The road stretches before CRAP, leading away from the relative grandeur of Phlan toward a quaint hamlet nestled at the edges of the Quivering Forest. The city's noise had gradually faded over the first moments of the trek, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature and honest rural work—the chirping of crickets, the breaking of ground done by horse-pulled plows, the cluck of chickens, and the distant rustle of leaves. The air is scented with the fragrance of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the surrounding farmland. As CRAP walks, the Stojanow Trail (road leading north of Phlan) transforms into a beaten dirt path surrounded by rolling hills and meadows dotted with colorful blossoms.
During the previous afternoon, Denae had stopped by the Leadstopper Residence to check on CRAP. "I promised to join you in your next adventure, so you can show me what you are about. Join you on your own terms, not mine. Well, here I am. Where are we going?" The truth is, CRAP was just finishing a two-tenday period of relative calm. The Cult of the Dragon had been laying low for some time, which could either mean that the several blows dealt to them by CRAP & Co. were causing significant delays to their grandiose plans, or something much worse. Without any immediate leads to follow on that front, and when prodded by Denae for an adventure to go on, CRAP admitted there was at least one pending promise that had been nagging the back of their minds: a certain twisted fey lord had placed an open invitation for CRAP to come and visit the depths of the Quivering Forest. There was something Lord Witchthorn want to talk to CRAP about. CRAP felt they had delayed that encounter for long enough. It was time to make good on that agreed visit. Why not do it with Denae's backing if she seems so willing?
Denae agreed to join the group, murmuring something about specializing in finding extra-planar portals. "You folks are in luck, I'm the ranger for the job," she had said, launching a snarky smile at CRAP's own resident ranger. After some preparations, CRAP + Denae left Phlan earlier this morning. Denae had convinced the group that simply waltzing into fey territory (like CRAP had done when following Lord Velejo and dozens of allies into combat) would be a recipe for disaster. She insisted the party instead make their way to a hamlet know as Kabel's Hill, located just at the outskirts of the Quivering Forest. There, CRAP could restock supplies and collect intel directly from those who live closest to the fey forest. Why risk entering their territory blind if you can spare the time to gather information?
So now, CRAP walks the Stojanow Trail. Having just recently stopped for their midday meal, the party estimates they will arrive in Kabel's Hill by this time tomorrow. For now, though, the party revels in the freedom of the open road.
(OOC: As is now tradition, please go ahead and describe what your characters may be doing and use this time to share any info you’d like with your fellow adventurers. This is also my chance to remind you to share a description of your characters, as some of you may be sporting updated looks if you so desire.)
CRAP's resident cleric was relishing being back on the road. Their extended rest had been useful to reaffirm his commitment to his temple, catch up with Sagin and indulge some new interests, but in reality the half-orc didn't belong in the city. He was as devout as anyone in the temple, but he had a skill set none of the rest of them possessed and it thrived outside of civilisation.
The cleric's plate armour clanked gently as he walked along the road, his ever watchful shield strapped to his arm and a small array of blunt maces hung at his side and indicated his other talents. The simple fabric tabbard and prominent symbol of Torm upon it left little doubt as to his faith.
"So Danae, what's Kabel's Hill like? Any traders set up shop there?"
Neya has given herself some time to get acquainted with a new skillset. She's still got a ways to go. But, she's satisfied with her progress.
Her clothes are unassuming, but fashionable. But, coming out of her right sleeve is a silvery-gray tattoo that reaches her fingertips. She also has a few weapons on her person as well as a small pouch filled with curiosities.
She is no stranger to longer treks out of town, having done it a few times before. She asks Denae out of curiosity, "I wonder how the people there manage to keep safe despite being so close that particular forest."
The jab, while not lost on halfling, failed to elicit more than a grunt and a weak smirk from the stoutling. The same one that, ever since the group came to the conclusion of finally heeding the Fey Lord's request, became more pensive at times, and at others seemed tense once again. Even Biscuits occasionally attempts at drawing out focus more on the present from the halfling led to weak results throughout the journey. So the mastiff gave up, and instead took advantage of the distraction to occasionally dip off the path to explore the passing surroundings or take in the scents. At one point he even snagged a small bushel of flowers and padded over to Danea and Neya each in turn to offer them the gift.
As for Doozey, he plooded along in the back, absentmindedly at times running a finger along several recently made makeshift fetishes strapped to his belt. "Could be they have their own pact made with the forest dwellers, or could be they just aren't bother as much beyond the occasional prank to really worry about such dangers."He pipes up with, before looking to Danea, curious to see if he'd come close.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I have only been there once before, maybe twice." Denae answers Utar's questions as she walks in the middle of the group. "They don't have much to offer. Kabel's Hill serves primarily as a way station for travelers and for grains and goods headed to Phlan by river. It also acts as a forward outpost for the city, sending riders south to warn of approaching dangers, though I am willing to bet your Black Fists friends don't actually hear from Kabel's hill all that often. They have an inn, a general goods store, a blacksmith, and a few more locations of interest I can't quite recall at the moment. It's been a while."
A little later, when Neya wonders about their safety, Denae is more curt: "Sounds like the type of intel we are going there to gather." The Sister had noticed Neya's silvery tattoo before, and perhaps had even asked about it, but she couldn't hold back a fresh question when spotting its silvery glimmer against the sunlight. "How exactly does it work? I caught a glimpse of you activating it in battle last time but am still uncertain. Should I look into getting one too?"
Denae is a bit surprised when offered flowers by Doozey, but accepts them nonetheless. She holds them for a few minutes, uncertain of what to do with them, and then finds a solution. As the group walks, she weaves a few choice flowers in the tundra mastiff's fur. "There!" Later, when the halfling mentioned a possible pact, Denae agrees: "Yes, quite possible. I doubt the fey would allow such a nearby settlement were they not given some sort of assurance."
The party continues their trip on a good pace, which is speedy enough for them to soon notice that Kabel's Hill was a bit closer to Phlan than Denae remembered. Instead of a day and one-half away, CRAP manages to approach the small town in about a day of walking. In the distance, CRAP sees a small, lightly fortified hamlet settled along a narrow stretch of the Stojanow River. Its simple stone wall is no more than 10ft high. It is a rainy evening by the time the party approaches the unmanned but closed wooden gates, although some would call it more of a drizzle. In the nearby area, you can see broken tree branches and plenty of scattered leaves, water puddles, and generic debris; telltale signs of a particularly nasty recent storm. The farming field surrounding the small fortifications are fat with wheat and vegetables, and the few animals who have not yet finished grazing for the day are fatter still.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While awaiting to see what came of Utar's announcement, Doozey allowed his gaze to wander back to the fields, both worked and not, and toyed with the idea of getting a jump start on recon. However, the thought does not linger for long before being quietly dismissed with a shake of his head, before then turning to look to the gate. Biscuits stands nearby with flowers not only still woven in his fur, but in some place even seeming to take root even deeper, as his more primal bond with nature subtly worked its magic. As patient a beast he was, Biscuit would all the same strain his ears, and try to discern past the pitter patter of rain any signs of approaching locals beyond the gate.
Neya lift up her arm and does a cursory inspection of her arm. "I'm still studying it myself. From what I can tell the ink is magically modified in a way to react to one's will. It only needs a small mental push. The rest, you saw for yourself. I might be wrong, but it also seems to add more force to my strikes, even on the arm that doesn't have it. Quite a mystery."
With the rain beating down on the party, she curses her lack of foresight in not having some sort of cloak to protect from the rain.
"Hmmm..." Denae replies pensively to Neya's description of her tattoo, clearly considering whether she could put such a mysterious ink to use on her own body. Her thoughts are then interrupted by Utar's move toward the gate.
Utar's initial thuds are enough to elicit a response from the other side, albeit in the form of footsteps getting closer. Biscuit's sharp hearing picks them up first, giving Doozey an indication that a posted guard is on their way. Utar's follow-up statement is launched before the guard's presence is made know to anyone else. Then, a small eye-level door on the gate slides open, revealing the eyes of a middle-aged human woman. Her eyes dart around, drinking all the information they can gather from the four individuals and their pet standing outside the gates of Kabel's Hill. "And from where do you hail?" she asks, to which Denae promptly responds: "Phlan."
The gates open after the guard's eyes shift around for another second or two, and the party is invited in. She closes the gate again as soon as all CRAPers make their way into the fortified hamlet. "Go on," she says. "If you came from Phlan, then you'll want to head into The Leaky Bucket." She points to one of the larger buildings on the main thoroughfare.
Now inside the walls, CRAP has a chance to take in their first impressions of Kabel's Hill. The small collection of houses and barns sits atop a low rise on the western bank of the Stojanow. About a dozen buildings are tucked away inside the wooden palisade, which is reinforced by stone around the gate. Tonight, the place seems to be in a bit of an uproar. Most, if not all, of the local folk have gathered in The Leaky Bucket judging by the sounds coming from within the local tavern. No one is wandering about outside, and all other buildings have had their lanterns extinguished for the night. This gives the town and oddly abandoned feel, apart from The Leaky bucket, that is.
"I guess we'll have to wait to visit the general store or the blacksmith," Denae says while looking around to see if she remembers the exact locations of these other establishments. She then points to three tall, wooden, round structures with conical roofs and adds: "Oh, right. Those are the granaries. I remember them now. They are hard to miss." She is then interrupted by the guard: "It doesn't look like you are in need of the stables..." She looks at Biscuit's size and offers: "...unless the big hound here needs a stall."
Both Doozey and Biscuit share a sidelong look, and then a smirk. "S'pose that would be up to the proprietor or -tess, as the case may be, to decide that one. Though I wager one look at this charming fellow, a couple of promises, and a bit of extra coin aughta settle the matter favorably enough."He said. "If'n ya don't mind a quick question tho' 'fore we make are way on, and, uh, don't read too much into this. But, uhm... Anything odd or curious happen over the past tenday or so in the area that you know about?" The stoutling asked, sounding more genuinely curious than anything else.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar gives the guard a nod of thanks and waits for their response to Doozey's question. In the meantime, he scans the entrance to Kabel's Hill, trying to get a better lay of the land than their newest ranger seems to have. He keeps it to himself, but he strongly suspects Danae is likely more at home in the wilderness than in any kind of built environment.
The guard smiles at Doozey's answer regarding Biscuit, before sharing a name and pointing once again at The Leaky Bucket: "If you need the stables, look for the Brightbells."
The conversation then turns to tonight's event. "Haven't you heard? I thought you came from Phlan because of it. We sent a messenger." Once she wipes the incredulous look off her face, she continuous. "The town hermit went into the forest. We are not supposed to go into the forest." Turning to Neya and her question, she answers: "They are trying to figure out what to do. Everyone is in there. Go on, Hupe will tell you about it." She then turns to keep watch over the wall but you feel it won't be long before she heads into the tavern herself.
In the meantime, Utar has been keeping an eye out, trying to spot any other potential points of interest Denae's eyes might have missed. Surely enough, in addition to the tavern, the stables, the general goods store, and the blacksmith, the Tormite identifies a busy-looking (in terms of objects, crates, barrels, etc; not people at the moment) set of river docks. If Kabel's Hill's economy is indeed based primarily on it serving as a way station for grains and other goods headed to Phlan, it certainly makes sense that much of the town's commerce would take place right there at the docks. The granaries Denae pointed out also round out Utar's observations.
"Ah, then we best head inside and see if we might be able to lend some help after all. How would you describe Hupe for those who have not visited here before?"
Utar waits for the guards reply and then offers a parting as he strides towards the warmth of the inn.
"My thanks, stout yeoman, I hope you find some shelter from the rain soon enough!"
Both Doozey and Biscuit perk up at the news, and without waiting to hear whatever might come of Utar's last question, practically took off into a sprint for the Leaky Bucket with a worried air about them. Though he'd arrive ultimately first by a few seconds, Biscuit remained only just mindful enough to wait for Doozey to catch up, and readily try to follow the stoutling inside. But depending on the thickness of the grouping inside, Doozey calls upon the boon of all halflings to weave through the throng for a better view of any main speakers, leaving Biscuit to pad around at the entrance for a bit. However, Biscuit would refuse to give up easily, and instead begin circling the property until he found a decent window to spy on the happenings inside.
Regardless of how they might come about egress, neither Ranger or Bestial Companion go out of their way to announce their presence, least they might miss some valuable nugget of information.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The guard fails to hold back a sly smile before enjoying her response to Utar: "He is a meek "little man" (meaning halfling) but he is kind. If that's not enough, just look for the over-the-shoulder wet bar towel. He always has that thing ready to dry a mug at anytime."
Once Utar politely parts ways with the guard, he finds himself having to catch up with Doozey and Biscuit. Neya and Denae bring up the rear. The inn's sign, if it can be called that, is simply an old bucket dangling from a post that has been driven into the ground in front of the two-story building. The word "Inn" has been painted on its side in what appears to be pitch. Rain has filled the bucket to the top and water trickles out from more than a dozen places.
Before Doozey or any others can even enter the place, you can all hear a number of excited and angry voices emanating from inside. Above them all one voice bellows, "It's been over two tendays! What do you plan to do?!" Not waiting to make their way inside, CRAP takes in the atmosphere. This inn and taproom are more like a tiny bed-and-breakfast than a proper tavern. The interior of the "Bucket" consists mainly of a single, large front room with two long, rough tables with benches. These are a couple of long trestle tables with benches in the front room on which the proprietors serve food and drinks communal-style to their guests. It's not fancy, but you imagine it's a comfortable and peaceful place when the entire town is not making a ruckus inside. Whatever overnight space they may rent out feels more like the abode's spare rooms than that which a purposefully built inn would offer.
The inn is filled with people, as the locals have all gathered here to discuss the town's issues. All of people seem to be talking at once, gesturing and arguing with one another. A male halfling stands on one of the benches, seemingly trying in vain to calm everyone down. He wrings a wet bar towel with his hands as he tries to cool down the townsfolk. A halfling woman stands next to him shouting at everyone (including the other halfling) at the top of her lungs; both of her hands wrapped menacingly around the handle of a rather large iron skillet.
The halfling man answers a question from the crowd, though you can't be sure which one: "Well...um...I don't see why not." His duet partner points with her skillet to someone with a pitchfork in hands: "I don't care what my husband said; you can't bring that thing in here!" For now, the collective discussion continues, and it is hard to make sense of any of it.
It's only for a moment, but seeing the arguing duo left Doozey wide-eyed and mind reeling from nostalgia. Then with a half-nervous and half-amused smirk he whispered to himself, "If'n I did'na lready know any better, I'd think I just found me aunt 'n uncle."A more serious expression soon after settled into place, as the rising tension began stirring something within him. Several somethings at that, though he'd subconsciously try to force all down.
The stoutling proceeds afterwards to muster his courage, and make his way over to what he figured to be less outspoken of the townsfolk away from the duo, and says, "Psst! Begging your pardon, but, uh, perchance, might ya be willing to enlighten me on what's going on? We're not exactly from around here."With that, he gestures towards the door in anticipation of Utar and the rests arrival on the scene. As for Biscuits, he remained mindful enough not to even try slipping inside just yet, and stuck to finding a window to watch things happening for the time being.
With CRAP now inside the tavern (except for Biscuit), Doozey ventures forth and tries to strike a quieter conversation with someone lingering at the edges of the crowd. The ranger manages to get the attention of a teen-aged farmhand but it doesn't take long for other folks to notice. The town is small; everyone here knows everyone else. The ruckus stops and everyone halts mid-sentence to stare first at Doozey and then at Neya, Utar, and Denea. Some even notice Biscuit through a window. After the initial shock of seeing strangers in the midst of their meeting, the locals begin murmuring to one another again. The halfling towel wringer jumps off the bench and greets the new arrivals, asking politely if he can help you: "Well, we weren't expecting visitors but don't let our little gathering here get in the way of proper hospitality. I am Hupe Brightbell, part-owner of The Leaky Bucket and the associated stables. How may I be of assistance?"
As the conversation with Hupe starts, Neya keeps an eye on everyone else. She notices a man near the corner murmuring to himself and holding a mug of ale, clearly not his first. He seems a bit more agitated than the average Bucket patron in this moment.
Watching Neya give the patron's an occular pat-down and Doozey engage with the bar's owners, Utar decides to instead try to delve into Danae's past, keeping close to their new ranger, he keeps to small talk, "What brought you to Kabel's Hill previously, Danae? You seemed familiar with the route, but maybe not the place itself? Passing visit on the road to somewhere else?"
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EPISODE 13 – TALES TREES TELL
The road stretches before CRAP, leading away from the relative grandeur of Phlan toward a quaint hamlet nestled at the edges of the Quivering Forest. The city's noise had gradually faded over the first moments of the trek, replaced by the soothing sounds of nature and honest rural work—the chirping of crickets, the breaking of ground done by horse-pulled plows, the cluck of chickens, and the distant rustle of leaves. The air is scented with the fragrance of wildflowers and the earthy aroma of the surrounding farmland. As CRAP walks, the Stojanow Trail (road leading north of Phlan) transforms into a beaten dirt path surrounded by rolling hills and meadows dotted with colorful blossoms.
During the previous afternoon, Denae had stopped by the Leadstopper Residence to check on CRAP. "I promised to join you in your next adventure, so you can show me what you are about. Join you on your own terms, not mine. Well, here I am. Where are we going?" The truth is, CRAP was just finishing a two-tenday period of relative calm. The Cult of the Dragon had been laying low for some time, which could either mean that the several blows dealt to them by CRAP & Co. were causing significant delays to their grandiose plans, or something much worse. Without any immediate leads to follow on that front, and when prodded by Denae for an adventure to go on, CRAP admitted there was at least one pending promise that had been nagging the back of their minds: a certain twisted fey lord had placed an open invitation for CRAP to come and visit the depths of the Quivering Forest. There was something Lord Witchthorn want to talk to CRAP about. CRAP felt they had delayed that encounter for long enough. It was time to make good on that agreed visit. Why not do it with Denae's backing if she seems so willing?
Denae agreed to join the group, murmuring something about specializing in finding extra-planar portals. "You folks are in luck, I'm the ranger for the job," she had said, launching a snarky smile at CRAP's own resident ranger. After some preparations, CRAP + Denae left Phlan earlier this morning. Denae had convinced the group that simply waltzing into fey territory (like CRAP had done when following Lord Velejo and dozens of allies into combat) would be a recipe for disaster. She insisted the party instead make their way to a hamlet know as Kabel's Hill, located just at the outskirts of the Quivering Forest. There, CRAP could restock supplies and collect intel directly from those who live closest to the fey forest. Why risk entering their territory blind if you can spare the time to gather information?
So now, CRAP walks the Stojanow Trail. Having just recently stopped for their midday meal, the party estimates they will arrive in Kabel's Hill by this time tomorrow. For now, though, the party revels in the freedom of the open road.
(OOC: As is now tradition, please go ahead and describe what your characters may be doing and use this time to share any info you’d like with your fellow adventurers. This is also my chance to remind you to share a description of your characters, as some of you may be sporting updated looks if you so desire.)
CRAP's resident cleric was relishing being back on the road. Their extended rest had been useful to reaffirm his commitment to his temple, catch up with Sagin and indulge some new interests, but in reality the half-orc didn't belong in the city. He was as devout as anyone in the temple, but he had a skill set none of the rest of them possessed and it thrived outside of civilisation.
The cleric's plate armour clanked gently as he walked along the road, his ever watchful shield strapped to his arm and a small array of blunt maces hung at his side and indicated his other talents. The simple fabric tabbard and prominent symbol of Torm upon it left little doubt as to his faith.
"So Danae, what's Kabel's Hill like? Any traders set up shop there?"
Neya has given herself some time to get acquainted with a new skillset. She's still got a ways to go. But, she's satisfied with her progress.
Her clothes are unassuming, but fashionable. But, coming out of her right sleeve is a silvery-gray tattoo that reaches her fingertips. She also has a few weapons on her person as well as a small pouch filled with curiosities.
She is no stranger to longer treks out of town, having done it a few times before. She asks Denae out of curiosity, "I wonder how the people there manage to keep safe despite being so close that particular forest."
Extended Signature
The jab, while not lost on halfling, failed to elicit more than a grunt and a weak smirk from the stoutling. The same one that, ever since the group came to the conclusion of finally heeding the Fey Lord's request, became more pensive at times, and at others seemed tense once again. Even Biscuits occasionally attempts at drawing out focus more on the present from the halfling led to weak results throughout the journey. So the mastiff gave up, and instead took advantage of the distraction to occasionally dip off the path to explore the passing surroundings or take in the scents. At one point he even snagged a small bushel of flowers and padded over to Danea and Neya each in turn to offer them the gift.
As for Doozey, he plooded along in the back, absentmindedly at times running a finger along several recently made makeshift fetishes strapped to his belt. "Could be they have their own pact made with the forest dwellers, or could be they just aren't bother as much beyond the occasional prank to really worry about such dangers." He pipes up with, before looking to Danea, curious to see if he'd come close.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I have only been there once before, maybe twice." Denae answers Utar's questions as she walks in the middle of the group. "They don't have much to offer. Kabel's Hill serves primarily as a way station for travelers and for grains and goods headed to Phlan by river. It also acts as a forward outpost for the city, sending riders south to warn of approaching dangers, though I am willing to bet your Black Fists friends don't actually hear from Kabel's hill all that often. They have an inn, a general goods store, a blacksmith, and a few more locations of interest I can't quite recall at the moment. It's been a while."
A little later, when Neya wonders about their safety, Denae is more curt: "Sounds like the type of intel we are going there to gather." The Sister had noticed Neya's silvery tattoo before, and perhaps had even asked about it, but she couldn't hold back a fresh question when spotting its silvery glimmer against the sunlight. "How exactly does it work? I caught a glimpse of you activating it in battle last time but am still uncertain. Should I look into getting one too?"
Denae is a bit surprised when offered flowers by Doozey, but accepts them nonetheless. She holds them for a few minutes, uncertain of what to do with them, and then finds a solution. As the group walks, she weaves a few choice flowers in the tundra mastiff's fur. "There!" Later, when the halfling mentioned a possible pact, Denae agrees: "Yes, quite possible. I doubt the fey would allow such a nearby settlement were they not given some sort of assurance."
The party continues their trip on a good pace, which is speedy enough for them to soon notice that Kabel's Hill was a bit closer to Phlan than Denae remembered. Instead of a day and one-half away, CRAP manages to approach the small town in about a day of walking. In the distance, CRAP sees a small, lightly fortified hamlet settled along a narrow stretch of the Stojanow River. Its simple stone wall is no more than 10ft high. It is a rainy evening by the time the party approaches the unmanned but closed wooden gates, although some would call it more of a drizzle. In the nearby area, you can see broken tree branches and plenty of scattered leaves, water puddles, and generic debris; telltale signs of a particularly nasty recent storm. The farming field surrounding the small fortifications are fat with wheat and vegetables, and the few animals who have not yet finished grazing for the day are fatter still.
Utar steps forward towards the closed gates and slams his fist against it three times. THUD! THUD! THUD!
He calls out to the gatekeeper he hopes is behind the town walls.
"Traveller's looking for a bed for the night and the chance to get out of this rain!"
While awaiting to see what came of Utar's announcement, Doozey allowed his gaze to wander back to the fields, both worked and not, and toyed with the idea of getting a jump start on recon. However, the thought does not linger for long before being quietly dismissed with a shake of his head, before then turning to look to the gate. Biscuits stands nearby with flowers not only still woven in his fur, but in some place even seeming to take root even deeper, as his more primal bond with nature subtly worked its magic. As patient a beast he was, Biscuit would all the same strain his ears, and try to discern past the pitter patter of rain any signs of approaching locals beyond the gate.
-Biscuit Perception: 16.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya lift up her arm and does a cursory inspection of her arm. "I'm still studying it myself. From what I can tell the ink is magically modified in a way to react to one's will. It only needs a small mental push. The rest, you saw for yourself. I might be wrong, but it also seems to add more force to my strikes, even on the arm that doesn't have it. Quite a mystery."
With the rain beating down on the party, she curses her lack of foresight in not having some sort of cloak to protect from the rain.
Extended Signature
"Hmmm..." Denae replies pensively to Neya's description of her tattoo, clearly considering whether she could put such a mysterious ink to use on her own body. Her thoughts are then interrupted by Utar's move toward the gate.
Utar's initial thuds are enough to elicit a response from the other side, albeit in the form of footsteps getting closer. Biscuit's sharp hearing picks them up first, giving Doozey an indication that a posted guard is on their way. Utar's follow-up statement is launched before the guard's presence is made know to anyone else. Then, a small eye-level door on the gate slides open, revealing the eyes of a middle-aged human woman. Her eyes dart around, drinking all the information they can gather from the four individuals and their pet standing outside the gates of Kabel's Hill. "And from where do you hail?" she asks, to which Denae promptly responds: "Phlan."
The gates open after the guard's eyes shift around for another second or two, and the party is invited in. She closes the gate again as soon as all CRAPers make their way into the fortified hamlet. "Go on," she says. "If you came from Phlan, then you'll want to head into The Leaky Bucket." She points to one of the larger buildings on the main thoroughfare.
Now inside the walls, CRAP has a chance to take in their first impressions of Kabel's Hill. The small collection of houses and barns sits atop a low rise on the western bank of the Stojanow. About a dozen buildings are tucked away inside the wooden palisade, which is reinforced by stone around the gate. Tonight, the place seems to be in a bit of an uproar. Most, if not all, of the local folk have gathered in The Leaky Bucket judging by the sounds coming from within the local tavern. No one is wandering about outside, and all other buildings have had their lanterns extinguished for the night. This gives the town and oddly abandoned feel, apart from The Leaky bucket, that is.
"I guess we'll have to wait to visit the general store or the blacksmith," Denae says while looking around to see if she remembers the exact locations of these other establishments. She then points to three tall, wooden, round structures with conical roofs and adds: "Oh, right. Those are the granaries. I remember them now. They are hard to miss." She is then interrupted by the guard: "It doesn't look like you are in need of the stables..." She looks at Biscuit's size and offers: "...unless the big hound here needs a stall."
Both Doozey and Biscuit share a sidelong look, and then a smirk. "S'pose that would be up to the proprietor or -tess, as the case may be, to decide that one. Though I wager one look at this charming fellow, a couple of promises, and a bit of extra coin aughta settle the matter favorably enough." He said. "If'n ya don't mind a quick question tho' 'fore we make are way on, and, uh, don't read too much into this. But, uhm... Anything odd or curious happen over the past tenday or so in the area that you know about?" The stoutling asked, sounding more genuinely curious than anything else.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar gives the guard a nod of thanks and waits for their response to Doozey's question. In the meantime, he scans the entrance to Kabel's Hill, trying to get a better lay of the land than their newest ranger seems to have. He keeps it to himself, but he strongly suspects Danae is likely more at home in the wilderness than in any kind of built environment.
Perception - 20
Neya finds the near-lack of people in the streets curious.
She asks the guard, "Is there some event occurring tonight?"
Extended Signature
The guard smiles at Doozey's answer regarding Biscuit, before sharing a name and pointing once again at The Leaky Bucket: "If you need the stables, look for the Brightbells."
The conversation then turns to tonight's event. "Haven't you heard? I thought you came from Phlan because of it. We sent a messenger." Once she wipes the incredulous look off her face, she continuous. "The town hermit went into the forest. We are not supposed to go into the forest." Turning to Neya and her question, she answers: "They are trying to figure out what to do. Everyone is in there. Go on, Hupe will tell you about it." She then turns to keep watch over the wall but you feel it won't be long before she heads into the tavern herself.
In the meantime, Utar has been keeping an eye out, trying to spot any other potential points of interest Denae's eyes might have missed. Surely enough, in addition to the tavern, the stables, the general goods store, and the blacksmith, the Tormite identifies a busy-looking (in terms of objects, crates, barrels, etc; not people at the moment) set of river docks. If Kabel's Hill's economy is indeed based primarily on it serving as a way station for grains and other goods headed to Phlan, it certainly makes sense that much of the town's commerce would take place right there at the docks. The granaries Denae pointed out also round out Utar's observations.
"Ah, then we best head inside and see if we might be able to lend some help after all. How would you describe Hupe for those who have not visited here before?"
Utar waits for the guards reply and then offers a parting as he strides towards the warmth of the inn.
"My thanks, stout yeoman, I hope you find some shelter from the rain soon enough!"
Both Doozey and Biscuit perk up at the news, and without waiting to hear whatever might come of Utar's last question, practically took off into a sprint for the Leaky Bucket with a worried air about them. Though he'd arrive ultimately first by a few seconds, Biscuit remained only just mindful enough to wait for Doozey to catch up, and readily try to follow the stoutling inside. But depending on the thickness of the grouping inside, Doozey calls upon the boon of all halflings to weave through the throng for a better view of any main speakers, leaving Biscuit to pad around at the entrance for a bit. However, Biscuit would refuse to give up easily, and instead begin circling the property until he found a decent window to spy on the happenings inside.
Regardless of how they might come about egress, neither Ranger or Bestial Companion go out of their way to announce their presence, least they might miss some valuable nugget of information.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
The guard fails to hold back a sly smile before enjoying her response to Utar: "He is a meek "little man" (meaning halfling) but he is kind. If that's not enough, just look for the over-the-shoulder wet bar towel. He always has that thing ready to dry a mug at anytime."
Once Utar politely parts ways with the guard, he finds himself having to catch up with Doozey and Biscuit. Neya and Denae bring up the rear. The inn's sign, if it can be called that, is simply an old bucket dangling from a post that has been driven into the ground in front of the two-story building. The word "Inn" has been painted on its side in what appears to be pitch. Rain has filled the bucket to the top and water trickles out from more than a dozen places.
Before Doozey or any others can even enter the place, you can all hear a number of excited and angry voices emanating from inside. Above them all one voice bellows, "It's been over two tendays! What do you plan to do?!" Not waiting to make their way inside, CRAP takes in the atmosphere. This inn and taproom are more like a tiny bed-and-breakfast than a proper tavern. The interior of the "Bucket" consists mainly of a single, large front room with two long, rough tables with benches. These are a couple of long trestle tables with benches in the front room on which the proprietors serve food and drinks communal-style to their guests. It's not fancy, but you imagine it's a comfortable and peaceful place when the entire town is not making a ruckus inside. Whatever overnight space they may rent out feels more like the abode's spare rooms than that which a purposefully built inn would offer.
The inn is filled with people, as the locals have all gathered here to discuss the town's issues. All of people seem to be talking at once, gesturing and arguing with one another. A male halfling stands on one of the benches, seemingly trying in vain to calm everyone down. He wrings a wet bar towel with his hands as he tries to cool down the townsfolk. A halfling woman stands next to him shouting at everyone (including the other halfling) at the top of her lungs; both of her hands wrapped menacingly around the handle of a rather large iron skillet.
The halfling man answers a question from the crowd, though you can't be sure which one: "Well...um...I don't see why not." His duet partner points with her skillet to someone with a pitchfork in hands: "I don't care what my husband said; you can't bring that thing in here!" For now, the collective discussion continues, and it is hard to make sense of any of it.
It's only for a moment, but seeing the arguing duo left Doozey wide-eyed and mind reeling from nostalgia. Then with a half-nervous and half-amused smirk he whispered to himself, "If'n I did'na lready know any better, I'd think I just found me aunt 'n uncle." A more serious expression soon after settled into place, as the rising tension began stirring something within him. Several somethings at that, though he'd subconsciously try to force all down.
The stoutling proceeds afterwards to muster his courage, and make his way over to what he figured to be less outspoken of the townsfolk away from the duo, and says, "Psst! Begging your pardon, but, uh, perchance, might ya be willing to enlighten me on what's going on? We're not exactly from around here." With that, he gestures towards the door in anticipation of Utar and the rests arrival on the scene. As for Biscuits, he remained mindful enough not to even try slipping inside just yet, and stuck to finding a window to watch things happening for the time being.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya reads the crowd. She's looking for someone whose demeanor doesn't quite match the others'.
Insight: 18
(If it's perception, them deduct 2)
Extended Signature
With CRAP now inside the tavern (except for Biscuit), Doozey ventures forth and tries to strike a quieter conversation with someone lingering at the edges of the crowd. The ranger manages to get the attention of a teen-aged farmhand but it doesn't take long for other folks to notice. The town is small; everyone here knows everyone else. The ruckus stops and everyone halts mid-sentence to stare first at Doozey and then at Neya, Utar, and Denea. Some even notice Biscuit through a window. After the initial shock of seeing strangers in the midst of their meeting, the locals begin murmuring to one another again. The halfling towel wringer jumps off the bench and greets the new arrivals, asking politely if he can help you: "Well, we weren't expecting visitors but don't let our little gathering here get in the way of proper hospitality. I am Hupe Brightbell, part-owner of The Leaky Bucket and the associated stables. How may I be of assistance?"
As the conversation with Hupe starts, Neya keeps an eye on everyone else. She notices a man near the corner murmuring to himself and holding a mug of ale, clearly not his first. He seems a bit more agitated than the average Bucket patron in this moment.
Watching Neya give the patron's an occular pat-down and Doozey engage with the bar's owners, Utar decides to instead try to delve into Danae's past, keeping close to their new ranger, he keeps to small talk, "What brought you to Kabel's Hill previously, Danae? You seemed familiar with the route, but maybe not the place itself? Passing visit on the road to somewhere else?"