Estel is interested but suspicious, and after Janiven leaves looks into this woman's background...
Estel is glad of Janiven's good reputation, but finds it suspicious that she would be invited to an empty tavern, she heads over a little earlier than invited to case the joint.
Sir Winston, as usual always suspicious slyly attempts to determine if the contact is Evil, and if the contact is truthful.
Sense Motive
Craft Dots
Sir Winston: Janiven is not evil and you get the clear impression that she is telling the truth, if holding some of it back. Doesn't seem to be any threat, though.
Sati is very interested, but attempts to judge if Janiven is truthful, or if this is just some ruse.
Sense motive
Professor Rokannon nods at Janiven, but witholds any questions for now. Even the walls have ears here.
Estel conducts a quick survey of the area around the tavern looking for signs of what's going on.
Hmm...If I could make Westcrown a better place, Father must let me go back home! Ranindolf thinks to himself. I better be early to make a good impression. Now where is this Vivio's place at?
Ranin leaves early, but asks for directions on how to get there. However, either he misremembered the directions or the guy gave him bad ones, because he gets lost in downtown Westcrown looking for the place. He finally makes his way there after the arranged meeting time (or if no "time" was given, he is late for when he assumed he needed to be there).
Yes, Estel will arrive promptly, satisfied that while this is unusual nothing is amiss.
Sir Winston will arrive a bit early, and walk around outside for a bit, just seeing who arrives, and getting a feel for the location. He as usual when walking about the city is not wearing his armor.
S-sorry I'm late! He says to whomever listens as he enters. Had a bit o' trouble finding the place...
Professor Rokannon leaves early, promptly gets lost. Buys a tourist map, wanders a bit getting his bearings and trying out his Wayfinder. Finally finds his way to the meeting about a minute late after passing by outside on the street two or three times.
Estel was likely the first into the tavern, having been watching it for a fair while before hand. When she enters she glances about hesitantly, before settling down at a table, rolling a copper piece over the fingers of her left hand while the other traces a knot in the wood, her eyes apparently engrossed in the task.
When others appear the coin disappears back up her sleeve and she sits up straight, carefully looking over the new arrivals one by one. She says nothing yet, making only friendly small talk if approached by Janiven.
Sati will arrive on time, not a moment later. She notices Estel in the tavern, and greets her with a nod and a smile.
Estel smiles back friendlily, but still wary to hold back a little as the waits to see what all this is about. She wonders momentarily if Janiven has only invited women.
"Well I grew up in the poorer end of town," Estel begins, looking around at the group Janiven has gathered and noticing a few vaguely familiar faces. "So I've seen many times the depths to which this city has fallen - people shouldn't have to be afraid to walk the streets at night. I've never had any direct contact with House Thrune myself, but we have a... troubled history, even if they are not aware of it. I try to take care of kids from families like mine as best I can, but all too often it's everyone for themselves. They look out for each other though, and I do my best to look after them. Still, every month is more dangerous than the last, that's why I'm here, I want to build a better future for Westcrown."
Professor Rokannon folds up his tourist map as he looks around curiously. "Oh, yes, thank you." He replies.
Slowly pokes at his meal and eats very little.
"I have been at the School for as long as I can remember, either as a servant, student or instructor. It is almost all I know. Going out into the city has been... an eye opener."
Mulling over his ale, he says; "Two of my colleagues have disappeared. More than just colleagues, they were friends, of which I have very few. I want to rescue them if I can. If I can't... perhaps some form of retribution."
When it is Ranin's turn to speak, he swallows the rest of the food he was chewing and rinses it down with a large gulp of ale.
I am Ranindolf Shieldheart, I am the son of... and he goes on a long winded speal about himself, until someone hopeful corrects him on the actual topic, or he finally adds add the end... ... And before getting kicked out of the Dottari, that's the town guard by the way, I saw a lot of bad things about the city, behind and infront of the law. I'd like to help, you know...make it so that everything works next to the law.
"I am Winston of Vizogg"."Many of your faces are familiar to me". "I am not from this City, but from the surrounding area". "I have never seen a place that needs me more than this place, and I am happy to help as I can".
"I am Sati Gavaria, priest of Iomedae," Sati answers, setting her utensils down. I was born here, and have watched as things...went downhill, I'll say. I've tried my best to show people a better alternative to the fear they live with day after day...but I admit, I haven't seen much progress." She then frowns and glances to Janiven, wondering why she keeps looking out the window.
"It's nice to meet you all. Janiven, are we waiting for somebody else?" Estel asks bluntly, a little concerned at how distracted this woman is.
"Well said Janiven," Estel answers quietly, breaking the moment of silence that lingers after she finishes, "but how do we even begin to tackle this problem? Everyone here is here because they agree with you, and they believe in a Westcrown free of Thrune, but where do we start dealing with such an enormous task?"
Ranin patiently listens while absently drumming the table with a fork.
Prof. Rokannon nods slowly in agreement, listening carefully.
Sati frowns, a slightly worried look on her face. She then turns to look at each of the other guests, and then back at Janiven. Once she's fairly sure nobody is going to yell 'treason!' she settles back into her seat.
"What aid can we provide though Janiven," Estel probes, playing 'devil's' advocate, "do you expect us to ride out into the night masked and caped to slay a shadow beast? We want to help, but we're not heroes from a children's story."
Yes, What would you have us do? I don't have problems wearing capes and masks and stuff, but I have not much practice riding a horse or slaying shadow beasts...
"I think you two are jumping the gun a bit. She hasn't asked us to fight anything. There are many ways to help protect the people without resorting to drawing weapons...not that I mind the other way."
Professor Rokannon slowly loads his pipe and lights it with a word. He listens carefully to those who speak.
"Perhaps you could illustrate what you mean, Miss Janiven. Can you provide examples of what you had in mind?" He exhales a little smoke.
Estel jumps to her feet, pressing her back to the outer wall and peering side long out of the window, one hand resting readily on her rapier in case anyone unwanted is about to try and come through the door.
Should I answer it? Ranindolf perks up and looks at everyone, then starts to make his way towards the door...
"Someone is at the door. Another invitee?" Professor Rokannon mused, glancing at the door. "Perhaps someone should let him know the door is unlocked..."
"Wait!" she hisses at Ranindolf, nodding her head towards Janiven and Estel. The reactions of those two put her on guard, and she slides her chair back, giving herself room to stand if needed.
"Sir Winston stands and uncovers his Glaive. "Someone we know"? He looks questioningly at their host.
Professor Rokannon peers at Janiven, puffing slowly on his pipe and noting her reaction.
Estel shoots Janiven a questioning look, as though to ask the woman what next?
"Wait!" she hisses at Ranindolf, nodding her head towards Janiven and Estel. The reactions of those two put her on guard, and she slides her chair back, giving herself room to stand if needed.
Ranin stops and looks towards Sati, waiting to hear what ever she has to say, and sees Winston readying his glaive. Ohh...Should I bar the door instead? as he starts to strap on his shield.
"The Order of the Rack? Here? That's bad..." Estel says thoughtfully, surprisingly calm as she quickly follows Janiven to the trap door, glancing around carefully before daintly dropping through. "Who's Arael?"