As Rasmus rejoins Boeler, he pulls the shield off his back and places its leather bands over his right forearm. With his left hand, he draws the longsword halfway from its sheath. "My little friend, prepare your fists, for my Lord tells us that we are in for a fight."
Beneath his helmet, Rasmus' teeth clench and his countenance changes from its usual smile into one of extreme focus.
"My little friend, prepare your fists, for my Lord tells us that we are in for a fight."
From the shadows Xanros is standing in he hears Rasmus's warning to Boeler. Xanros draws an arrow and moves to better cover the his companions walking out to check the open square.
As all of you approach the intersection of the main road and mossy and ivy lane you see quite a bustle of activity. The vendors are back at their carts and the business is taking place, but there is a scene just past the soutwest corner. A little down main street, near the wagon making area two soldiers stand listening more than a little impatiently to the loud frustrations of a perspiring red faced human wearing the outfit of an upper class merchant.
This is about 50 yards from the group staying behind and 20 yards from anyone in the intersection. Those in the intersection can still hear quite clearly, "I demand you get it back right now! It was stolen I tell you. Right out of my wagon...and I have no idea how because there was someone in it the whole time. It was well hidden. I want it back...NOW!!!"
The guard on the left, who is beginning to look more than a little worn, says, "Yes sir, I understand what you are telling us. But how could anyone have removed it from the wagon while you were sitting in it?" He weakly says, "Are you sure you didn't just 'forget' it at home?" Seeing the merchant about to fly into a rage, he finally says, "Sir, I have told you we are investigating the incident. All you can tell me is that there was a distraction involving a 'large red man' and an 'abominable beast of nightmares' and that your *ahem* item *ahem* is gone? If you would like to take this issue up with the Temple..." His voice trails off with clear meaning in the silence, then he continues. "Otherwise, please let us do our job. We have many important tasks to do and now yours is among them." He pauses again, watching the man and finally says, "Well?"
The merchant moves from anger, to fear (at the mention of the church), to resignation and responds, "Very well. I appreciate the time of you and your men. But I really do want it back." His eyes glitter a bit and he says before turning away, "I could even offer a *sizeable* reward..."
He says the last just loud enough for those in the intersection to hear and then turns to his entourage and says, "This whole incident has left me tired. We should go get somethin to eat. The Sequester has good food you say?" They talk amongst themselves quietly for a moment giving your group time to react/respond.
"My little friend, prepare your fists, for my Lord tells us that we are in for a fight."
From the shadows Xanros is standing in he hears Rasmus's warning to Boeler. Xanros draws an arrow and moves to better cover the his companions walking out to check the open square.
For Xanros
You also notice that there is a family that looks oddly familiar at the northeast corner of the intersection. They don't look *exactly* like the 'parents' and 'child' from this morning, but definitely bear more than a passing resemblance. Someone without trained eyes such as your would likely not notice such a thing.
Finally, you notice that there are two more, less obvious guards in the area--one about 10' north of the 'family' and one about 10' from you on the southeast corner. He does not appear to have noticed any of you yet as his attentions are focussed inward in the intersection. He does have a clear line of sight to Gimble and Guudwyn however (not that they are overly recognizable at this point, but thought you should know).
Also, your listen check allows you to overhear everything but the name of where the merchant is going to eat.
Guudwyn walks into the intersection, where Rasmus first appeared, with Gimble at his side. "Gimble, let us cast our spells and review the area. Hopefully one of us will find some answers."
With his hands and arms under his cloak, Guudwyn reaches under his scale mail and clothing to make contact with his holy symbol. Holding his connection to Heironeous brings instant joy and enlightment. "Oh great Invincible One please guide me in my search." Guudwyn prays using his holy symbol for the divine gift. He feels his vision shift. His eyes haze over for a moment, then clear. It is if he is now seeing the same street but everything is in a different spectrum. Guudwyn feels that if any magical residue is to be found, he will be able to locate it.
During his perimeter walk around the area, Guudwyn overhears a merchant speaking to some guards and his own companions. He picks up some interesting information that he will share with his companions once their position is once again secure.
Xanros watches Gimble and Guudwyn walk out in to the square trying to blend into the crowd around the angry merchant. Interesting seems someone robbed the merchant, must have been that movement I saw earlier, that explains some of the mystery on how they robbed him. Xanros picks out the two extra guards pretty quickly, well I can't warn Gimble and Guudwyn with out drawing attention so they are on their own.
Xanros walks over to Rasmus and Boeler, "There are two guards out in the crowd". Xanros points them out
Xanros scans the crowd and notices something else. "Our 'family' might be here again I am going to check it out, if it is them I will follow them unless I am need here"
Xanros staying in the shadows stalks over towards the 'family' to get a better look.
"The boy has returned? Where? That's very strange, indeed. Xanros, before you make any moves towards them, let's wait to see what Guudwyn and Gimble discover. We want to avoid calling the attention of those Barren Falls guards if we can help it. I believe I heard them saying something about a red-skinned fellow earlier. I am guessing they mean me."
Rasmus pulls his helmet on tighter and flips the hood of his cloak over top of it. The heat from both and the tension of the moment causes him to sweat, but he likes the security these items give him. One day, he thinks, I will bear my face proudly to this world. He clenches his right fist tightly as he watches Xanros fade into the shadows.
After praying and casting the spell respectively, Guudwyn and Gimble look around the area. There seems to be no residue from the events of this morning present. This is not surprising to either due to the passing of time since the event. They do notice in their sweep, however, that the merchants cloak, ring, and newly produced walking cane all three radiate moderate magical auras. You are unable to determine the schools of any but the cloak, which Gimble notes is of the illusion school.
I too wander over near the boy and discreetly attempt to discern what the rune on his hand is
After praying and casting the spell respectively, Guudwyn and Gimble look around the area. There seems to be no residue from the events of this morning present. This is not surprising to either due to the passing of time since the event. They do notice in their sweep, however, that the merchants cloak, ring, and newly produced walking cane all three radiate moderate magical auras. You are unable to determine the schools of any but the cloak, which Gimble notes is of the illusion school.
As Rasmus and Boeler watch the two detectors of magic attempt to inconspicuously sweep the area in opposite directions, they notice Guudwyn focus for a moment on two people and their younger child (the parents and child mentioned above) who do not look overly familiar to him.
For Guudwyn:
For Xanros:
Xanros staying in the shadows stalks over towards the 'family' to get a better look.
To those standing next to Xanros, he seems to melt into the crowd or shadows...either way he is apparently gone. Knowing where he is headed, they do notice him in a flicker of movement as he crosses the street.
For Xanros:
"The boy has returned? Where? That's very strange, indeed. Xanros, before you make any moves towards them, let's wait to see what Guudwyn and Gimble discover. We want to avoid calling the attention of those Barren Falls guards if we can help it. I believe I heard them saying something about a red-skinned fellow earlier. I am guessing they mean me."
Rasmus pulls his helmet on tighter and flips the hood of his cloak over top of it. The heat from both and the tension of the moment causes him to sweat, but he likes the security these items give him. One day, he thinks, I will bear my face proudly to this world. He clenches his right fist tightly as he watches Xanros fade into the shadows.
As Rasmus completes his questions, he looks around to see Xanros moving, and obviously unnoticed by the guards, as noted above.
I too wander over near the boy and discreetly attempt to discern what the rune on his hand is
When looking at the merchant, a look of eagerness crosses his features and then Gimble pauses in his 'scanning' as he notices:
Just to clarify positions:
Rasmus and Boeler are at the Southeast corner of the intersection.
Xanros is about 20' from the 'family' to the northeast of them.
Guudwyn and Gimble are about 20-30' from the family to the southeast of them and about 20' south of Xanros (though they do not know that at the moment)
The family is on the northwest corner of the intersection.
The merchant is now nearing the southwest corner of the intersection.
The guards are effectively where they were previously.
There are about 40-50 townsfolk in the intersection at various points.
'Damn the guard suspects something!! Hopefully Guudwyn can get Gimble attention and wander off before the guard figures it out, I need to follow that boy.'
A frown crosses Xanros's smooth elvish face as he tries to decide what to do. 'The boy is more important I can't talk to Gimble or Guudwyn without drawing more attention anyway.'
Xanros pulls his cloak a little lower on his head and waits for the boy and his parents to get some distance before he starts to tail them.
If the guards try to detain Guudwyn and Gimble, Rasmus will have to interfere. They have rescued him once, he owes them that much. His red eyes still watching the guards, Rasmus wonders if the merchant believes he is to blame for the theft.
Lurking in the shadows, Rasmus is reminded of playing hide and seek with the young girls of the convent. The game had been fun, well played for a young group of participants, but very brief. When the Mother caught the girls playing with the "errand boy", they were disciplined. Not nearly as harshly as Rasmus had been, however. His hands bled for two days after the Head Mother took a stick to them. Looking down at his scarred, dark hands, he remembers the pain. Then, he forgives the Head Mother for her ignorance.
His memories fade as he focuses on the scene in front of him. He will wait to see what happens between the guards and his friends, but he will be ready. Very ready.
Boeler stands ready by Rasmus, trying to think of an escape plan should anything go wrong. 'Which most likely will.' He thinks to himself grimly.
Scanning the area looking for an active spell or left-over aura residue, Guudwyn's eyes fall on something unexpected. The boy from earlier.
For Gimble & DM:
Evaluating the situtation, Guudwyn considers his options. The prudent choice would be to leave the area and convene with his companions. This would avoid any altercations with the guards. But, sometimes, Heironeous requires action. On this day, Guudwyn's diety demanded boldness and answers.
Feeling like he has an order from Heironeous, Guudwyn is compelled to confront the boy and find out if he needs help.
"Gimble, I am going to talk to the boy. He may need our help. If he does, Heironeous demands I assist."
Picking a direct path to the boy, Guudwyn walks up, lowers himself to one knee to be at eye level, and speaks. "Hello young lad. My name is Guudwyn. What is the name of someone as brave as you?"
"Gimble, I am going to talk to the boy. He may need our help. If he does, Heironeous demands I assist."
Picking a direct path to the boy, Guudwyn walks up,
Xanros' heart skips a beat as he sees his newfound priestly friend neither stay in place nor move away as he had hoped but rather instead move directly towards the boy!
I suspect the others are somewhat amazed as well. Gimble has a chance to say 1 sentence before Guudwyn goes farther than listed below if he so chooses.
Guudwyn, for his part notices as he steps forward towards the boy that the entire 'family' has turned around and is beginning to move west down the main road at a good clip. After he has taken a few purposeful strides he glimpses a surprised look on Xanros' shadow darkened face and hears the sound of military boots on gravel. Guudwyn looks up and sees a soldier striding purposefully towards him, about 20' away. No one else on the street, including other soldiers are looking at this possible encounter at the moment. The boy and his family seem not to have noticed you. If they did, they at the very least did not acknowledge your presence.
Xanros silently moves to follow the family.
As both Gimble and Guudwyn attempted to get a closer look at the boy's hand they were unable to see the rune. They do get a better, though still not great, look at the metal object in his hand. It seems to be shaped like a flattened egg. It appears to have etchings on it that are glowing slightly. You can't see any more, unfortunately, prior to your 'discussion' with the guard.
Rasmus and Boeler stand at the ready to assist (Rasmus)/Run as necessary from(Boeler :) their new friends. Just as the see the guard approach Guudwyn, the also notice
Rasmus spots Diran to the South. Looking around to survey the scene, he believes he could walk nonchalantly over to him, careful to stay near the walls of the buildings lining the intersection.
Pulling his cloak up around his head, Rasmus walks up to Diran's cart and, pretending to peruse his wares, says, "Good to see you again, my friend. Odd business occuring across the way, eh? Know anything about it?"
During any ensuing conversation, Rasmus keeps his eyes on Guudwyn, Gimble, and the encroaching guard detail.
Xanros silently moves to follow the family.
As Guudwyn approaches the area of the boy, the family moves away. In their stead, a guard approaches him. Guudwyn thinks to himself, 'Well, I started this sequence of events. I wonder what this guard wants. No matter, Heironeous demands valor.'
As the guard approaches, Guudwyn notices Xanros in the shadows. He tries to convey through sight to follow the boy. When the guard approaches, he says, "Good day fine 'Guardian of the City'."
Guudwyn attempts to walk past as if he did not realize that the guard was on a direct path towards him. Guudwyn is trying to move down the street as if he and the guard are just walking in opposing directions, the dialogue is just a passing greeting.
Rasmus spots Diran to the South. Looking around to survey the scene, he believes he could walk nonchalantly over to him, careful to stay near the walls of the buildings lining the intersection.
Pulling his cloak up around his head, Rasmus walks up to Diran's cart and, pretending to peruse his wares, says, "Good to see you again, my friend. Odd business occuring across the way, eh? Know anything about it?"
During any ensuing conversation, Rasmus keeps his eyes on Guudwyn, Gimble, and the encroaching guard detail.
Keeping his eyes on the interaction in the intersection, Rasmus attempts to move casually over to Diran's cart. He manages to make his way though the crowd and as he approaches, the overweight man looks up, smiles in a welcoming manner, and says, "Some of the best vegetables in all of Barren Falls reside in this very cart good sir. They have the advantage of being grown locally--in the southwest corner of this very town in fact. How many bushels may I get for you?"
Hearing Rasmus' question, Diran replies, "I try, as do all good citizens, to stay out of the affairs of the soldiers and higher class merchants. You never know when you might be in need of their services around here, if you know what I mean." Under his breath so even you can barely hear he says, "Or when they will decide you are the next target. Be very careful sir. Those such as yourself are often looked upon with suspicion for merely existing. It is a sad state." In his normal voice he continues, "It is unfortunate that such an item was taken though--and in broad daylight nonetheless! It is amazing what happens in the light of the sun!" He smiles a bit at this last.
Xanros silently moves to follow the family.
The family moves off quickly to the west down the main road, apparently not observing you behind them.
For Xanros:
When the guard approaches, he says, "Good day fine 'Guardian of the City'."
Guudwyn attempts to walk past as if he did not realize that the guard was on a direct path towards him. Guudwyn is trying to move down the street as if he and the guard are just walking in opposing directions, the dialogue is just a passing greeting.
As you attempt to pass him, the guard puts out a hand and says in a firm voice, "You two there, stop. What are your names and business here in Barren Falls? I saw you using magic of some sort. While magic is allowed in this town, it is expressly forbidden to use it on others without their knowledge or permission. There are stiff penalties for such flagrant disregard for the law. The Baron has made that very clear." He looks at you suspiciously with narrowing eyes. As you get a closer look at him, you realize he must be nearly 40 and has obviously been a guard for some time. From the rank markers on his shoulde(more accurately, lack thereof), you can see he has not moved up the chain of command with any alacrity. He wears a well cared for chain shirt and has his hand on a shortsword at his side while his other holds a shield emblazoned with the symbol of Barren Falls (a waterfall with mountains in the background. The other guards in the area are watching, but not with any real interest...yet. :)
The crowd around you has cleared a circle nearly 10' from you as they scurry to stay out of the way of the guard.
"No you idiot!" I whisper with a flash of annoyance. "Covert survellance is the best idea. If we can quietly watch the boy we can probably gain the same amount of information, possibly more, without nearly as much danger. Should things go bad I have only a few very weak spells left." After I've said my piece I attempt to melt into the crowd.
Diran said, "Be very careful sir. Those such as yourself are often looked upon with suspicion for merely existing. It is a sad state." In his normal voice he continues, "It is unfortunate that such an item was taken though--and in broad daylight nonetheless! It is amazing what happens in the light of the sun!" He smiles a bit at this last."
Rasmus smiles back at the merchant. "Thank you for the warning, I shall certainly take heed to it. This is an interesting little town so far, I must admit. It seems that things aren't always quite what they seem."
Rasmus pretends to look over the merchant's vegetables, noting that the artichokes are of especially fine quality. He is careful not to extend his dark hands too far out into the open while doing so. Positioning himself at the corner of the wagon to ensure a proper line of sight to both Guudwyn as well as Diran, he quietly continues his conversation with the rotund seller. "You earlier mentioned an item that was stolen, may I inquire as to what it was? Also, you said the farm where these fine vegetables were grown lies to the southwest, is that where you reside as well?" If any other citizens approach the wagon, Rasmus quickly changes the subject to something more casual, asking Diran about the price of honeydew.
They will not be in a crowd now most likely--do you continue to follow? If so, make another hide/move silently check. If not, please let me know your next actions.
For DM:
'Well if they don't see me, which I doubt they have, but they are trying to make sure they are not followed', Xanros quickens his pace as the family rounds the corner.
"You two there, stop. What are your names and business here in Barren Falls? I saw you using magic of some sort. While magic is allowed in this town, it is expressly forbidden to use it on others without their knowledge or permission. There are stiff penalties for such flagrant disregard for the law. The Baron has made that very clear."
"Greetings, Guardian of Barren Falls." Guudwyn looks surprised as he is accosted. "Please, the short sword will not be necessary", Guudwyn quickly attempts to relieve the tension, with a parially raised hand and a smile, noticing the guards hand waver around the hilt. "My name is Guudwyn Valoenus." He respectfully bows his head. "I have recently arrived here from Crag. I am new here, and if I broke any law, I am terribly sorry. My sole intention is to help." he states with his right arm half-raised and his index finger pointing toward the sky. "I simply noticed that some of your fellow guards were speaking to a merchant that has now moved into that fine establishment," repointing his finger to the Sequester, "for a meal and drink. It seems that the merchant has lost something and would like your comrades to find it. My simple spell," Guudwyn now takes his arm and does a sweep of the area left to right, "is used to find things. As I stated earlier, I am here, in Barren Falls to help." Guudwyn says with a smile, and a slight bow while his arms are out at his sides with his palms facing the guard in mock servility. "I truely hope there is no need to contact the Baron. Especially when a high regarded merchant had something stolen and the guards were unable to catch the thief." Guudwyn smiles, then quickly whispers with a hand, back of it toward the side of his mouth, "I am here only to help."
"No you idiot!" I whisper with a flash of annoyance. "Covert survellance is the best idea. If we can quietly watch the boy we can probably gain the same amount of information, possibly more, without nearly as much danger. Should things go bad I have only a few very weak spells left." After I've said my piece I attempt to melt into the crowd.
An edge in the guards tone suggests it would be unwise to continue walking away once addressed so I will assume (unless you prefer otherwise) that you stopped as well and that you stand near Guudwyn.
Fidgeting about with the fruit and vegetables in his cart to help them show better, Diran makes a show of highlighting several pieces to you. He responds to your questions, "The item? Oh, well I'm not sure, but I hear that it is a valuable jewelled rod...maybe even magical. I don't know besides that, but for as upset as that merchant is, it must be quite valuable. He says it was protected and that it was never left unguarded but it seems to be gone nonetheless. He seems to me to be sincere in not knowing where it is, but in today's world one can never be sure. As for me, yes I am proud to say that my family's farm is the proud producer of these fine delicacies. We have lived at that spot, the third farm on the left on that small path out of town to the soutwest, for 3 generations. Times have changed, but my family has always toiled in the light of the sun in that same spot."
"Greetings, Guardian of Barren Falls." Guudwyn looks surprised as he is accosted. "Please, the short sword will not be necessary", Guudwyn quickly attempts to relieve the tension, with a parially raised hand and a smile, noticing the guards hand waver around the hilt. "My name is Guudwyn Valoenus." He respectfully bows his head. "I have recently arrived here from Crag. I am new here, and if I broke any law, I am terribly sorry. My sole intention is to help." he states with his right arm half-raised and his index finger pointing toward the sky. "I simply noticed that some of your fellow guards were speaking to a merchant that has now moved into that fine establishment," repointing his finger to the Sequester, "for a meal and drink. It seems that the merchant has lost something and would like your comrades to find it. My simple spell," Guudwyn now takes his arm and does a sweep of the area left to right, "is used to find things. As I stated earlier, I am here, in Barren Falls to help." Guudwyn says with a smile, and a slight bow while his arms are out at his sides with his palms facing the guard in mock servility. "I truely hope there is no need to contact the Baron. Especially when a high regarded merchant had something stolen and the guards were unable to catch the thief." Guudwyn smiles, then quickly whispers with a hand, back of it toward the side of his mouth, "I am here only to help."
The guard seems to consider your statements for a moment before relaxing his posture somewhat. "Well, if you really didn't know any better and you were only trying to help... Fine, we'll let it go with just a warning this time, but be sure to keep the law from now on. The rest of the Baron's servants may not be so kind as me. Hmph. Now, what, if anything, do you know about the disappearance of this merchant's item?" He looks down at Gimble and says, "I suppose you'll say the same as this one? Well, if that is the case, what were you able to learn...or what did you already know that may be of help? The Baron rewards well those who do him a good service."
They will not be in a crowd now most likely--do you continue to follow? If so, make another hide/move silently check. If not, please let me know your next actions.You follow them around several turns, just barely managing to stay hidden. They glance over their shoulders several times, but appear not to notice you. The group pauses a couple of times as if they don't know which way to go and they seem to look at the boy for guidance. In each case, with a blank look on his face he glaces down at the metal item in his had and begins walking.
After a couple of minutes they come up to the back of a building that seems to border a major road. Your best guess would make it Ivy Lane. You are not sure what the building is from what you recall several that were down this way were: Polly's Perfumery, Braden's Boudiour, and Rockstone Rocks. The 'father' knocks nervously on the back door, you see the door crack slightly, a feminine human hand emerge and wave them in, and then they move inside actively looking behind them the whole time.
The guard seems to consider your statements for a moment before relaxing his posture somewhat. "Well, if you really didn't know any better and you were only trying to help... Fine, we'll let it go with just a warning this time, but be sure to keep the law from now on. The rest of the Baron's servants may not be so kind as me. Hmph. Now, what, if anything, do you know about the disappearance of this merchant's item?" He looks down at Gimble and says, "I suppose you'll say the same as this one? Well, if that is the case, what were you able to...
Guudwyn looks at the guard, relief hidden on his face. "You are most forgiving and understanding," Guudwyn states giving a slight bow of the head. "Alas, my simple magics were unable to find anything in regard to the merchant's stolen item." Guudwyn looks at the guard with, lips rolled into his mouth, feined dissappointment shaking his head. "Perhaps, my companion and I, could look into the matter for the Baron. What do you say, my friend?" He looks down at Gimble. "Shall we grab a meal and talk to the merchant?" Before Gimble responds, Guudwyn turns his gaze back on the guard, "Do we have your permission to be on our way? We just have a few errands to attend, and then we would be able to serve the Baron with this task." Guudwyn tilts his head slightly and smiles.
Waiting for the guard's response, Guudwyn, quite happy with the outcome, thinks now we will be able to move about town and continue our investigation regarding Rasmus's sudden appearence, and any suspicious guards will learn that we are on a task aiding the Baron and his merchant friend.
Fidgeting about with the fruit and vegetables in his cart to help them show better, Diran makes a show of highlighting several pieces to you. He responds to your questions, "The item? Oh, well I'm not sure, but I hear that it is a valuable jewelled rod...maybe even magical. I don't know besides that, but for as upset as that merchant is, it must be quite valuable. He says it was protected and that it was never left unguarded but it seems to be gone nonetheless. He seems to me to be sincere in not knowing where it is, but in today's world one can never be sure. As for me, yes I am proud to say that my family's farm is the proud producer of these fine delicacies. We have lived at that spot, the third farm on the left on that small path out of town to the soutwest, for 3 generations. Times have changed, but my family has always toiled in the light of the sun in that same spot."
"I'll take three of these," Rasmus holds up a few of the better looking apples that Diran has for sale. One dark hand deftly holds all of them up for the merchant's view. "Also, I was hoping that if I was looking for more fruit, I could stop by your farm some day. I have quite an appetite for good food. Perhaps, on my visit, you could tell me more of this town."
Rasmus smiles, hoping that Diran thinks him none too forward. He is unsure of the social mores of the outside world and is doubly concerned in this town.
"Before I take my leave, I have one other simple question for you." Rasmus pays Diran for the apples while asking, "Do you know anything about the merchant whose item was stolen?"
Xanros takes a quick look at his surroundings as the group enters the building.
Waiting about a minute watching for guards or look outs Xanros silently slips through the shadow to the door.
'Is this a safe house?' Xanros wonders as he looks closely at the door and surrounding areas, taking great care on where he steps and touching nothing. 'The last thing I want to do is set off a trap tip them off.'
Doing a favor for the Baron, it has possibilities I think and then say in a cheerful voice "Of course I'd be happy to look into this for the Baron. Anything I can do to help" And then stab him in the back I mentally add while keeping a cheerful and helpful smile on my face. "Please escort us to speak to the merchant and I would also like to speak to the Baron if it is at all possible, for I need to discuss the terms of my payment. I cannot work for free I'm afraid."
"I'll take three of these," Rasmus holds up a few of the better looking apples that Diran has for sale. One dark hand deftly holds all of them up for the merchant's view. "Also, I was hoping that if I was looking for more fruit, I could stop by your farm some day. I have quite an appetite for good food. Perhaps, on my visit, you could tell me more of this town."
"Before I take my leave, I have one other simple question for you." Rasmus pays Diran for the apples while asking, "Do you know anything about the merchant whose item was stolen?"
"I typically try to handle all of my business out here on the streets and in the open as all good citizens of Barren Falls do, but if the need were great or the hour particularly late, I would be glad to help in any way a mere farmer could. I am always glad to serve." He smiles warmly at you and thanks you for your purchase. As you ask him your final question, he frowns a bit, pauses to think and then says, "I'm not certain, but I think I have seen that merchant come through here before. I can't remember his name, but I believe he mentioned his travels take him on a route from Vorland through our capital of Carik, into Lyranthul Kalana, through Dreskana, and then to Brekiir in the south. If this is indeed the case he must be a merchant of some magnitude as that is a both dangerous and costly journey. I seem to remember that he is a procurer of spices, or gems, or something like that which is expensive and easily transportable. I'm sorry I don't know more." He smiles wanly at you. "I hope that answers your question, good sir. And I hope you enjoy the apples. Enjoy the sunshine and have a great day!"
Xanros takes a quick look at his surroundings as the group enters the building.
Waiting about a minute watching for guards or look outs Xanros silently slips through the shadow to the door.
'Is this a safe house?' Xanros wonders as he looks closely at the door and surrounding areas, taking great care on where he steps and touching nothing. 'The last thing I want to do is set off a trap tip them off.'
As Xanros looks around, he notices that this alley area is cleaner than those around it, which raises his suspicions a bit. While facing the door the family entered, he looks to his right (south) and sees a stack of crates inside a wooden fence. Glancing closer he sees markings labeling these as various clothing supplies. To his left he sees the beginnings of a middle class neighborhood on the other side of a 5' tall stone wall. You begin to feel a tingling sensation (spidey sense? :) like you are being watched. Yet, as you look around you are able to spot no lookouts or guards nearby. The sounds from the street stay on the other side of these buildings, probably unaware that these spaces even exist.
After waiting a minute, Xanros melts into the shadows and moves slowly towards the door. As he moves, he notices that, while the alley is clean of debris, there is a until now unnotices field of scree on the ground making both move silently checks and running more difficult. More than once he hears the crunch of gravel beneath his feet and curses quietly to himself, but he seems to approach the building safely.
Inspecting the door visually you notice a tripwire on the outside edge about 6 inches above the ground seemling connected to something inside. You also notice the door, while appearing dilapidated, is not and is in fact a sturdy wooden door with an above average lock. You can hear muffled sounds from inside, but cannot make out any details. At that moment you hear a cat screech loudly from about 10' behind you in the alley. You quickly glance around and see nothing else, but the noise certainly unsettles you a bit. You see nothing else of note from a purely visual inspection.
Guudwyn looks at the guard, relief hidden on his face. "You are most forgiving and understanding," Guudwyn states giving a slight bow of the head. "Alas, my simple magics were unable to find anything in regard to the merchant's stolen item." Guudwyn looks at the guard with, lips rolled into his mouth, feined dissappointment shaking his head. "Perhaps, my companion and I, could look into the matter for the Baron. What do you say, my friend?" He looks down at Gimble. "Shall we grab a meal and talk to the merchant?" Before Gimble responds, Guudwyn turns his gaze back on the guard, "Do we have your permission to be on our way? We just have a few errands to attend, and then we would be able to serve the Baron with this task." Guudwyn tilts his head slightly and smiles.
He listens to Guudwyn and nods a bit. He says, "Yes, you and your friend are free to go about your business. You are welcome to look into the issue if you so choose--I'm sure the merchant would be glad for any help he can get." He looks like he would love it if anyone but him was responsible for it.
Afer this, he pauses and listens to Gimble's response first looking confused and then beginning to get angry. (Response follows in next post)
Doing a favor for the Baron, it has possibilities I think and then say in a cheerful voice "Of course I'd be happy to look into this for the Baron. Anything I can do to help" And then stab him in the back I mentally add while keeping a cheerful and helpful smile on my face. "Please escort us to speak to the merchant and I would also like to speak to the Baron if it is at all possible, for I need to discuss the terms of my payment. I cannot work for free I'm afraid."
The guard gets an incredulous look on his face and says, "Now listen here you: the baron won't be personally involved in this situation. His time is far too valuable for such matters. That is why it is left to the guards." He pauses for a moment and says, "If the merchant chooses to hire someone else, that is up to him. I asked if you knew anything, not whether you would do a personal favor for the baron. We guards are fully capable of taking care of our own business. That is, after all, what we are here for. Now be on your way little one before I forget that I was being nice to your friend here." You notice that you seem to have unintentionally (I think) have hit a sore spot with this man. When he began to get upset, he stood a little more upright, his hand unconsciously moved back to his sword though seemingly more for comfort than to draw it, and the other guards in the area began once again to take notice. As he releases you (verbally) from his presence, they watch to see if you comply and, assuming you do, they go back to their own business. The crowd snickers a bit when the guard gets upset and even more when he calls you 'little one'. You hear an unidentified human male say something like, "Yeah, and keep going until you're back where you came from." Nice town. Real tolerant. :)
After saying his farewell to Diran, Rasmus moves slowly back over to Guudwyn and Gimble, waiting until they have left the now angered guard. He stays behind the crowd, towards the side of the street until they are a fair distance from view of the baron's detail.
Approaching the pair of comrades, Rasmus turns to them both and states, "I found out a little information on the merchant. Apparantly, he is quite renowned and, from what I can tell, wealthy. The item that was stolen was most likely a rod of some sort, very possibly magical. It seems more than a bit coincidental that this thievery occured at the same time that I appeared in the street. I believe the two occurences may well be connected. We should find this merchant and inquire as to what he knows."
Rasmus realizes that the connection between the two events is tenuous but believes that any starting point is better than none. He recalls how a simple conversation with Jean about the holy symbol worn around his neck led Rasmus to discover his own closeness with Heironeous. He looks at Guudwyn wondering how he discovered his faith and curious to ask about his connection with the Invincible One.
Inspecting the door visually you notice a tripwire on the outside edge about 6 inches above the ground seemingly connected to something inside. You also notice the door, while appearing dilapidated, is not and is in fact a sturdy wooden door with an above average lock. You can hear muffled sounds from inside, but...
Xanros backs away from with the door with the feeling of someone watching still heavy in his mind. Xanros take one last look to make sure the location is fixed in his memory and turns back down the ally.
Quietly walking back towards the square Xanros is quickly lost in thought on what he just saw. 'That must be some sort of safe house for a pretty organized group. Cold Steel maybe? Well I now know where to look, time to see what everyone else learned.'
As Xanros rounds the last corner he sees his new companions grouped together, 'They seem to have not upset the guards to much, thats good'. When he gets to the group he quickly tells them what he saw and his thoughts on it being a safe house.
"Has anyone else found anything useful while I was gone? I know the merchant was willing to pay to get his stuff back but I couldn't hear where he went to."
"Has anyone else found anything useful while I was gone? I know the merchant was willing to pay to get his stuff back but I couldn't hear where he went to."
Guudwyn sees Rasmus and Boehler approach out from the crowd shortly after he and Gimble walk away from the guard. Moments later Xanros appears. Guudwyn looks at his companions and nods them to a secluded section of the street where they can talk in private.
"My magics found no trace of any type of portal," Guudwyn shakes his head, "but when I incidentally laid my eyes on the boy from earlier, he had magic about him. I was going to investigate further, but I was accosted by the guard." He nods toward the area where he was accosted. Then he goes on to say, "At least now the guards will be under the impression that any searching we will be doing around here will be for the benefit of the merchant and not Rasmus's sudden appearence." Then Guudwyn looks at Rasmus.
"Although, you may be right. It does seem odd that at the same time you appeared, this potentially valuable artifact went missing." Then looking at everybody again, "Shall we journey to the Sequester and speak with the merchant?" He lifts up his arm, palm up, directing his companions toward the inn. "If there is a connection between Rasmus and the theft, then this will be a good place to start. And like I said before. We will have an alibi for searching this area whether there is a connection or two separate incidents."
Rasmus tells Xanros and Boehler what he discovered of the merchant and the missing item. He does so quietly, efficiently, and without embellishment.
After listening to Guudwyn, rasmus agrees, "We should be off to the Sequester as soon as possible. Although we have an alibi with the guards, they only met two of us. Seeing us now as a group of five, including the dark skinned man they heard appeared on the street, may change their willingness to allow us to search the streets. My helmet helps hide my appearance, but it still can be noticed with anything more than a passing glance. I also would suggest, after watching the conversation with the guards, that Guudwyn does most of the talking for the group. He seems quite...diplomatic. No offense to the others."
After finishing, Rasmus begins to turn and walk away, impatient to begin his search. After realizing that he walked away from the others without a firm consensus, he turns back to see if they follow. His red eyes intermittently scan the street for a glimpse of the guards. Obviously, not seeing anything at all, he looks back at his new friends.
Xanros listens to what Rasmus and Guudwyn have to say, looking at the crowd he notices that they do stand out a bit.
"I agree with Rasmus lets get off the street and find that merchant. After we hear what he has to say I would like to go check out Braden's Boudiour to see who owns or runs it since I think that is the safe house front."
As Rasmus starts walking away Xanros looks at the rest of his companions and starts to follow Rasmus to the Sequester.
Taking the compliment graciously as Rasmus walks toward the inn, "Well, we all have our areas of proficiency. I am less useful with the arcane and matters of secrecy." He then moves towards Rasmus hoping the others will follow.