Been a bit but I was going through old games and had fond memories of this game. Thought I'd say hi and say I hope y'all are doing well.
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Not trusting himself with words in the quiet, Godfrey simply nods his agreement. A shame not to quietly eliminate a threat, but it might lead to our premature discovery.
Godfrey creeps into the room as quietly as he can. He shakes his head, replying sotto voce, "Doubtful, and we want to avoid anything out of the usual right up until we strike." He let's the others take the lead. He glances at the forge, shaking his head. Probably just for repairs. Too small for meaningful work.
Godfrey nods agreement, speaking softly so his voice doesn't carry, "And we mustn't leave any sign of our passage, if we can. The last thing we need is to be ambushed if we try and return. Misdirection, here, is our friend." "I should trail. I'm afraid I've never had the knack for skulking about quietly."
Godfrey nods, listening with interest and surveying the map carefully. He listens a long moment as the other's explain their own thoughts, before he replies, "I think I agree, generally, in what you've outlined. I'll add that we may have limited ability to act during the day and it might be prudent to use some of it to see if there are any leads we've missed." He eyes the drow, then asks Ella, "I see a great deal of merit in your suggestion to use poison. Even if we weren't to kill with it, sickening their soldiers would be a real boon. Have you considered how you'll deliver it? I seem to recall some woman fed the soldiers regularly, but perhaps you've a better idea in mind." "For the priest -though I have no doubt of your skill, Ileosa- I think a more direct method might be better. Those insipid Mitrans can have an annoyingly puritanical streak that might stymy your efforts and raise suspicions. If they're ever isolated, a quiet disappearance might be in order. Their magic, uninventive and rudimentary as it is, might give them more warning then we'd care for, so caution will be warranted." "Thanks to Ella's fortitude and skill at arms, we have removed the dwarves -and more importantly- their repairs from the equation. Have we considered some way to open the gates? Presumably on the night itself, we'll want to do so. Another idea, I seem to recall one of you broaching it in truth, is to draw out a search party for the dearly departed Captain by having his horse sans riders. If it draws off a search party, then that's fewer to man the walls. It might even draw another captain away."
Feeling refreshed and like himself again, Godfrey hummed a tune to himself as he picked his way through the inn to the appointed room. His memories of the indignities of the forest and its tribulations begins to fade into the background of his mind as he grows used to the bustle of the city (even such a meager one as this) again. Entering the appointed room at the appointed time (a gentleman is always punctual), he looks over the softly gleaming cutlery gleaming in candlelight amidst lush velvet. He nods approvingly, "You've done wonders here, my dear friend. As for pampering, I'm not one to shy away from it." Grinning, he is true to his words as he helps himself to the exquisite fare laid out. A small grunt of approval, and his eyes roll a little, "Yes, this is indeed worth lingering on. And I for one haven't the slightest problem with you beginning without me. I'm afraid my normal routines have been thrown out of sync these last months and I fear I may never recover." A sly smile grows as he continues, "But of course, that's why we're here, isn't it? To see what we can do about each our little... ah, trials."
"He was, wasn't he?" Godfrey muses as he mulls over the past days, little attention paid to his surroundings as he retires to the comfort of his mind. Conscious that his companion had said something else, he recalls the words with no little mental exertion. "Ah, as for that I may not be anyone's idea of a cook, but I'd like to think to I can order a reasonable glass of wine. For my own part, I've no doubt I could drink pothouse swill and it would taste like ambrosia after our little foray." A small self-deprecating smile and a shrug, "I'm not much of an outdoorsman, so a return to civilization seems to be like returning to life itself." Taking a moment to ensure they have privacy, he turns to more businesslike matters, "I've been turning it over in my head. We dealt with that meddlesome dwarf. And the sickening of the garrison seems like it might be possible." He begins to tick his ideas of on his fingers as he speaks, "I overheard about that priest, Father Donnagin. He might warrant investigation if his banishing can give us useful leverage. Unlikely to be useful, true, but worth some time if we've nothing better. This Lord Havelyn is revered, but there's also some suspicions about him. If we can force him to leave, and a replacement to be sent too late to arrive, then that has merit. You've a knack for wheedling information, so that might be right up your ally. I can see what I can learn, of course, and perhaps more avenues will open to us."
At the edge of the town, Godfrey looks longingly towards the distant gate as Coloua motions them aside. It'd be rude to simply ride off and leave her to speak to the air. And the others are already stopping. It can't take all that long.. probably. Huffing a sigh, he turns his horses head away from the path towards civilization and reasonable creature comforts to listen to what his companion has to say. He nods in general agreement, adding, "Rest first, certainly, but work shortly after. The two might be able to be combined. People who drink can be chatty." "For our alibi, it's well enough. I'd suggest we don't advertise it but instead only bring it out if asked. Better to not draw unwanted attention. The guards will not be missed for a time, so the less we make a memorable moment the better. I'll think on what else we can be doing. Certainly, we should be trying to sow as much dissension as possible. I seem to recall something about the other captains, but if they can be killed or otherwise rendered ineffective then all the better." He shrugs and nods agreement with Ileosa, "It would, and it would also rather ruin our personas. I'm afraid you'll have to tolerate my questionable company a while longer." As the talking dies down -and his own desire to be rid of all surroundings green and brown rises- he turns with his companions back towards the town. Inside, he is a man of simple tastes. Fine wine, a short bath to soak (having stayed meticulously clean with a little magical know-how), more wine, good food (the special was surprisingly good for such a backwater town) and a glass of wine by the fire leave him in a far better mood.
Godfrey looks down at the slain man-at-arms at his feet as his lifeblood pulses weakly from arteries so painstakingly rent asunder. He opines aloud to himself, "If this is the best they have to offer then this whole endeavor will be quite dull." Shrugging in resignation, he cleans his blade off before the horrible clattering and sickeningly wet fleshy sounds of her pets going to work draws his attention. Suppressing a shudder of revulsion, he directs a bow to the distract witch and asks politely, "If it's acceptable, can I have my servant move the man out of earshot? Your creatures can go about their feeding-" he casts a sidelong glance at the gristly sight of the still living man and visibly gulps, "-but it will let the rest of us go about our business without disturbing them." As he's speaking, he notices the kobold's reaction and then continues with a sly smile, "And perhaps he will see to the disposal of any leftovers himself."
A wicked smile slips onto Godfrey's face as he quips, "How nice of you to join us, sir. Let me introduce myself." Chanting, he hurtles across the clearing in a flash, leaving a trail of images showing him raising his sword into a vicious hacking cut. Those watching him are left with afterimages flashing in their eyes as he spins his blade into another slash as he appears next to the man preternaturally fast.
The time standing and waiting seems to stretch as he waits for some sound to indicate either success or failure. The shouting, suddenly cut off with a pain-filled scream, elicit a smile from the noble arcanist. It may not be efficient, no. But more interesting? Certainly that. Sword and scroll in hand, he nods acknowledgement to Ileosa as he strides into the clearing. Taking a quick inventory, he slips the scroll back into the scrollbox hanging from his waist.
Godfrey sat, leafing quietly through his spellbook and scrolls, with a contented smile on his face. Hrm, yes... that could be the one. Or perhaps... He quietly muses the hours away. While eager to flex his arcane muscle, he's never been one to seek out a fight that he wasn't guaranteed to win. As the appointed time approaches, he carefully removes his armor and packs it into his horses saddlebags. Fishing the selected scrolls, he finishes his preparations in time with the others. "Shall we, gentlewomen? I'm loath to leave our venerable hosts waiting."
Unsure if the reply was intended to be insolent or insulting, Godfrey narrows his eyes a moment before following the kobold silently (or as silently as a city bred nobleman with no interest in forestry could). On their arrival, he nods to the creature and turns to the others. In a whisper, he says, "Not bad if we have the element of surprise. Do we know they're there? All of them? We can't let any escape and it'd be best I think if they simply disappeared. Search parties will be sent and anything not on the wall is good for us." He eyes Coloua, "Your friend might be of some use, I think."
Godfrey's lips twitch in amusement at the irritation that he hears in his minion's voice. He says nothing, merely watching the kobold's reaction, at Ella's threatening growl. Sink or swim. I have no use for weaklings who cannot learn or who foolishly get themselves killed. He does, after letting the silence stretch a moment, say, "Yes, let's rid ourselves of our prey. We'll discuss later a better way to communicate in similar situations. Your trail.... left much to be desired."
"It seems unlikely we lose the trail of a wolf we've been following and just happen across a different one randomly. I'd say good odds. I suppose I'll have a look." Despite his confident assertion, Godfrey draws his blade, careful to minimize the noise he makes. Weapon in hand, he advances slowly on the brush where the wolf is hiding. He stops a few yards away and calls out, "Draa'lik? If you're there you've led us on a merry chase. Show yourself and your Wolf."
"Words for my nominal underling, indeed." Tired of the tedium of greenery and vegetal-infused air, Godfrey assists in the search with what little skill he possesses.
The ongoing traipse through the woods has not greatly improved Godfrey's mood by the time the sun begins to set. Overgrown lizard with a hen's brain... leading us into this infernal wasteland and who knows what... Huffing a sigh, he resigns himself to the obvious. "I don't like the idea of being ambushed in our sleep by any other exotic wildlife, but we're only putting our horses at danger by continuing. Let's make camp." He waits to see what the others say before he dismounts.
Thoroughly irritated by the strange path led by the kobold through the rough undergrowth and forest, Godfrey gazes longingly at the easy track along the road. With a sign, he yields to what seems the superior option in his mind. Damn kobold and his tomfool path... "That does seems to be the best way forward, yes. I suspect we will be cutting off our quarry. Onwards..."
Godfrey also studies the tracks with a careful eye.
Eyesore from the extended search, Godfrey takes a long pull from his canteen as he mulls over this new oddity of 'his' kobold. "Mine or otherwise, I still know less then I'd care to of him. Something to rectify if ever we've the time." Godfrey takes another pull from his canteen. A secret and a trick up my sleeve, but one that clearly will come out anyway. A secret that will not keepi is no secret at all. Geryon's guidance never rings false. "I speculate -as I haven't had time to study the creature's skill or magic in detail- but I strongly suspect that he can bind himself to a creature of the wilds and adopt of his strengths. He spoke of "his" Wolf -captial W- and of the bond between them. If he left the path, then he must have some means of cutting them off. This presumes they travel together which, I admit, I don't have the skill at tracking to know with any kind of certainty."
With the abattoir-stench of the clearing lessened (or at least his hunger outweighing his discomfort), Godfrey chews on a stick of dried meat as they leave the clearing. Despite the night in the wild's he looked irritatingly refreshed. He'd taken the time to cast a spell before they left and the dust and sweat from their exertions simply fell away. He whistles an off-tune song as he packs. "Good morning, ladies. I hope your sleep was also restful. Shall we be off?" With hand on his sword, he keeps a wary eye out.. He no longer trusts the forest's denizens to give them a wide berth.
Ella eats plenty for all of them. After being on her own so long, she learned to not turn down food unless she knew for sure where the next meal was coming from. Watching Ella eating from the edge of the clearing, Godfrey has to turn away as a fresh wave of butcher-room stink wafts over him. Gulping down a rising gorge, he replies to Ileosa's question, "I like it well enough, but I'm afraid I'm not used to eating in conditions that are best compared to an abattoir. I'm sure it's lovely, but my appetite has -unfortunately- fled."
Godfrey looks at the full plate and he visibly gulps. Despite his obvious discomfort, he nods his thanks and accepts the plate, "But of course. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Coloua." Though he takes the plate, Godfrey makes no motion to eat for a moment.
Having cleaned himself up and ensured their means of transportation were not going to flee in horror, he returns to camp in time to watch Coloua bully the amazonian and still gore-flecked warrior away from the cook fire. Godfrey pales, however, despite the very pleasing smells of roasting boar. The abattoir stench of blood on the air didn't mingle very well, in his opinion, and he excused himself, "I'll take a bit of air for a moment, and keep watch."
Dashing back a step as the entrails of the boar he eviscerated fill the space he'd just occupied, Godfrey glances around for any further attackers. Finding only panicking animals, his companions, and a gore-drenched Ella standing over the gutted remains of the boar, Godfrey chants a quick incantation and cleans his blade of blood. He offers to Ella, "I'm afraid I can't help the wounds, but I can clean the blood after Ileosa has had a look. If she can't I do have some decoctions that could help." Noticing Ileosa's distraction, he offers, "I can try and wrangle the horses if you would see to Ella. She's got some gnarly wounds that should be treated sooner then later."
"Disgusting creatures..." Godfrey grunts as he continues his arcane assault with a quick chant. His blade begins to spark and crackle as the scent of ozone fills the small clearing. When the time is right, he lashes out fiercely with his blade at the boars threatening the group.
Shield of force glimmering around him, Godfrey rushes onto the offensive as the boars rush into the clearing where they'd made camp. With newly won knowledge in mind, he chants in a harsh guttural tongue. His spell complete, he bursts into motion with an arcane crackle as tendrils of lightning surge down his legs and up his arms. Magically aided, he moves with serpentine grace and speed to hack twice into the boar threatening Ileosa.
Startled out of his dreamless slumber by Ileosa's banshee-loud shout, Godfrey scrambles out of the cloak that he'd been comfortably asleep in. As he stands, he draws his blade with frantic speed as his eyes dart around the perimeter of the camp for his foes.
Godfrey, distracted by deciphering the arcane scratches of the kobold, is blissfully unaware of the possibility that they may be outside hunting the good captain for days.
Godfrey rode his rented horse adequately -he was a noble- but without any particular degree of grace and often with a thin frown that made it clear he avoided the practice when it was possible. Necessity, but not one I will revel in. And at this ridiculous cost I'll look forward to finding that impudent shop-keep after the bugbears are done and retake my coin. Twenty gold and a deposit indeed. Scoffing, he returns his gaze to search for the trail the kobold had left.
Fighting back the queasiness from the thought of eating horse, Godfrey opines, "If they've been out some days then they're far ahead of us it makes little sense to try and get after them on foot. We should gather horses and make our pursuit once we're more suitably equipped. An ambush or the like makes perfect sense to me, but only after we've caught them. Shall we?" Studying the kobold's message again, he starts to scan the area for the indicated claw marks. Best to know where we're to be returning to and mark it in a more obtrusive manner. We have one easy chance of ridding ourselves of Varning. Best make it count.
Godfrey, his head still pounding, listens silently to the back and forth chatter of his companions with suppressed irritation. I should have stayed abed until this damned headache went away. He opines, "I think it'd be worthwhile for me to check on what has happened to Draa'lik and if he's found Captain Varning. We'll want to see to him while he's out as there may not be another chance in our window of opportunity. Aside from that I think it would be worthwhile for one of us to ingratiate themselves with Mama Guisseppe. Coloua and I perhaps? If we can sicken the greater part of the garrison with her stew..." The bags under his eyes and the gauntness of a night of ill use do little to make his fierce grin less horrifying.
With hair sticking out at odd angles and a bleary eyed gaze, Godfrey emerges from the upper level where he'd been ensconced all night with the doddering gait of an old man. He grunts a greeting to his companions, then motions to a serving girl. [smaller]"Coffee, strong and black. Rasher of bacon. Toast, near to burnt, and with marmalade." With a dismissive wave of his hand, he turns attention back. "I'm glad you seem to be well, Ella. Foul liquid probably normally used to light lamps. Got to me more then I had expected. Sounds like all's well that ends well." The girl returns with his coffee, which he immediately begins to greedily slurp. After a moment of the unsightly sounds, he reappears looking the slightest hint more human. "I'll be alright, so long as we don't get into anything too ... vigorous. Or at least not right away. Some countryside and its sights and sounds and things to do though-" A hint of the normal gleam to his eyes is momentarily visible through the bleary haze, "-that might be just the ticket. Only have so many opportunities to see the countryside and all that's out there."
Unaware of the violence outside and consumed by the deep dreamless sleep of the inebriated, Godfrey snores softly in his bed in the inn.
Godfrey, with Ileosa's assistance, bravely ascends the stairs without casualties. The room spinning, he allows himself to be led into his room and promptly collapses into the bed where the spinning sensation accelerates. Fighting a wave of nausea, he contorts himself into something resembling a bow and slurs, "Thank you for your help. Best night to sleep now!"
"I like to be be successful in all my endeavors, so best get to the business!" Godfrey quips as he accepts the first drink. He sniffs the shimmering gold-brown liquid and instantly regrets it as the burning fumes seem to singe his nose. With a shrug, he knocks it back in a single long gulp. Fighting to suppress a cough, he hoarsely opines, "It's alchemist's fire cut with grain alcohol or I'm a mole." Having fished out a coin, he waits for the second which he downs with less coughing now that his mouth and throat were nicely numbed. A little shakily, the alcohol not having had time to catch up with him, he fishes a second out of his purse and lets it clatter inelegantly to the table with the rest. The third, and his final, drink goes down with little enough taste. His eyes begin to swim and he gulps back the sudden feeling of nausea that threatened to overwhelm him. The room seems to swim in and out of focus and he shakes his head in an attempt to clear it. "I at least, do not think I have another in me. I'll be under the seat before I'm halfway through. I will tap out for now, and you leave the drinking to!" Standing, with a dangerous wobble that is nearly a fall, he performs the most precarious bow any had seen and which might have been fit for a circus tumbler. Ileosa's guiding hand helps him back up from the bow and into a nearby seat where he promptly begins to nod off.
"I'm afraid I'm a lightweight compared against my dear friend here, but I'll lay your little game. Just promise that you'll keep going against the real heavyweight drinking in this inn, eh friend?" Godfrey maintains his smile, but mentally curses as he finds himself in the middle of a drinking game he was likely to lose.
Godfrey, with a less impressive drink in tow, sits near Ella and raises his mug to her in greetings. "I'm glad I've found you at last. See you've already found a healthy little refresher-" he nods his head at the dwarves, "-and some friends, is it? Don't be giving them too much trouble just because they can't handle drink like you. If they've a taste for a bit of lighter wine instead of something real, then that's their business, eh?"
"Boring it may be, but at least I'll be there suffering with you. These dwarves are effecting repairs on the watchtowers. I don't know the nature of their work, but if it's something we can sabotage then that seems like valuable knowledge. Knocking out mangonels or ballista or whatever they have up there seems particularly useful."
Godfrey returns from his errands amidst the hustle and bustle of the castle's workers returning to their home. He listens idly to the chatter around him, distracted by thoughts of the wealth of arcane lore he'd gathered that very morning. When he finally finds himself back at the inn, he stops briefly in his room to drop off his spellbook and his purchases. Taking a moment to clean the dust of the streets from his face, he returns to the party's private room. To Ella, when she returns, he says, "I managed to track down much of what you were looking for. Some I copied myself and, of course, you are free to peruse my notes. For the rest, I needed to buy the formulae themselves. I'm afraid some of your work is altogether outside the realms of my experience." With the rest of the group, he says, "I think tonight would be best for starting Coloua's plan. We'll need to leave shortly when we hear back from Draa'lik and who knows how long those blasted dwarves will be here. If there is any information to be gleaned from them, sooner is better. If Coloua is searching their rooms and Ileosa is pumping them for any information, that would leave either Ella or I to try and outdrink them." He eyes the amazonian woman as she towers over him, "I suspect that I will come out the worse for wear in any competition. I'm not nearly as hale and hearty as you, my dear. If you'd prefer me to try, I will, of course. Maybe the fool dwarf will try to beat us both if we can make it a contest of ego?." A sudden thought seems to strike him and he smiles thoughtfully at Triss, "Do you have any brews that might be useful for this? An anti-toxin or some such that will let an imbiber ignore the effects of drink for a time?" "I think this is the rudiments of a plan, do you have any objections or thoughts?"
After several hours of scrupulous labor, Godfrey sits back from his work with a satisfied grin. "I think that will do. I thank you again for your generosity and hope the exchange has proved valuable to you as well." Godfrey gathers his goods and his spellbook, dropping a hefty pile of crowns into the wizard's hands, and departs without further delay. And when this town burns, perhaps the spells might help you... until a bugbear cleaves you end to end. Whistling merrily, he makes his way out to the town and returns to the inn only to find that most of his companions have departed. After dropping off his purchases, he also takes his leave to gather what rumors he can. First, however, he makes his way out of the town (ostensibly for a breath of fresh country air). Once safely beyond the sight of the walls, he starts his search for the kobold Draa'lik. When (if?) he finds the creature, he relays his instructions, "There departed from this town a man with a retinue who you are to seek. They will be armed and mounted, and the leader of this group is known as Captain Varning. You are to find them and alert me when you have found them. We can't have you wandering about town, so once you have found them leave sign here and we will come out in force." for
Godfrey's Outing: Godfrey maintains his friendly smile as he listens to the wizard's reply. Yes, yes, your living in this dreary little town must be continued for a time. So be it. He mulls over the offer, running over the spells in his book and considering the risk to himself and his group.
Despite his natural reticence to share the knowledge that he has so carefully hoarded, Godfrey finally relents, "I think that's a reasonable enough trade. Passion for the art drives me and it's only fair that I share my knowledge with you as you do with me. I can begin whenever you're ready." If the man agrees, Godfrey sets his pack on the ground and then gently, and lovingly, draws a well-thumbed, plain leather tome from his pack. When the shopkeeper makes his book available, Godfrey positively beams as it is set in front of him. With little patience, he begins to copy with a quick confident hand into his own book.
Godfrey mulls the information gathered by his companions a moment, running his hand through his stubble distractedly. "This tunnel certainly sound promising as a means of entering and leaving. We'll have to be sure it's not warded somehow. If it's common knowledge I have to believe it's either guarded or arcane warded. With the ability to enter and leave at will, however, we can certainly play havoc with the Watchwall's defenses." A sly grin spreads on Godfrey's lips as he contemplates the many possibilities. "As for this Varning, I don't think we can rely on him leaving again while we need him to. Better, I think, to leave in a morning or two and end his patrols in a more permanent fashion. With the patrol's bodies hidden, there's no reason to think anyone will find them before we can strike. It may even drain resources from the tower that we either eliminate piecemeal or leave alone. I'd suggest the day after next. We may even be able to enlist Draa'lik's assistance in the hunt. I have some additional purchases and preparation I'd like to do before we leave, so I'd suggest we leave the day after tomorrow if that is the route we wish to pursue."
Godfrey wakes early the next morning, eager to be about the business that brought them there. He is aware, however, that any successful endeavor of this sort requires careful preparation and ground work. To that end, he seeks out the arcanist he'd visited already to purchase access to new spells that will certainly prove useful. "Good morning again, friend. After thinking it over, I have decided to have a look at those spells we've discussed. I found our conversation so enthralling that I simply had to to have a look at the arcane underpinnings of those spells." Godfrey pauses, looking sheepish, "The fact of the matter is, however, that I'm rather shorter of coin then I'd originally thought. I was hoping, one enthusiast to another, that you might allow me to transcribe a few of those spells from your notes to my own. I'd certainly still compensate you, of course, maybe on the order of twenty crowns per spell? I'd be very grateful."
After hours of chatting amiably with the town folk, Godfrey rejoins his companions in their private room with his face fixed in a sly smile. He listens to Coloua as he mentally runs over all he'd heard and seen that day. He answers Coloua while ticking off the rumors he'd heard with his fingers one by one, "There is a work crew of dwarves, likely the same ones you heard about, who are working on the repairs for one of the watchtowers. Their leader, Barnabus Eisenbauch, is apparently fond enough of drinking contests to have developed a reputation. There might be something there if the repairs can be halted." "There is, apparently, a woman who prepares stew for the watchtower every week. Given how much people were talking about this grandmother's stew, it wouldn't surprise me if many of the guards partook. I'm no expert, but that seems like an interesting opportunity if we time the assault right and see that a special ingredient makes it into the stew." Godfrey pause a moment, collecting his thoughts, "The last I'm less sure about. The local priest was demoted from a fairly lofty position -bishop- and sent here. Why and how I didn't hear but that is a severe punishment that might warrant further probing."
Godfrey returns, satisfied, from his surveyal of the town's markets and shops. He'd spied several items that seemed likely and had purchased a few trinkets to complete his disguise as a travelling nobleman.
As he listens to the banter and the chatter among the cities elite, his thoughts wander from time to time to the blade and its mystery that awaits him back in the inn. Ultimately, whatever befalls this city will be its just reward. Had the Mitrans simply left well enough alone, I would not be here plotting their death and destruction. Blinded fools. The majority of the insipid chatter of the town's resident did little more then serve as background noise to the magus. But a few tidbits occasionally rewarded his patient small-talk and courtly manner. A watchtower under repair? And a dwarven crew hard at work doing their best to make sure it is in good repair? We can't have that... can we? And a stew that all the guardsmen eat? What a shame it would be if they all came down sick after. With a thoughtful smile, Godfrey returns to his shopping. Some hours later, having located (if not purchased) most of what he had hoped to find, he returns to the inn to join the others. Sliding in next to Coloua, he orders wine and listens to her report. He replies, "Yes, I think it makes all too much sense to share all we've seen later. The town is really quite fascinating and its people have much to say. It wouldn't do to lose any of the gossip in all this noise, especially not when there's more people to meet! Such fun." Godfrey grins jovially, though his companions can't help but notice the grin is a little too wolfish for fine company.
Godfrey joins his companions in the morning still looking worn and tired from the previous day. With coffee in hand he listens to Coloua, nodding his agreement as she leaves, "A sensible plan. We'll reconvene this evening. Best of luck to you." For his own part, Godfrey hadn't fully considered what he'd wished to accomplish in town before they began their work in earnest. The bizarre green flash... and the wounds... something is very odd with my blade. It would be unwise to wait much longer, but it must for a time. With other matters on his mind, he resolves to browse the towns market's to both see what strikes his fancy and also to gain perspective on the nature of the town itself. Perhaps there's something to be learned about the garrison by who else is here. for
As he helps to row towards the shore, Godfrey admires the fading view of Kargeld's ship going up in roaring flames. The only regrettable side to our departure from that accursed ship is knowing that the impudent wretch didn't get to enjoy the spectacle of his ship burning to the water line. Humming a jaunty sea shanty to himself, the arcanist loses himself in the act of rowing. On shore, he pauses a moment to speak with Draa'lik, "Your aid was timely and its a fitting start towards paying your debt. Continue to honor your vow and you will earn your freedom." He appraises the diminutive creature a moment, mind flickering over the changes he'd seen take hold in combat, "Find yourself a new wolf and be ready. When an exploding star is launched from the nearby castle you will rejoin us. Stay hidden until then."
Godfrey interjects as Ileosa makes her request of the innkeep, "One of those with a firm mattress, if you please. And make sure there is coffee delivered to it tomorrow morning. Hot and with cream." His desires dictated, he partakes of the inn's comfort -food, wine, and comfortable chairs by the fire- as he shakes off the wearying hardships of the ship and road. Contented and with eyelids flickering, he nods to his companions, "A night's sleep before we go about our business is for the best, I think. I'll speak to you on the morrow." With a perfunctory bow to each, he retires upstairs.
Two expert cuts, two screams, and two deaths leave Godfrey facing only a single wounded combatant. Readying his blade, he readies himself to parry the man's blows but the sudden intervention of Draa'lik renders it needless. Struck by the unusual transformation of the creature, but with more pressing concerns, he turns to to aft of the ship in time to watch Ella rend the captain into pieces. Chest heaving and grinning exultantly, he takes a moment to neatly slice the throats of the two sailors who'd been incapacitated by his spell. Wiping his blade on the cloak of one of the deceased, he pauses a moment to study it curiously. What was that flash? And the wound was unusual as well? Could it be that the damned dwarf didn't explain the full power of what we wrought? Frustration begins to bleed into his elation at their victory, but he sets aside the uncomfortable thoughts as he sheathes his blade. He bows his head slightly to Triss as she heals some of the damage done by his enemies blades, courtly manner overriding any lingering resentment, "Thank you, Triss." Her cantankerous reply to Ella earns her a scowl. Catching his breath, he listens to the others go about their work. After a time he interjects, "I think the sailor's gear would best go down with the ship. I wouldn't care to have to answer where we found eight blood-soaked sets of leather armor, for example. The rest we might as well keep for ourselves." With a small grin, he adds, "The whiskey in particular will be welcome." He mulls over the fate of the ship, trying to gauge what he can recall of the area and their distance from the town.
"I think we'd best burn the ship with the captain and his crew aboard it. If we don't honor them, it can be no honor. We're disposing of evidence not celebrating a life well spent." Godfrey continues after a thoughtful pause, "I'm not sure if the cardinal would be upset or not, but I'd err on the side of following his instructions to the letter. He is our master... and we're bound to follow his orders. For the crew, if you feel it best to dump them overboard, we should ensure they can't rise to the surface. The last thing we need is the Talingardians asking what could cause -" he nods at the variety of gobbets of flesh that had been Captain Kargeld, "-and being on their guard. A burned smuggler ship won't draw the same kind of scrutiny, I think."
Godfrey continues to master the blending of Arcane and Martial in ways that should terrify the hearts of Talingardian sheep. With his new allies, he has found fellow practitioners of esoteric and powerful magic. By sharing knowledge, he's begun to tap into new and devastating magical abilities that he previously felt were out of reach. Bolstered by the study and trapped on a ship with little else to do, he has sought out knowledge far and wide in an attempt to prepare himself for the tasks ahead.
Surrounded on three sides by his foes, Godfrey grunts in pain as he parries and slashes with abandon. Bleeding profusely from three cuts, he fights with the desperate strength of a man who's only hope is to kill or be killed. "Lord of the Ninth take you all!"
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