Goblin Squad Member
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A woman enters hesitantly, clearly uncomfortable at the crowd.
She wears a long and simple moss-green hooded cloak over a dark robe. Her feet are clad in rough and dirty boots. Her unruly dark hair is wild and interwoven with small fetishes.
Keeping her face down and with shoulders hunched defensively, she quickly makes her way to the bar where she passes a few bottles across to Ara, muttering something to him in a soft voice and accepting the proffered cup of wine.
Clutching the cup of wine, the woman glares around, evidently seeking a quiet corner. Finding none available, she instead makes herself small and inconspicuous at the bar. Unless anyone is concentrating on her, she soon fades (non-magically) into the background.
((Thanks for the good wishes folks my father is now doing fine I am glad to see and has weathered his stroke with minimal lasting effects. Apologies for the delays in getting back to the rp grindstone but family takes precedence))
Mrs Steelwing gazes into Jordans eyes shyly "Oh nothing secret good sir merely a bit of background information is all we are looking for. Merely an overview of the various cities and towns of the regions. What they do, how they are governed, which are safe that sort of thing. I am sure we will be happy to recompense a traveler such as yourself handsomely for his time".
She glances to the side at Xeen briefly and while her lips hardly seem to move a whisper carries to his ears "I will be in the stables in 15 minutes if that suits".
She turns to steelwing and says "Will you look after this fine man's needs" she points at Jordan "while I go and fetch some writing materials from my saddlebags"
Turning back to Jordan she says "my friend here will start taking notes I will be back shortly after I fetch some materials from my baggage. In the meantime feel free to talk to..." she trails off looking at Steelwing quizzically obviously expecting him to supply his name.
Steelwing looks at mrs Steelwing then turns to Jordan and holds out his hand "Ezekiel Cutter seargeant in the..." he pauses briefly before continuing "red eagle condotta until recently"
Mrs Steelwng crooks an eyebrow at Steelwing very briefly before turning back to Jordan "anyway Zeke here will be able to keep you occupied with questions till I return". With that she turns on her heel her robe flaring slightly as she does so and head towards the door of the inn without even a glance at Xeen
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Goblin Squad Member
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Zael opens the window beside him and picks up one of the pebbles. He slips out a closed letter and places it on the pebble before tossing both out the window. Halfway to the window the pebble flows into the form of a jet-black sparrow with a white streak down its back. Zael then leans back and begins to polish the next pebble, continuing his awful humming.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Jordon nods appreciatively to Mrs. Steelwing as she reveals the kind of information she wants. Though he hasn't been in the area long Jordon does have a knack for quickly learning the local scene wherever he goes, and he seems proud that someone would single him out as knowledgeable in such matters.
Jordon, though interested in the meaning behind Ezekiel's pause, nonetheless replies as he shakes the offered hand, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Jordon Narciso, formerly of the popular band Squealy Nord out of Absalom. What would you like to start with?" He seems at ease, as if in his element when supplying minor details about the locality.
Steelwing catches the barmaids eye and orders another mead for himself and a goblet of wine for mrs Steelwing then turns to Jordan. "I have sent out for a map of the River kingdoms which should be here soon. Once here if you would give us a few details on the places marked upon it then I am sure we would find suitable recompense for you. While we wait however you could start by telling me a little about the major powers hereabouts". Steelwing rummages in his bag bringing out a few sheets of paper as he prepares to take notes.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Jordon considers a moment, then begins. "Well, I'm sure I don't need to tell someone like you about the more widespread powers. Hellknights, Pathfinders, big religion, yadda yadda. The kind of people who are all over the place and boringly consistent wherever you see them. They do pull strings around here, just like they do in every other corner of the Inner Sea, so you'll need to watch out for them. Luckily the people of these lands tend to avoid joining such organizations and they don't have as much a stranglehold here as in other places."
After a short sip of his drink, he continues, "The local powers are mostly groups of thugs and charismatic self-made nobles. The town of Thornkeep of to the east of here is probably the biggest local power. It's led by a certain Baron Blackshield, and is mostly a pigsty for brigands to congregate at. 'Sides that there isn't a whole lot. This area was completely wild just a short while ago, and people are just getting their heels dug in to claim their power. Excitin' stuff, eh?"
After making sure that Steelwing is current in his notes, Jordan says, "So, where do we go from there? We can talk about one of the groups in particular, or maybe a specific area. I could detail some of the smaller organizations. Choices, choices..." He seems to be enjoying the chat, and is giving the information quite readily.
Steelwing grimaces at the mention of the widespread powers "Yes I have swung a sword both for and against most of those you mention from time to time so I would prefer to avoid them as far as possible. I don't want to get sucked back into their machinations.. Takes a sip of mead as he considers a bit tapping his lower lip with a finger absent mindedly " How much do you know about the more locally based powers? The self styled rulers who look to no power outside these lands?. That seems to me a more likely place to look to settle. What is the local power situation?"
Mrs Steelwing loosens the bindings on a wicker cage strapped to the back of a pack horse. Making a soft cooing noise she reaches inside the cage and carefully pulls out a plump pigeon. She continues cooing reassuringly to the bird as she fastens a small metal tube to its leg not even pausing as she hears someone enter the stable behind her. "You wanted to speak privately I believe?" she says without turning around.
Grickin glances away from the giant's head, eyes widening. "The local power situation!"
Beaming, the well-armed druid rushes over to Steelwing. "My good sir, the name's Grickin. That's my name. I am leader of an indubitably potent organization known as the Mooncalves. We represent certain fringe religious movements, and maintain the utmost of sensible order in these, erm, Kingdoms."
He bows. "If you two gentlemen of fine repute wish to discuss this matter of power, I will be happy to also be here and lend my expert expertise. You happen to find me in an indulgent mood."
Steelwing runs appraising eyes over the newcomer. " Drag up a chair and feel free to join in the more information I get the better choice I can make on where would be a good place to settle. After all I don't want to make my home somewhere and then find myself right back in the middle of a war now.". Steelwing smiles and takes another sip of his mead as he prepares to take more notes.
Grickin grabs a chair and sits in it backwards. "Well, then." His voice turns a bit less frenetic. "What are you looking for, exactly?"
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Goblin Squad Member
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The older fellow who had earlier been busing tables pokes his head out from the kitchen, makes eye contact with Jorm, and says, "Need another tub of dishwater brought in from the well."
The resident giant nods slowly, rises from his tree stump stool, and follows the old serving man back through the swinging door.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Zael abruptly halts polishing the stones and stands up, pushing the pebbles back into his coat before marching over to the table where Steelwing, Jordan, and Grickin are. He again reaches in his coat and pulls out six coins, of which he gives a pair to each person sitting at the table.
I would... beg leave to join you gentlemen, as well as pay for my... entry.
Without waiting for a reply he pulls up a chair backwards beside Jordan and sits down head resting on the seat back, masked face swiveling to turn its single eye slit upon the fellow.
Please do not... halt on my account.
((Malificia and others, there is now a corner booth by a window that is empty. Good luck being the first to take it heh.))
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Goblin Squad Member
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The wild-haired woman in the moss-green cloak, noticing that a corner booth is now vacated, takes her barely-sipped wine to that corner.
Once established, her cloak seems to come alive. From its inner folds, a medley of small creatures emerge, sniffing the air cautiously and then bouncing off to scavenge discarded crumbs and other leftovers from the immediate area.
'Should any of you wish to earn a witch's gratitude, with some potent potions thrown in, I have need of some rare herbs, only found farther afield than I care to travel.'
Although possibly addressed to the animals (two weasels and a small hedgehog certainly look up, blinking in bewilderment), the announcement is more likely meant for a wider audience.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Mrs Steelwing loosens the bindings on a wicker cage strapped to the back of a pack horse. Making a soft cooing noise she reaches inside the cage and carefully pulls out a plump pigeon. She continues cooing reassuringly to the bird as she fastens a small metal tube to its leg not even pausing as she hears someone enter the stable behind her. "You wanted to speak privately I believe?" she says without turning around.
In fact I did, I saw you noticed my friend here and his shiny jewelry. What is it that peaked your interest?
Xeen moves to the front of the horse and pats it on the neck.
After waiting for the initial response he continues I am seeking a wizard that is capable of freeing a trapped soul. I can pay well for the service. Maybe you have this knowledge? And my friend here would like to have one of your pigeons... He has eaten too many rodents and they just dont taste like chicken.
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Goblin Squad Member
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Jordon considers, then tells Steelwing, "Yes, but of course; we can go over some of the smaller powers. The first..."
Jordon is cut off by the arrival of Grickin into the conversation; he waits for that man to settle down and gets ready to speak again. Unfortunately for him, before he can get his mouth open yet another interloper comes to the table and interrupts in a most peculiar fashion.
By now a little peeved, Jordon responds to Zael, "Are you paying for a song or something?" holding the coins in the air for emphasis.
Steelwing looks down at the coins on the coins on the table then gazes unblinkingly at the newcomer waiting for him to explain himself.
((As a quick point by the way Steelwing was sitting at the bar and as he hasn't moved I assume the others had joined him there so we aren't actually at a table ))
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Goblin Squad Member
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The old serving man who Steelwing had asked to send for a map exits the kitchen with a small scroll case in his hand. He moves towards Steelwing at the bar, but politely waits for his attention, not wanting to interrupt the conversation of the growing crowd around the old soldier.
Zael abruptly halts polishing the stones and stands up, pushing the pebbles back into his coat before marching over to the table where Steelwing, Jordan, and Grickin are. He again reaches in his coat and pulls out six coins, of which he gives a pair to each person sitting at the table.
I would... beg leave to join you gentlemen, as well as pay for my... entry.
Without waiting for a reply he pulls up a chair backwards beside Jordan and sits down head resting on the seat back, masked face swiveling to turn its single eye slit upon the fellow.
Please do not... halt on my account.
((Malificia and others, there is now a corner booth by a window that is empty. Good luck being the first to take it heh.))
Grickin bites one of the coins, scowls, and pockets them both. "Didn't halt anything."
He leans over, eye twitching. "So, we're talking about who's what and where. Grickin knows a thing or two about that, but I don't always listen to the who when there's gold in the rivers." Giving a wide smile, he offers his hand to Brother Zael. "I'm of the Mooncalves--what some would call a raiding party. Burning down houses, heralds of woe, or what...well, that's all blood 'neath the bridge hereabouts, anyway. 'Sides, who has time for burning villages when there's bandits and guards crawling through the woods like termites in the...wood?"
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Goblin Squad Member
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((Jordan, it is a combination of both. His normal voice is slightly raspy, but the pauses are because he isn't able to speak long do to physical afflictions for torture. That and he is carefully thinking about his words. So a blend of like, V, Bane, and Snake... heh. Steelwing, totally didn't realize sorry xD heh))
(to jordan) If that is what you will... supply, then for a song I am... paying. I gave the money because people in these... parts seem to... respect it above most anything else... outside of some of the more... honorable individuals... of course. (to Steelwing)I am paying to... hear what these gentlemen say... and it is your question so I am... paying to be included as one to whom it is... answered. I wouldn't want to... invite myself without some form of... compensation, but neither do I wish to be... turned away. I can always... retrieve them if they... offend the senses? (to Grickin) All is like... dust in the wind. I do not make worries of... organizations such as yours. Sometimes they hold better than... self-entitled leaderships do.
(didn't see grickin's post xD so i editted that in)
Grickin's expression turns serious. "I can't pay anyone coin, but my trade's in blood. I can pay in that." His eyes glitter. He fingers the blade of the red-stained scythe strapped to his back. "But I don't think anyone here would like that very much."
After a moment, he gives a manic grin and drops his hand. "Ha! Anyway, I'll be keeping the coin, Mister...?" He frowns at the strange newcomer. "Dust in the wind? Glass shards in the rivers. Blood in the water." His head cocks. He blinks.
Steelwing notices the old man hovering and beckons him over thanking him politely for the service and presses a gold coin into his hand "Spend it well grandfather" he gives the man a smile then turns back to those around him " Gentleman we now have a map for reference" as he speaks he deftly removes the rolled map from the tube and spreads it flat using the two coins Zael put on the table to anchor two of the corners. "If we ignore places such as Thornkeep for the moment I am more interested in the independent settlements as a place to settle down and take to the stationary life"
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Goblin Squad Member
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((anyway))
(To Grickin) That which people seem to... call me is Brother Letholdus... Zael. It may be found an... opportunity to be... required of blood payment. Oil on the fire? Petty... circumstances I would say... without the... Sight there is so much to be... seen. Funny. (To Steelwing) Indeed? Who will be... settling down, and what will about... the domain of the previous... inhabitants?
Grickin seems to snap out of his reverie. "A map! How precious!" He leans over in his chair to stare with wide-eyed wonder.
After a moment, he jabs at two regions on the map."Whoops, no good. Mating season for the goblins this time of year. That's not a place fit for us civilized folk."
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((anyway))
(To Grickin) That which people seem to... call me is Brother Letholdus... Zael. It may be found an... opportunity to be... required of blood payment. Oil on the fire? Petty... circumstances I would say... without the... Sight there is so much to be... seen. Funny. (To Steelwing) Indeed? Who will be... settling down, and what will about... the domain of the previous... inhabitants?
Grickin looks over, distracted from the map. "Staring at a starling's all well and good, Brother, but staring at a rook loses you two eyes. You won't see anything, then--though I guess it depends on your point of view. If seeing the face of oblivion every second doesn't appeal to you, careful who you look too hard at."
"Ha! Well, Brother, that makes two of us."
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Goblin Squad Member
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((he is awesome :I on a fun fact, if any of you bother, you can check my profile page for some light reading. I guess you could say I... "borrowed" from Baruch Spinoza. heh heh heh heh heh heh.))
Noticing the man hovering by his elbow Steelwing looks up on him "Going to join us? If so order a drink on me and pull up a stool. I am sure you hear lots of gossip in a place like this".
Hearing the old mans words Steelwing reacts instantly to the door slamming open rising swiftly and backing into clear space his hand going to the hilt of his sword ready to draw " Thanks for the warning "
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Goblin Squad Member
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A large figure, well over six feet, charges through the doorway as the door bounces off the wall with the force of his kick. He is draped in a thick, brown woolen cloak reaching to the ground. His head is covered by its ample hood and a shock of black tangled beard protrudes from its shadowed interior.
A patron nearer the door screams as he flings his cloak back, swings up a loaded crossbow that was hidden beneath, and levels it at Steelwing.
"Vengeance is mine!" he growls as he fires off the bolt.
Steelwing pivots on one foot so the bolt flies past him missing by inches as he turns the full 360 degrees he scoops a bottle off the bar hurling it at the crossbow man's head. With a silken hiss his sword leaps from the scabbard and he charges the man in the doorway aiming to shoulder barge him off his feet.
Steelwing switches direction mid charge by diving to the mans right. He tucks and rolls coming back to upright on one knee parallel to the mans position about two feet to his right. As he rises to stand he uses his momentum to turn 180 dragging his longsword around in a low backhanded arc which if it connects will likely hamstring the man,
Steelwing jumps back avoiding the foot but uses his free hand to try and catch the foot so he can yank the mans leg upwards and throw him to the ground " For a stranger you are trying mighty hard to kill me care to tell me why so I know why you died?"
Grickin's notched scythe is at the ready, but an excited smile starts to form as he observes the violence.