Xanthan has no problem leaving his weapons with the young lad, having been through the procedure of dining with nobles before. Xan tosses a silver piece to the boy as he takes his weapons. After that he gives a grin to Lady Bisimone and Keiran as they are brought in and goes without a fuss when it is his turn.
I am going to have fun on this venture. Xan thinks to himself as he watches Bisimone and Keiran go into the hall.
Bisimone takes Xanthan's hand as she exits the coach. Thank you good sir. Glancing down at her aide's half done breeches, she smirks a sly smile. She walks forward, stretching her legs, and gives Keiran a wink. I think for now I would rather we just enjoy the mystery.
Jeyhen looks expectantly at the group. Realizing some reluctance or confusion exists as to proper protocol, he takes it upon himself to begin the process. Milords, milady, before I begin the introductions, I must address a matter of decorum. No weapons will be allowed in the presence of the assembly. In yonder alcove before the great hall, you will find a series of weapons racks. Please feel free to deposit your items there. Young master Delo will take charge of them and see they come to no harm while you dine. The young boy beyond seems to rise up in stature at the mention of his name. Spell wielders will be on their honor to do no craft whilst in the presence of the assembly as well. Manservant Denorin gesturing to the older man, will seat the first guest, and then return for each in sequence. Please, do not address the assembly unless first addressed.
The aging majordomo then stamps his staff once upon the ground, at which the boy Delo strikes his chime with the sword. It echoes a clarion tone, followed by Jeyhen’s voice drifting from the great hall, “Lady Bisimone.” Denorin steps forth, offering his arm.
As Denorin returns, Keiran of Surtova.
Upon returning, Denorin offers his arm Xanthan of Lebeda.
Next back, the manservant motions for his charge to join him Master Simondale Albus of Sarenrae.
Lastly, as Denorin returns and offers his arm, the halfling calls Adinas Hawkeye.
Keiran goes about the systematic and ceremonial process of removing his weapon belt and carefully wrapping it in a delicate spiral around the neck of his sword scabbard. He then presents the weapon with two hands to Delo. He turns to Xanthan and asks, "How do I look?", but before Xan is able to answer,
" Keiran of Surtova. ".
Keiran straigtens himself and lets out a long breath before walking into the room. He takes his place beside Bisimone, making a conscious effort to park himself between the sorceress and his always-too-friendly-friend.
Adinas leaves his sword and bow and proceeds with the halfling upon his introduction. He tries to appear as calm and collected as possible, though he feels out of place among others with noble family names and other honorifics.
"Smaller swords wielded with more finesse and subtlety can be just as good," Adinas adds. "With a a giant sword like that one starts to feel that whipping it out is the solution to every problem." Adinas smirks at Xan and then turns to Bisimone. "So you are a spellcaster? I am very interested in magic. I've been studying some things that a wizard gave me. Perhaps you could help me."
Before the group enters the manor, Bisimone responds to Adinas.
While my magic, is powered by the energies within my blood, my father did send me to some of the better mystical tutors in New Stetven. I'm sure that I can help you with some of the basics. After that, you will be able to manage well on your own. Divergent paths in the woods often look similar after all, do they not.With that, Bisimone offers a wink, a smile, tosses her curls and proceeds towards Jeyhen. She is confident Xan is watching her sway.
The great hall is open and sparsely decorated. Two great chandeliers hang overhead, mystic flames giving off light to the massive table below, casting moving shadows across the ceiling. The bare stone walls seem aged and worn; many servants having spent many years scrubbing and scouring away the grime and grit of time. The floors are well worn, yet brightly polished hardwoods, cast in a pattern you do not easily recognize. Twelve oaken chairs of a sturdy, plain design are laid around the table, upon which is gathered a sumptuous affair of many dishes favored in Rostland. Each of the guests is lead to a chair opposite a member of the assembly, the gathering with which you have been summoned to meet.
Across from Lady Bisimone is the Lord Mayor of Restov, Ioseph Sellemius. He sits a large man, corpulent in both girth and bombastic manner. He heartily welcomes each guest, thanking them for coming and welcoming them to Rostland and Restov. Welcome to Restov. On behalf of the city and of Rostland, thank you for coming. Please be seated.
Seated to the left of Bisimone, Keiran finds themselves opposite an aged, well-groomed statesman. His head a snowy mane, his eyes an icy blue, yet his smile seems to warm you slightly. He nods and states his welcome, introducing himself as Lord Noel Orlovsky, head of the Merchant’s Council of Restov. Salutations and greetings young worthies.
To the right of Bisimone, Xanthan is seated in the presence of Ol’ Deadeye’s living representative in Rostland, the elder priest Tamus Kahn, servant of Erastil. It seems Erastil truly favors Tamus, as the aging man has grown into many features commonly attributed the Master Huntsman, a wild mane, piercing eyes, and a gaze that could halt a deer mid-leap or calm a frightened child. Welcome to Rostland.
Simondale is brought to the table across from an armored gentleman in the livery of the Restovian Guard, High Captain Jannos Lemurge. One of the youngest officers ever to rise to such ranks, Jannos is known for his near single handed defeat of a wild band of barbaric nomads from the west two years hence. Good day, good journey.
To Simondale’s left a large high-backed chair holds a well-muscled late aged man with the bearing and stature of a man of station. His raven hair is thinning, his beard and moustache showing grey, yet his form remains lithe and leanly muscled. His tabard and brooch mark him as one of the Swordlords, obviously this is name Dunkrint. Greetings my guests, and welcome.
Adinas is brought to the head of the table, to the right of Xanthan, across from a traveler little better dressed than the average of your gathered band of guests. His reddish brown hair and moustache are trimmed and neat, his face jovial and welcoming. He introduces himself as Jacob Pero, an humble explorer and cartographer. As the introductions have proceeded, he seems to have occupied his time fiddling with a small box compass he keeps in his vest pocket.
To Adinas' right, at the head of the table, rests a chair higher and larger than that occupied by Swordlord Dunkrint. No tableware has been set there, no place setting available. Obviously, at least one guest has failed to arrive.
As the last guest is seated, the introductions completed, Dunkrint rises, offering a toast, To Restov, to Rostland, to Brevoy, looking to each of you, and to new exciting opportunities for all, let this feast begin.
A period of small talk occurs over the meal. Four courses are served along with a variety of snacks and appetizers. Scattered across the table are a variety of mint and vegetable tarts with creams, tiny buns of mixed meat pastes, and assorted raw vegetable.
The first course consists of hollowed out legumes filled with spicy mountain pepper bits of chicken and game birds.
The second course is a large trout from the Sellen, hickory smoked with a fruity salsa of sweet raspberriers and rare moonberries in a light sweet syrup.
The main course consists of individual young pheasants stuffed with a lamb and rice fill, roasted and served with mixed braised vegetables and spiced fried potatoes.
For deserts, the chef himself brings forth platters of a baked rhubarb cobbler, pierced with rhubarb swords braised in a citrus glaze, and topped with a rare confection, iced rhubarb and ginger cream.
Bon apetite.
Keiran will attempt to garner any information he can regarding the upcoming excursion from anyone of the lords willing to talk.
Keiran will attempt to garner any information he can regarding the upcoming excursion from anyone of the lords willing to talk.
1d20+1
The group does not give away much, but it seems Rostland has been strangled in trade routes recently. Between higher tariffs into the other areas of Brevoy, and increased banditry to the south, the land may suffer hardships soon if things do not change.
It seems unlikely the Dragonscale Throne intends to lower tariffs anytime soon.
OMG, GRATS!! HURRAY!! We'll keep your seat warm! All the best to you and your fam!
Keiran will attempt to garner any information he can regarding the upcoming excursion from anyone of the lords willing to talk.
1d20+1
The group does not give away much, but it seems Rostland has been strangled in trade routes recently. Between higher tariffs into the other areas of Brevoy, and increased banditry to the south, the land may suffer hardships soon if things do not change.
It seems unlikely the Dragonscale Throne intends to lower tariffs anytime soon.
"I see.. and.. what do you foresee our role to be..?"
Congrats on the new gamer. Best wishes to the whole family.
"I see.. and.. what do you foresee our role to be..?"
That will remain to be seen once the pleasantries are finished, whispers Lord Orlovsky.
"No need to ply your craft today, Jacob," Adinas says wryly, nodding at the compass, "They're going to bring the pheasants to us."
He adds between mouthfuls, "I've done a bit of exploring and travelling myself. Never felt that I've quite perfected cartography, though. My maps never turn out quite as well as I'd like."
My maps never turn out quite as well as I'd like."
Putting away the compass, Jacob replies, I may have something to help with that, yes something useful indeed. See me in town, if you are still around. I hang my hat at the Buxom Boar.
Congratulations that's wonderful!
Bisimone tries to relax and enjoy the food. She makes small talk as the meal progresses but doesn't add much to the conversation. Quietly, she is eager to be done with the feast and on to why she and her new friends have been summoned here.
The Erastilian priest seems eager to engage in such a discussion, remarking how early Taldan expeditions to the area erected a few sites of importance to his master, Ol' Deadeye throughout the Stolen Lands, though most all were lost to time and predation. The only other religion of significance in those early days was a cult to a dark goddess that the Taldan immigrants fought against, ultimately defeating or driving out, the stories vary on that matter. Of course, he points out, there were other religions practiced in those lands, then as now, but none he remarks, has taken on the strength, depth, and lasting fortitude that his master engenders.
As he starts into the pros of worshipping Erastil, respectfully making mention of the contributions others such as Sarenrae, Abadar, and Gorum might bring to any community, he is interrupted by your host, Dunkrint, rising to propose one last toast, To worthy endeavours and to new associations. The other distinguished guests begin to rise, as double doors opposite the long hall open, revealing glimpses of what lies beyound. Wooden paneling, a well stocked credenza of tempting libations, and a high hearth giving warmth to this late afternoon, all first catch the eye. Then you see it is a library, as shelves upon shelves of books cover what walls are not tall glassed windows. An assortment of chairs, sofas, and other restful perches are scattered throughout the room, though a long table and lectern seems added to sit before the hearth. Six chairs are placed at the table, backs to the hearth. This will be the meeting hall for the true discussions of your future.
If our guests would excuse the assembly and myself for the moment, we have a small matter of business to which we must attend. Please, feel free to relax in the next room, and we will be with you shortly. Make yourselves at home, and all will be revealed as to the nature of our intentions, and to the purposes for this gathering. Thank you.
Simondale asks a few more questions to see if he recognizes the cults in the area, or knows which deity they may serve.
The priest of Erastil does not offer up any names, either of the cults or the less desirable gods that have played a part in the history of the Stolen Lands. Better left unsaid, at least for the time being.
Bisimone goes into the library and finds a comfortable chair and patiently waits for their return.
Xan and Keiran will go outside and check on the horses
Xanthan eats and drinks merrily, and relaxed, having been to dinners such as these before. He chats amiably with those near him, paying special attention to Bisimone. When questions turn to cults and the like he grunts but says naught else about them until the dinner is finished.
At the invitation into the library, Xan waits for the group but when Bisimone heads into the room he goes as well. Sipping a glass of nice red wine and looking over some of the books in the library. Despite appearances Xan is an avid reader and looks to see if there are any he recognizes, all the while keeping an eye on the exits...not that he is worrying but it is always good to have an escape plan should things go awry.
Xanthan eats and drinks merrily, and relaxed, having been to dinners such as these before. He chats amiably with those near him, paying special attention to Bisimone. When questions turn to cults and the like he grunts but says naught else about them until the dinner is finished.
At the invitation into the library, Xan waits for the group but when Bisimone heads into the room he goes as well. Sipping a glass of nice red wine and looking over some of the books in the library. Despite appearances Xan is an avid reader and looks to see if there are any he recognizes, all the while keeping an eye on the exits...not that he is worrying but it is always good to have an escape plan should things go awry.
At least, Keiran THOUGHT Xan went with him to check on the horses..
"Oh, Xan, I almost forgot, Cla.."
Keiran turns around, to find Xan is not with him, and rolls his eyes
"goddammit!"
Those interested in viewing the books and brick-a-brack have but a few minutes before the door opens and three of your hosts arrive. The books cover a variety of subjects, ranging from astronomy to zoology, with a strong emphasis on subjects particular to the areas in and around Brevoy. The largest collection of tomes seems to deal with the subject of history, with numerous works on Choral the Conqueror and the time both before and after his rise to power.
The three men seem slightly perturbed that some of you took it upon yourselves to examine the works. Apparently, "relax and make yourselves at home" may have been more of a figure of speech than an invitation to go through things not belonging to you.
Keiran returns as the men ask you to sit. Lord Mayor Sellemius takes the podium while Lord Orlovsky and Jacob Pero take seats at the table.
Gentlemen, and lady, we thank you for attending today, and for your discretion in the matters we will discuss today. Gesturing to the other attendees, and beyond the closed doorway, he continues. The others have needed to leave due to an unforeseen incident that has arisen. They have full confidence in the matters at hand, and have given their blessings for us to continue in their absence. Tell me, what do any of you know about the Stolen Lands, banditry in and amongst the River Kingdoms, or more specifically about the Greenbelt? He pauses a moment to allow you to answer.
Keiran looks around for someone to answer before he clears his throat, "A swath of land just south of here, whose claim has been the topic of debate for quite some time now. In the absense of authority, however, bandits have taken to running amok."
Lord Sellemius continues Rostland and Restov have not enjoyed the best of relationships with House Surtova and the Dragonscale Throne. The reasons are diverse and many, with deep grievances and issues held on both sides of the scepter. Suffice it, that Rostland finds itself facing strangled trade routes, ever increasing tariffs, and an increasing alarming rise in bandit activity along our borders.
A cough from Lord Orlovsky causes the Lord Mayor to pause, nod ever so slightly, then continue. The tariff issue is best handled in the political arena of Port Ice, and it is regrettable that I even mentioned it. Please do not feel my displeasure is any indication of disloyalty. Rostland and Restov beleive in the unity of Brevoy, and will always work both to improve the nation and for the betterment of it's peoples.
Lord Orlovsky interrupts for a moment, It is because of these issues that we asked for discretion from you and your peers. Conversations given in relaxed and casual fashion could be misconstrued, or subverted to cause mischief. We wish you to understand we work only for the greater good of all of Brevoy.
Taking a chance to rise, Jacob Pero speaks As many know, the Stolen Lands have long been a thorn in the side of the kingdoms that have risen and fallen in this small piece of Golarian, for age upon age it seems. I have studied the lands and its lore, first from the halls of Absalom, and now here in Restov. I have lent much of my service to this assembly because I hope to someday discover the reason and cause of this 'unusual' phenomenon.
Lord Sellemius continues, Master Pero is correct, and his insights have been of benefit in determining a course of action in regards to the Stolen Lands. The Dragonscale Throne has refused to allow troops or personal expeditions into the lands, for fear of upsetting the River Kingdoms or the indigenous peoples. Lord Noleski Surtova, our regent, feels any military or noble actions amongst the Stolen Lands would bring strife to Brevoy, whether from outside realms or challenges amongst the Seven Houses. However this course has left Rostland open to the depradations of the lawless and degenerate. We have therefore come upon a unique, and we feel fairly legal means of giving heed to the call of House Surtova, as well as benefiting Brevoy and Rostland. Each of you has been summoned to provide a service to our Kingdom, to serve both Brevoy and Rostland, to be agents and arms of Restov, and to do so with the blessings of the Dragonscale Throne as well. Lord Surtova's decrees have made mention of the need for Brevoy to exercise justice and enforce the will of the Dragonscale Throne upon all who would trespass upon it's sovereignty.
Lord Orlovsky looks to each of you in turn as he speaks We wish to commission your particular group to act on behalf of Restov and Brevoy in a part of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt. Others have taken commissions to serve in areas such as the Nomen Heights and Hooktongue Slough. What we seek is a group willing to explore the lands and seek out threats to the rightful rule of the Dragonscale Throne over the sovereign lands of Brevoy. Banditry, hostile monsters, and the depradations of foul humanoids would all pose such threats to our Regent and his reign, as their influence upon trade and rightful passage undermines the faith and confidence of the peoples of Brevoy. We cannot allow wellsprings of conceived weakness grow within the hearts and minds of our peoples, our neighbors, nor our allies. The safety of Brevoy and of the Regency are at stake. Do you have the will and desire to serve our nation?
perception check
While I cannot speak for my companions, I am a loyal citizen of Brevoy. I welcome the chance to prove myself and to serve your cause. What say you my fellows?
Keiran tries, in vain, to hide the smile slowly crossing his lips, "My shield is yours."
Xan keeps quiet about what he overheard for now. But when the Lord has finished his speech he will step forward and address them.
"Forgive me my lords if I get right to the point." Xan says with a very slight inclination of his head. "What is in it for us? I am all for going off to see this area, don't mistake my meaning, but I wish to know what sorts of resources we can expect and what sort of autonomy we will be allowed."
Looking to Lord Orlovsky, Lord Mayor Sellemius comments Perhaps Tamus was correct, with these worthies we may well save Brevoy.
Returning his gaze back, he clears his throat. Firstly, thank you all for assenting to assist us and the Regent. The Assembly appreciates you and your interest in the duty we wish to bestow upon you. Know that it was never our intention to send you out ill-prepared, nor improperly compensated. The Greenbelt holds promise for exploration and subdual. Indeed, perhaps it is those same qualities that have attracted the influx of bandits and brigands to the area. Glancing at the others he continues. First and foremost we seek an end to the bandit threat to our trade routes and to Brevoy's southern frontier. Three days beyond Nivakta's Crossing, a frontier fort maintained by a former Brevic native, has been attacked and despoiled by a group reportedly led by a man calling himself the Stag Lord. Master Oleg Leveton seeks aid in repelling this menace. That we request should be your first mission. Beyond that, we wish you to explore the Greenbelt in an area deemed acceptable by the Regency, to determine the level of threat posed to Brevoy. How you accomplish this should be guided by enforcing the laws and justice of Brevoy, ever mindful not to abuse the trust placed in you by the Regent, Lord Noleski Surtova.
Rising to face the group, Lord Orlovsky speaks. On the matter of just and fair compensation, a bounty has been established for certain persons known or suspected by the Throne of acting against the sovereignty of Brevoy? Against general miscreants, a seperate charge has been levied, to be awarded as deemed appropriate. Further, we humbly request for you to explore the Greenbelt, both to root out any existing enemies of Brevoy and fugitives from the Throne's justice, as well as any potential threats to the sovereignty of our Regent. Towards this end, we have been authorized to offer funds for the purchase of any accurate maps you create of the areas you explore. Furthermore, funds have been expended to purchase supplies and gear to make the journey more successful. Does this seem fair to you all, in exchange of course for such services as we seek you to provide?
Jacob Pero smiles throughout the ordeal, fiddling with his compass. Perhaps they might find something at my shop to be of use in their tasks. I suppose it all depends upon what you folks think will be useful in finding your path and seeking the secrets the Greenbelt holds most dear. He winks and joins his fellows awaiting your responses.
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I believe someone who refers to himself as 'stag lord' might be capable of listening to reason. It stands to reason that we should try to convince him to be a more productive member of society. I believe my companions and I are up to the task.
Bounty and provisions seem like fair compensation. What is the policy on any extra goods we find during our 'negotiations?' Obviously, if we can return stolen loot to its owners, we shall. But what of the unclaimed bric-a-brac? the young priest says to the assembly with a straight face.
Lord Orlovsky chuckles, Priest Albus, I appreciate your candor, albeit, the Stag Lord appears to where a stag's skull and has been reported to treat his prisoners much as one might treat a stag or doe after the hunt has ended. Please understand, we have sought, and still do seek, peaceful resolution to our problems, but these bounties have been posted for due cause. As to the dissolution of goods recovered, we will trust to the judgements of the Regent's representative.
Lord Orlovsky chuckles, Priest Albus, I appreciate your candor, albeit, the Stag Lord appears to where a stag's skull and has been reported to treat his prisoners much as one might treat a stag or doe after the hunt has ended. Please understand, we have sought, and still do seek, peaceful resolution to our problems, but these bounties have been posted for due cause. As to the dissolution of goods recovered, we will trust to the judgements of the Regent's representative.
"Wonderful! That is what I wanted to hear." Xan says with a smile. "Is there anything else we should know before we depart? I assume you would like us to leave as soon as possible for this Oleg's sake.
More will be discussed tomorrow, at Master Pero's shop, if you will the Lord Mayor states. For now, it is reaching late, and we all have a journey ahead of us this evening. The coach awaits you outside, to deliver you all back to Restov. Again we thank you, and look forward to meeting you, say half past eleven bells at Master Pero's shop. Any in town should be able to direct you to the Spinning Needle.
You are escorted out to the coach, and taken slowly back to town. You have the remainder of the evening and morning before you, before needing to appear at the shop. Anything you wish to do in the mean time?
Xanthan looks around at the rest of the group once they are all in the coach. Well that was fun! This should be an interesting trip. He continues to look over Bisimone on the way back, not leering, more appraising.
Bisimone spends much of the ride back to town lost in her own thoughts. She responds to idle small talk but does not carry much of any discussion. I am sure this is not what father had in mind but it surely sounds like an exciting experience. I have much to consider and even more preparations to make.
Xanthan goes back to the inn that he and Keiran had found. After bathing and getting himself cleaned up, he heads out to look for "entertainment". Hopefully he can find a cute serving girl or two of questionable morals. After all he thinks to himself, we have till half past 11 bells. No need to worry about time in the morning.
Bisimone goes back to her room at the inn, thinking over everything that has happened since she left home. She arranges a hot bath, bathes well, and powders herself as a lady should. She dresses in one of her better outfits. Girl what are you doing? Father would never approve.
Bisimone gets directions and makes her way to a certain inn. Asking the keeper, she climbs the stairs and slowly walks down the hall. Hesitantly she knocks at the door. No answer. She knocks again. No answer. She turns and proceeds back down the hallway. Crossing the crowded tavern, she spies Keiran. Of Xanthan she sees neither hide nor hair. Did he see me? Does he know of my moment of weakness? Will he tell? Well, Desna has decided, what could have been is not meant to be. Time to fly back on home. Guess he'll never know.
Bisimone returns to her room, changes into more suitable attire, then retires for the evening. Tomorrow looms to bring big changes to her life. No need for distractions with everything to come.
Bisimone goes back to her room at the inn, thinking over everything that has happened since she left home. She arranges a hot bath, bathes well, and powders herself as a lady should. She dresses in one of her better outfits. Girl what are you doing? Father would never approve.
Bisimone gets directions and makes her way to a certain inn. Asking the keeper, she climbs the stairs and slowly walks down the hall. Hesitantly she knocks at the door. No answer. She knocks again. No answer. She turns and proceeds back down the hallway. Crossing the crowded tavern, she spies Keiran. Of Xanthan she sees neither hide nor hair. Did he see me? Does he know of my moment of weakness? Will he tell? Well, Desna has decided, what could have been is not meant to be. Time to fly back on home. Guess he'll never know.
Bisimone returns to her room, changes into more suitable attire, then retires for the evening. Tomorrow looms to bring big changes to her life. No need for distractions with everything to come.
Keiran has kept silent since being given the task at Oleg's fort. He accompanies Xanthan to the tavern, but is clearly pre-occupied, and soon loses track of his more worldly friend.
He mulls over the Lords' words carefully over a mug of warm cider. "Bandits. No telling how many, and only 5 of us. This won't be easy. I know what Xan can do, but the others.. And this Oleg. Does he possess any combat prowess? "
As the night goes on, Keiran develops half a dozen combat manoeuvers for the group before looking up, half heartedly trying to find Xan to keep him out of trouble.
Giving up rather easily, he retires to bed.
The next morning a small crowd of individuals gather outside of Master Pero's shop. They seem to be hired for purposes similar to you respective group.
The first crowd to arrive is a group of dwarves and halflings, armored and armed. Axes and polearms dominate their weaponry. They both ride and lead a string of sturdy mountain ponies, and have a stacked cart pulled by an ox ready to carry their surplus gear. Lord Dunkrint and Priest Kahn seem to be joining the group, having a pair of stocky heavy horses laden to travel nearby. As members of your group arrive, the nobles notice and wave a mild greeting.
The second collection of persons seems to be a minor noble, though a closer inspection confirms no actual family crest adorns his finery. His retinue of slavish servants scurries around, packing bags, and shifting gear from a few heavy crates to various packs and bags piled atop a short series of pack horses and mules. The "lord to be" notices your group, gives a polite nod, then resumes his disdain over the delays his servants seem to be causing him.
The last group to arrive before you and your peers is a rough and tumble lot. They wear studded leathers and light chain armors, wielding a series of bows, short blades, and tridents. They look over the assemblage, you included, with some measure of disdain. A banner carried by a sharp and surly red-headed woman, the leader or someone close to the position, bears a bloody smear of read on a field of green, a black three pronged trident positioned to the fore. {Knowledge Local check if the skill is available to you to identify the mark}. She chuckles at one of her men as he makes some unheard comment, clearly regarding your group, and her eyes survey each of you, marking your measure as it were.
Master Pero, noting your arrivals, shouts a greeting and calls you over, encouraging you past the other groups, and seems eager to usher you into his shop.
Xan wakes up, groggy and confused. Looking around he realizes quickly that he is not in his room in the inn and is in fact sleeping in a stable. To his side he finds that he was successful finding a girl for the night but in this case wishes he hadn't. What he took for a cute young maid while in the throws of his drink, has turned out to be not exactly what he had remembered the night before. With the quiet of one who has done this before, he manages to extract himself from her grip without waking her. Looking again, he shudders, and dresses himself before slipping out and finding his way back to the inn.
Seeing the disapproving look that Keiran is giving him as he finds his way into the common room, Xan smiles at his friend and says So. Anything interesting happen while I was gone?
Nothing of note. Keiran says with a grimace. It's almost 11 bells. Cutting it a bit close again aren't we Xan?
Is it really that late already? I must have drunk more than I thought...and please don't shout. I can hear you fine. Xan closes his eyes and orders black coffee before going to his room to gather his things to go.
As Xan and Keiran reach the groups outside the shop, Xan chuckles to himself at the other groups and proceeds into the shop at Master Pero's urging.