As you come up to the inn, a tall young human male comes out. As the door opens briefly you hear loud voices and singing. The young man seeing the group says, "Hey there! Looking for a place to rest your tired dogs? Well none is better than the Dancing Pup!" The statement seems well rehearsed. "I'm Tuck, the stablehand" he continues, "I was just heading out to see to the animals, should I take your mounts?"
Orion smiles at the young man. "Yes Tuck, I do believe we will need some stabling as well as a comfortable bed and warm food. This old dog," Orion pats Bart on the back. "Will require a double in the last two." Orion hops down from the cart and turns to face his companions.
"I shall attempt to remember not to call you all by proper title. Except you Lady Bel, if that is all right?"
Lua will smile at her companions banter while dismounting."Yes Tuck, please.And take care of her, she tattles if you don't." She replies to the young man, with a twinkle in her eye, flshing her holy symbol."
I believe it's your turn to pay this time Lady Bel."
"You'll need to talk to Mr. Torg inside about accomodations.", Tuck says. He will wait for everyone to dismount and gather their things before leading the mounts to the stable.
"Hey, I thought Orion was the only one calling people Lady or Sir. But you are right Lua, I do have to pay this time around for us."
Bel will go towards the inn, gathering her belongings quickly, then rushing off.
Bart laughs boisterously.
"Old dog is it? I suppose that makes you the young whelp! Or should I call you Sir Whelp?"
Bart will continue chuckling to himself as he brings the wagon around and starts unloading everything necessary.
When that's complete he will get himself some accommodations and, if nothing else of interest happens, will wait to run drills with everyone outside somewhere.
As you enter the Dancing Pup, you notice a few things. There is a lot of noise coming from the chamber down the hall, mostly loud laughing voices and a bit of singing in between. You also notice a large painting hanging on the wall of a mountain range at dawn. And across from the painting is a counter with a small bell on it and a sign saying, "Ring for Service."
Noticing her surroundings, Bel will approach the counter and ring the bell, waiting for service.
Orion smiles with his friends. "I'm glad to be in such good company but shall we arrange accommodations?"
The young man will follow Bel inside and wait for service.
A dog starts barking in the other room after Bel rings the ... bell. Shortly after an old dwarf comes walking in with a ledger tucked under one arm and drying off his hands a clothe before tossing it on his shoulder. A dog is following behind him. He walks up, looks the group up and down, and gruffly says, "Yeah?"
Looking at the dwarf, Bel will reply to his gruff approach.
"Oh hello, we were wondering if we could get rooms for the night. I'm not sure of the others, but I need a room for two people. How much is it for the night?"
"A simple room with 4 walls is enough for me."
Bart will hand over the necessary coin when the price is given, stow his things in his room and then look for the others again.
Bart will wander outside the inn and search around for a hefty stick to practice with, setting it off to the side for now while he practices forms with his real blade.
Zareth will also take a room and, assuming nothing happens, will most likely stay in it the whole night. Why drink cheap ale and risk getting your coin-purse stolen when you don't have to?
The dwarf gives you all a squinting look while you ask about rooms and such. Then all of a sudden he bursts out laughing. After a moment, he wipes his eyes, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just couldn't help playing the 'gruff dwarf' part everyone expects, just like good o'dad. The names, Balin Torg, owner of this fine place, the Dancing Pup." He does a little whisle and the dog that followed him, gets on its hind legs and moves around in a circle for moment.
"Now rooms you want. Very well. We have simple rooms, they cost 2 silver guilders per person, there may be up to three people in those. These are not private rooms, so you might have to share a room with strangers if there are not three of you boarding together. We have more modest and private rooms for 5 silver gilders per person. And lastly our top of the line rooms, cost 2 gold crowns per person." After taking the money for the rooms he will continue on.
"Now how about food? You can order meals on a case by case basis or you can get a dinner and breakfast deal. For the cheapest deal it costs 1 silver gilder. For better meals it would cost you 3 guilders. And for the top of the line fair it will cost you 5 guilders." He'll take down your orders as well, he'll also inform you that dinner will be served for another two hours only.
"Did you have any mounts? Stabling and feeding is 5 guilders and 5 copper pennies per mount. Is there anything else?" Once all the details have been worked out he will call four human boys to help carry your gear for you and to take you to your rooms.
"Please feel free to join us in the common room once you are settled. We will be having a good time with drink and song for a few more hours." And as if to emphasis this another loud burst of laughter can be heard from room down the hall.
Orion laughs at the dwarf's charade.
"Well met Sir Torg. The gruff dwarf bit does get a bit stale after meeting the fourth score or so. As for accommodations here are two silvers for the room, one additional silver coin for meals, a gold and silver for food and stabling for our animals. Oh and here are a few extra coins for you and the young Tuck, he introduced your establishment quite readily."
Now Orion will turn to his companions. "That should take care of our mounts, now would any care to share my room or shall I make friends with the strangers?" A pleasing smile crosses the young man's face as he waits for the response.
Thinking over the prices, (and language the dwarf used...) Bel pipes up and makes a decision.
"Well, we don't want to get soft, so I shall take the modest, private room for two. We will also take good meals as well. I believe that should do it, seeing how the stabling has been taken care of."
"Thank you Bel,Orion. Much appreciated."With a nod and a smile Lua will take her stuff to her room,(when it is shown to her)and then go outside to find Bart for some practice.If Orion and Bel wish she will switch off so that everybody gets a workout as well.Afterward she will wander into the common area for some entertainment, although she doesn't drink.
Bart is willing to share a room. He's slept in smaller places with lots more people before.
Johnathan will pay for a private room and the good meals totaling 10 silver pieces. after paying for his room he will head directly there and put away his gear keeping his sap and hand crossbow with him.
he will head to the Common room and over the course of a few (no more then 3) Drinks he will try to gather information about the local surrounding and any hazards one would encounter on these roads.
Gather Information Check 1d20 = 14+5 = 19
"I'll share a room with you. At least I know none of you would try to rob me."
Mr. Torg laughs at Orion's comment, "Try growing up with 'em."
The group is shown to their rooms (Orion, Bart, and Zareth to their poor quarters; Johnathan to his own moderate quarters; and Lua and Bel in their quarters). The moderate quarters have simple locks on the doors, the poor quarters do not have any locks. The poor quarters have three beds in them and that is about all the room in the room. The moderate quarters have a desk and are a bit larger.
Johnathan sees a bunch of what appear to be laborers and farmers sitting in the common room drinking, laughing, and singing. The singing is primary done by a Mr. Torg who plays a harp and a middle-aged woman, who appears to be the server when she is not singing. After a particular good song the customers will occasional give her a few coins. On occasion a customer might stand up and lead the group in a song often a ribald one, and the other customers sing along and buy the fellow who lead the song a drink.
By talking to some of the other patrons you learn several local rumors that don't sound very meaningful (Mary is seeing Bob, a half-orc; Old Lady Spar's cat is actually a fiend who keeps tabs on people; etc). You also learn that there have been several violent attacks in Chadwick. Also the town you are heading for has a bad reputation from the locals, Safeton is called Cursed Waters by them. Evidently it has a bad history of attacks by strange creatures on the local fisherman from time to time.
A few of the patrons come outside and watch Bart and the elves spar. Shouting out half-drunken comments, "Give 'im a good poke in the rear with your poker little lady! That'll learn 'im!" One of the serving boys brings meals out for the party members outside or to the ones inside.
Eventually the inn clears out with most of the folks staggering home. A few are also guests and get to their various rooms to spend the night. The rest of the night passes uneventfully except for Bart, Orion, and Zareth being woken up by what sounded alot like a tornado. When suddenly a bang followed it and a voice could be heard, "Sam! Roll over you loud bastard, your snoring is going to keep the whole lot of us up!"
In the morning breakfast is prepared for everyone (simple porriage for those with the cheap breakfast, a few bits of fruit, eggs, and bacon for the moderate breakfast folk). And you get on your way.
The next two days are pretty boring as you travel to the town of Safeton. You spend another night in a road side inn (see the prices posted earlier). At a couple of hours before dusk on the fourth evening since you started your journey you arrive at the town of Safeton. Even before you make into the small village proper you can hear the sounds of gulls and waves. Old men and young children eye you as you past buy. Mothers hurry their children inside, obviously not wanting anything to do with you strangers.
Bart characteristically blows into his mustache at the site of the fleeing children.
"Do I really look as gruff as all that? Perhaps we should let Orion drive the cart and I'll hide in the back."
"Jonathan, you had mentioned things were bad but this is down right stifling. Best if everyone stays wary."
Lua will spend the daytime of travel getting to know her companions.She will talk about the wonders of the woods, including the beauty and the danger.She doesnt push her beliefs as people should come to that on her own.Lua simply shares what she knows and tries to be friendly.During the evenings she will continue to spar with Bart,Bel and Orion if they wish, and will talk with Johnathan if he will do so.(she seems kind of leary of him as he comes accross as stand offish.)
Upon entering the edge of town and seeing the cold reception..
"Well, my friends, it seems we are less than welcome here.I wonder why...Mayhap we should secure lodgings right away, it seems its not very safe around here."Lua will then look around hoping to see an Inn.
Orion will also discuss things over the passing days with his companions. He is especially interested in hearing about the woods from Lua and if pressed will describe some of the beauty of coastal lands he has visited.
Upon arriving he looks quite surprised at the reaction he and his companions are receiving. "Are we really so scary? Maybe it's all the weapons we have?" The young man is thoroughly perturbed at the reactions.
"I'll bet they are worried about some heavily armed strangers entering their town. We should put them at ease." Standing so as to get a better view Orion will eye his surroundings briefly then shout to anybody within sight. "People of Safeton we mean you no harm. We are but weary travelers looking for a place to rest and recuperate in your town. You have nothing to fear from us."
Orion scans the reactions to his call hoping it was successful in easing their trepidation.
The few days of travel seem dull outside of talking, but Bel has kept entertained. Most of the time, she can be seen writing down odd notes on paper, but of course, she's kept it private from most anyone who tries to look. She has taken quite an interest in Lua's take on the world, listening in and jotting down notes at the same time.
After seeing the rudeness from the people of Safeton, Bel will ask the others her question. "We haven't done anything wrong, have we? I mean, we just arrived."
"Don't be so hard on them," says a voice from an open doorway. Slowly walking out is a tall middle-aged half-elf woman, her black hair streaked with silver. Her clothing marked her as a constable, a plain looking longsword hangs from her wide hips and complex crossbow hung absently in her hand at her side. "We don't see many strangers here even in the best of days. And the last few weeks haven't been nearly that good."
"Now perhaps you might tell me what YOUR purpose is here?"
Lua will dismount and approach the woman.."Adar soliel Constable. I am Luathoria of the Kings Warders."She will show her Warder signet ring."These are my companions, Bel,Orion, Bartholemew,Zareth and Johnathan.We are here on Kings business and would appreciate any help you could give us. It seems you might need help here yourself as well.
If it necessary,and if it doesnt interfere with our task, I am a servent of Ehlonna and a healer of minor power."
Orion steps down from the cart and smiles warmly at the half-elven woman.
"Greetings Constable, as Lua has explained we are here on His Royal Majesty's business. We may be strangers to your fair town but you have my assurances we won't be any trouble." Pondering something for a moment Orion's face brightens. "In fact, what troubles have been plaguing your town? We may be of some service in that regard if you would accept the help."
Zareth walks over to Orion and whispers to him, "Orion, we may not have enough time to help them right now. If this takes more than a few days, we won't be able to complete our mission. I'm fine with helping, but just remember that we have previous commitments."
Orion looks a bit humbled at Zareth's words.
"Oh, right. I guess I was overeager. Perhaps if we finish early then?"
"Warders, huh? Well you better come in, it's best not to talk about the King's affairs too much in public." She turns and enters the building again, motioning for the group to follow. Once inside she will pour herself a drink and ask if anyone else could use one.
"Thanks for your offer of aid and I apologize for my rude introduction. Evidently there has been some serious shake ups in Chadwick recently, with the authorities seeking out all the thieves dens and such. It has forced the rats to flee the nest, and we've had a few get here even. There have been a couple of attacks on people and one of our fishermen's boat has been stolen. So the people's nerves are bit on edge. But that is my concern and not your's. Please tell me what help I can give you to fulfill your duties here."
"Well Constable, we are here to revisit a previously explored dungeon, just off the coast.It opens in two or three days time, and we need transportation to get to it, and to return."Lua will glance at her companions to see if they want to add anything...
"The Cursed Reef. Is it that time again." She says almost absent-mindedly to herself. Turning to Lua, "You'll have to speak to the local fishermen, they own the only boats in the area. You might be able to hire one of them to take you out. Though, I doubt you'll get off cheap, nobody goes out there, the place is cursed. Also, if I remember right, the thing is a death trap. It can only be accessed at night, but during the day the water covers it entirely.
I'm not sure who you upset to get that assignment, but it must have been pretty bad."
"Oh, the islet's cursed, is it? Only curse I know of is the one that makes all the researchers that go there get a sap to the head. Well, of course it's a deathtrap, anyone who hollows out a dungeon into a hunk of coral is going to try to make it as invariably lethal as possible.", Zareth mumbles to himself as the constable is talking.
"It can't be that bad. I mean, maybe somewhat bad, but, I'm sure we can take care of it." Bel declares with a smile. "I believe we wouldn't be warders..." Bel's eyes dart back and forth after mentioning that. "...if we couldn't handle ourselves."
Bart will give his greeting to the constable.
"I don't speak for everyone but I myself can think of no way you could help us short of sending a small contingent of soldiers. However, given your own situation here, I would not ask such of you and would not expect it. At the moment it should be us asking you how we can help. We have little time to spare, but I am willing to help as much as possible."
"I can't provide you with any soldiers, there is only me and my deputy. If you want to help while you are waiting, we could use some more people patroling the town at night. That is when most of the robberies and attacks have happened."
"As for the Cursed Reef not being that bad, well I will tell you that it attracts all kinds of sea monsters for some reason. Heck 50 years ago there was a kraken that supposably took up residence around it. Nothing that big or dangerous has been seen recently, but there are always plenty of sharks and devil fish in the area."
Orion smiles at the offer to aid the Constable.
"I would be happy to give any assistance possible. Guard duty will do well to keep my senses sharp and keep the community safe. Count me in for as long as we are able."
"If it is pleasing to you, Constable, I will join Orion. I have quite a bit of experience in this line of work and would love the opportunity to put that knowledge to use in a place that actually needs it."
"I would do gaurd duty,but would be more effective as a healer.If you need either service tho, I willingly volounteer."Lua will smile "And would gladly follow your lead Bart."
"Well as tempting as playing town guard for the night would be I would prefer to stay focused on the task at hand. If you have any more information on this 'Cursed reef" or know anyone who would know more about the subject I would be very interested in hearing it"
"Well its good to see that, SOME of you Warders are good for something. I'll introduce you to some of the folks around town, that way they'll know who you are and spread the word that you are not a band of thugs trying to take over the place.
You'll probably be looking for a place to stay while your here. Well this isn't a sight-seeing location, so we don't have much in the way of inns. There is a boarding house run by Jeremy Leafsprig, a good natured halfling chap. It will cost you five silver guilders to stay there.
As for more information on the Cursed Reef, well I can't really help you there. I like to keep my feet firmly planted on the earth if you take my meaning, and have never been one for boating. You're best bet is to visit the Tavern down on by the docks. The sailors that hang about there know most of what there is to know about it. You'll also want to talk to them about renting a boat to get out there."
If there are no other questions, the constable, Elizabeth (Liz) Brody you learn, introduces you to some of the locals , as well as lead you to the boarding house and pointing out the docks and the tavern (called originally The Tavern). Anyone that agrees to do some guard duty at night (usually 3 hour shifts), gets free room and board from Mr. Leafsprig as thanks.
Thinking about guarding for the night, Bel gives her two cents. "Hmm, maybe I'll sit this one out. I will, however, go to the tavern and ask about information and whatnot. Perhaps Johnathan or Zareth can accompany me on such a task."
Lua will agree to a 3 hour gaurd duty shift, leaving it up to Liz or Bart to decide who patrols with whom and when.She will wander down to the Docks after the introductions thru town with Liz.Then walk along the docks seeing what is going on and watching the evening return of the fishermen.If there are any obvious injuries she will burn her alottment of spells to heal them, trying to be as friendly and unobtrusive as possible.After spending an hour or so there she will return to the Tavern for a bite to eat and to get her watch schedule,as long as she gets 4 hours for reverie, she's good.8).
Before going..."I'm going to make my healing available to the locals, anyone want to come?"
Orion seems rather excited to be doing something for the town and will dutifully keep watch for his alloted time. After that he will head to The Tavern for some food and drink. If he notices one of his companions or the Constable there he will approach them and engage in some idle chatter (granted the other person wants to).
When Lua asks if anybody would join her Orion will say. "I shall accompany you Lua. That is if you would have me?"
Bart will stick with Orion for the night's shift if possible, most likely giving him unneeded advice and sharing stories of his early years fighting in the King's army.
"I will sit out on the guard duty. I simply am not guard material. I will accompany you to the tavern, Bel."