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Can't hurt to get info from a tavern or innkeeper...and we have to get lodging anyways... Daegon shrugs. Let's head to the inn and see what we can find out.
Once there, he produces a few coins.
Lodging for a few nights if you please...two rooms...and where is the best place for a glass of wine and some good food? we're little hungery... he says as he flashes a smile.
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Victor also starts asking around to see if he can get any further information...
"Thinking about harrow cards, our previous investigation in Ustalav sparked my interest in the study of the harrow. Perhaps once we've done some initial investigations I could try a bit of fortune telling to see if we can get a bit more information about one of the apprentices or other parties of interest?"
Victor also starts asking around to see if he can get any further information...
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+9
"Thinking about harrow cards, our previous investigation in Ustalav sparked my interest in the study of the harrow. Perhaps once we've done some initial investigations I could try a bit of fortune telling to see if we can get a bit more information about one of the apprentices or other parties of interest?"
Victor the social butterfly flits about the streets of Saringallow on the way to the inn and is told the following:
Two old folks playing dice near Merchant's Square ruminate about the town's younger generation, including the apprentices.
"Youngsters today are so amiable and carefree with everyone. They aren't cautious like we were back in our day. If any of them have done anything other than run off of their own accord it's probably because they were too trusting of the wrong person."
One of the old men points at Cannoli and exclaims
"Like that dodgy looking character, they look like they're up to no good!"
As the group follows the Mayor's directions to the tavern they see a sign depicting a dark-haired figure burning at the stake hangs over the door of this building.
When they enter they have no problem finding the tavern-keeper: An imposing 6'2" tall and stout woman rumbles over to the group and barks, "Names!" in response to Daegon's inquiry and show of coin.
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** spoiler omitted **
"He's Jakeric and I'm Grizzlebin. That won't be a problem, will it?" asks the bipedal bear-like creature.
The large woman grunts as she takes note of all of your names. To Daegon she says, "'Good food'? You think I would sell anything less than my best?!?!"
To Cannoli, "What are you drinking? If you want a free bath jump in a fountain. Otherwise pay for a room!"
To the others she says, "I ain't running a flophouse - order something!"
While Guardian XI is completely oblivious everyone else in the party has a sneaking suspicion that this woman is...in a bad mood!
From what you observe of her trying to deal with other patrons and your table you suspect she might need help. But how?
Thanks to your collective keen insights you have some ideas on how to help her and maybe improve her mood at the same time.
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I am Daegon... he says politely.
Lodging for let's say four days...and we'll pay up front. You're obviously busy...so we'll let you get back to work. Perhaps when you get a moment, the bar could use a round... he says as he fishes out enough coins for the inn and a round for the patrons gathered.
A round on me, friends...
I am Daegon... he says politely.
Lodging for let's say four days...and we'll pay up front. You're obviously busy...so we'll let you get back to work. Perhaps when you get a moment, the bar could use a round... he says as he fishes out enough coins for the inn and a round for the patrons gathered.
A round on me, friends...
[dice=diplo]1d20+9
The patrons in the Witch's End give a rousing cheer while the staff is even more overwhelmed with orders.
Victor tells some outrageous lies that seem to bewilder the complainers into silence...
"If you're not t-t-too busy, could I ask a q-question? People have been t-talking about some problems in town lately. Should we be w-worried?"
"I was already too busy before Mr. Moneybags over there bought a round for the house. Are you blind??? Order something or hit the bricks!"
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Cannoli sees the situation spiraling out of control and takes a deep breath, ”Ok, I can see that we aren’t helping things. But what if we were helping, instead of hindering? Let me and this hunk of stone deliver drinks and food and… deal with anyone complaining. Once things are calm, I’ll take a few ales and a room. Kay? Kay.”
She doesn’t take no for an answer, loading up food and drinks and disappearing into the crowd. She relies her natural catlike reflexes to avoid spilling things and her ‘strength of personality’ to beat down any trouble rising up.
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She addresses the grumbling crowd, ”Listen up yahoos, I’mma get y’all your food and drinks in a somewhat reasonable fashion. If anyone has an issue with that, shut up and deal. And if ANYONE touches my tail or a tail relative area, then I will take that offending appendage and shove it so far up its owners own tail related area that they won’t need to eat for a week. DO YOU UNDERSTAND?”
Fear...the Witch's End Tavern is rank with it! Mouths drop open but not due to anyone speaking - especially to complain. In fact, for a moment, the dining area is so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Heads turn back to their food, drink, or their tables if they're waiting for their orders and besides some muted, muttered sentiments like "Sorry we're running late." or "I only get a half hour for lunch." not much is said for a bit.
As Cannoli and the "hunk of stone" assist in getting orders delivered to tables every patron is well-behaved.
Vreekka tries to impress the woman with her knowledge of the history of Saringallow but she can't recall enough to do so.
Once the kitchen staff is caught up the large woman returns to the table with the group's orders , gives Cannoli and Victor begrudging thanks and says, "I'm Alice Kruptin, proprietor of the Witch's End Tavern. I don't like adventurers, sellswords, and the like but your coin is as good as anyone else's. Thanks for your help in getting me caught up; I'm having trouble with doing so these days."
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The catfolk has been tearing into her food and is on her third ale. But she pauses to tsk (or maybe psp psp psp) at the question, ”Vic, man. What do you think we just did. Anyway ma’am, why are you having so much trouble lately? Darn younger generation being lazy and no one wants to work or something?”
"Yeah, like the giant bugs and missing kids!" says Grizzlebin. He looks around the table in a challenging stare. "C'mon, we were all thinking it!"
Given the superstitious nature of Saringallow, Grizzlebin's statement draws gasps and all eyes in the Witch's End Tavern are trained on the group. Cannoli's stern lecture now all but forgotten the patrons turn their chairs and attention to the assembled newcomers.
Alice Kruptin hisses and shouts at Grizzlebim, "Get out RIGHT NOW!"
Seething to the degree you can swear you see smoke coming out of her ears she turns a stern glare at the group, "Stop spreading gossip and scaring my customers!"
To the other patrons she shouts, "Shows over, these clowns are just repeating gossip spread by those damnable river traders!"
"Fine, suit yourself!" says Grizzlebin. "But closing your eyes ain't gonna keep the boogeyman away." He pushes through the door angrily and stalks around outside.
Many of the patrons nod, "Those river guys are always causing trouble. If it weren't for the fact the trade was so vital I'd say we should go beat them up!"
Jakeric nods several times. "And um, s-sorry about him," he says, pointing at the door that Grizzlebin just left through. "He gets c-cranky sometimes, but he has a good heart, really."
Alice turns her withering gaze onto Jakeric, "Oh so he's your fault eh? Come with me right now!"
Brooking no argument she turns and walks through the tavern to the kitchen in the back.Several patrons guffaw and cheer her on, "Yeah make him scrub some pots!"
And, "Hehe or haul the garbage out!"
Sensing it's much ado about nothing the patrons turn back to their meals and free drinks courtesy of Daegon.
Those of you who ordered the food and try it discover that it is phenomenal!. It's clear why, despite her sour disposition, the Witch's End Tavern is a popular dining spot in Saringallow.
Leaving his walking stick at the table, Jakeric limps after Alice, his cheeks red with shame. "W-w-what do you need me to do?" he asks, rolling up his sleeves.
After securing a space where the two won't be overheard Alice Kruptin says, "Right now I need you to explain what that talking rug meant by 'giant bugs and missing kids.' What's going on?"
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Jakeric goes pale. "Oh, uh, w-well M-mayor Trinelli said there were some p-p-problems with missing apprentices and vermin on the streets. She asked us to l-look into it. I hope that's okay with you. Maybe M-Morvinaar is one of them? I have a l-letter if you want to see it." Hands clammy and sweaty, he fishes the letter from the mayor out of his pocket.
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Jakeric goes pale. "Oh, uh, w-well M-mayor Trinelli said there were some p-p-problems with missing apprentices and vermin on the streets. She asked us to l-look into it. I hope that's okay with you. Maybe M-Morvinaar is one of them? I have a l-letter if you want to see it." Hands clammy and sweaty, he fishes the letter from the mayor out of his pocket.
Alice abruptly places her hand over Jakeric's, stuffing the letter back into his pocket. She looks around and whispers, "Have your group meet in your room later. I'll be there to talk."
She turns and walks back out to the common room of the Witch's End Tavern and shouts, "I put him to work scrubbing garbage cans. I think he passed out!"
The patrons have a good laugh at Jakeric's supposed suffering.