Janusz is a simple village lad - granted, he is a tad stronger and brighter than most in the village (his parents might say too smart for his own good) but that never brought him any delusions of grandeur or great accomplishments. He likes being out on the hills with his parent’s goat herd, where it is peaceful and quiet.
Tall, strong and with well defined facial lines, he could be almost a good-looking one if he took a bit more care of himself (though not by wearing the ‘fancy’ clothes his mother Edwina wants to force him to!), and the girls in the village do give him some looks whenever he is carrying hay, or accompanying his da Elmeron to the market. But for some reason, they do not appeal much to him - ‘too much hassle’ - he might say with a grin to Alex, his pet female goat which follows him absolutely everywhere.
He will of course fall immediately in love with Syrina :D
One can usually find him helping his father and mother tend to the fields or the animals, or at Oren’s tavern, having one or three cold beers at the end of a hard working day.
Hi everyone - I am posting this to all my games: unfortunately these past few days have not been easy, and only now I had the time to post anything at all. I have a close one in my family who is sick, and we have been in and out of hospitals and other doctor appointments non-stop.
I am not really sure when this will be sorted, but I am hoping it will happen soon... Maybe by the end of next week. I will try to keep you updated as I can.
She smiled at his reference to Master. "Tonight's hospitality is on the house, Janusz. I am not offended. We have time on the morrow to discuss formal lodging and conveniences. Thank you," and she bid him rest and enjoy the music and fare before him.
"It will be so then" - Janusz does not press the matter further.
Xemne of Demgazi NPC wrote:
Xemne frowned somewhat at the statement and continued to clarify for the man's sake, "Well, it is true some of us are welcoming to strangers come to Belhaim, but the same cannot be said of some of the other locals. A small town can breed small minds, so be wary of who you meet here, Janusz. Earn the town's trust and learn more of the townsfolk and your troubles will be lessened."
"I may stick around to do just that" - he nods, again raising his mug.
Riley "Lucky" Rylin'dar wrote:
He turns his attention back to the newcomer, "Here is to your time in Belhaim, Janusz. We meet Lady Origena in the morning. I would like for you to join us if you are available." Riley lifts his cup and toasts the warrior. He chugs the remainder of his rum. His dark eyes remain down, peering into his empty cup as Jorje performs.
"It will be my pleasure to join you" - Janusz agrees, watching the exchange around him without really catching its subtleties. Instead he turns to listen to the music, and... Relaxing. Something he hadn't done in a long time.
Meant to post this before : Dang! Talia is beautiful! :D
Xemne of Demgazi NPC wrote:
began sharing his story, her attention was diverted back to him.
Sense Motive:18 = 18
As he answered, vaguely, as to where he came from, Xemne was quick to note Janusz seemed hesitant to speak of it - as though he would rather not discuss it.
When he spoke of his misadventure on the road with the kobolds, Xemne interceded, "That does not make you a fool. The kobolds have been playing havoc on our town these past days and you were caught in their mischief. To be caged is a terrible thing and it is good that you are free and among civilised company. Do you mean to stay and try your luck in Belhaim, Janusz? Oh, apologies for I didn't introduce myself - I am Xemne, the town's apothecary, and cousin to Braylee."
Janusz chuckled softly at the notion - "Thank you for putting me at ease on that one. I guess you are right - a grown man really shouldn't dwell on such things, but instead move on and ahead" - he lifted his drink to greet her - "I'll drink to that Xemne, and well met to you"
After tasting the ale, he carries on - "Staying and trying my luck seems like a good thing. I have never been so welcomed as a stranger in... Huh... Well, never I guess" - he smiles, more at ease now - "Though I get the feeling 'Belhaim's finest' have already addressed all that needed addressed" - he turns to those who released him - "And in the process saved me. So I thank you for that again"
GM Ariarh wrote:
She felt his reticence and did not push for more.
"You may call me Delfi. And it must have been exciting travelling far and wide. I have only ever known Belhaim." The girl gave a soft sigh as if she thought she would never travel or know of faraway places. But she could not be parted from Talia, Jax or Jorje and the girl's large, expressive eyes moved to Riley and she wondered if he would go away soon. Riley had shown some interest in Talia, but would he enjoy a small town like Belhaim? She didn't want to see her sister's heart hurt or broken. Delfi realised she had been staring at Riley a little too long and she returned her gaze and smile on Janusz. "You may stay here, for a while, like the others." Delfi looked across to Talia to see if she would be agreeable to having another lodger as it would mean more work for her and the others.
Talia quickly added, "You are welcome to a room and meals until you get back on your feet, Janusz." There was a hint of worry in Talia's dark eyes over the cost of having lodgers who were not paying for room and board, but it was not her way to turn people away after misfortune had befallen them. She and her people would make do - they always did. Talia gave the man a soft, encouraging smile.
"Traveling the world is perhaps one of the most amazing experiences one can live through I think Delfi" - he nods acknowledging both her words, and her request to be called by first name only - "I have seen much, and yet so little of what the world has to show, and that was one of the things that struck me most hard when I was caged - the thought that cave might be the last thing I would ever see" - again the man shakes his head, looking at Xemne with a smile - "Nope, no more commiseration. Just a fact"
Turning back to the young girl, he adds - "Though, for all the travels in this world, I still have the feeling nothing compares to having a place you call 'home' - where you know you will be welcome, and for a change, things will be as they always were, and not unexpected. I'm not sure I am explaining myself correctly" - he chuckles again.
"As for my stay here, and without demeaning your kind hospitality for which I will not thank again, lest I become boring" - he now looks at Talia - "I have gold, and I intend to pay for it. Starting with the bath and meals today, and finishing whenever I leave The Wise Piper" - his face is resolute - "Unless this offends you somehow Master Talia" - but still he jests with the title the innkeeper used with him before.
Janusz takes a long drink as Delfi inquires where he has came from - "Not from that far away Miss Orem" - he replied, staring at his own mug, then lifting his eyes to look at the girl and offering a smile - "Though sometimes it feels like I've traveled across the world"
Sense Motive DC5:
Bluff:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Clearly this is not one of Janusz's favorite subjects.
"I hail from Absolom recently. Learned to use one of these for something better than simply whacking someone over the head with it" - he nods at the mace at his waist - "Yeah, the Society has been a good part of my life for the last year or so. But originally I came from further north, the region around Arthfell Forest. Not sure if you know the area - it is a beautiful place" - the man stares at his drink again.
Riley "Lucky" Rylin'dar wrote:
Riley looks at Felix and wonders what caused the charismatic 1/2 cat 1/2 man's trance. "We were about to hear Janusz's story. What brought you hear, mate?"
"True, true. I was digressing" - he smiles again - "There is really not that much to it, except me being a fool - I was not in a particular mission or task, but had heard there were some opportunities to make a coin in the area, since 'humanoid' activity seemed to be at an high" - he shakes his head - "I decided to come down here on my own, even though my officer at the Society advised against it. Never been much into the 'line of command thing'..." - and shrugs.
"And this time I regretted it - some red scaled kobold and her two skeletons ambushed and captured me on the road. They brought me to be presented as some sort of tribute to the Chieftain of the tribe to curry favor for the one which took me in - I think it worked" - he nods.
"Then they just kept me as a 'pet' - he grumbles - "Chained in that cage, hands bound, mouth gagged, you know the drill - it wasn't pleasant" - the warrior finishes with another drink - "But I am here now"
Janusz tried to eat calmly and with parsimony, but in all honesty he could not - on the one hand the food was delicious and well balanced, and on the other he was honestly still starving from the days spent in that hole with the kobolds - the mead in particular went down fast.
"As far as I am concerned, you honor your business family tradition" - the man pauses to compliment Talia - "The food and mead would be perfect regardless of me being starved or not" - then turns to the younger girl at the table - "Apologies for my manners - I am Janusz" - he offers in an apologetic tone.
Janusz can't really say much more than "Thank you again Talia" as the innkeeper shows him to his room and makes all the preparations for a long awaited bath - "And please, no need to address me as 'Master' - I am a long way from being one" - he smiles.
Diplomacy?:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
---
Once the tub is set up, he just lays there soaking for some time, realizing how close he had been to never getting back to a 'civilized' area and enjoying every moment of it before finally beginning to scrape the dirt off.
Once done, and convinced most of the insidious smell is gone, Janusz slips into the only clothing he has left - a plain, long sleeved chemise and linen pants - putting his dirty, ragged ones in the bucket as instructed by Talia, but doubting if they will be 'wearable' even after washing.
With nothing more than that, a weapon belt with a light, silvered mace, his gold pouch, and a dagger on his boot, he moves downstairs to the common room, where the smells and sounds again invade his senses.
Noticing the gathered group, he moves there - "May I join you?"
Braylee echoes Riley's thankfulness. "Yes. Thank you very much. I cannot imagine being a prisoner in there." She gives him a warm smile. "These accommodations will be much better." She winks at the newcomer and follows the group in.
"No need to thank me" - Janusz turned to the woman - "It is what... It is a part of what I do" - and smiled.
As they enter the inn, he cannot help but observe the way the others are welcome, mainly Riley - a little self aware of his current state, he managed howewer to nod a shy smile at the young girl greeting them all.
Talia Orem NPC wrote:
Inside The Wise Piper the dining hall is once more decorated in scented red roses and pretty soft candlelight. The fire in the hearth is lit and crackles in a welcoming manner.
The adventurer's usual table is already set with a pair of platters filled with various cheeses, figs, honey and two loaves - pumpkin and barley bread. In the middle stands a large pot of still-warm, fragrant rabbit stew: slow cooked rabbit with mushrooms, parsnips, carrots and herbs from Talia's garden. A wooden ladle sits to the side for serving and the wooden bowls and spoons are set beside the pot.
Janusz pauses for a long moment - taking in the comfortable and welcoming space, already feeling more at ease, and suddenly remembering how hungry he is when his eyes rest mainly on the cheeses and bread.
Talia Orem NPC wrote:
Talia looks up and registers the party's return. Her brown eyes linger on Riley a long moment before smiling to all and welcoming them to the table. "It is good to see you return in one piece. Food and drink now and we will have your baths prepared as you eat." She notes the stranger among them and moves forward a little, "Well met. I am Talia Orem and I bid you welcome to The Wise Piper."
"Well met to you" - the warrior bows - "I am Janusz. And I must apologize for coming to your establishment in such a state. It really could not be helped, as my former hosts where not given to much refinement" - he smiles already in a better mood.
"The displayed food smells amazingly, and reminded me how hungry I really am for some real nourishment, but I must clean myself first - would there be a chance to arrange for a hot bath at this time of day?"
"Very well" - Janusz nods with a weary smile, picking himself up - "If this is the right place, then I must have a look at it, if they let me through the door that it" - he adds with a chuckle - "See about a girl you say? Very well, at the hearth we shall meet, later on" - the man finishes, following Riley and the others.
"Seems like you have done much good for a lot of people today" - Janusz comments to the other as they stand before The Wise Piper, then plops himself down heavily on the dirt road, his gear next to him - "Damn, I'm tired. Those kobolds had me there for a few days, but it felt like much longer" - he frowns, looking at himself, covered in filth from head to toe - "They can be devious, for such little ones. I need a bath to start with, and then a drink. Or several"
Looking back at the group, he presses on nodding his head toward the inn - "Do you know this place?"
"Good" - Janusz nods at Nightttail's response, and moves to the chest, stopping short as Rhialtyra approaches him.
GM Ariarh wrote:
She stepped forward, mindful of the bloodied straw in places and made a quick introduction, "I am Rhialtyra Sunaki. You have my gratitude for healing my companion, there. Now,
"Do not thank me" - he nods grimly - "Even though I am not exactly sure of what just happened in here, whatever I do will not be enough payment for you having saved me from what fate awaited me" - and bows - "It is me who should be thanking you and your companions milady"
He observes carefully as she heals the others, and the surprising powers at her behest - "I would also like to offer my assistance" - he approaches the beautiful healer - "I command some... Healing powers also. I have learned to harness them through the years. If you would not be offended, I am still strong enough to offer them to you all"
If Rhialtyra and the others agree, Janusz will top them off with 2 channels:
Riley stands and moves over the the newcomer. "I am Riley." He offers his hand to shake. Afterward, he takes out a flask and takes a drink from it. "Would you prefer something stronger than water?" He offers the flask to the warrior. "We were sent to deal with the tribe. As long as they remain peaceful, we would rather they live on."
"I won't say no" - he accepts both the handshake, and the 'stronger' beverage offered by the elf, taking a long drink from it - "I needed this. Thank you. I am Janusz" - and returning it to Riley, eyes again on the kobolds around him - "I was captured... Was hoping for a chance at striking back. Guess you have done that for me"
Going to retcon here just a tad, because you guys finished the combat too fast :D
Even as Felix thrusts his rapier through Roaghaz's gut, he feels a strong hand grasping his shoulder. In spite of the initial feelings of alert, there is an immediate comfort, as a warmth washes over him, healing his serious wounds - "For our strength is eternal" - the stranger speaks in a strong voice.
CLW on Felix:1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
As the others rush around to gather the possessions of the fallen, the man just stands there in the corner of the room, staring hard at all the activity going on, and particularly hard at all the kobolds in the room.
He has well chiseled features, almost as if elvish like, even to the extreme of the slightly elongated ears. His hair is bluish white about shoulder high (and quite disheveled at the moment), his skin slightly tanned from many hours in the road. His eyes are bright green, and at the moment are almost completely blood shot.
His simple travelling attire is a terrible mess - dirty, ragged and ripped in more places than not, and through the tears you can see multiple scratches and bruises on the skin.
He is strongly built at around 6' tall with an elegant frame however, but his breathing is labored, almost as if in gasps while he rubs his reddened wrists and arms with calloused, strong hands. The man's chest sports more than one scar and on his left, exposed shoulder he bears some sort of tribal marking.
Riley "Lucky" Rylin'dar wrote:
He looks up at the newly freed prisoner. "Well met, mate. Are you OK? Rhia here may have some healing to spare." Riley takes out his waterskin and tosses it to the man. "Are you thirsty?"
Grabbing the thrown waterskin, Janusz nods at his interloper - "Very much so" - but does not drink from it yet - "Are the kobolds your... Friends?" - he snarls, looking around.
When listening to the declaration from the kobold sitting on the throne, he nods again - "I see" - then looks back at Riley - "My gear is in that chest over there. Do you think I will be allowed to retrieve it?" - he adds.
