Wedding Amok!! A Hommlet Tsle [Temple of Elemental Evil] (Inactive)

Game Master Critzible

Raising an eyebrow at Terion's list, Boram begins to do the mental calculations. Returning back to the group ge gestures towards the stables, "Mule would be there, probably should purchase it first." He frowns, now wanting to admit he doesn't like mules. Not willing to spend his hard-earned gold on winter gear for five people he adds. "Maybe we should just stick together."

Not tring to sound schizophrenic but with that list, let's just stick together. Anyway, if we're going to try and talk more folks into joining us, we probably should have Jairdan do the talking. They have the highest charisma and persuasion. The purpose of my posting was to try and get us moving, not necessarily to split the party

"Have to feed a mule." Kardin added in. "And look after it. Best to just do as the ancestors did, and carry it." After a moment's thought, he added "Or, rope someone into joining us for the purpose of carrying the gear. Plenty of young farmers and the like around here. Promise a cut of the spoils if they lug all of this shyt around."

"I am ok with carrying it, but there is only so much we can haul" - Terion shrugged, then continued onward.

" We should stick together, and the Temple may have a map Boram. Saving money is a smart plan, because we can not promise a share of anything to anyone truly. We would have what exactly to give them? Perhaps we should offer some of the gold payment, say... 20 gold? We could get some other things from trading, what would people in this area need for farming this time?" She seems to try to solve the issues of carrying and the map without having to spend money, but the fact remains they might need a pack mule, either a talking one or an actual mule. The fact it did require feed was a point though, and she was not able to guarantee feed to some poor animal, but a person she could.

After a few moments she offers " I am sure one of the farmers have a few sons who are bored of plowing, and there can not be much left now to harvest. Perhaps one of them can come with us, keeps them from causing trouble. I remember one fall when you were younger Terion, and you and that one farmer boy fought over... some girl? Remember his name? He still around?"

"I remember that" - Terion chuckled - "Name was Gilbert, and he ended up getting the girl in the end" - he added - "It was for the best - they have been happy since, and even have a couple of toddlers running around already"

He pondered for a second - "Taking sons and daughters of the land with us... I don't know Herala... We are getting ourselves into harms' way after all, how can we guarantee their safety? At least, if we 'hire' a sellsword, and we pay him or her, then they know what they are up against, and they should accept the risk, while hopefully being able to defend themselves"

Chuckling at Terion's comment about 'Hauling' Boram gestures towards the direction Elmo, "Anyway, he looked like he could haul a lot." Giving a cheeky smile he adds, "If we don't need him to carry gear maybe he'd carry me in a howdah."

As the conversation turned to maps, supplies and local teenagers, Boram listened as Terion explained his view to Herala. There were times hiring locals would be appropriate, especially a good distraction, Boram liked a good distraction. But it wouldn't be good if they got a bunch of the local teenagers killed fighting bandits, it certainly wouldn't earn points with the two local lords. No, they needed to use professionals, or strangers no one would care if they didn't make it back. Hearing Gilbert had a couple of kids now, Boram chimes in, smiling at his new friend. "Sounds like Terion get the better of that deal."

As they walk, he concludes, "Sounds like we should go to the temple first to see if they have a map, then maybe to the tavern to see if we can hire any strong backs or sword arms. Then once we know how much we can carry and how many folks we need supplies for, we go to the general store."

"Not sure Elmo is a 'hauler'" - Terion chuckled at Boram - "I have heard he is a good scout, and pretty handy with a blade though"

When the halfling jests about Gilbert, he laughed out loud and clapped his companion on the shoulder - "Let us believe so! That I am guarded for other, perhaps more exciting things!"

"And agreed, we go to the temple first - who knows, maybe there will be others there with the same inclinations as Herala, and willing to venture out with us?"

As ypi walk you come across the Trading Post. Inside sits Rannos and Gremag the store traders. Rannos is the clear merchant while Gremag is well his cruder right hand man. They are assisted by a groom and often have Men at Arms ready to support adventurers, caravans and the like.

The store is stocked and seems partially dusted. Many of the gear is haphazardly placed. In jere are common goods, surival gear with a few bits of armor and weapons. The armor ans weapons are limited. Mostly commoner weapons like sickles, sling bullets, bows,arrows, crossbow bolts ect. No swords, just simple gear.

Rannos smiles and greets you." Hellos Friends welcome. We have wears ans more" he says as he chuckles and then festures to his goods.

" We sell and buy goods, for those of you who are not regulars. Should you decide to discuss any other services we can come up with a contract. We have nearly anything you could want. Sans magic mind you." He says with a smirk.

Rannos and Gremag look like Laurel and Hardy. Rannos is fat and Gremag is skinny.

Realizing the trading post must be much closer than the temple, they stop there first. Looking at the fat and skinny longshanks he asks, "Do you all have a map of the area? We're headed to the old mill where the bandits are rumored to be." As he shuffles his feet a little, "And I'll need some hardtack and cheese rations maybe five days worth."

"Just like our friend said" - Terion greeted the men - "We are looking for supplies" - Terion smiled - "And hopefully a discount for someone helping the local commerce" - he added with a grin.

Jairdan looked around the trading post, a bit disappointed by the dust and the disregard that was on display. Hearing about it was one thing, seeing it was something entirely different. While there had been some accounts in the things that were copied, it made sense why some of those accounts had personal asides regarding the proprietors if this was the standard. Still, some of the equipment were things that had not been seen, so they continued to look around, making it a point not to touch anything.
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Insight on Rannos: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Rannos is genuine on wantinf to make money

" Okay we have those. As for discounts...well that is hard to say. As you know otems are hard to come by. Though we have the variety of goods that many here you have to commission as well as run all over town. So unless you have something to wet my beak as compensation for the loss of profit I am all ears" that fat man says with a wide grin.

Watching from Rannos to Terion then back to Rannos, Boram steps up to the counter. Standing on his tippytoes he asks, "So without a friendly discount how much is five days worth of food I can put in my pack going to cost me?" He looked from the fat man to the skinny man, resisting the urge to add 'for him or me not you.'

" That is 7gold and 5 Silver for 5 days" Rannos says as he smiles.

" i mean itlf you want we can open a line of credit, but youll need to sign my documents and know its a 15% a week interest" He says pulling out doxuments.

"You would so charge gold for food that could save a life, yet your items sit unused and dusty. Tell me, does your greed know no bounds? While I can not say that greed is bad, to rob a neighbor of food because they are poor does not endear one to the Goddess." Herala snaps at the man, after hearing the exchange. How dare he charge so much for food, gold! Her senses were clearly offended, because to her something so needed could not be withheld from the poor.

"What if your neighbor did that when you needed water? Or a helping hand when fighting a fire? Should we not charge you for ensuring that bandits are dead and your supplies come in? I suppose we should ensure your taxes are properly paid? I'm sure between me and Jairdan we can figure out where you have missed tax payments. Or you could be much more reasonable. 7 gold is too much! We will pay nothing above 2 gold, and count yourself lucky we do that! I'm sure a thankful farmer would rather feed us than starve due to bandits."

Maybe a diplomacy roll maybe?

"As you can hear, we have very strong feelings about this" - Terion piped in at Rannos, siding with Herala and Boram - "We expect to do some good for the community, and who knows? If everything goes well, maybe we can do continued business with you in the future" - he added - "And if we are happy with the services rendered"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

"Don't think we are interested in a credit for now"

Pleasantly surprised by his new friends quickly jumping to his defense, Boram smiles. Herala was right the two odd men were charging three times what he thought the food would be worth. He'd have offered two gold and five silver, but apparently the half elf knew something about bartering and feels underbidding was the better way to get a fair price. He watched the interaction between his two local friends and the capitalistic shop keepers. He also began to look around shop, making a note to discretely observe the locks on the door and the windows. I his own mind, he saw nothing wrong from robbing from fellow thieves.

Rannos's demeanor changes. " Oh how 'vleeding' heart of you" he says as he then taps Gremag and gestures shiftly to the tall lanky man.

Gremag slips into the back and Rannos sits back down." Seems my Shop boy is lacking in the dusting. Good help is hard to come by here.So it is what it is" he sighs as he leans down and procures an old sack labeled 'Rat Onons' in crudely drawn letters, the R backwardsthe s was more a z.

" But if thats what you want to pay then these are the rations I am willing to part with" He says pushing the stufd towards you

" Its about three weeks worth of rations for about 4 gold" he says wirh simple fact.

" That is unless you wish to do the Seven and a half or offer somethinf of Equal or greater value in return."

As that happens a las of 12 is ushered in by Gremag he is crying as the tall wirey man is dragging him in with no gentleness.

Once at the door he lets go and nods. Rannos replies with a quick gesture and then smiles. " Wurtly please apologize to these customers for your failure to properly clean the store"

The youth Wurtly who was one of the orphans nodded. He knelt and bowed blpittinf his head to the floor boards

" Im *sniff* sorry I *sob* wont do it again. Please *sniff* forgive me" came the strange mix of pubesent squeaks, child tones and general sorrow.

The other three men waited to see what you all do. Very intent on you, instead of poor blonde haired Wurtly.

Herala sniffs at the man, clearly not impressed with some of the newer people within her home village. Home town? I wonder what this would be called? Towns generally do have taverns and merchant stores... I guess it really has grown up. She ponders this a moment before saying "4 gold for 3 weeks of rations sounds a bit more fair. And fair trades are what get you return customers does it not? I am quite sure if you gave a bit, perhaps a bit more nicely, others would visit and the dusting would not need an shop boy to clean it. The dust would be prevented by people buying things. What even brought you here in the first place?"

Raising an eyebrow as Herala tries to encourage the merchant to 'do the right thing' Boram bites his tongue as he moves forwards to look at the bag marked, 'rat onions.' He'd met men like this before, greedy, arrogant, divisive men. men who looked down on lesser folk and used their station to take advantage. Watching the boy, any questions he had about what type of men ran this shop were answered in the boy's eyes.

Leaning in he sniffed the bag, gesturing to it, "May I?" Reaching forwards he opened the top of the burlap bag, investigating the 'rations' inside.

Have I asked if we can take 10 yet? I'm sure perception here would tell him a little about the products, let me know if I need to roll. Also you said three men, I only counted two, did I miss someone?

Terion eyes the merchants dangerously, then moves to the child - "Come now, stand up, no need to cry" - he comforted him - "What's the matter? Why are you so upset?"

Ok, does Terion know of any other place where they might be able to get provisions? Maybe not preserved but fresh rations for example? A farm or other store, a breadmaker, a cheesemaker, anything?

" My store has a wide variety of goods for every budget. Good quality costs good money" Replied Rannos in a dismissive tone.

"I am no charlatan. As you can see, under the dust.." he glares at the boy then looks back to you all " They are good quality. I have a few good quality. Though most of the stock is average or lesser quality. Much of which are procured by other Asventurers or as products unloaded by the caravans whom encountered and stopped bandits."

" Yoi can go else where for most of these products. But clothing and leather must be tailored. Most common travelling gear is jot available, and well weapons and armor m afraid are only found here as the local smith has some vow of peace. Though he will buy and metal you find."

" Likewise we are the only place that will take any and all items you wish to sell. Though it will be at our discretion as for how much we pay back. Never know how long Ill have to hold onto an item or not No one else does that here. Take everything." Rannos says relaxinf back in his big leather chair.

The atmosphere of this trading post is something that is unfamiliar, though there is an encouraging and comforting expression visible on their face as Terion sees to the child. That expression fades when Rannos speaks again, into something more approaching neutral, though hints of discomfort at the manners of Rannos, so brash and dismissive, or their partner handling the child roughly. The men-at-arms and their impassive expressions are another point in this visit that sees Jairdan mindfully returning to a spot a little beside and behind Herala. Terion, Boram, and Kardin seemed to be more familiar with dealings like this, so their interactions were where Jairdan was watching.
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Would any of them recognize the child from elsewhere in the village?

"No one is questioning the quality of your goods" - Terion decided to get involved in the conversation, seeing as apparently the boy ignored him - "Yet you profit from the fact you are one of the only shops in the village, and you push the prices up, sometimes beyond what is fair, like in this case" - he added.

"I know, I know..." - he raised his hands up apologetically - "You will argue the fair price is what people are willing to pay for it, so in that we will agree to disagree"

"And you might also say you are allowed to treat your servants like you just did, and he can leave at any time if he is not happy" - Terion looked at the boy - "But the fact is that's not true, since work probably is scarce around these parts" - he shrugged, looking back at the man - "And you an get away with it all. For now. So lets not talk about anything else but business, lest we find ourselves at odds ith one another"

I am assuming my earlier Persuasion attempt did nothing, so I am not doing it again.

"We'll take these" - he pointed at the bag with the 'discount' rations, and placed four gold coin pieces on the counter - "Pleasure doing business with you" - he nodded, and moved to leave.

moments earlier:
Opening the bag, Boram looked inside, talking as much to himself as his friends, "Cheese, Flat bread, blood sausage." Shrugging, "We can pick up some apples or something from the tavern." Turning to the others, "It'll do in a pinch."

caught up now :)
Tying the bag tight, as Terion talks, Boram chuckled. He clearly questions the quality of the two men's goods. That's why he looked in the bag, digging all the way to the bottom to make sure everything in it was a least edible. Frowning at the idea that a fair price was what people were willing to pay. With that idea they could charge everything someone had for a crumb of bread. Or force them to work for a mere pittance, like they were with the boy.

He paused for a moment, the boy was bigger than he, maybe they should hire the boy to carry the food. Remembering they were headed for danger, Boram realized it would be safer to leave the boy where he was for now. Hefting the 'rat onion' bag onto his shoulder, as Terion paid for the rations. Turning as they walked out of the shop, he winks at Kardin, smiling and speaking loud enough for all to hear. "We'll have ta watch that Terion, he's a fine liar, tellin' them boys it was a pleasure."

Yes Wurtly was one of the younger Orphans

"Ah a man who partially understands business. I have readily available goods you dont have to wait for. I am willing to purchase goods and then resell them. IWhich you buy low and sell high." He says simply as he then gestures to Wurtly.

" As for Wurtly, he paid for an apprenticeship. Taking the simple offering the church gave him he bargained to work for us in hopes of becoming a merchant. All in all until today he has done well. No complaints." Rannos said almost proudly.

" Add in his uncanny knack with horses, he has a bright future. I am excited to see what our guidance propels him to be. I bet a rival." Rannos says and the tall skinner Gremag seems to nod.

"Now if our business is conducted. I do look forward to your repeat business especially you Handsome" Rannos says winking at Terion.

Yes your presausion worked you gor rations for the price you wanted, just not the rations you wanted for that price

Also those rations are below average quality. Though will last if rationed out for about a month. If you really want to try and do that. Blood sausage is basically grains fruits left over meats and blood bound in casings. Think like a worse version of a hotdog. Cheese and bread are mostly tasteless, the cheese has a sout flavor. And then the nuts and fruit are all most races choose as a last resort

Herala eyes the man and the boy as they leave, not liking someone trying to take advantage of someone new, which worries her for any guest that come by, but given that they didn't see that many, it was maybe the best. She follows the group out muttering about snakes and what they could do with their offerings, but tries to stay civil. She has grown up an orphan of the church and was blessed to be called to service. Not everyone got that chance.

Walking to the church now, she hopes it will have a much more respectful interaction, but everyone would probably notice she seems.to hesitant to go back in, almost as if she wasn't really ready. Jairdan and Terion would know the last time they saw each other was the last time she had been at the church.

"Now if our business is conducted. I do look forward to your repeat business especially you Handsome" Rannos says winking at Terion.

Yes your presausion worked you gor rations for the price you wanted, just not the rations you wanted for that price

Terion chuckled as he left the establishment - "I am sure we will see each other again"

I get it now - that was subtle the Persuasion results with the other rations, I like it. Thanks Critzible!

"We'll have ta watch that Terion, he's a fine liar, tellin' them boys it was a pleasure."

Again the man found himself smiling, as they moved on to their next destination - the church. He liked this group.

As they move towards the chapel, Boram shifts the sack wishing he'd let one of the longshanks carry it. Explaining "The vittles in the sack aren't great, but I figure we can spread it out usin' th' other food we have, or fresh food we purchase along the way." He smiles, "I'd even bet that tavern we were in might sell us some food for the road."

Just some fluff as were moving

Next destination?

roll: 1d100 ⇒ 56

Next destination?

The Church.

The church as well

Kardin yawned and stretched. "Aye, then. To the church." He said, grateful that the others were taking the lead in preparing for the journey.

Taking a small amount of the cheese out of the bag, Boram ties the bag back up, tossing it over his shoulder. As they walk towards the church, he tries the cheese, asking Herala, "So you grew up an orphan in the church, were you the only half elf?" As he chews he asks, "Would that be where Wurtly is from?"

Herala watches Boram try the cheese to see how it was, and if it was even edible, because based on what she saw of it, it was going to be some tough eating for any of them, but mostly hard like a rock. She did not envy him the task of trying it first, but it would help them survive this journey. She ponders his question for a good while, playing with one of the tails of her head scarf before replying a bit strangely " I am... not fully a half anything. I look like a half elf mostly, but I am a.. umm... well frankly I am a demon. I am nothing good or holy. At least that is what the Sister said when I got in trouble. My nature would always show, and no amount of holy water or prayer would save my soul." She then focuses more on what he said about being an elf, giving a bit more information on it. "Though based on what Terion and Jairdan have found out, one of my parents was a full elf, given the ears, but truthfully both may have been. I am the product of some ancient evil one of my ancestors did. But the stories tell of people like me being born to even normal humans, dwarves, truthfully anyone who had some ancient evil bargain in their family."

Those words try as she might seemed to be a reminder that while she was carrying the powers of the Goddess, she was not fully of that world, as if she always felt something more could be done to include herself or if she was never fully worthy.

Closing up the bag, Borum Furrows his brow, trying to understand. In one breath Herala says she's not half anything. In the next breath she says one of her parents were elf. But, one of her ancestors did something and made her 'nothing good'. Shaking his head, he furrows his brow. "I've no idea how something someone else did made you not good. Your goodness or badness is based on what you do and why you do it, not what someone else did."

He gestures back towards the shop. "But the boy, from the shop, is he probably from the same church orphanage as you?"

He'd wanted to ask her why the orphanage would let a child work with such men. But he realized that if the people in the orphanage would tell this kind woman that she was 'evil' based on her bloodline then they could be guilty of all sorts of unkindness.

Terion follows along in silence.

Jairdan was giving Herala a deadpan look of challenge at the words Boram had said regarding her heritage and proclivity towards good or evil. The expression definitely had a touch of "I told you so", mixed with the air of a long-standing point of friendly disagreement. The look was held a little longer before they gave a huff and relented, tilting their head at the second question that had been asked. A moment of consideration and they nodded, giving a hand waggle as they chewed the inside of their cheek in slight discomfort.

"'Purchased apprenticeship'", they offered by way of explanation, obviously not fond of the idea, or the execution. There was a look of resignation that preceded a half-shrug and spread of their hands. Now that it was the topic, there was not much to do around here that was not labor. Any trade here required skill, and short of labor, there were few resources available that were not limited to family members for the most part, at least in regards to the farms and maybe the inn?

As you get to rhe church you see a 30 year old man in day by day garments of the priesthood directing rhe small amount of Lay Clergy in cleaning up the grounds as well as making sure the wedding arches are well set.

As he looks up he blinks. Blue grey eyes look you ovwr. Seeing Jairdan and Terion he waves off the others ans heads towards you.

The salr and pepper haired man, tall ans broad shouldered cames over and speaks. " What brings our Local hero and our resident scribe back to the churxh"

This is Calmer the current underpriest who isnt a powerful cleric but grew up her as an acolyte.

Kardin kept his mouth shut as Herala and Boram talked. The Burglar was right, of course, in that one being good or bad was their own actions. However, grudges and debts could be, and often had been, levied against clans, nations, and even entire species. There was thus a distinction between the goodness of an individual, and the debt carried by one's birth. But he kept this counsel to himself, as he had no grudge to fulfill against her, and it seemed cruel to bring it up.

He turned to look at Terion and Jardan, waiting for them to speak. The Church was their land, and the people within their own. It only seemed right to allow them to take the lead.

'Local Hero?' - Terion suddenly felt the weigh of those words, since he had never thought anyone could think of him as anything like a Local Hero. His chest did puff up somewhat with pride though.

"Well met Father" - he nodded - "We are venturing out into the wilds surrounding Hommlet, and investigating the banditry and foulplay afoot in and around the Moathouse, which has been causing so much trouble for farmers and traders alike" - he explained - "Thus we cam seeking the Church's blessings and whatever support may be lent, if any"

Then he smiled - "Also Herala has come to visit!" - he stepped aside to allow the man to see the priestess.

Raising an eyebrow when the older gentleman called Terion the 'local hero' Boram smiled. That was what he was hoping for, a team made up of people with good reputations. As far as Boram was concerned, most reputations had been earned, one way or another so it was good that his instincts about Terion had been right. Waiting to see how the priest responded to Herala, Boran tried to stay out of the way. It wasn't that he didn't respect the goddess, but he didn't want to push his luck.

Herala remains silent as they walked, as Jairdan answered the question of the paid apprenticeship. It was a sore subject even all these years removed, and while she was not always one to argue, she would give Boram a sad look that would convey the years of hearing a different version of what he said. She would not argue she was innocent, but a small part of her still hidden by her scarf meant she did not feel truly accepted, even in the town she grew up in.

That did not mean she regretted going to the main temple, but it had been many years since she had been home. " Greetings Father, may the Goddess smile on you this day." Her greeting seemed very formal despite the clear warmth she said it with, giving a clue that she was familiar with the Father despite the difference of power and blessings they had. She was not as learned as he was, but perhaps more traveled.

" We seek assistance, may it be had here?"

" I heard you had gone to semenary? Are you ordained? If so do you wish lodgings?" he asks unsure how to respond to her.

" Ah yes sorry, um, the Bandits. I would recommend you get some help."

" Lodgings perhaps later. We are here to see if you may have any maps or better routes to the locations where these bandits are making lairs, and any better information you may have. Along with... well if any of them perhaps can be redeemed. They can't all be bad people can they?"

" Ah yes sorry, um, the Bandits. I would recommend you get some help."

Terion frowned, not understading the flow of the conversation, since he had just told the man they had come here looking for any possible help or assistance.

He decides to wait and see what comes out of it.

" Well they srent normal bandits. Most would have moved on by now. As for maps we have a few. I am pretty sure you can copy them." He says with a warm smile.

" If you want more info I would recommend Mr. Blackstone. Her is the Shepard just south west of the temple. He tends to journay out with his sheep and could tell you more "

" Or if you really wish to risk it, you can talk to the Cages. They know alot about the surrounding lands and its creatures. Just becareful Freya is very...overbearing" He says sighing in exasperation.

" She wants to convert from the old faith but only if she can have an elaborate wedding! And it has to be woth someone special. Many the men here have tried and well....they havent lasted the 72 hour trial" He chuckled

" Though the Lady Svet lasted 70 hours befofe she realized she wasnt one for Freya and realized she really did hate camping. Good thing she is Marrying Burne" the Cleric chuckles

Confused by the talk about the woman named Freya, Boram looks between the priest and Terion trying to figure out if was some sort of inside joke or if the priest was serious.

"Do we have your blessing then for this endeavor, Father?" - Terion tried to re-center their conversation - "We will follow your advice" - he bowed - "From the church itself? Any adventurous acolyte wanting to prove its worth, and willing to accompany us?" - he smiled - "Otherwise we will take our leave, with your permission"

If nothing else, next stop - Mr Blackstone the shepherd ;)

"We might risk the Cagers for information... Later"

So who are the Cagers and Freya? :D