. "Maybe on a brighter day".
"Well, we can sell our remaining items in Magimar as well as here. Shall we return to the Rusty Flagon?"
Bryndís tenses when Wayilant mentions the map and shoots him a death stare, while cursing him for a fool to herself. She lowers her voice so it won't carry beyond the table.
"No, I mean the map. It shows the way to somewhere that isn't here. But that is not something to be talked about with so many people around."
Wayilant return the death stare at the half-elf bloodranger , for her demeanor would have brought more scrutiny than merely mentioning a map.
Going back to his social manner, the cleric asks, "Shall we see if Ameko has a room available to discuss our future endeavors?"
"Thank you," Talienda tells the others before the discussion turns to talk of what their next move would be.
"Wasn't the plan to head back to Magnimar for another mission after this one," she asks, suddenly confused by the talk of an apparently secret map. Alina shrugs when the noblewoman looks her way.
"I'm as lost as you are Tali," the young retainer says.
PC Tracker
Wayilant: HP -0/20| Channels -0/6 | Spells Used:
Bryndis: HP -0/22 | Rage -0/6
Liotierri: HP -0/24 | Spells Used:
Muziel: HP -0/19 | Acid Cloud -0/7 | Spells Used:
Taliendra: HP -0/20 | Bardic Performance -0/9 | Elemental Ray -0/6 | Spells Used:
Alina: HP -0/8 | Delegate -0/4 | Inspiration -0/2 | Spells Used:
As the afternoon wears on, The Rusty Dragon’s windows darken as the outside sky becomes blotted out with dark clouds. The wind picks up, causing a number of shuddered windows to calmer as their wooden covers struggle against the increasing pressure. What was once a light drizzle quickly becomes a torrential downpour. Ameko, who had been tending bar, quickly moves over to the front door and shuts it just in time to prevent the rain from wetting the entrance floor. A number of staff make hast and begin shutting windows and securing their shutters. The room continues to pulse with activity, as patrons enjoy their meals despite the foul weather. With the added distraction of the weather, you feel no one noticed the mention of the map or the distinct reaction that followed it.
Moments after Ameko gets the door secure, it comes flying open. A dark-skinned man, wearing a chain shirt, steps through the door. His leather trousers and undershirt, both dripping wet from the rain, instantly create a poodle as he begins walking into the establishment. The man creates a moment of silence as the room’s occupants sit and quietly observe what’s going on. Moments after he walks into the middle of the room, two younger men enter, also wearing chain shirts and carrying spears. They abruptly step in, increasing the size of the poodle with their wet clothing, and then step to each side of the door.
Once the Dark-skinned man has everyone’s attention, he speaks to the room in a deep voice riddled with authority. For those that don’t know me, I am Sheriff Belor Hemlock. I have just responded to an incident that took place outside the Fatman’s Feedbag. Locals there told me the ones involved come in here. So, I’m going to only ask this one time. Who in here was involved in that incident?” After stating his question, he waits for a response while looking around the room.
The cleric sighed. "Cayden Dammit."
Wayilant gave his holy symbol a drunk in his beer, then raised his hand to the sheriff to get his attention.
The stormy weather seems to relax Talienda a little as the Flagon Slayers enjoy their meal. There must be something in the air, though, as both Talienda and Alina are very much alert. The banging open of the door and the entrance of the sheriff has both young woman jumping slightly. The news of why he is here nor his appearance are no surprise, even if they might have wished that things would have blown over.
Deciding that it is better to face this now, Talienda turns to Alina.
"Looks like things got much more complicated," she says to her retainer before standing up and moving to speak with the Sheriff. As she is about to pass Ameiko, she holds out a hand and gives her an apologetic smile.
"Miss Ameiko, could I trouble you for some place where Master Hemlock, my companions, and myself could have a private talk, please? I feel that this conversation will be a long one. I'd be most grateful if we could have it without too many ears listening in." she says, trying her best to convey her gratitude in at least hearing her out.
Whatever the fiery proprietress decides about her request for a more private venue, she approaches Sheriff Hemlock and gives him a flourishing curtsey.
"May we be well met, Master Hemlock," she says in greeting. "If you are looking for the cause of the, ah, incident you speak of, I fear that I am her. The tale, though is not so simple as it may appear. I would hate for you to have to walk out in this mess and be soaked through once more just to talk with me some place discreet. Would you be amenable to speaking here at the Rusty Dragon, in private," she asks, hoping that she work a little charm to at least avoid getting soaked in a trip to the garrison.
Hemlock catches Wayilant’s hand, out of the corner of his eye, and then begins walking towards the group’s table. He pauses for a moment when Talienda stands up and walks over to Ameiko, who listens patiently as Talienda makes her request. After which she looks around for a moment. “Well the place is fairly busy right now. I’m not sure if…” She cuts herself off as she recalls something. “Oh, wait, we just had one of our banquet rooms clear out. It’s normally an open banquet room, but it has French doors that can be closed, giving the occupants a small level of privacy.” She points over at the room where Wayilant caught the sailor stealing the server’s tip. “I’m sure the young lady in charge of that station would welcome you for the night. If you require more privacy than that, I suppose with sheriff Hemlock here, I could allow you to use our basement. We keep a lot of our higher end beverages down there, so I would ask that your carful when moving around.” After offering both locations as an option, Ameiko walks over to the bar and collects up a number of thick towels.
Without hesitation, the Sheriff agrees with Talienda about taking the conversation into a private room. While in rout, he begins explaining his presence. “So, I was summoned by a couple of Sandpoint’s citizens to respond to an incident occurring this evening at the Fatman’s Feedbag. No surprise really, as that location has been an ever-waking headache. When I arrived, I questioned the tavern’s innkeeper, who told me that a group of adventures accosted a few of his associates and chased them into his establishment. Although it sounds like no violence occurred, I would like to get your side of things.” Hemlock’s voice trails off as he heads into the private room and then closes the door.
Gravi tags along with Talienda and the Sheriff, seeking permission from Talienda to speak he starts his side of the story, Thank you Sheriff, we all appreciate law and order in any community. I was minding my business at the Fleabag, having just arrived in town, when I overheard the men saying some very uncomplimentary things about the Lady Talienda and rushing out to 'grab her up'. Being that I don't like seeing anyone held against their will, I followed them and helped run them off from kidnapping her and accosting her companions. We all collectively decided to follow them and see what happened next. And you know about what happened next. There are some things at the Fleabag which are unsavory, for certain, and I for one, didn't want to see an innocent be kidnapped by a group of thugs.
Alina, despite her sprained ankle, gets up and limps after Talienda and Sheriff Hemlock. The young woman limps as she walks, but she does manage to make it.
After Talienda, Sheriff Hemlock, Alina, and anyone else coming to have a conversation with the lawman is safely inside the room and the door's closes, Talienda raises her hands and hesitates for a moment.
"Master Hemlock, would you mind if I helped you dry off," she asks. "I-it's just a minor trick I know, and you don't look like you could be comfortable soaked like that."
Whether or not the Sheriff accepts, Talienda takes a seat next to Alina as Gravi begins to explain what happened. As she listens to him, she decides that he could probably be trusted, mostly. She'd just have to make sure that he didn't get to frisky with Alina.
"I'm afraid there's more to the tale than what Master Magravi knows, Master Hemlock," Talienda says after the Calistrian has finished. "They'd asked me to look at a tome for them a couple of nights ago, and I agreed for some coin. I'm not sure if they knew the true value of it beforehand, but it was ensorcelled and the magic went off when I tried to read it and make sense of it. They'd locked me up and tossed my attendant, Alina," she nods to the young woman sitting by her, "out into the street. She managed to rescue me last night and she was injured while we were chased out of town. We met up with two of our companions by the-- um, Red Dog? while they were selling some things they'd collected during a mission for Mayor Delverin. We spotted the men watching us and one of my companions went to-- talk to them. That is when we met Master Magravi."
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Alina, despite her sprained ankle, gets up and limps after Talienda and Sheriff Hemlock. The young woman limps as she walks, but she does manage to make it.
Wayilant quickly gets up from the table to help Alina walk to the private room. The cleric doesn't talk unless specifically asked a question.