Skidd grimaces when he is punched. "There was no need for that, you will understand when you are older.
Galen steps forward to speak to the leader of the guards.
"I am Sir Galen Kranath, and yes, I am of the Swordstars. I met my large friend here, in the wild on my way to Mema-Nova, and he was in need of assistance. I was honor bound to lend it. The two men and the halfling I met outside the city gates, and they were in search of the same thing as Scarrd. Namely, work. So I agreed to escort them all to a place where they could find it. Unfortunately, we ran afoul of a thief. We had him cornered in this shop here, but he refused to surrender. He was offered the chance to leave peacefully, as well, but chose instead to attack with cowardice the young lady here, so we tried again to prevent his escape. We were, unfortunately, unsuccessful.
Scarrd, you do need to lower your weapon. This is a city of laws, and the watch is the enforcer of those laws."
"The knight sums it up well. It is really quite a shame that the thief was not caught. i suppose that we are suspects? May I point out the fact that these knights are not the type to lie?"
Scardd shows his teeth when the Halfling magic-user speaks to him. Then Galen starts speaking to the guard and instructs the Half-Orc. His features become somber, and he crouches to set the spear on the ground. Then he stands, leaving his arms hang loose at his sides. Scardd turns his head to Galen, "Vy Truzzt zu Galen." Then he turns his head to the guard, "Vy vill cauze no trouble."
"Good." Skidd says approvingly. "You've finally come to your senses."
Skidd grimaces when he is punched. "There was no need for that, you will understand when you are older.
"What does that mean?! Just how young do you thinks I am there shorty! Not that it is any of your business but I happen to be 27 and from the looks of you I would say that you are closer to a mere 22 or 23. So unless you can prove me wrong you best be watching your tongue when you are in the presence of someone who is older and WISER than you!"
"I am 23", he says, "And you look rather...excitable to be older than that." He adds quietly, "Despite your belief, many think size does matter. Why do you think I focus on spells that change one's stature? With one spell, now, I can almost completely erase any prejudice. I am sorry I offended you, but it is not your place to decide that I am a fool. Age does not always make wisdom, girl, and unless you can prove otherwise you will know this: Sorcerers have much power, and are not stupid. Remember that. I am no fool."
Scardd stands there waiting for the reactions of the City Watch. He shakes his head ever so slightly thinking, 'Halflings ... They drive me crazy!'
Skidd sees the half-orc shaking his head.
What is he thinking? Aah! Half-orcs drive me crazy.
Galen steps forward to speak to the leader of the guards.
"I am Sir Galen Kranath, ..... We were, unfortunately, unsuccessful.
Scarrd, you do need to lower your weapon. This is a city of laws, and the watch is the enforcer of those laws."
The watchmen looks Galen and Scardd over, "I would like to believe knight do you have anyone else that saw the thief rob you? What did he look like?"
Before any of you have a chance to answer you hear a familiar voice, "Hey Corwin you caught the half-orc I see. He was terrorizing the poor children before taking off after some poor man. I think he is crazy."
Looking over you see the girl that told you about the thief in the first place. She looks over at Scardd with narrowed eyes and a barely noticeable smile. And you can almost hear her think, No one makes me look bad in front of my crew and gets away with it. Should have just payed me the gold piece.
"And Corwin knows not to trust your words, little waif. He knows that Galen is true of word and deed and that this half-orc is in his care."
Fair Tuon stares at the girl, memorising her features like a hawk fixing on its prey.
"As for the street thief with the red blade, we are new here and Corwin perhaps we can all put this down to experience?" Fiar Tuon does his best to smile with one curling lip.
"Girl, please, I have done you no wrong. You can get the half-orc in trouble, I don't even know his name, but I have vouched for these folk and I keep my word. I know not what wrong has truly been done to you, but please don't drag me into it."
He turns to the half-orc. "Is this true,, what the girl says?"
"Now, I have seen little, but I know this: That thief threatened me with death. Perhaps he was...provoked, but I meant no harm. I meant to keep him from leaving so that I could have him questioned, by the knight or by the watch. And this girl here" He points to Bri, "has most definitely been attacked. Would it hurt to ask her who did it?"
"Oh", he adds off-handedly, "Forgot to mention. the thief had black hair, and last I saw him he was about this high--" He stops himself, just realizing his mistake. "Oh, of course I suppose he looked a bit like me, but he was only short because of my spell. Don't get us confused."
Scardd stands there like a statue, ignoring both the young girl and the Halfling. He waits the decision of the Watch Commander, hoping that Galen's reputation will put this matter to a close.
"Well, true or not true, I gave my word. Girl, just curious, what is your name?"
"Well, true or not true, I gave my word. Girl, just curious, what is your name?"
Corwin looks back to the halfling, "Her name is Tarra."
"And Corwin knows not to trust your words, little waif. He knows that Galen is true of word and deed and that this half-orc is in his care."
Looking back to Tuon, "And the only reason I am not taking her word is because he is a Swordstar."
Corwin looks back to Terra "They claim he had a red glowing sword, are you sure the half-orc was causing trouble?"
The girl glares at Corwin, "Fine Zurron made off with the tattooed mans money." She shoots one last glare at Scardd and leads her young gang off down the street.
Corwin turns back to your group with an eyebrow raised "What did you to to piss her off?"
"That's what I've been trying to find out. How do you know these folk? It seems odd that the watch would know the girl that knows the thief. Not that I'm accusing anyone, but I'm just saying."
"That's what I've been trying to find out. How do you know these folk? It seems odd that the watch would know the girl that knows the thief. Not that I'm accusing anyone, but I'm just saying."
"Zurron is a pretty well known thief in the Demons Gate. For the most part he just sticks with petty crap like this but he has spent time in the rock quarry before. And you wouldn't believe who Terra knows, her group is pretty connected, don't let her age fool you. She has helped out the Keepers Watch before, mostly so we over look some of her more shady endeavors."
Corwin looks at Scardd, "Well half-orc go get you self cleaned up and I apologize for the confusion. And we will keep an eye out for Zurron but I am afraid your gold is most likely gone for good." He add turning to Creed.
"I hope your first day in Keepers Dale improves." Corwin says over his shoulder as he walks into the Apprentices Gift.
After the Watch leaves, Scardd lets out the breath that he has been holding. He crouches down and retrieves his spear then turns to Galen, "Galen, thank zu. If not for zu, vy vould have fought to my death. Vy vill not be a Preeezoner ever again." The Half-Orc then looks around the street for any more potential trouble before offering the suggestion of continuing to the bath house to get washed up.
"Well todays events were rather entertaining and all but I do think we need to get Scardd a bath and I have somethings I need to take care of later so its best we get moving and off the streets for a bit."
Now that the three watchmen have walked into the small magic shop the streets fill again with people. Outside of a couple of wide eyed kids staring at the group everyone else is going about their business.
From in side the shop Corwin's voice can be heard, "Thanks Marrin, I hope this covers the damage and we will find the culprit."
Roderick is walking down the street leading Galens horse, "You have a very nice horse Galen, you are a lucky man."
"Now...", Skidd says, "Explain yourselves. I risked my life to help you folk and allowed the thief to escape so that the girl would live, so I want answers! First off, what are your names?"
"Now...", Skidd says, "Explain yourselves. I risked my life to help you folk and allowed the thief to escape so that the girl would live, so I want answers! First off, what are your names?"
"Haw! I like this one!! He has spirit. My name is Creed, and allowing the thief to go so that Bri could escape unharmed--that was a good choice on your part, I'd say. The loss of my money is nothing compared to what will happen to this Zurron character should we meet again." Creed smiles broadly and seems genuinely unconcerned about losing his money.
The Half-Orc looks down at the Halfling, “Name? Vy know not. But, for now vy am called Zkardd. And zu leetle one, vat iizzz your name?”
"Well since you feel the need to be all formal on us. As you know I am Bri, I grew up around these parts and haven't been back in quite a while. I met the rest of this bunch on our way here. So now that I answered your question how about you answer mine. Just who are you and what do you want with all of us? And since we are being formal and all I will only say this once, Thanks for the help back there, but don't think that I owe you one or anything like that, got it."
The Half-Orc looks down at the Halfling, “Name? Vy know not. But, for now vy am called Zkardd. And zu leetle one, vat iizzz your name?”
Skidd draws himself upright. "My name is Skiddifig Thraakenscawn Hadrik, at your service. You say you have no name? I sense there is quite an exciting tale there."
"Haw! I like this one!! He has spirit. My name is Creed, and allowing the thief to go so that Bri could escape unharmed--that was a good choice on your part, I'd say. The loss of my money is nothing compared to what will happen to this Zurron character should we meet again." Creed smiles broadly and seems genuinely unconcerned about losing his money.
"Well, you are cheerful. Well met, Creed...what? Don't tell me your full name is just Creed!"
And since we are being formal and all I will only say this once, Thanks for the help back there, but don't think that I owe you one or anything like that, got it."
"I never said you owed me a copper. Though that would be a welcome reward."
"Well, this is an odd bunch! A half-orc spell-slinger with no memory, a priest--no, I won't stop calling you that--of The Strong One, a human scarred so badly that he should be the one called 'Scarrd', a knight of the Swordbearers, and a halfling. An odd bunch. And one other human.", he adds, noticing Roderik. "An odd bunch. And a tiny halfling weilding shrinking spells and a strange cat not far aay from it all."
"But now I simply must ask this..." he says, "And I want a clear answer, understood?", he gazes severely at 'Zkird'. "What did you do to annoy that young girl back there? She looked mad as a wet Hattyn!"
"Oh, and that reminds me! This is Hattyn the cat, my friend and companion!"
Scardd just shrugs his shoulders. “Zhe made me angry vhen zhe vould not tell uzzz vhere ze thief wazzz, zo vy gave her a leeetle zcare. Vy vould not have hurt her.”
"Well, you are cheerful. Well met, Creed...what? Don't tell me your full name is just Creed!"
Creed's smile falters for a half-moment, and then recovering, he says quickly, "Creed. A bastard has no use for more than one name. I am Creed. Or, Creed of Kord if you prefer..."
"Well, this is an odd bunch! A half-orc spell-slinger with no memory, a priest--no, I won't stop calling you that--of The Strong One...
"...and do not test my goodwill. I have said that I am no priest--it is an insult to both true priests and to me to say so. A thief may steal my belongings, but I determine for myself who and what I am. Understood?" Creed is no longer smiling.
Creed's smile falters for a half-moment, and then recovering, he says quickly, "Creed. A bastard has no use for more than one name. I am Creed. Or, Creed of Kord if you prefer..."
Skidd's grin also falters. "I-I am sorry.", he stammers, "I did not know."
"...and do not test my goodwill. I have said that I am no priest--it is an insult to both true priests and to me to say so. A thief may steal my belongings, but I determine for myself who and what I am. Understood?" Creed is no longer smiling.
"I apologize. I meant no offense, I understand, now, that this is not a topic for jokes. Or, at least, not how I thought. I meant no offense to--to your god nor to his worshipers. Please, how could I know that you were not a priest? I am afraid that a healer is often associated with that title. I am of the utmost sincerity when I say that I am sorry."
Hat glares at Creed, as if daring him to ignore his master's apology.
Fair Tuon watches the exchanges with the guard and the talkative halfling. And he watches the area and the passersby for more danger.
"I meant no offense to--to your god nor to his worshipers. Please, how could I know that you were not a priest? "
Creed cracks a broad smile. "Easy! Priests of Kord have no sense of humor! Always walking around flexing and quoting from the Book of Strength! Haw!! No harm done, little mage! Come, let us move from this place and continue on to...where in the nine hells were we going anyway?"
"...Which brings me to my last question: What brings you to Keeper's Dale?"
"...Which brings me to my last question: What brings you to Keeper's Dale?"
"Vy need a job. And, a bath."
Skidd laughs. "I can see that! Or, should I say, smell that!"
After the introductions the now slightly larger group starts south again towards The Firehole. The location of the bathhouse becomes apparent several blocks before you even set eyes on the building. A large bellowing cloud of steam rises several dozen feet above the inns and taverns before it is dissipated by the breeze.
The front of the bathhouse has a large pool built into it but instead of a calm steaming water it is a raging pool of boiling water. Mineral smells fill the air and occasionally a large jet of water sprays high into the air showering a group of child that play at the base of the fountain. Two sets of stairs curve around the sides of the fountain into a large entrance. Sitting at a marble counter a red haired girl with bright green eyes greets you.
"Hello gentlemen... and lady" she finishes as she sees Bri struggle around everyone to the front.
"I have not seen any of you before so let me get some one to show around."
She reaches up and pulls on a rope, "If you don't have any questions someone will be out to take you inside.
"Hello gentlemen... and lady" she finishes as she sees Bri struggle around everyone to the front.
"I have not seen any of you before so let me get some one to show around."
She reaches up and pulls on a rope, "If you don't have any questions someone will be out to take you inside.
Bri pushes her way to the front of the group as they reach the Firehole. As she steps forward she is the pretty red haired girl as she greets everyone. "Thank you for your help, we would like to take a quick look a round and then I think I speak for all of us when I say we need to get the stink off of us, pronto." Bri looks about after the girl leaves to see if she recognizes anyone or rather if anyone has taken notice of the strange group yet.
As if realizing this for the first time, Creed says to the group, "Oh! I've got no coin to pay for a bath! Ha, ha! Damn thief has the last laugh as well."
Scardd looks over at the big man and, probably for the first time, makes an attempt at humor, "At leazzt zu did not vake up in a cave." Then the Half-Orc looks to Galen and Bri, hoping for more generosity.
A mire minute after the attendant pulled the rope a male gnome dressed in a long flowing red and orange robe walks through the door.
"Greetings... wells it is apparent that you are in need of our facilities." the gnome says as he looks over the group.
"I will go over the cost and them show you are many saunas, pools, and baths that you can use for just 3 sp's. We also offer several different kinds of messages ranging from 5 sp's to 5 gp's."
The gnome puts his hands behind his back and with a smile "Are there any questions?"
Without further ado, Tuon hands over 4 gold pieces.
"That should be enough for everyone to get in and me an extra massage. There is an extra gold for if you can rustle up some snacks? Otherwise I want it back."
Scardd looks over at the gruff man, surprised by his further generosity. “Firzzt an extra meal. Now a bath. Vy vill save zour life one day. I promiizze. I thank zu.”
The clawed bodyguard ponders Scarrd's words briefly, "forget it."
Scardd looks over at the big man and, probably for the first time, makes an attempt at humor, "At leazzt zu did not vake up in a cave."
"Haw-ha!" Creed almost doubles over with laughter at the unexpected joke. "No, perhaps not. But I could have been born in one, yeah? HAW!"
"We also offer several different kinds of messages ranging from 5 sp's to 5 gp's."
Creed suppresses the urge to ask what kind of massage costs 5 gold pieces and decides, instead, to thank Tuon for his generosity.
The gnome takes the offered coins and drops them in a hidden pocket, "Excellent, I will get some one to get you some food... if you will follow me."
The gnome turns and walks through the large archway he entered. As he walks you notice that his robes are colored in a way that makes it look like he is walking in a large flame. The more you look the more it seems the robe comes alive and you can see the tip of the flame rise above his head and then you blink and it's gone.
The gnome walks up to a human boy in the same colored robes and whispers something to him and the boy trots off towards the back.
A tall human women walks out of a doorway to you right, "Miss if you could follow this women she will show you the womens side of the bathhouse." the gnome says as he gestures towards Bri.
The next room is full of chests with locks on them and a large towel sitting on top.
"You can leave your cloths in the chests and lock your valuables and then enjoy the pools and saunas."
The gnome returns and shows everyone the next room that is filled with a half dozen small waterfalls that you can use to wash off the filth and dirt. Passing through a doorway you enter a large room filled with three large steaming pools and one almost ice cold pool. Several doorways have heavy curtains covering them and as people walk out they are followed by a bellow of steam.
The gnome leaves everyone here except Tuon, leading him to the back.
for Tuon
After everyone is refreshed, clean and dressed They meet at the base of the fountain outside.
Tuon yawns.
"If we can get a job soon, great otherwise I need sleep. Galen how far to this place?"
Tuon yawns again.
"Already tired? You folk are worse than a bard with no harp!"