Once inside, Annique glances around as she pushes the hood back from her cloak. She smiles as she see Amaryllis eagerly engage the dwarf and she walks over to stand near Rinn. "Amazing how good a fire feels," she says idly as she removes her pack and sets in on the ground. Warhammer and shield soon follow, along with her heavy cloak. Now wearing just her tooled leather armor, Annique glances towards Rinn. "I never thought it would be so difficult to get into Bryn Shander!" she says as she runs a hand through her hair. "I guess we were lucky Garend was on duty."
Shedding his furs and warming himself, Thaddeus says, "Praise to Lathander!" to no one in particular. Then to his nearest companion, "Fire from wood is stored sunlight, you know. The tree grows in the light which makes the wood and it releases when burned."
The dwarven maiden, Gretta, is all charms and smiles. She puts down the drink you asked for and chats up the group. There are no other customers and all the rooms are available. She does seem guarded when talks about Bryn Shander and where everyone is.
Insight check DC 15
Gretta seems on edge and though she hides it well she is happy to have people coming in. Something in town seems to have spooked her.
"What brings you lot in the town ?" She asks.
She stops for a second to look at another dwarven woman walking out of the kitchen. She wears a leather apron and holds a large hammer in her hands like she is expecting trouble.
"Don't mind her. We have been having some trouble with rough customers and she is on edge." Gretta laughs it off.
As Amaryllis asks her questions the dwarven women look at each other.
"Yes, we are. What exactly are you here for. Battlehammer business is my guess." Gretta's words leak pride. At the same time, her sister speaks from her place near the door.
"Of course he would tell you to come here. Like we have not enough trouble with the council as we are." Her words are tinged with scorn. "Tell us what we can do and be on your way or at the very least don't bring trouble to our door."
Gretta sighs before continuing.
" Tell me what you need. The first night is on the Clan but I'll have to make you pay for more. Food is on us but drinks are on you."
For Thaddeus.
There is a house of Worship here devoted to the Morning Lord but the one preaching is known for is old ways. He doesn't like the new sun god and believes that he is just one aspect of a major, older God.
Out of the Ten Towns Bryn Shander was the largest. A trading center, the gate to the other cities, a place waiting for visitors to spend coin. Yet when they arrived at the east gate it was closed and guarded. It’s worse than the rumors say, he thought shortly before Hadi and Annique tried asking for passage. The sentry denied, saying the group could ty the other gates. Success was unlikely in any of them and maybe because he knew that the elf tried to change the situation by throwing his family name. A good tactic with a poor execution, thought the drow while pondering if his companion lacked the skills to deal with people or was simply arrogant. Either way, a Benotto was left in the cold with nothing but a laugh.
Amaryllis tried appealing to compassion, but the man high in the walls had orders and knew the consequences for not following them. By this point Thael was sure that if they wanted to enter they would need to speak a different tongue, that of gold. Before the Warlock could propose that to the soldier, Annique recognized him. Garend Pinewhisk proved himself a good friend, finally allowing the group to pass.
On the way to the Twin Hammers the usually busy streets were now a silent way where only men-at-arms walked. The inside of the tavern was just as desert, but warm and welcoming enough. The innkeeper, a dwarven woman, was fast to tend to their needs. Behinds her another dwarf appears, holding a hammer.
“Kalvin had told us that you would, and I quote, set us up so I’m guessing you have an idea on where we should start our search.” Thael said to Gretta in a calm demeanor. “Of course, any additional provision or healing item will be more than welcome, but things don’t seem exactly good here.”He continues turning his head in the direction of the other woman for a moment. “You mentioned problems with the council?”
"Clearly this council doesn't know what a bad reputation down south on the Coast could cost them."Hadi says, still a bit miffed at his family's name being rebuffed like that, but happy to be out of the cold. Then realizing the two at the Inn likely have nothing to do with the council, adds, "Thank you for the room dinner. We'll hopefully be out of your hair quickly. Though any information you could give to help us help you would be greatly appreciated."
Annique settles in to a table near the fire, leaving her equipment setting nearby but hopefully out of the way. Having received the glass of wine she had ordered, she sips at it slowly, as she engages in conversation. To Gretta she says, "Yes, the warm fire is very nice, along with the food and lodging. Kalvin has asked us to investigate a missing caravan. So we were really hoping you might have more information about that. It was supposed to come through Bryn Shander. Did it ever arrive? Or do you have any more information about it? We would really appreciate anything you might know."
Gretta looks at her sister for a second and Feral walks to the group's table.
" We will have to ask around but the guards are a bit on edge this time," Feral says in a gruff voice.
Gretta puts a hand on her shoulder nodding. " Yes, I'll ask a few of my friends, " it is clear that she has more of them than Feral, " but any dwarves coming to Bryn Shander would have come here. Especially if they were on Clan business."
"They are probably lost then," Feral says matter of factly.
Her sister sends her a look but Feral just shrugs before heading back to the kitchen.
" Sorry for her manners. I ll let you get to your rooms, you can take the one you want. If you have some trading to do you should do it now or if you need to see friends...." Her voice trails a bit. " I'll have more information tonight."
When she leaves, ‘Jarvis’ looks at the others and says in a low raspy voice: “Something is wrong here. If we are to search for the caravan, we must have a place we can return to for safety. We should look into this before we begin. Perhaps someone familiar with the area go have a look around so as not to draw attention.”
In response to Jarvis' comment, Annique says, "I was thinking I should pay a visit to Sehra. I am sure she would fill me in on some of what is going on. Perhaps even Garend will be there too." She finishes up the last of her wine and starts to stand. "I should probably go before it gets too late. Let me just get my gear up to my room and then I'll head out."
As she grabs her things, she glances at the others. "Does anyone want to come with me?" Her gaze seems to linger particularly on Hadi. She doesn't wait for an answer though, and is soon off to find a room. She leaves her pack, longbow, warhammer, and shield behind, figuring she does not need to carry them about the city. It is not long before she comes back to the common room, bundled up once again in her heavy cloak and ready to head out.
Seeing Annique 'invite' him to join, Hadi shrugs and says, "What the hell. He was only following orders. No doubt he has to clean up his coat anyway." Grinning a bit he starts to do up the buttons on his own furs that he'd opened after arriving in the bar. Swirling the mead he'd ordered in his glass, he quickly finishes what is left and is ready to follow.
Annique gives Hadi a smile just before covering up her face once again and heading out into the cold. "Hadi, I'm sure in other circumstances Garend would have certainly deferred to your Benotto name. Sorry he wasn't more respectful earlier." She walks slowly through the cold streets, picking a more out of the way path. "There are times you could look more the part however. But come, Sehra is much nicer than Garend!"
She continues through the town, leading the way to the Pinewhisk home.
"It was a long journey to the north," Hadi says, thinking back, "though I think I learned a bit more about life outside the manor. Even if it wasn't good on my furs." Laughing a bit, he adds, "I haven't had to use the family name in a while, and hope not to often, though in this damn cold and dark," pulling his coat a bit tighter and stuffing his fur-lined gloved hands back into his pockets, "it's hard not to use any advantage to get into warmth again."He then looks ahead through the town as they walk.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rinn gains comfort by the warmth of the fire and the drink happily comingling with food in her now-full belly. When finally warm and satiated, she exercises her fingers my once more untying and retying her pack, before pulling out a small bone flute and quietly playing a few traditional tunes from her homeland.
Performance, just because: 7
She happily makes conversation with anyone else who chooses to remain later into the night, but for the next few hours keeps an eye on the tavern door for the return of Annique and Hadi (and any others who may have chosen to depart with them).
The group settles down into the tavern. Each finding a bed in the available rooms upstairs. The rooms are small but practical and well furnished. They each have a single bed, large one in most, and a window, though they are shut due to the weather.
Rinn starts to play a few notes near the burning fire.
The main door opens up once more to let Hadi and Annique out sending a chill through the main room.
The walk is a short one but the cold makes it hard to talk and enjoy. Annique seems to know where she is going and stops in front of a small two-story house. A quick knock suffices for it to open revealing a warm and brightly lit interior. The small woman who opens the door is all smiles when she notices that it is Annique. She has red flowing hair and a few freckles under her eyes. She motions them in quickly. Upstairs a child is babbling a few unrecognizable words.
Sehra waits for Annique to take her coat off before hugging her warmly.
Insigth check 12 for Hadi and Annique
Sehra is glad to have you both here. Annique is still taken aback by the energy of the greeting. You are not friends and the hug seems a bit more for Sehra than Annique.
"Hey, I m so glad to see you, " she begins looking at Annique and fondling her necklace, " things are a bit bleak here and no one comes to visit anymore. Garend should be here soon of you have come to talk to him." She brushes herself and looks around the small room.
"I can prepare tea if you want. The water should still be hot." Not waiting for an answer she moves to serve you both some.
Annique gives Sehra a firm hug in return."A little bit of tea would be nice. I would like to speak with Garend, but I'd promised him I would come say hello to you when i saw him at the gate. Oh! And this is Hadi Benotto. A... acquaintance of mine."
She waits until Sehra returns with the tea and takes a seat. "Your home is lovely as ever Sehra. How have things been in Bryn Shander? I know things are difficult everywhere, but this town seems eerily quiet."
Sehra smiles at Annique and tries to courtesy to Hadi, seeing him well dressed. She manages it cutely albeit clumsily.
"Happy to see you." She says as she prepares the tea. " My husband shouldn't be long."
Her voice drops a bit when she starts talking about the situation in Bryn Shander. "Things are hard here, like everywhere else and the authorities are trying their best. We made our monthly tribute to Auril today," she says with a shudder. " Poor old Morice was picked."
"We are lucky," she adds quickly, "With Garend being in the guards he can't be picked but we have lost people. "
Bryn Shander isn't that big and people know each other at least from sight.
"It takes a toll on everyone but life goes on. The town should get back to its bustling self in a few days." She says without much conviction.
Annique glances at Hadi for a moment, seemingly confused by what Sehra is saying. The room becomes awkwardly quietly before she finally speaks, looking directly at Sehra. "Are you saying this Morice was the tribute? He was...well... I mean, I had heard rumors..." She remains still in her seat, not even lifting her cup of tea.
" This is how the town decided to appease Auril. Morice was the nineteenth to die." she gives a slight sob.
From behind you, Garend mutters; "It's either this or we all die." He is sad when he says this and knows that this is a hard choice the community made.
He moves inside quickly shutting the door behind him and takes his wife in his arms, comforting her.
"Sorry for the Gate." he says looking at Annique then at Hadi, "Orders have been sent to keep only one of the gates open at any time and things being as they are... "His voice trails; " We have had series of unexplained death in the town and everyone is on edge," he adds in a rush like he needed to take it off his chest.
"Anyways, the guards are on it but try to stay in pairs when you venture at night." He smiles at Annique, " Not that you need protection."
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Once inside, Annique glances around as she pushes the hood back from her cloak. She smiles as she see Amaryllis eagerly engage the dwarf and she walks over to stand near Rinn. "Amazing how good a fire feels," she says idly as she removes her pack and sets in on the ground. Warhammer and shield soon follow, along with her heavy cloak. Now wearing just her tooled leather armor, Annique glances towards Rinn. "I never thought it would be so difficult to get into Bryn Shander!" she says as she runs a hand through her hair. "I guess we were lucky Garend was on duty."
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Shedding his furs and warming himself, Thaddeus says, "Praise to Lathander!" to no one in particular. Then to his nearest companion, "Fire from wood is stored sunlight, you know. The tree grows in the light which makes the wood and it releases when burned."
Liarin: Against the Cult of the Reptile God
Adewild: Shadows and Light 2
Brother Thaddeus: Rime of the Frostmaiden.
The dwarven maiden, Gretta, is all charms and smiles. She puts down the drink you asked for and chats up the group. There are no other customers and all the rooms are available. She does seem guarded when talks about Bryn Shander and where everyone is.
Insight check DC 15
Gretta seems on edge and though she hides it well she is happy to have people coming in. Something in town seems to have spooked her.
"What brings you lot in the town ?" She asks.
She stops for a second to look at another dwarven woman walking out of the kitchen. She wears a leather apron and holds a large hammer in her hands like she is expecting trouble.
"Don't mind her. We have been having some trouble with rough customers and she is on edge." Gretta laughs it off.
As Amaryllis asks her questions the dwarven women look at each other.
"Yes, we are. What exactly are you here for. Battlehammer business is my guess." Gretta's words leak pride. At the same time, her sister speaks from her place near the door.
"Of course he would tell you to come here. Like we have not enough trouble with the council as we are." Her words are tinged with scorn. "Tell us what we can do and be on your way or at the very least don't bring trouble to our door."
Gretta sighs before continuing.
" Tell me what you need. The first night is on the Clan but I'll have to make you pay for more. Food is on us but drinks are on you."
For Thaddeus.
There is a house of Worship here devoted to the Morning Lord but the one preaching is known for is old ways. He doesn't like the new sun god and believes that he is just one aspect of a major, older God.
Out of the Ten Towns Bryn Shander was the largest. A trading center, the gate to the other cities, a place waiting for visitors to spend coin. Yet when they arrived at the east gate it was closed and guarded. It’s worse than the rumors say, he thought shortly before Hadi and Annique tried asking for passage. The sentry denied, saying the group could ty the other gates. Success was unlikely in any of them and maybe because he knew that the elf tried to change the situation by throwing his family name. A good tactic with a poor execution, thought the drow while pondering if his companion lacked the skills to deal with people or was simply arrogant. Either way, a Benotto was left in the cold with nothing but a laugh.
Amaryllis tried appealing to compassion, but the man high in the walls had orders and knew the consequences for not following them. By this point Thael was sure that if they wanted to enter they would need to speak a different tongue, that of gold. Before the Warlock could propose that to the soldier, Annique recognized him. Garend Pinewhisk proved himself a good friend, finally allowing the group to pass.
On the way to the Twin Hammers the usually busy streets were now a silent way where only men-at-arms walked. The inside of the tavern was just as desert, but warm and welcoming enough. The innkeeper, a dwarven woman, was fast to tend to their needs. Behinds her another dwarf appears, holding a hammer.
“Kalvin had told us that you would, and I quote, set us up so I’m guessing you have an idea on where we should start our search.” Thael said to Gretta in a calm demeanor. “Of course, any additional provision or healing item will be more than welcome, but things don’t seem exactly good here.” He continues turning his head in the direction of the other woman for a moment. “You mentioned problems with the council?”
"Clearly this council doesn't know what a bad reputation down south on the Coast could cost them." Hadi says, still a bit miffed at his family's name being rebuffed like that, but happy to be out of the cold. Then realizing the two at the Inn likely have nothing to do with the council, adds, "Thank you for the room dinner. We'll hopefully be out of your hair quickly. Though any information you could give to help us help you would be greatly appreciated."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Annique settles in to a table near the fire, leaving her equipment setting nearby but hopefully out of the way. Having received the glass of wine she had ordered, she sips at it slowly, as she engages in conversation. To Gretta she says, "Yes, the warm fire is very nice, along with the food and lodging. Kalvin has asked us to investigate a missing caravan. So we were really hoping you might have more information about that. It was supposed to come through Bryn Shander. Did it ever arrive? Or do you have any more information about it? We would really appreciate anything you might know."
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Gretta looks at her sister for a second and Feral walks to the group's table.
" We will have to ask around but the guards are a bit on edge this time," Feral says in a gruff voice.
Gretta puts a hand on her shoulder nodding. " Yes, I'll ask a few of my friends, " it is clear that she has more of them than Feral, " but any dwarves coming to Bryn Shander would have come here. Especially if they were on Clan business."
"They are probably lost then," Feral says matter of factly.
Her sister sends her a look but Feral just shrugs before heading back to the kitchen.
" Sorry for her manners. I ll let you get to your rooms, you can take the one you want. If you have some trading to do you should do it now or if you need to see friends...." Her voice trails a bit. " I'll have more information tonight."
When she leaves, ‘Jarvis’ looks at the others and says in a low raspy voice: “Something is wrong here. If we are to search for the caravan, we must have a place we can return to for safety. We should look into this before we begin. Perhaps someone familiar with the area go have a look around so as not to draw attention.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
In response to Jarvis' comment, Annique says, "I was thinking I should pay a visit to Sehra. I am sure she would fill me in on some of what is going on. Perhaps even Garend will be there too." She finishes up the last of her wine and starts to stand. "I should probably go before it gets too late. Let me just get my gear up to my room and then I'll head out."
As she grabs her things, she glances at the others. "Does anyone want to come with me?" Her gaze seems to linger particularly on Hadi. She doesn't wait for an answer though, and is soon off to find a room. She leaves her pack, longbow, warhammer, and shield behind, figuring she does not need to carry them about the city. It is not long before she comes back to the common room, bundled up once again in her heavy cloak and ready to head out.
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Seeing Annique 'invite' him to join, Hadi shrugs and says, "What the hell. He was only following orders. No doubt he has to clean up his coat anyway." Grinning a bit he starts to do up the buttons on his own furs that he'd opened after arriving in the bar. Swirling the mead he'd ordered in his glass, he quickly finishes what is left and is ready to follow.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Annique gives Hadi a smile just before covering up her face once again and heading out into the cold. "Hadi, I'm sure in other circumstances Garend would have certainly deferred to your Benotto name. Sorry he wasn't more respectful earlier." She walks slowly through the cold streets, picking a more out of the way path. "There are times you could look more the part however. But come, Sehra is much nicer than Garend!"
She continues through the town, leading the way to the Pinewhisk home.
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
"It was a long journey to the north," Hadi says, thinking back, "though I think I learned a bit more about life outside the manor. Even if it wasn't good on my furs." Laughing a bit, he adds, "I haven't had to use the family name in a while, and hope not to often, though in this damn cold and dark," pulling his coat a bit tighter and stuffing his fur-lined gloved hands back into his pockets, "it's hard not to use any advantage to get into warmth again." He then looks ahead through the town as they walk.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Rinn gains comfort by the warmth of the fire and the drink happily comingling with food in her now-full belly. When finally warm and satiated, she exercises her fingers my once more untying and retying her pack, before pulling out a small bone flute and quietly playing a few traditional tunes from her homeland.
Performance, just because: 7
She happily makes conversation with anyone else who chooses to remain later into the night, but for the next few hours keeps an eye on the tavern door for the return of Annique and Hadi (and any others who may have chosen to depart with them).
The group settles down into the tavern. Each finding a bed in the available rooms upstairs. The rooms are small but practical and well furnished. They each have a single bed, large one in most, and a window, though they are shut due to the weather.
Rinn starts to play a few notes near the burning fire.
The main door opens up once more to let Hadi and Annique out sending a chill through the main room.
For Hadi and Annique:
The walk is a short one but the cold makes it hard to talk and enjoy. Annique seems to know where she is going and stops in front of a small two-story house. A quick knock suffices for it to open revealing a warm and brightly lit interior. The small woman who opens the door is all smiles when she notices that it is Annique. She has red flowing hair and a few freckles under her eyes. She motions them in quickly. Upstairs a child is babbling a few unrecognizable words.
Sehra waits for Annique to take her coat off before hugging her warmly.
Insigth check 12 for Hadi and Annique
Sehra is glad to have you both here. Annique is still taken aback by the energy of the greeting. You are not friends and the hug seems a bit more for Sehra than Annique.
"Hey, I m so glad to see you, " she begins looking at Annique and fondling her necklace, " things are a bit bleak here and no one comes to visit anymore. Garend should be here soon of you have come to talk to him. " She brushes herself and looks around the small room.
"I can prepare tea if you want. The water should still be hot." Not waiting for an answer she moves to serve you both some.
Annique gives Sehra a firm hug in return. "A little bit of tea would be nice. I would like to speak with Garend, but I'd promised him I would come say hello to you when i saw him at the gate. Oh! And this is Hadi Benotto. A... acquaintance of mine."
She waits until Sehra returns with the tea and takes a seat. "Your home is lovely as ever Sehra. How have things been in Bryn Shander? I know things are difficult everywhere, but this town seems eerily quiet."
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Sehra smiles at Annique and tries to courtesy to Hadi, seeing him well dressed. She manages it cutely albeit clumsily.
"Happy to see you." She says as she prepares the tea. " My husband shouldn't be long."
Her voice drops a bit when she starts talking about the situation in Bryn Shander. "Things are hard here, like everywhere else and the authorities are trying their best. We made our monthly tribute to Auril today," she says with a shudder. " Poor old Morice was picked."
"We are lucky," she adds quickly, "With Garend being in the guards he can't be picked but we have lost people. "
Bryn Shander isn't that big and people know each other at least from sight.
"It takes a toll on everyone but life goes on. The town should get back to its bustling self in a few days." She says without much conviction.
Jarvis will put his back to a wall and remain in the taproom, waiting for the others, but remaining unobtrusive.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Annique glances at Hadi for a moment, seemingly confused by what Sehra is saying. The room becomes awkwardly quietly before she finally speaks, looking directly at Sehra. "Are you saying this Morice was the tribute? He was...well... I mean, I had heard rumors..." She remains still in her seat, not even lifting her cup of tea.
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Annique and Hadi
Sehra nods, sadness battling relief in her eyes.
" This is how the town decided to appease Auril. Morice was the nineteenth to die." she gives a slight sob.
From behind you, Garend mutters; "It's either this or we all die." He is sad when he says this and knows that this is a hard choice the community made.
He moves inside quickly shutting the door behind him and takes his wife in his arms, comforting her.
"Sorry for the Gate." he says looking at Annique then at Hadi, "Orders have been sent to keep only one of the gates open at any time and things being as they are... " His voice trails; " We have had series of unexplained death in the town and everyone is on edge," he adds in a rush like he needed to take it off his chest.
"Anyways, the guards are on it but try to stay in pairs when you venture at night." He smiles at Annique, " Not that you need protection."