Beestinger is sitting in a corner, as usual, quietly watching the others in the tavern as he fills his stomach after a hard day of fixing his cousin's roof that had been damaged in a recent rain. Seeing the mayor drunk, he is worried, but not inclined to intervene; if the mayor had a problem that needed Beestinger's attention, he was sure the mayor would bring it up at the appropriate time.
Traveler has already secured a room for the night with Kickback (the mule) having been brushed, fed, and watered in the stables nearby. Andrezi is now having his usual watered-down wine at the bar, and is trying to get Serenity's attention for a meal at one of the tables.
A full two gold pieces per night for this place? Traveler is thinking to himself, looking around the bar. The inn had not improved over the last winter. I'd better ask the innkeep if he needs any pots fixed or I'm going to be out of gold quick. The mule's eating grass tomorrow. The mayor's inebriated condition did not escape his notice.
Slanter leans against the wall, a mug of mead in his right hand. He takes notice of the man he has learned to be the mayor of this backwater town, drunk as a dock whino. He grimaces in disgust.
No dicipline.
No self-control.
Weak.
This was his thought process, anyone who could not control themselves was weak. He hated such people.
However, it seems out of character. He has been in town for a few days and seen the man here often, always only taking a pint... maybe two.
He filed it away.
Information.
Pieces of a puzzle.
One never knows when such tidbits may be prove to be of value. A sign of trouble in "paradise" perhaps? Trouble could, at times, prove profitable for one with the right talents.
For now he would keep to himself.
He would watch.
He would listen.
He would pour most of his third tankard down the same knothole in the floor the rest went down. He would wave to the serving girl to fill it once more. Unlike the mayor Jairyd Kill'Dare had excelent self control. If he didn't he would have been dead years ago.
Tomorrow? Tomorrow would likely find him on his way back to Kempo. Easier to hide there...
More shadows...
I grab a drink from the bar and, seeing Beestinger, walk on over to his table.
"Hey, mind if I have a seat? It's been awhile, didn't expect to see you in here without having to pull you in here, if you know what I mean."
Beestinger doesn't even look up from his meal. "Probably won't stay long, but a man's gotta eat. Any idea on what has the mayor worried enough to get pubicly drunk?" Beestinger talks quietly as he eats.
I sit down and slam my shot of clear grain and very cheap alcohol and then chase it with a sip of mead.
"I just can't believe he's waited until now to do it. I don't know, maybe it's the muggings and murders. Wouldn't it be great if the militia found some sort of secret crime syndicate? We could get some regular work for awhile instead of doing stupid crap."
I take a swig of mead.
"I mean, I spent all morning chasing some woman's dog. All it got me was enough to buy a couple of drinks too. I tell you, men such as ourselves need to get out of this town. It takes what, 2 minutes to walk the entire length of the place? I'm exaggerating but you know what I mean."
I down another gulp of brew.
"Never mind my dad. 'Why don't you join the guard?' he says. Do I look like a guy who'd make it as a militia man? It'd be like when I was a kid. They don't want a guy like me. I'd join and everyone in my unit would shun me and make jokes behind my back. Then I'd find out one of them is taking bribes, turn him into the captain, and that'd be it for me. Probably wake up with a gag in my mouth in a sack about three seconds before they started kicking."
I finish my glass and take out a tobacco pipe. I put a small dab of tobacco in it and light it with a stick lit from the candle on the table.
"Anyway, so that was my day. What have you been up to?"
"Bitter as usual, I see. Just be glad your father cares enough to harp on you; many don't have even that. I remember in my youth going for days before one of my aunts took the time to track me and my cousins down to make sure we still alive." Beestinger is quiet for a while as he finishes up eating. "I wouldn't count on anything quite as exciting as a secret organization, though I guess anything is possible. Personally, I find the odd jobs to be a nice break from training. Today, I spent all afternoon on my cousin's roof debating the merits of the different types of ammo as I helped patch a hole."
I take a drag on my pipe.
"Don't mistake bitterness for annoyance, and I am glad he cares. I just wish he'd stop pestering me.
Anyway, odd jobs are fine as far as breaking up the monotony goes but they don't pay for much and training only takes you so far. I need something that actually makes use of my skills if I'm going to get any better."
I take another drag on my pipe.
"Anyway, it just occurred ot me that the mayor might be getting his courage up to talk about some sort of dire matter to the town. He's just waiting for his moment to say something, I bet. I dunno, or maybe his wife's having an affair."
I point at Andrezi (OOC: You did roll that I know you as well as "Norm") over at the bar.
"Speaking of things, you met that guy yet? I've sort of met him, some kind of tinkerer or some such thing. Hey," I puff on my pipe, "Why don't we make a party out of it, the more the merrier right?"
I start waving at Andrezi and literally shout across the room, "Hey, Traveller, why don't you sit with us!"
I turn back to Beestinger, "He'll be over here in a minute I'm sure. Mysterious drinking light weight like yourself, I'm sure you two will get along. Wanders about between here and Kempo, been doing it for awhile. In fact, I've bet you seen him before even if you haven't spoke."
Beestinger winces a bit inside at the thought of interacting with strangers at this point of the day, but manages to hide it. "I've seen him, but he hasn't bothered anyone so I haven't bothered with him. At least it should be interesting hearing just who he thinks I should be. Some of the stories I have heard about myself are just plain nutty."
"He seems easy going enough from when I've spoken to him before. And he's as broke as we are," I laugh.
"Anyway," I put my pipe down on the table, "Don't go just yet, I gotta get myself another drink."
I rise and head over to the bar next to wear Traveller is sitting.
His attempts to talk to Serenity beyond getting his meal have so far failed.
When Gut Lighter comes up he recognizes the man. "Hello, Gut Lighter. How's business been lately?" he asks.
Kn Arcana:
Perception:
"Oh my god," I cry.
I run over to where he is.
"Is there a healer in this f$!@ing place?"
Beestinger frowns slightly as he joins Gut Lighter. "It appears that you got your wish; let's just hope you, or everyone else, don't come to regret it."
Knowledge: Local (untrained) (limited to DC 15 when untrained)
Perception (no ranks with psicrystal)
(not making the Knowledge: Arcana roll on purpose)
Traveler recognizes the gardener Wilbur as a previous customer from the years past. Then he hears about Fort Aeomunds and the attack. But the mayor's reply is what gets his interest. The three avatars? Traveler thinks. I haven't had time to research them yet or even see this "Vendek" over the cities.
Gut Lighter's reaction surprises Traveler even as Beestinger makes a comment from Traveler's other side. Traveler steps away from the bar and joins Gut Lighter and Beestinger in checking the mayor's passed-out form. "Make sure he didn't hit his head on the table." he tells Gut Lighter. Traveler checks Mayor Destry's breathing.
Heal (no ranks)
"Someone get the captain of the militia quick so that our visitor can share the information he needs to share with someone conscious and than get to bed for some needed sleep." Beestinger calls out to everyone in the tavern as he looks over to the tired traveler. "I would suggest taking a seat and catching your breath. Your news is dire, but will do no one any good if you are too tired to share it with others."
"the mayor must have gone crazy. I mean, a gnoll attack, which is what this sounds like, is one thing, but the avatars dead? I don't think so."
I feel around the mayor's head to check for injury.
Heal:
Kn Local:
Perception:
Slanter looks up from his mug as the newcomber enters and goes on about "little lizard men" to anyone within ear shot. He watchs as the mayor stands, or tries to at any rate, bringing his long labored upon fort of ale mugs crashing down around him.
He pays the scene little mind until he hears the mayor speak of the Avatars, killed... assasinated. Who in their right mind would even attempt to... His thought trails off as he remembers something his master had once spoken to him. The Three Avatars, now that would be something... of course it's probably a load of bull, still? Bah, what would a back water politician know about such things? He doubted there was any truth to it, but such a rumor could spark mass chaos. It might be good to fill his coin purse a bit. Then another thought crosses his mind. I wonder if these little lizards carry decent coin?
With that, he steps easily across the room toward the herald and those surrounding the now passed out mayor. "Well, I am no medic so will be little help with the mayor. However, these lizard things sound interesting." He nods to the one called Gut Lighter, "I could not help but hear you speak earlier of requiring something to test your skill. It seems opportunity is knocking. Allow me to assist in answering the door." He bows, "Kill'Dare, Jairyd Kill'Dare. I offer my blade." He turns to the messanger who is being prompted for information by the one called Beestinger, "Yes, do tell us of these lizards."
I lean agasint the nearest table while they examine the mayor, arms crossed. As the man describes the assailants I pay particular attention doing my best to pick out truth over exageration.
Sense Motive:
As the Captian finishes his request I ponder the situation I find myself in.
I have always worked alone... it's best in my line of work.
I have never worked for the authorities... for obvious reasons.
But... I'm bored. The jobs have been too easy lately, no challenge.
I lean down near Gut Lighter, "Told you opportunity was knocking." Standing and nodding to the Captain I raise my hand, "I'll join the scout party."
Getting up from Mayor Destry's fallen form, I'll call for some locals to take him home, if Tucker will permit.
Then, standing, I will say to Jeanwelk, "I know the road from here to Fort Aemonds. As well as a few ways to approach not on the main road."
Knowledge (Geography) (untrained) (limited to DC 15 when untrained)
"But it will be dark," I mention, "is anyone here good at tracking by the light of the moon and stars?" Present company excluded. whispers a voice in my head from the chain around my neck. Quiet. I mentally whisper back.
I look at Slanter for a moment as I stand up, satisfied the Mayor isn't going to die, raising an eyebrow at the newcomer.
Then I turn to the Under Captain, a man fairly familiar to me I'm sure.
"I volunteer. Of course. But I'll expect some sort of compensation when I get back, even if it is only a pouch of tobacco, a day's meals, and something to drink."
I look at Beestinger. "Come on, we've done this sort of thing before and I'd feel better having someone I know ride along." I nudge my head back towards the way of Slanter.
I look at Traveler, "I thought you were a tinkerer. Are you sure you're up for this?"
As Jeanwelk takes charge of the situation, Beestinger steps back from the action to observe. At the request for a scouting party, he'll step forward. "I'll go; I'm sure Gut Lighter will want to go, and he'll need someone to watch his back."
I pat Beestinger on the shoulder, "Glad to be working with you again."
"A tinkerer who has traveled roads by himself multiple times. I'm sure he is quite capable of handling himself; even the safest roads contain their share of dangers and challenges."
"I will see you all in an hour than, gentlemen. I have to make some arrangements of my own if I am going to be leaving town." Beestinger nods quietly to the other volunteers as Jeanwelk turns to other duties before leaving to get his gear and warn his cousins to make sure they and their children are all accounted for and ready to hunker down quickly at the first sign of trouble locally.
I grin, "Good enough for me. Okay, meet everyone at the edge of town."
I literally run out of the tavern and head towards home.
I will breathlessly tell my parents where I'm going, grab my backpack and some stuff, and head to the north end of town, all probably in about ten or fifteen minutes, if that.
When the rest of you show up you'll find me pacing about impatiently, smoking like a chimney.
I look at Traveler, "I thought you were a tinkerer. Are you sure you're up for this?"
I say back to him, "Beating metal on an anvil, beating heads...there's not much difference. Besides, they're some of my best customers in autumn. I can't wait for the milita from Kempo, those lizards could be killing everyone."
After Jeanwelk talks to us, I'll nod and tell Gut Lighter and Beestinger "Give me a few minutes to grab a few things from my room." I'll also give the innkeep my last eight gold (Goodbye, gold pieces, it was nice having you.) to hold my room and feed the mule while I'm gone.
Rearranging my backpack as follows:
Adding to belt pouches:
Is there anybody going to meet Traveler outside the Two Prongs Inn or should I just take off for Gut Lighter's position at the edge of town?
Beestinger plans on going directly to the meeting point at the north end of town.
"I'll see you all at the meeting point." With that said I depart immidately, having all of my possesions readily at hand. As I walk I check each of my weapons, ensuring they all slide easily from their scabards. Once at the meeting point I lean easily against what ever is available and patiently wait for the others to assemble.
I eye the beast set before me, never much being one for horses as my methods of moving through the city are more... subtle. Still, how hard can it be? I place my foot in the stirrup and swing into the saddle.
Ride Check (untrained): taking 10 gives 15
As we set off, making good time I settle into the ride. I could get used to this I think...
As we begin to draw closer I will pull up on my horses reins, "Three hours out, yes?" He glances around at their surroundings, wincing at how loudly their horses hooves beat upon the ground.
Perception:
"We should probably slow our pace lest they hear us coming." He turns toward Traveler, "You said you know ways in besides the main road, when we draw near let me know and I can dismount and scout ahead."
With that I settle back into the ride... eyes scanning the region for attack.
"If we're that close maybe we should just get off the horses. My butt is starting to hurt anyway."
"Perhaps we should move forward with the horses for another hour and a half on the side roads mentioned. Hopefully we can find a farmstead, occupied or not, that we can secure the horses in while we push forward."
Beestinger comments as he looks around for signs of trouble. Gut Lighter had to help him up on the horse that is at least 3 times Beestinger's height, but once on the horse, Beestinger seemed comfortable enough.
"Walking is a good idea. Kobolds don't sound smart enough for scouts, but we are along the main road. Does anyone know anything about these lizard creatures? As in, why they would form into an army and attack the Fort?"
"Also, what is our plan? We are here to scout and report back, or to try to destroy some of these siege engines Wilbur told us about, or try to break through the siege of the fort to the fort itself?"
"I understood that he just wanted a scout report. I guess if anyone's in danger we can try to help.
As to Kobolds, from what I understand the Avatars fought them way back when and supposedly destroyed them or some such thing. They're just savage lizard men, rather small too. I suppose it's not totally odd that they would come back with the assassination of the avatars...if you believed the avatars were assassinated. Maybe they were just waiting for an opportunity. Maybe the Avatars knew the Kobolds were waiting to attack so they made it seem like they'd been assassinated to draw them out."
That's fine.
"If we plan on walking we need to find a secure place to keep the horses. As for when we get there, I don't know that we can rightly plan that until we actually see what we are facing. Just because they have attacked doesn't necessarily mean the place has fallen yet."
"So, as soon as we find a decent place to stow the horses away we set out on foot and I will take a scouting position. A to what we will do when we get there? I believe we will have to cross that bridge when we arrive. Unfortuately we really do not know much as of yet." He pauses a moment, still scanning the country side. "There may not even be anything left to fight..."
Gut Lighter's words do get him to thinking though. What if it is true and the Avatar's were assasinated? Who would take power in such a situation?
Kn Nobility:
"That sounds like a good idea, Slanter." (I think we've introduced each other by now. Call me Traveler.) "Do these lizards see better at day or at night? We need to know. When Slanter finds the first of these lizard creatures, he can come back and tell us. If he cannot see the fort from that location, we may need to kill these lizards to get closer to the fort. But even if a third of this lizard army was killed overrunning the fort before they closed the doors, it still leaves two-thirds outside, right? We don't want the whole army on us before the militia arrives from Kempo."
"I think, from what I know about them, it woud be better to approach during the day. And I don't know why you guys keep talking about killing these things. I'm all for a fight but suicide is not going to help anyone. We need to find out as much as we can then report back to the military so they can plan an appropriate counter-attack. Then we can go in with them.
Worst case scenario is that the Fort has fallen. In which case it will be our job to track down where they moved off to, if they have moved.
Best case scenario, aside from them up and elaving, is that the Fort is intact. In which case we need to report enemy strength as quickly as possible and let someone know there are survivors."
"I assure you, sacraficing myself in battle with overwhelming odds of lizard folk is not in my plans at all." I let my hands fall to a relaxed position upon the blade hilts at my belt. "As I said, we scout... and then decide what is to be done. We can speculate all day long about the situation. I prefer fact over speculation."
"I agree with that last part wholeheartedly. Let us find a place to secure the horses and see what there is to see before worrying too much about specific plans."
"Then I guess we're all agreed. We'll secure the horses and move forward on foot, hopefully up a side path, with Slanter scouting ahead since he has volunteered."
I nod to Gut Lighter as he mentions my scouting ahead.
As soon as we tie off the horses I begin moving away from the others, "I will signal if there is trouble..." I sprint off to get a good lead and then slow my pace watching the country side as I pull two daggers from their sheaths.
I look for cover where ever I can find it an keep to the shadows as much as possible. This is much easier in the city. I think as I step on a twig. The snapping sound, though I know is not very loud, sounds like thunder to my ears.
"So does anybody know anything about that guy," I say, thrusting my chin ahead of us.