you open yourself up to Amaunator's grace, and cast your gaze about, looking for anything evil. And, oddly enough, you feel evil. it is close to you... you look about, and finally feel the ever so slight presence of evil coming from, of all places, one of the men sitting at the table of the Silver Ravens. It is so faint, yet it is there. the man sits between two others of his group, laughing and drinking. he wears nondescript clothing, a dark brown hat, and his face is cleanly shaved. if this room was any more crowded, youre sure he would blend in with the scenery and be forgotten.
Oy! Don't be doing something that will be starting a fight. That includes mumbly peg withe her hand!
Helna bows to Aggghhh Many apologies, good sir. to you as well, Miss. she bows to Naomi. i meant it only in jest. Sometimes i get a head of myself she bows again at Naomi.
Priscilla watches and sees the display of fast blade and She remebers some of rhe tests her fellow rogues once did to show how fearless and fast they were. Priscilla rarely did it as she knew her nimble fingers were better then theirs and she didnt trust the other upstarts control.
The halfling the shakes her heas." Sure we can talk. I see youve played that game alot!" she said with serious tone before she takes a dainty fork and stabbed a piece of cheese she had cut from something. She ate it cautiously then looked at the others.
" So how about we ger kore to drink and eat. Maybe Sweet rolls!!!" She says excotedly hoping they had sweet rolls or buns to eat. Priscilla loved sweet rolls, maybe a pie!
When Helna placed her hand over hers, Naomi notices how much bigger her own hand was. Well, actually longer but not as wide. As long as the dwarf didn't get too wild she should be ok. As the dwarf's knife speeds up faster and faster all Naomi can wonder is if Helna has a little sibling, because this was certainly something Valda, Naomi's older sister, would do.
As the dwarf stops her display and speaks, Naomi nods in return, slowly lifting her hand. Flexing it a couple of times she smiles and does what any younger sister would do. Reaching out taking hold of the knife handle and wiggling it loose, she holds it up examining it. "Nice knife." tucking it into her own belt, giving the dwarf a sisterly smirk.
Helna bows to Naomi. that one's my fourth. not exactly my best work, but it has been known to come in handy when a man is a bit too forward she laughs, shrugging off the woman taking her blade. The blade itself is narrow, just wider than a stiletto, but narrower than a traditional dagger. yet, its tip is sharp, and has several long scratches marring the otherwise pristine polish upon it.
enjoy. I can always make more she bows to Naomi, winks her eye, and then gathers up Priscilla.
Distracted from the rest of the conversation when he notices the man amongs the Ravens, Hellig is slow to speak again. When he does, he speaks quietly. "There, at the Ravens' table," he says, nodding in that direction as the glow fades from his eyes, Do you see the man in the dark brown hat, with a shaven face? He is evil. Not much, perhaps a low-level cleric of an evil deity. Difficult to say precisely. We should watch him closely, whenever the Ravens are near." Hellig watches the man out of the corner of his eye, but bides his time. There is no need for a confrontation just now.
Pff... You'd be surprised at the number of bastiches that pass through here. Not everyone is some would be Lord of the Undead, just a blighter with a mean streak.
Priscilla comes back letting her hand wonder and grab a mug to drink. She hears Hellig and rhen looks at the person.
" So he is Light Evil, like Diet Evil?"
" Also did we get dessert?" She giggles and sits back down her head just above the edge of the table.
"There are many unsavory people you must do business with at times. The chances of him being foolish enough to try something against others who might be able to report him are slim. I think just watching your money belts around him should probably suffice." Ceirn says with a shrug.
Smilng and giving a light nod, Naomi considers asking Helna if she'd ever worked with 'coldiron' then she notices that the dwarf is whispering with Priscilla. Suddenly, as Hellig speaks softly, her eyes are drawn to the 'Ravens table' Her jaw drops open as the 'Holy Light' declares one of the men 'evil.' Blinking, she closes her mouth and resists the urge to point out that women have to watch men in bars closely, whether they think the men are evil or not.
She nods in agreement with Mr. Unclean and chuckles aloud when Priscilla asks if the man was 'evil light.' Encouraged by the merchant's perspective she decides to speak her mind. Her temperament getting frosty, she glares at the Hollier-than-thou paladin. Speaking softly but clearly, Mr Usvart, your opinion about what makes a man evil may be very different than mine. Mr Ceirn is right, we just need to be careful. Which, as a woman usually alone in a bar, I need to do anyway. So, unless you see someone doing something evil, I'd just as soon you keep your opinions to yourself."
She watched the paladin for a moment, wondering what he'd say. She also wondered if he could discern the little white lie. Women did need to be alert when alone in a bar. She was far from the weak, frail, female that men liked to prey upon and with Thistle along she was more dangerous than most.
Hellig looks puzzled and scratches his head ”It isn’t really a matter of my opinion. My abilities, like the Detect Evil spell, show when a person radiates an aura of evil. A simple bandit, even a murderer, isn’t necessarily going to show up, the only men who register are clerics or other servants of evil deities, and only some of them.” ”I’m no more expressing an opinion than if I looked at your companion and stated that she is a wolf. I’m more like a wizard casting Detect Magic, then pointing out that an object radiates transmutation magic, or whatever. Just making an observation. I do agree that there’s nothing to be done about that, it isn’t illegal to worship an evil deity, after all. Just that I won’t be shocked if he turns out to be a rotten sort, and I plan to keep an eye on him.”
[ooc]sheesh... what is it with everyone using the archives of nethys and not showing love to d20pfsrd?
The evenings entertainment, a small band of humans out of waterdeep retreat off the stage. Their music was intense, it stung hard, the war drums were hard hitting, impressive. the lutes with highly pitched, aided with magic to hit notes longer, harder or softer than normally accomplished with a traditional lute. There was one, tall, dark of hair, shaggy even, he held a large upright stringed instrument, and when it played, it seemed to twang deep into the lowest of ranges for hearing. Song titles included wherever i may roam, harvester of sorrow and Master of puppets brought shouts and cheers from all the tavern folks, including from the silver ravens. after an hours worth of singing and dancing, they take a pause, a repreive from their singing to attend to their second love: Drinking.
they gathered around the bar, and as fast as the barkeep passed the tankards, they consumed them equally, and with much flair.
The man Hellig identified in earlier conversation, stood up and joined with the musicians at the bar, buying them rounds and seeming to discuss things. The rest of the men at the table began to drink deeply as well, wine and liquor bottles consumed.
Naomi, taking advantage of the lull (and the looks the barkeep was giving of exasperation), steps easily to the stage, bringing her own lute to the stage. She sits atop a simple stool, and begins to play. The roar of the patrons is too loud, making her singing unable to be heard. Yet, still she plays on, her eyes closed, her foot tapping with the rhythm. First one, then another, then a group, then three... soon though, the tavern roars dies down to a hushed gasp, people talk, laugh, play games, but Naomi's voice is one of simplistic beauty. Occasionally a person will pass by, and lay a coin upon the stage. a copper here, a rare silver there.
she does well for the night, a small sum worth 13 silver in total.
Yet, as time halts for no one, the night grows darker, more fearful. the bar begins to clear, and people either return to their homes, or crawl up the stairs and lay to rest in the rooms above.
Ceirn will stay in the bar and have a leisurely meal while he listens to Naomi perform. Before she finishes her set though, he rises and retires to his room for the night so that he can rise and prepare for an early morning. Being an untrusting merchant, Ceirn wedges a piton under his door to prevent it from opening easily until he removes the piton.
Aghh gets back to his seat and quaffs ale as the night goes on. He certainly appreciates the music and taps his foot in time with the song.
Having no room for himself, he heads to the stables and climbs into the loft where his blanket and pack are and settles into the hay for sleep.
Hellig stays for the music, clapping politely for Naomi, then settles his tab and heads upstairs to his rented room, secures the door, then removes his armor and weapons and settles in for the night, with his dagger and light mace secreted on opposite sides of the bed within easy reach, just in case.
Priscilla ever the scamp serms to move about the room speaking to others giving them smiles and winks. Some complements or jests while taking a bit of food or drink here or there. She has found it a better way to save money then most.
She would even help stack a platter or two as she did and give a wink to the dtaff. Though stealing morsels here and there from a paying customer she left the tips and proper pay alone. Wasnt right stealing form hard working folk.At least thier coin. Battowing a tool or some rope or a pie wasnt the same as taking a persons hard earned coin.Unlesa they are a bully, braggart or worse some sort of fiend! Also.ruins, bandits and other ilk never coounted. Thier where rules. At least thats what the Hin gods say.
After a long night Priscilla will help clean a bit kore and talk up any servinf lass or two and offer a night of fun should they choose to follow. She is not aure how but upon waking she found her self nestled in the most comvmfortable pair of velvet hills a Halfling to dream of. She stretched and grabbed her cabteen. Took a swig of the water and dressed herself.
At breakfast she began to eat even more and drank tea as she awaited the rest of her party . She hoped they would get down soon as who didnt love fresh out the oven rolls! Espedially wirh butter ans honey.
As the evening slowed to closing, she picked up the few coins from her hat and approached the owner of the inn. Learning there were no rooms left she haggled for a pallet in front of the fireplace. Working the owner down to a couple silvers, she turned eleven of the silver she'd earned over to the serving girl; three for the meal, six for the two ales and two for the pallet.
While the last of the customers headed upstairs or home, Naomi took Thistle outside, letting the wolf loose to stretch her legs and to relieve herself. Once they returned to the inn, she laid the pallet in front of the fireplace, placing her pack near her head and spread her bedroll out on top. Using the rucksack as a pillow she placed her mace to the fireplace side, while Thistle turned about and laid down on the other. It was not the most comfortable place she'd slept, but it wasn't the worst either. At least the dwindling fire kept her warm and the tavern was built well enough to prevent a draft.
Waking a few short hours with the dawn and the morning kitchen staff, Naomi packed her gear and returned the pallet. Taking Thistle outside for a few moments she returned to the 'Scout's Honor' Noticing the halfling she'd met the night before had returned to the greatroom. Sitting by the other woman she smiles, "Priscilla right?"
Placing the last two silvers from the performance on the bar. when the morning server approached, she asked "Can I have bowl of porridge and some scraps for the wolf?"
The evening passes uneventfully.... for most.
she was rather pretty...
but her snoring really killed the mood.
She roared like a thundercloud when she lay on her back, the only relief when she lay on her left side, the sound of a wheezing dog instead of a billows.
Helna snorts softs and shifts, hogging the cot...
It was a fun night while it lasted,
but the rest of it was loud and long.
you reach out, touching your mace and dagger, reassured of their presence , ready to aide you should the need arise.
and yet, the need doesnt arise, and your sleep is uneventful, your dreams secured by the kindness of Amaunator's grace.
you awaken in the morning, and perform your new days rituals, but, when you go to leave, you discover that the door does not open for you. its as if it's bound shut from the outside.
The sun wasnt up yet, the rooster hadnt crowed its daily greeting of the sun. no, everything was asleep, along with the dead.
yet it was early enough for movement, for men to move about.
The stableman, a bit of an odd fellow named Orly, had stayed up with you several minutes longer, sharing a tug from a dark brown bottle. yet now, he was talking to someone.
Yes. with discretion a cloaked voice said softly, as the other men moved about.
Master Bancha, Orly began he dont like it when the stables doors open at night. the horses-
we are taking our horses. our horses. no one elses. the cloaked man says.
it was the way he talked that forced you to fully awaken. or rather, it was the sudden splitting headache. yet you knew if you made noise, if you drew attention to yourself, the men below wouldnt like it.
you shifted about on your bed of hay, and looked down from the shadows above, and watched as five men saddled horses while the sixth talked with Orly.
But the Master
The master wants the horses to stay until their owners rides off with them, no?
yessir
and am i not, master of these men he sweeps his arm to the men beyond And owner of these horses?
Orly can only gap, his mind churning furiously. his mouth moved several times, but no response came out.
A gold for you, for being a good stableman the cloaked man offered, displaying the yellow metal to Orly's (and Aggghh's) gaze.
Orly tries to snap it in his grip, only to miss it as the cloaked man pulls it back out of reach.
A good stableman, and! a discreet stableman he hands the gold piece out to Orly.
Orly's mind works hard, his lips move, his eyes flicker from gold to the man and back again. finally, a decision is made, and he snatches the gold from the man's hand and steps into his small room inside the stables, mumbling as he rubs the gold. the door closes shut.
finally. i thought the idiot wouldnt take the gold. a man snaps out
shhh tobis! he can hear you another man says with a grunt, stepping up into his saddle. his horse shifts around, adjusting to the weight.
why not just kill him and save the gold? another asks. the men grunt quietly.
because fool. a dead body asks questions. questions lead to us. We are the only one's to be new to this tavern, this town. Well, us and those sorry lacks of grace.
oh ho! did you see that dwarf?
the blue freak?
nah, the male. ugly as can be. and the smell! i bet he was birthed that way.
i bet his ma took a smell of him and left him on the steps of Moradin's temple.
the men chuckle
Moradin wouldnt take him the leader says, shifting up into his seat. N'gle, the door. Do so, gently.
right boss. a shorter man agrees, leading his horse to the large stable doors. a heft of the handle, and the bolt slides back on well greased iron. a gentle push is all that is needed to open the doors wide enough to allow the horses through.
are you sure i cant kill him? the one identified as tobis asks in a sorrowful tone, looking back towards the closed off room.
save your killing for Hap. the leader says, glancing back at tobis as the leader rides out the door. Hap appears to be a perfect place to set up business once we clear out whatever monster is there.
the rest of the men chuckle as they ride through the door.
a moment later one man walks back in, and closes the stable door, before slipping out the side entrance.
the sounds of silence fills the stables once more...
ope
wrong setting.
Your position affords you a somewhat better room, repleat with plush bedding and soft blanket and pillows. a bowl of water, a bar of soap, a small polished copper mirror stand upon a small stand next to a window.
Used to traveling near and far, you easily settle upon the bed and sleep finds you instantly.
and instantly you awaken to the sound of a rooster crowing in the early morning sun!
It was near to morning, no. it was closer to night than to morning when Thistle growls awaken you from a heavy sleep. His head rested upon your shoulder, its weight holding you still, keeping you from moving.
it is a move that Thistle has done before, waking you up yet not moving. A couple times it saved your life, as danger roamed the wild lands of Faerun.
and tonight, perhaps it is no different.
a voice groans loudly in the sleeping tavern why must we leave so early
shhhh tobis. we must leave before those idiots awaken.a confident sounding voice replies
we should have left before a third man interjects
No. this was the safer move. no one would have suspected us the confident voice replies
and this isnt suspicious?a voice, tobis', retorts
less so. the confident voice instructs in a cool tone. It isnt to strange for travelers to awaken in the early morn and leave
this isnt early morn. its not even early. this is before early another man complains.
hiss! the dog! he looks at us a fifth man says suddenly.
the room grows silent as the men stop walking. the only sounds you hear is the coals burning merrily, Thistle breathing through his nose softly, and the rustle of clothing.
who is that?
the singer. what was her name? the confident man replies
Wench. slut. harlot. easy tobis replies
the sound of meat smacking meat cracks a retort in the silent hall. A groan of pain comes from a man's lips.
shut it! the confident man bites off i wont have talk like that. She was a welcome respite tonight. get moving the sound of steps shuffling as six sets of feet walk upon the floor.
A door opens with a soft squeal of rusty iron, and moments later it closes.
Thistle growls lowly, once, twice, thrice. but, on the third, he lifts his head and his tail wags.
Morning comes, and the tavern slowly begins its morning. Cooks in the kitchen, hot cakes on the fire. eggs, meats, porridge, oats, hard tack, and more, fill the air with breakfast smells of awesomeness.
Morning breakfast! 1 silver please. If you can smell it, you can have it. the serving ladies say as they make the rounds.
scraps the for the dog? oh yes! we can pour some grease onto some hard tack and toss some bits of meat ends from yesterdays meal into a bowl for the good boy.
Agghh wasn't one for begrudging the men for leaving early to get more of the bounty for themselves, or letting the boy get some extra gold(If they had harmed him though. he would have skinned them all.)
No, it was those insults! Towards himself, clan and god that was going right into the book.
There would be many smashed kneecaps once he caught up with them. He grunted, grabbed his things and headed down for breakfast. Revenge is best done on a full belly.
Ceirn wakes with the rising rooster. He casts a prestidigitation and uses it to clean up his appearance and to give himself a nice scent. He then heads down for breakfast.
He gives his silver to the woman and says, "Poached eggs or whatever the closest egg dish you might have please. And tea would also be good." He waves to his new companions as they come down the stairs.
After giving the bowl of scraps to Thistle, Naomi sat and ate her porridge thinking about the Silver ravens and their odd exit in the middle of the night. She didn't consider herself overly trustworthy but the evening before they'd given her no reason to suspect them of anything. But leaving in the middle of the night? Talking about sneaking out but not to early as to draw questions? Talk about a red flag. As the others joined her, she sets down her spoon for a moment, and asks. "Did anyone else waken when the 'Ravens' snuck out in the wee hours of the morning?"
"Well the first part was fun. The rest...hard to sleep. Not sure if it was worth it yet, maybe after I eat" Priscilla says as she begins to eat more food.
" I will say though aside I had one of the best pillows I could have wished for in a long time!" though a couple bags were under her eyes Priscilla smiled from ear to ear. As she did she produced a knife and began to cut i to some food what looked like sausage.
"We should double check our gear then head out. I doubt the Ravens were smart to do that. Dangerous to be ill prepared on the road." The halfling said moving on to some eggs and ham. She then sips some more tea before wiping her knife off on a bit of her sleeve and letting it disappear.
Agghh comes stomping in. I'll haver some ale and oatmeal. He says to the maid and then stomps up to the others. Thos Silver Ravens left early and said they were headed t Hap. Blood knaves insulted me mother and gawd, o I'm going to break their kneecaps.
Confused, Hellig tries the door again. When it still won't open, he tries to force it.
From the look of her, Naomi wasn't sure she wanted to hear any more about Priscilla's 'fun with pillows.' Instead, she responds to the comment about gear. "I was trying to look asleep when they left, so I didn't get a good look at their gear." She nods towards her wolf, who was happily eating the scraps. "But Thistle and me have been on the road for weeks, so were good to go."
Raising an eyebrow at Agghh's comment, Naomi asks, "Insulted your mother?"
She looks around, frowning, "Has anyone seen the dwarf with the knives or 'Bright Boy?"
"I did not notice them leave, but I kept my belongings with me. Do I need to go and procure a horse for the travels? I tend to ride on carts between trade cities as I find that much more comfortable. I do not think I have seen either come down. I could go check on them as well." Ceirn offers as he finishes up his eggs.
" We should pick some pack animals and get some provisions. How well do you know your stuff when it comes to food and food prep Ceirn?" Priscilla asks as taking some more eggs ans bacon. For a tiny thing she packs away alot of food. She also winks snd florts with the maids as they pass.
"I can go check, anyone know what room he is in. Unless you want a more long form search."She says a bit excited at a bit of skullduggery.. She promised not to steal anything valuable. Maybe a boot or pants.
Insulting my mother is the same as insulting my clan so that is getting them beat.
" Note to self do not insult a dwrafs mom." Priscilla says as she continues to eat a variety of breakfast foods and tea.
"I can probably try and gain us some provisions. Appraising such small things is fairly easy to do. I did not see which rooms they were in, but there were not that many so we should be able to find them with relative ease if they are upstairs." Ceirn says.
Having seen on Hyder's map that Hap was less than forty miles to the south east, Naomi was not as concerned about the provisions as she was their traveling companions. Turning to Priscilla and Ceirn, "I think one of us should at least make sure their awake, so we're not waiting all day."
Unable to let something the dwarf had said go, Naomi, who'd been in the same room as the dwarf the entire previous evening, turns to Aggghhh. "When did they insult your mother?"
Last night when I. Was sleeping in the haylift of the stables. They headed off and gave the stableboy a few coins to stay queit.
As they rise from the table to go check on the others Naomi asks, "Paid the stableboy to stay quiet? Quiet about what? Do you know?"
Priscilla geta up and hops off the chair to the floor. As she stands she takes her time to preen and then smiles." Ill go get our Holy Roller, probably not used to such fine liqours and food!"
With that she heads over to the bar and climbs up. She smiles a broad smile and asks."Excuse me, I need to know where my companion is staying he hasnt come down yet and I am getting worried about him. If he is hung over Ill make sure hell pay for sleeping in."
Quiet about letting them leave early I reckon.
"That seems strange since I thought we knew of their plans already. Perhaps there is more to this then just leaving without notice." Ceirn says as he wipes his hands on his napkin and then rises.
she pauses a moment, and then chuckles loudly.
Umm... who did you annoy last night, hellig? Cuz i think youre the victim of a practical joke. Hang on a second. dont- she cuts off, mirth filling her voice Hang on. i will go get some help!
you hear the sound her laughter filling the hall...
Gathering up the silver bits, the waitress flows out from the room, and soon platters of food are brought. Ale and oatmeal, Poached eggs, and more, are all set in front of each of you, exactly as you ordered. even a small bowl of flour bits lathered with grease and burnt meat tips was set in front of Thistle.
Your discussion and breakfast completed, you rise from the table, and watch as Helna descends the stairs... laughing?
Oh wow! that is just too funny. Hey! hey im glad i found you guys! you need to see this! It's hellig! she cuts off, bending over to laugh. She slaps the railing with heavy blows, causing it to tremble with each pat.
His door! its- its she leans back, laughing loudly. Tears streak down her face and she waves up the stairs. Go! go check it out! it's the door that has grown a patch of hair!
Raising an eyebrow at the dwarfs demeaner, Naomi inquires, "Grown a patch of hair?"
Having finished her porridge, she stands and starts to head to the stairs. Remembering the wolf, she turns and looks at Thistle who was happily licking her empty bowl. Commanding the wolf in a strange language, Thistle looked up from the bowl, then back at it whining. Rolling her eyes Naomi added, "Now." Giving a huff, Thistle followed behind Naomi as she headed up the stairs, looking for a 'patch of hair.'
Priscilla already headinf that way follows and looks on. Seeing the strangeness she rests her chin in her hand as she examines the door. She had learned alot about doors when instructed in the ways of Brandobaris and the general roles of a thief. The halflinf put use to that here.
Hellig makes sure he has all his things in order, then sits on the bedside, waiting for the dwarf Helna, was it? to return with help to deal with...whatever it was. His foot taps a slow beat on the floor, the only visible sign of his annoyance with the whole situation. Life of a paladin. Everyone wants to have fun with the stuffy holy knight, retaliation being beneath me and all. he rolls his eyes, then thinks the better of it. You knew what you were getting into. He transitions into breathing exercises, practicing trying to slow his breathing and heart rate, to take his mind off the waiting.
Ceirn will follow the others up the stairs and wonder what the dwarf could possibly be talking about.
"A patch of hair growing from the door" is an apt description, as you look upon a door that does look as if it grew hair during the night. the hair itself juts out from the door frame specifically, and appears to be held in place with a large glob of some kind of gelatin substance.
" Hmmm, I think some shenanigans was afoot. Pretty sure this is Mr.Knights room. And that someone at least glued his door shut. Im not a twitchy fingers but...Possibly magical glue" she adds pointing out the substance without touching it.
" So we may have to have him climb out the window" she says with a sigh.
Ceirn waves his hand and tries to clean the door.
Hearing Priscilla say 'Possibly magical glue' Naomi waives her hand and speaks a strange word, as Ceirn also casts his spell. Chuckling, "Before you send him out a window let us learn what we can and see if we can free him without him hurting himself."
Pausing for a moment, Naomi turns toward the Dwarf, smiling she asks, "Helna, would you go get the proprietor, I feel this is more his problem than ours and if we need to destroy the door he should be here."
Aggh heads up with them in case they need someone to kick in the door.
you cast detect magic, and immediately notice that the substance is magical. you study the aura and can tell that this is indeed a very powerful item, and holds strong transmutation aura to it.
its sovereign glue.
Ceirn casts his spell, and a moment later the door begins to shine and glisten, as layers of grease and grime, dirt and stain are removed. the door looks as if it is brand new, minus the dings, gouges, and scrapes that mar it's surface.
however, the glue and hair remains.
Helna nods in agreement with Naomi, muttering as you wish and slips away.
a few minutes pass and a short human woman with equally short blonde hair approaches the group.
Is there a problem, ladies? sirs?
"Well, I believe this door is stuck and possibly by something magical or similar." Priscilla says still the shortest person in the hall as she looks up at the woman.
" So we were wondering if you wanted to try and open it or you know let us open it. Though it may require damage to the door" she stated looking at the others then to Arrgh.
" Hey Arrrgh, you got any ideas carpentry wise?"