Manton Hessgrinder's page

The priest hears you out, then goes about his solemn duties. I thank you - there have been too many unquiet spirits about of late, in this time of celebration.

The crowd gathers as Nia speaks, enthralled by her words. While before, the cheers were ragged, they quickly grow in intensity as more and more come and join the crowd. Antonio gets hoisted into the air by a dozen hands, and the crowd surges toward the 'Mug. A pint of good lager is shoved into Baldek's hand, followed by others, given to other party members.

As the group gets close to the 'Mug, Manton steps out. He has an actual glass bottle in his hand, and manages a tray of glasses in the others.

I've been looking for an excuse to crack this open!

Manton pops the cork, and starts pouring bright liquid from the bottle. Ladies first![b] He hands a glass to Aya, then others to Sakura, Nia, Alyra, and Tania. [B]Elven wine - well, brewed by elves, at any rate, using the fine fruits grown here in Lakeroot! Not many bottles make it back up here, I'm afraid.

I'm sorry - you'd have to ask around. There are some smaller farms close by, at least.

Again, Manton is paying attention.

I'm sorry, miss. We have no stables. Most folks with horses have barns, and then there's the caravanassary. There is a hitching post up front, though, and I can make sure he's fed and groomed for so little...

Backing up a bit for Nia -

Seeing the trouble Reiko's found, Manton gasps.

The priest from Wild Roc is still here. We should see him! Stay here, I'll get him.

Manton quickly disappears in the back. Within a couple of minutes, he's back with the priest that performed the blessing of the soil.

Manton, obviously impressed with the new arrival, shrugs.

If it's not enough, I can get more. Food, that is. Here. He pulls out a seat.

Manton blinks a couple of times.

You...ah...

It's almost amazing.

You would swear you'd only been.discussing things for a few minutes when Manton walks through, and then comes back with platters of food - one with meats and cooked vegetables, the other with fruit and cheese, and a loaf of bread on each, and two pitchers of ale.

I heard somebody might be hungry?

Manton's jaw goes a bit slack, as his brow furrows.

Many.

He goes to the bar, taps an ale, and drains it, and with obvious effort replaces his usual cheerful mask.

Of course. I'll have the missus load some platters.

He immediately places a pitcher under the tap, and collects mugs with the other hand.

Manton is busy with customers as you get to the inn. It looks like he's had a busy day - in addition to the crowd, which is significant, there are spears scattered across the room, and a few bows, axes, and a few pitchforks and the like.

You're back! Ok, a bit overly obvious.

The big man hustles forward - Everybody that can do anything has weapons handy. It's crazy. At least half of them have the sense to be terrified!

Manton takes a breath, serving a nearby table before he continues.

Looks like you're all still alive. Did ya get some ogres?

The sheriff finally makes it into the inn, and motions for silence, and the back room. Manton sighs, shrugs, and opens the back room door.

Manton takes a deep breath and goes to open the back door.

Anybody need anything?

Manton is over near the bar, polishing a glass, trying to look like he's not listening...Huh?

Manton's shoulders sag.

It's been a very bad harvest festival. You...have to figure this out among yourselves...I...I have no idea what they might be capable of. Most of you...are so young...

He stops for a moment...and looks up...

...yeah...I know. Elves. Damn...you're what...twice my age? Three times? And the dwarf. I give up. Yeah...those two...I don't know.

Manton looks over at Reiko...Another ale?

Manton comes back in, and goes to the shelves...There's a map of the immediate area...but it doesn't give much detail, I'm afraid...

He pulls out a book with a map that's the rough equivalent of the Big Map.

Tania, having followed Manton, points to the side of the mountain south of the split, along the road.

...and Manton makes his appearance, carrying two platters and two pitchers of ale, to boot. The man definitely has skills. One platter is piled with meats and cheese, the other, fruits and vegetables.

I hope you folks are hungry enough without your two...little giants...Then again, don't sell Tania short. She can tuck it away...somewhere.

Food! Ah...yes...be right back...

Again, Manton pulls his disappearing act...

Manton greets you all with his usual infectious cheer, despite the circumstances. He has several bundles packed up...generous portions of meats, vegetables, fruits, breads, cheese...and a small bundle of tea.

I can bring up a keg of beer, if someone really wants to carry it. In the meantime...Manton steps aside so that you can see the heaping platters and full pitchers behind him.

Oh...wine, for the ladies? Manton pulls up a bottle and two glasses from behind the bar.

Well, come in whenever you're ready, I'll have food packed up for you...at least a day's worth.

Oh...by the way...you plan on going to the monastery? You know it's out in the lake, anymore,right? I went out...pretty close...as a kid once. Theron was with me...Manton gestures toward the sheriff.

Manton knows just the book, when you mention the monastery... he goes to the shelves...looks for a few moments...selects a tome...blows dust off...and hands it to the group.

Please, do be careful...it's simply not replaceable.

The book is titled: "The Silver Shield: A History of the Order".

Researchers, roll Int rolls (1d20+bonus).

I'll speak to the priest. I'm sure he will.

Manton places the next tray and more pitchers on the table, replacing empties, and heads back out.

Borrow my space here for a while. I'll bring food...and pitchers of ale.

Manton disappears up front for a while...to return with a heaping platter, three pitchers... and mugs.

Manton looks up, grinning.

Stronger! Good to see you, Sheriff. Want one?

Why...the purpose for the festival is simple...it's for the farmers to sell their wares. The fruits and vegetables here are the largest and tastiest in the world,and merchants pay good coin for them! It's also the one time a year for the farmers to do their shopping, without having to leave the village.

I make a fortune during festival... it makes up for the rest of the year.

Manton looks up to see even more guests...Be right there!

Within moments, he's out with a tray of platters piled high, and mugs by the handles in the other hand. He distributes them all without spilling a drop, and collects a fitful of coins before disappearing again.

Apologies, sir, but all rooms...even my own...rent out months before festival. Still, I can guarantee you a spot near the fireplace for a mere silver...

Hearing another newcomer, the tavernkeeper turns and delivers another Festival Stout... it's rich and foamy...with a slight taste of apricot....

My goodness... travellers from all over, tonight. I'll be right back with food...I have a roast vegetable plate,with fresh venison, if you like.

Ah, sir, you're in luck - I've just tapped my Festival Stout...it's a bit expensive, five copper, but well worth it if I do say so myself. If you don't like it, I'll give you an ale on the house.

The man speaking is a large man, himself, easily taller than most around... and rather roundish. He holds out a large mug of dark amber-brown liquid for you.