Baron Folkestone gallops down from the manor on a black charger to the burning houses, aims the open end of a silver decanter at the blaze, and shouts a command word--DELUGE!!--summoning forth a gushing geyser of water to quench the flames engulfing Baldwin's and his neighbor's houses.... A great cloud of hissing steam expands from where the stream of water hits the blaze....
How did this happen!?
He squints against the bright blaze, smoke, and steam to see Nacht and Alphonse helping a man and his wife and three children escape from the house east of Baldwin's house....
Well done! Get them to safety! .... Very good!
The Lusty Fools are hosted at Folkestone Manor for the night, where they are accommodated in finely-appointed chambers....
Baron Folkestone makes no more inquiries about Nacht's identity or past, but does obviously regard him with suspicion....
The following morning, the baron's servants serve breakfast in the dining room--boiled goose eggs, rashers of bacon, chopped potatoes fried in oil and seasoned with garlic and herbs, and warm bread, served with butter, cheese, grapes, apples, cream, wine, ale, and water....
After The Lusty Fools have eaten their fill of this fare, Baron Folkestone presents the company with seven light warhorses, saddled and harnessed, with saddlebags filled with feed, and provisions for their journey to London (three days' rations for a company of seven)....
Godspeed, Lusty Fools! Give my regards to the court in London.... Long live the king!
Sense Motive to discern Baldwin's intent to arouse suspicion of Nacht as a wanted criminal....1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
I see, Baldwin....
The Baron arches his eyebrows at Alphonse and Paddy....
As I said.... I'd keep an eye on this companion of yours.... There may be good reason why he doesn't want news of his goings about known.... Well, let us forget the matter for now, and enjoy some good bitter, brewed right here in Folkestone by our own Mister Wesley Brewer....
To what purpose did you make these drawings, Baldwin? Why did it so upset this Nacht fellow that he accosted you so?
To Baldwin: What drawings do you speak of, Baldwin?
Alphonse Veritas wrote: "Yes. Nacht is a bit of an odd duck. We found him living in the catacombs beneath Paris. I think the solitude may have driven him quite mad."
"Though he's never attacked an innocent person before. I think there's been some kind of misunderstanding, something the artist may have done to set him off?"
"It doesn't seem any permanent harm has been done. Would it be at all possible for me to use my power to heal this man, and we forget about this incident? I'll be sure to talk to Nacht and try to prevent any future...lapses in judgement. And then we'll be on our way to London in the morning, and bother you no more."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+11
Yes! Well.... If Baldwin is unharmed, and nothing has been stolen from him, I'll consider the matter water under the bridge! .... But I'd advise you to keep a tight reign on this Nacht.... He's liable to wind up dangling from a gallows around these parts with such behavior....
Perception to see Nacht in the crowd....1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Where the blazes did he go!? What was that man's name!?
In English, to Alphonse:
Is this rude stranger one of your company of "Lusty Fools", sir!? gesturing to Nacht....
In French: If you are intending to rob this man, I'll have you arrested and tried for robbery, sir! What is your name!?
The Baron draws closer to Nacht, sword not yet drawn, but hand on hilt....
Hoenheim Dobberkau *Nacht* wrote: Nacht looks up at the Holy-being.. and picks up the caricatures while starting to ruffle through the being's clothes.
" Avez-vous payé ce qui est de prendre des notes sur nous? "
** spoiler omitted **
In French: Of course not! He is Baldwin, a townsman and fisherman! Why did you choke him so!? Did you just kill him!?
The baron's hand goes to the hilt of the longsword at his side....
Initiative 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Oh, my! I say! What are you doing to this man!?
The Baron seems astonished by Nacht's sudden attack on one of his townsfolk....
Iommi-Tyr Magnusson wrote: I am the travelling scholar of "The Lusty Fools"; in Paris they will speak of our deeds and of Magnus Sverreson the Studious.
Lord Folkestone, why do you ask?
So that I, too, may speak of your deeds as they do in Paris, sir scholar! .... And, as lord of this little port town, I'm responsible for knowing the names and allegiance of any band of armed gentlemen entering England by my port, of course.
Alphonse Veritas wrote: Michael Johnson 66 wrote: Mt Vesuvius. To kill the dragon Conflagratius/Wormwood.... =|
"We're on our way to London on business to aid the crown." Ah! Splendid! Well, we shan't delay your progress.... We do thank you for taking the time on your journey to come through Folkestone and put an end to our fears of old Brinegullet, for once and for all....
Baron Folkestone smiles at Alphonse and Iommi-Tyr....
Are you members of a particular company?
Iommi-Tyr Magnusson wrote: Lord Folkestone, thank you for having me at this impromptu party.
Your Barony is impressive, here -- a tribute to Great Prince Harry, greatest King of England.
I am "Magnus Sverreson" of Norway via the Faroes. (Is there need for a Bluff, here, how would he know me from "tom," "dick" or "harry"?)
I give tribute to your Lord Bedford on his recent capture of the traitorous heretic, Joan the Witch of Arc; may she burn in hell!
I hear Bedford has once again set a date for the coronation of Henry on the French throne. Once the pretenders in France accept their lawful King, as decreed by King Charles the Beloved, through the Valois Lines and of his eldest, Isabella, true peace can come to France.
And we know what that means for Bedford who runs it on Henry's behalf.
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 +9
Indeed, sir, and what it means for us all.... And as if we didn't, already have enough to worry our blessed isle, with the French and whatnot, now we have a bloody fire dragon in Italy making demands of virgin maids and chests of gold every year.... 'Tis enough to make men wonder if it were not soon the End of Days, does it not?
Alphonse Veritas wrote: "I am Alphonse Veritas, of England." he smiles at the last bit.
"I will say many of my friends don't speak English, though some do speak French."
"Regardless of languages, we thank you for your hospitality and generosity Baron Folkestone."
And I thank you for ridding us of Brinegullet! He's been quite the nuisance these last several years, and it's a great boon to our town to be rid of him! .... If I may inquire, what brings your company to Folkestone?
Kyleon wrote: Would Kyleon have known who the local lord of his destination was?
Though he did not speak the tongue here - just learning as Roger had been teaching him - the universal method of introductions with repetition of name was caught by him between "Hamid" and the baron.
Hamid Persia... an odd name.
"Kyleon Yonnatil." He bowed slightly, the man's dress indicating his status was to be respected.
The man at the feast was paid little mind, though observed by Kyleon; perhaps there are cultural differences...
Obviously, Kyleon knows nothing about this Baron....
In French:Pleasure to meet you, Kyleon Yonnatil! Well done in slaying the beast Brinegullet!
The Baron repeats his speech in French for "Hamid"....
Hisao of the Yellow Reeds wrote: [dice=Disguise with Hat of Disguise]1d20+18
As the crowd grows Hisao uses his new Hat to make slight changes to his appearance. Slighty darker skin and slighty rounder eyes. Subtle changes that wouldn't cause much comment when they wore off but would be enough to make people and the Baron assume he was from the Middle East.
Hamid he says Persia when the others introduce themselves.
Well, Hamid of Persia, welcome to England! And thank you for your valor against the evil Brinegullet! That sea drake has been the death of many fine fishermen and others that ply the waters of the Channel over these past several years.... You have the thanks of the people of Folkestone, to be sure! I hope you will find our accommodations adequate here, as compared to whatever you may be accustomed to in Persia....
Each of The Lusty Fools is gifted with a combat-trained horse and 100 gold pounds from Baron Edmund of Folkestone....
As evening settles over Folkestone, an impromptu feast is thrown by Edmund, Baron of Folkestone, to celebrate the heroes that rid the port towns of the dreaded Brinegullet, apparently a menace to trade and fishing for several years now....
We, the people of Folkestone, thank you brave heroes for slaying the wicked sea drake Brinegullet, and making the Channel safer for ships making the crossing! We haven't much to reward you with, but I, Edward, Baron Folkestone, shall see to it that you are comfortably hosted at my manor yonder, and given fast horses and some coin to fill your purses, such as might be spared from my treasury! What are your names, that we might tell of your brave deeds to all who inquire about the drake's slaying?
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