As if possessed of a sixth sense, as Leconair looks round he sees Leopold bustling towards you with an array of steaming dishes. Despite his short arms he appears to be capably balancing a number of plates, but the most remarkable sight is the bizarre headgear he is wearing. Looking like a soldier's helmet, it has four rings sticking out of the sides, in each of which is sitting a small clay pot.
Placing the food in front of each of you, he casually remarks 'one of the gnomes made it for me; saves making extra trips to the kitchen'.
With the plates distributed he reaches up and removes each pot from its holder, and places them on the table as well.
'That's pickled carrot', he says pointing to the first, 'then curried beetroot, sweet chestnut amd my mother's spicy onion recipe - mind, it's quite fiery. Enjoy your food and I'll bring more ale presently'.
He waddles back behind the bar again, and begins filling more mugs.
To Rath:
Everyone:
He looks at you strangely, and says, 'Well first let me introduce our grand party. I am Asko, I am a practitioner of the Arcane Arts. This grim fellow in the latest running-through-the-briars-and-thickets fashion is Camlon. And our intrepid muscle here is Petus.'
'As far as the festival, do you mean the Festival of the Orb? The gnomish festival? It isn't over friend, it starts in two days.' He sits back in his chair, putting his feet up on the table.
'Should be plenty of work around here, loads of fat merchants heading that way, I should think. Sounds like we may be competitors of a sort. We too, are looking for work. We've been asking ar...' He is cut short by Petus, who interrupts with 'I thought we was looking for the...<thump>...OW!' Petus exclaims, pulling his hand off of the table to rub his knee. Asko and Camlon look at him with some irritation, as Camlon growls 'Shut yer mouth, Petus'
Asko continues, 'As I was saying, we have been enquiring as to available employment. I would think there may be plenty to go around. You noticed the tents? Not a room available. Many people means lots of business for our kind.' Best of luck to all of us!' he says, raising his glass and taking a deep drink.
The group's newfound companions have brought Rath out of his reverie. Having quickly evaluated Asko, Camlon and Petus, he wonders if it might be possible to pry further information out of the warrior with the aid of a few drinks and clever words, though he quickly realizes it would have to be done in isolation from Petus' more cunning companions.
Dishing himself up a selection of food, he decides to wait to see how things develop and looks for an opportunity to speak discretely with his own party.
Johan samples the food, especially enjoying the onions.
Well, friend, perhaps we shall be working together? Why should we compete for employment? Or, perhaps we can help you locate whatever it is your friend Petus is looking for? Six heads are better than 3, I always say.
Johan looks inquiringly at Petus for further details.
Diplomacy:
In the meantime, let us be merry! I heartily recommend the onions. Leopold, another round for our new friends!
'I'm sorry,' Asko says, 'I didn't get your names.' He smiles, tipping his tankard at Johan as a way of thanks.
Camlon is looking down into in his mug, but you notice he is keeping an eye on Petus. Petus, for his part, is fuming, and if his glare could manifest itself, Johan would be a dead man. His knuckles are a stark white where his hands grip the table.
"Ah, yes. The name's Leconair, at your service," Leconair said with a grin. "I was actually thinking about the Harvest Festival that we unfortunately had to miss. I did hear someone else mention the gnome festival. I would very much enjoy partaking in that festival!"
As he enjoys a bit of the onions himself, "Indeed, those are great onions!" In the midst of it all, he keeps his eyes on the three, in case that glare from Petus leads to something more than a glare.
"And I am Rath." Having finally broken his silence, he leans back in his chair and fixes Petus with a glare of his own.
My apologies, good sir! Where are my manners! I am Johan.
Johan bows to all three of his new "friends".
Friend Petus, is something wrong? You seem to be staring pretty hard at me. Do I have a stain on my tunic?
Johan inspects his clothing for any signs of a stain.
Picking up on the sudden downturn in mood, Asko finishes the last of his ale and motions for his companions to do likewise.
'Thanks again for the drinks,' he says, 'we'll catch up with you again.' With that he gets up, and lays a hand on Petus' arm. Petus gives Johan one last sour look then the 3 depart.
Once they have gone, Leopold reappears to clear the table. 'Hope you enjoyed that,' he says, 'that will be 3 silver altogether, if you please.'
As predicted, your enquiry about rooms is met with the reply that unfortunately they are all taken. You are, however, directed to a temporary campsite which has been set up at the edge of the village for those visitors intent on travelling to the gnome festival. You find a spot to pitch your tents, and can while away the rest of the day in the Lucky Charm or investigating the village and its surroundings.
While you are close to a settlement, which should discourage prowling beasts, you feel it might be prudent to set watches anyway. You are relieved to have an uneventful night, and when dawn breaks, it is to a cloudy sky, although the temperature is still very pleasant.
You make your way to The Lucky Charm where you are served a hearty breakfast.
The tavern is bustling as a number of the villagers enjoy the fine fare, although you see one or two more out of towners amongst the crowd; of your newfound 'friends', however, there is no sign.
Leopold tells you that the festival is in 2 days, and that most people will start to leave tomorrow to make the journey to the valley of the gnomes. The gnomes also lay out a campground for their visitors, and there is always a pre-festival feast and entertainment on the evening before, which makes it well worth turning up a little early.
Leaving the inn, you debate how to spend the day. You are drawing up a list of possibilities, when you are aware of, if not a commotion, then a deal of activity amongst the villagers. A large table and 2 chairs have been brought out of the largest house, while several people are sweeping the paved area of the village square. Once they have finished, the table and chairs are placed in the middle, obviously in preparation for...something...
Whatever it is, does not appear to be imminent though, as most of the villagers then return to their normal routines. You do note, though, that some of them stop from time to time as they walk around and look towards the skies.
Johan walks up to one of the villagers looking up to the sky.
Greetings, friend. I can't help but notice how you keep looking to the sky. Pray tell, what do you seek there?
Diplomacy:
'Rain, my friend, rain', he says. He gives you a meaningful nod, before wandering off, periodically looking up.
Thinking the chap may be a little simple, you return to your conversation. You cannot help but notice the covered wagon, apparently loaded with crates and barrels, which rumbles past you down the main street. It stops beside the inn, where the driver clambers down with some effort.
He is a short, bald man, bordering on the obese, who wears a large floppy brown hat with a rather exotic looking feather attached to it. Removing it momentarily, he produces a spotted handkerchief from one pocket of his jerkin and proceeds to dab his bald head before replacing his headgear.
After securing the horse, he walks inside, his wheezing loud enough to be heard across the street.
Leconair watches the scenes unfold before him with interest. Presently, he turns to Johan, "I wonder how this will all play out. Do you think we have the time hang around a bit longer, or would we risk missing the festival?" Leconair looks up and studies the weather pattern, wondering what is in store for them and this town.
1d20+8
Unless you are very much mistaken, the gentleman will be getting his wish fairly soon. Definitely rain clouds.
I'm guessing we should seek shelter until the storm passes. Maybe yon inn would be a good place to plan our next steps?
Looking at the ominous clouds, Rath nods his agreement. "Makes sense. I wonder what exactly our drinking companions from last night are doing in town. It's clear they were holding something back."
Turning to Johan, he gives a rare smirk. "The way Petus was staring at you, it's a wonder you didn't turn to stone."
Leconair laughed heartily, patting his friends in the back. "Sounds good. Johan, you buying another round? This is getting to be a habit, and I can't say I dislike it." With that, he smiles and heads back in search of an inn and tavern.
You make your way back inside The Lucky Charm, and look for a seat. There are currently only a few people inside, with the fat, bald man talking to Leopold near the bar.
As Johan heads in that direction to order some refreshments, he catches the tail end of the conversation between the pair:
'...told me he'd got a better offer! Can you believe it? Lucky I was almost here, but with no guard I've had one eye behind me for the last few miles, I can tell you. Anyway, here's payment for the room, I'll go and fetch my bags.'
Passing a number of coins to the halfling, the portly gent turns, almost bumping into Johan as he does so.
'Excuse me' he says, as he maneuvres round him, and makes his way to the door, puffing with exertion.
Johan orders some drinks, and Leopold tells him to sit down and he will bring them over presently.
As Johan rejoins the others, a couple of locals finish up their drinks and make to leave. One says to the other:
'Best get home before the rain starts and make sure everything is ready'.
His friend replies:
'I did it as soon as I saw the clouds this morning. I'm off to see how my lad is feeling. I told you he's presenting his case to Walk the Moss with Con Miller's lass today didn't I?'
'Aye', says the first.'She's a fine lass and...'
The rest of the conversation is carried away on the breeze as the they make their way out of the front door.
In a few minutes, Leopold appears with a tray of drinks for you.
Johan returns to the table.
Friends, I may have an employment opportunity for us. That portly gent who just went outside was talking about his escort walking out on him. Perhaps we can persuade him to allow us to escort him to his destination? He's right outside. If we hurry, we may be able to catch him.
Leconair nods. "Sounds good. Here's to work!" He takes a big gulp of the ale and stands to leave. "Do we owe Leopold anything for the drinks?"
Realising that the gentleman in question said he was paying for his room, you surmise that he'll return. And indeed, a few moments later, he does!
He is carrying a couple of fairly heavy looking travel bags. The effort appears to be taking a toll, as he has barely crossed the threshold when he puts the bags down, and uses the same spotted handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow.
Johan heads over to the fellow.
Pardon me, sir, but would you like a hand with those?
Diplomacy:
The merchant looks somewhat startled at Johan's appearance and reflexively grabs one of the 2 bags beside him. Once he has sized him up and realised he poses no threat, he says 'thank you, that would be most kind'.
He makes for the bar, where he collects a key and makes for the stairs. 'Would you mind...? he says, motioning upstairs with his free hand.
Of course! My name is Johan, by the way. I couldn't help overhearing what you said earlier about your hired hands leaving you stranded. My companions and I are looking for employment, perhaps we could aid one another?
Diplomacy:
'Well now' he says with a smile spreading across his face, 'perhaps today might turn out well after all! Companions you say? What say we convene for a drink in a few moments once I've stowed my luggage?'
"I'm Leconair, at your service." Leconair's face brightened at the thought of possible work. "We'd love to join you for drinks. Hope your journey here was not too troubled." With that, Leconair look to Johan for a cue, to see how to continue the conversation and seal the deal. The last thing we need is to be driven out of a second town, Leconair thought, and a wry smile appeared on his face.
'Allow me to freshen up a little and I'll join you presently' says the merchant.
After a few minutes he re-appears and joins you at your table.
'My name is Jellardo', he says, 'pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm heading for the gnome festival, have you heard of it? Anyway, I find myself in a position to take on a couple of individuals to assist me in ensuring my cargo arrives safely. Would you be interested at all?'
Why, yes, we may be interested at that. May I inquire as to the nature of your cargo, and of course, our compensation for assisting you?
Diplomacy:
'I have a number of commodities for transport to the gnomish village' says Jellardo. 'Nothing hazardous, of course!' he adds quickly.
'I don't envisage encountering anything untoward en route, but as you can imagine, having gone to a not insignificant amount of time and trouble to acquire and transport such items, I am keen to be able to bring my wares to potential buyers. The journey should only take 4 or 5 hours, how would 5 gold each to ensure my goods reach the marketplace on time sound?'
That sounds fair. Leconair, Rath, what do you think?
Rath nods distractedly.
'Hardly profitable' he grumbles, 'but it's a start. Perhaps if we do well there will be more work forthcoming''
"Fair enough. And you'll buy a round at the festivities when we get there to celebrate a safe journey?" Leconair suggested hopefully.
Seeing your general agreement to his terms, Jellardo produces a piece of parchment and quillpen from the small satchel at his side.
'Splendid' he says, 'I'll just draw up a contract of employment - nothing too fancy as it's such a short journey - and if you'd be so good as to sign it...?'.
He dips the quill in a small bottle of ink and starts to write in neat copperplate script.
Leconair leans in and reads the contract with great interest. In all his time traveling working for hire, it has always been an informal agreement, sealed by the good will of those involved. Leconair wonders what the contract would be good for if the mercenaries later did back out...
Reading the contract, you see it is indeed fairly simple. In exchange for the agreed upon remuneration, you are to ensure that the vendor's goods reach the marketplace before the appointed time - in this case, the morning of the gnomes' festival.
'Seems straightforward enough' you think. As to the matter of not fulfilling a signed contract, you imagine that it is unlikely you will find out. After all, what could happen in a few hours, on a road which is, if not well travelled, at least likely to have other people on it, and running through a relatively civilised area?
Leconair gives the finished contract a final read to make sure nothing could cause problems down the road for the party.
OOC
I have a host of knowledge skills at +8, including K:Local. So, let's go with that.
K:Local
Leconair looks up after giving it a read. The contract looks reasonable enough. What do you think, Johan?
It looks OK to me.
Johan signs the contract (providing that the "appointed time" is clearly spelled out as the beginning of the gnome festival. If it is not spelled out, Johan asks that it be defined clearly in the contract prior to signing it.
I think we're in business! Come, my friends. let us celebrate with some libation!
Johan gestures to Rath, and drapes his arms over Jellardo's and Leconair's shoulders and guides them to the bar for a celebratory drink.
'Splendid!' beams Jellardo, 'I foresee the start of a long and happy relationship'.
Rath grudgingly signs the contract, and once you have done likewise, the merchant puts his own mark to it. To celebrate, he buys a round of drinks for everyone.
As you are enjoying more of Leopold's fine beverages, Jellardo says 'I think we should aim to leave just after lunch tomorrow, if that's agreeable? I suggest we meet here'.
Once he has finished his drink, he gets up and says 'enjoy the rest of the day, and I'll see you tomorrow', before returning to his room.
Flushed with success, you look forward to putting your feet up for a while.
You spend some more time in The Lucky Charm, until you are aware of a number of the villagers walking into town, heading for the square.
Moving to the window, you see one or two are standing at the side of the road, looking out of town. You soon see what has their attention: walking his horse slowly into town is youngish man with sandy blond hair and a freckled complexion. The most noteworthy feature about his appearance, though, is his armour. It appears to be a full suit of shimmering aquamarine blue and silver mail; as the horse passes by you notice that the individual scales of the armour are designed to look like a fish, with the light occasionally catching on them as he moves in the saddle.
The young man continues to ride slowly onwards, and you see him dismount outside the largest house in the village, where the head man comes out to meet him. He bows to the armoured figure, before offering him the hospitality of his home - the 2 disappear inside and you can see a crowd of villagers is beginning to assemble in the square.
Hmmm...It would appear some nobility is in town. Perhaps we should head to the square to check out the commotion.
Johan finishes his drink, then heads out toward the square.
After finding a good spot, Johan asks the nearest villager:
So, what's all the fuss about?
Leconair downs his drink hastily, and follows Johan out. Catching the tail end of the commotion, he marvels at the events of the recent days, from being chased out of a town to the sighting of fish armor. And, the gnome festival is sure to top it all. Leconair smiles at the thought, and keeps an ear open for the gossip this latest sighting is generating.
OOC
Perception
Know: Local
Know: Nobility
The villager you speak to says 'that's one of the Knights of the Poppy come to convene a court'.
Seeing your bemused expression, he patiently explains that these Knights are charged by the king to act as his lawful representatives throughout the land. They periodically go on long journeys, visiting towns and villages along the way, and there they hear the pleas of the commoners. Most of the 'weircourts' they sit in judgement over, like today, are merely settlements of simple disputes, or giving the legal blessing of the crown on some matter. For serious disputes, the king himself can be petitioned, and the Knight may be called on to undertake a trial of some sort in favour of the plaintiff.
Interested, Rath asks the man 'are these Knights well paid for their work?'.
The man favours him with a frosty glare and replies 'Knights are *chosen*, one does not apply for the role!'
Johan turns to the commoner.
My friend meant no offense. He is simply curious about the order, as are we all. My thanks for your information. Perhaps we can meet after this court session for a drink?
Diplomacy:
Johan moves in for a closer look of the proceedings, and keeps an eye out for Jellardo's whereabouts to see if he is thinking of bringing up breach of contract charges against his former escorts.
Perception:
You take up a comfortable position and wait. A line of villagers has begun to form in the square, and after about 10 minutes the head man's door opens and he comes out with the Knight. They make their way to the table, where there are a few words said to convene proceedings, then the Knight takes a seat and the first villager moves forward.
It soon becomes evident that life for these people is largely as mundane as you expected. The types of petition you hear range from a dispute over a land purchase (decided in favour of the complainer), an application for tenancy on a farm (agreed) and presentation of a ledger of accounts for official verification (done after a few minutes reading of the contents).
The head man writes down details as the cases are brought, and the Knight's judgement is recorded, whereupon he signs the document and it is given as proof to the villager. The Knight appears to find the process less than exciting, judging by his expression, yet he carries out his duties diligently and listens carefully as the cases are made so there is no suggestion he has made a judgement hastily.
As the fourth case is about to be heard, there is a sudden change of mood, and you are aware of a ripple of excitement through the crowd. It is at that moment that Leconair feels the first raindrop hit his cheek. All eyes turn skyward as more drops begin to fall - huge fat raindrops begin to cascade from the sky as a veritable monsoon starts.
To a man the villagers turn their gaze on the table, where the headman is whispering something urgently to the Knight. There is a moment's delay after which the Knight, with the merest hint of a smile on his face, nods to the headman who shouts 'GO!, and then with barely concealed whoops of delight the villagers start rushing for their houses, or in some cases, the inn or the small smithy that sits off the side of the road.
After mere seconds in the downpour you are thoroughly drenched. As the villagers scamper past you, one of them pauses long enough to grab Johan by the arm.
'Come on' he shouts, seeing your confusion, 'Leopold has plenty of spare jugs in the tavern'. He then starts running in that direction.
Within minutes, a crowd of villagers of all ages, their arms full of pots, jugs, skins, cups and other containers are running down the main street and out of town.