@Jhondar: Have you mentioned the 'halfling-sized' hole in the mushroom/building that you saw to us yet?
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Jhondar steps past Rom, frowning as he hears how Rom is speaking to Astrid. Jhondar turns back to look at Rom and winks before turning back around to address Carmichael and Nessa: "At the risk of provoking another rebuke from our esteemed colleague, I would be interested in trading for some of your knowledge about mushrooms and some specimens, if you have any spare. I have heard that goblinoids consider the mushroom of which the ir'Winson residence is made to be a delicacy, and the mushroom of which your residence is made promises to be sweeter yet. Unfortunately, my personal funds are a bit tapped; at the moment, I could not afford to make a large enough order that you could afford magical healing. We have been promised great rewards for tracking down this thief, though, and I would be willing to put some of these rewards towards purchasing information and/or stock from you. Perhaps, if you help us, I will be able to help you. Think of the possibilities! A d'Ghallanda-branded restaurant in a mushroom serving mushrooms that are tasty enough to make a creature my size want to eat his way through the side of the mushroom building!"
Jhondar comes back around to where his fellow investigators are and whispers to Captain Rom: "There's a back door."
Jhondar nods and sneaks out. He makes a circuit around the mushroom, checking for other exits, as requested. He also ruminates on why the mycologist's mushroom is purple.
”You wanted to talk to this guy?…” Jhondar steps towards Rom and motions for him to bend down so that Jhondar can whisper in his ear. "The professor said his Mycologist was a 'she.' Could be the wife, I guess, but the professor didn't say anything about her being sick when I asked to meet her. Seems odd."
If you're waiting on me to do something with the information I observed on the way down, don't. My plan is to work it into the conversation with the Mycologist.
Jhondar has way to much fun with the feather fall down from the top of the mushroom. As he floats down, he inspects the side of the mushroom for any signs of damage.
As he comes out of an unnecessarily showy superhero landing Jhondar dramatically yells "To the Mycologist!"
Jhondar rolls out from under the bed with a ring in his hand. "Speaking of rings, is one of you missing a wedding ring?," Jhondar asks with a disarming smile on his face as he tries to observe the couple's reaction to his discovery.
"Oh, and if we're stopping by the outbuildings, would it be too much trouble for me to talk with the person who takes care of the mushrooms? I've heard that goblinoids consider this variety to be a delicacy, and I'd like to add it to my stock of ingredients, if there's some extra lying around."
Jhondar zones out, bewildered by talk of dragonshards, magic, and other topics well beyond his ken. He pulls out his to-go waffle and starts digging in. The motions of eating trigger an idle thought in the halfling's mind: what if the thieves gained access by chewing their way in from the outside?
He zones back in when Rom suggests looking for more clues. Observation of the material world is something in his wheelhouse.
As the conversation turns to discussing the students who had access to the safe, Jhondar racks his brain for anything he might have overheard about those students and their families, especially anything that might suggest a motive for the heist.
Jhondar does not push past anyone in the line to head up the platform, but he definitely is waiting impatiently for it to be his turn. He distracts himself from the torture of waiting by trying to recall anything he can about the ir'Winsons' role in history and any famous mushroom houses.
"You jump down," says Samantha. "You will slowly fall to the platform, where you can step off. I control the platform, it's been enchanted by myself." Jhondar smiles widely again. "That sounds fun!" He takes off after Samantha and Astrid, alternating fast walking and jogging to keep from falling behind due to his short legs.
The waiter returns with your sack of food. "I hope this will satisfy you, good luck on your journey," said the waiter. Jhondar nods at the waiter. "Thank you very much." Turning to the group, he says "Let's go. My apologies for holding things up."
Jhondar smiles at Astrid. "Yes. Or, stated another way, as I heard one of my professors at the University say, amateurs discuss strategy; professionals discuss logistics." He looks over at the waiter who went to prepare his to-go sack. "I hope my logistical preparations do not take too long. I wouldn't want to let the trail get cold, any more than I would let food get cold."
”I was born in Stormhome, but my family moved as needed during the war. I’ve never seen the RWCD in real life, but I once worked with a female aspect ‘Forged assassin named Dancer who helped form the group when the war ended. It was a shame in my opinion since ‘she’ was an amazing fencer and sniper.” Jhondar smiles. "My folks didn't take over the Cavorting Cook until close to the end of the War, but I found Stormhome to be to my liking. Dancer was with them when they performed at the Cook. I can't speak to her fencing and sniping, but I can testify that she has a mean right hook," he says rubbing his chin. "we can prepare your meal to go, but you have to finish your coffee here," says a waiter. "Noted. But I'll definitely take you up on the to go waffle."
”Yes! We are all here to help. So let’s go before the entire Retired Warforged Cabaret Dancers*union join our mission!” Jhondar snorts at the mention of the RWCD, remembering a rowdy night in his parents' tavern. After taking another bite of waffle and regaining his composure, he speaks up: "D'Lyrandar, is it? You'll be from Stormhome, I'm guessing. Did you see the RWCD perform at the Cavorting Cook?" "If you are ready, I can lead you to my estate." Looking around for waitstaff, Jhondar says, "Lead on! Does anyone object to me taking some for the road? I'll be sure to return the plate and utensils."
Jhondar's attention is involuntarily drawn to the stage by the sight of the halfling performer. Hoping for a reminder of home and his family, he awaits the beginning of the halfling's act with rapt attention. Only for his hope to be dashed. I was going to try showing Astrid my dragonmark to explain why I'm asking so many questions, but I don't think I want to admit to being a Ghallanda right now, after enduring that... display. Why is it always my most incompetent family members who are the loudest about being my family members?, he thinks while rolling his eyes. The arrival of breakfast is a welcome respite. He thanks the waiter and digs in, trying to ignore the trainwreck of his family name that is taking place on stage.
How big is House Ghallanda? What are the chances that Jhondar knows this "performer"?
Jhondar nods at Astrid's response, taking mental notes. Hmm. That sounds like a ringing endorsement, and it's good to know they give back to the community as well.. Aloud, he responds: "Good to hear. I'm just passing through taking care of some business for my family." Then, he looks around at the other occupants of the room, trying to determine if anyone besides Astrid is taking note of their conversation. It's interesting... she intimates, discreetly. One hides behind a mask but, all one does is draw attention. "That's true, and probably something I should remember myself, too."
Jhondar smiles again as Astrid as she replies. "Fair enough, I shall endeavor to be more direct. As a regular, what do you think of this place? How is the food? What do you think of the service?"
"Of course," said the waiter, remembering. "Would you like it black? Or with milk?" "Black, please." Excuse me... Sir? It seems to be getting crowded, do you mind if I sit here at the table with you? Jhondar waves at an open seat at the table. "Certainly, be my guest." He smiles. "Or, more precisely, I suppose, be their guest alongside me." He looks at Astrid, sizing up her mannerisms. Hmm. A bit formal and reserved. Reminds me of some of the folks at the University of Wynarn. Probably not much for small talk, but I do need to get some data from other customers to bolster my own observations. Well, let's give it a shot. "Hi, it's always a good idea to at least know the names of those with whom you are dining. I'm Jhondar. Do you come here often?"
"As you wish, sir," said the waiter as he takes down your order. "Anything to drink, fair halfling?" "Yes, I'll take some coffee, please."
The waiter comes over with a breakfast menu. One that includes Hotcakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon for one; for another, the inn's famous Brelander waffles, and another a selection of skillets -- including one recipe from Valenar. Jhondar keeps his face impassive as he mulls over the menu: Well, if they're known for the waffles, I might as well give them their best shot. Then, he smiles up at the waiter. "I'll take the waffles, please."
Jhondar swings his legs over the edge of the bed and supports his weight with his arms as he lowers himself from the human-sized bed to the ground. Time to get to work, I guess," he muses. He heads downstairs to the common room of the inn and looks for a seat where he can look outside at the beautiful day. He flags down a waiter: "Good morning! I'll take one of your breakfast specials with some coffee, please," he says. "Hmm. It's time to see whether this place deserves the House Ghallanda seal. There are definitely worse jobs the House could have assigned me, but I could definitely use something a little more exciting than undercover evaluations of inns. Maybe I can find something a little more exciting to do on the side."
How long ago was the Last War?
Hi! Me too. |