This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Omen would casually walk into the inn, his eyes scanning the room. The kenku immediately noticed the man sitting in the dark corner but did not acknowledge his presence. He would tip his hat towards the rowdy bunch before taking a seat at one if the tables near the shrouded elf. Once seated he glance over towards the figure and look him over... looking for weapons or anything suspicious about him.
perception 27... it would be 1 more than that if investigstion.
Amery sees the man in the corner eyeing them and the people at the table. He moves directly to the brooding person. If he has been watching everyone come and go, he may know something. Once at the table he says "May I join you? It seems you have an interest in me and my companions."
Thar wasn't going to go after the kid or Kit, but seeing that his words make his friend nervous he decides to follow her and cover her.
For someone who would watch, it was weird how the tall bugnear managed to swift his shoulders to fit into the alley without even taking a side step, but it was more incredible how he crounched himself, with some pops and cracks from his joints and bones as he went into the really small hole as if he was casually walking around. He emerged to the other side and tried to cover himself in the shadows, more from habit than for really trying to hide, for he knew that anyone from the other side of the small hole could had seen him. He pierced the darkness with his eyes as he waits for the kid to reply to Kit.
( Perception: 9 Investigation: 23 Stealth: 10. Bugbears has this racial feature that allows them to move or even stop at a space for a small creature withour squeezing )
Meanwhile, the rest of the party continues a little deeper into town. The Stonedog inn is a rather large two story building, seems they've added on since the town's been growing. At the base of the stairs leading to the door sits a Stone statue of a dog holding a sign in it's mouth. "Welcome to StoneDog Inn." Overall, the place seems quite friendly.
Entering the building, the party is met with the sound of laughter. Looking around, the source is easy to pick out. Sitting at a table almost in the center of the room, a Human man, a Dwarven man, and a Bronze Dragonborn woman refill what is likely not just their second glass of ale. The Human and the Dwarf look to be town residents, farmers or merchants, the dragonborn however wears adventuring attire, studded leather and a rapier at her hip.
Slamming her mug on the table she exclaims, "I do be promisin ye this laddies, I'll put n end to whatever done be takin your townfolk! Then I'll be usin it's head as a trophy!"
The Human laughs loudly, "HAHAH! But what if Jone here is the Killer! Would you really be wantin his head on yer wall?" He juts his thumb at the dwarf.
"Wahhh? You've had to much to drink Frank, you know I ain't responsible!" The dwarf retorts.
As that odd group continues laughing and talking amongst themselves, a small halfling rushes back and forth between the few customers in the building. The innkeep, Bill Trent stands idly behind the counter polishing a mug that doesn't look dirty. He has a distant look in his eyes, and doesn't notice the party enter.
(All of you who went to Stonedog with a passive perception of 11 would notice)
There is a figure sitting in the darkest corner of the inn. He is wearing a dark trench coat with a broad-brimmed hat low over his eyes, but it does not cover all of his charcoal grey skin or the locks of silver-white hair falling just past his pointed ears. A cup sits on the table in front of him, but he has no food. He seems to be watching the group of laughing people, but you get the feeling he's watching you as well.
When Kalgren casts his spell, he can detect some faint traces of Enchantment magic, it seems to hang around several of those in the room like an odd mist. Something about it feels old. It's hard to place your finger on, but if you had to guess the spell was probably cast a while ago. The mist does not hang over the Dragonborn, or over Bill.
When he stops at the counter, Bill looks up a bit surprised. "Kalgren? Is that you? Haven't seen you in these parts for a while."He puts the mug down, "What can I getcha. nn, would I be correct in guessin you've heard what's been happening here?" The man asks, though he seems a good deal less enthusiastic than Kalgren remembers him being.
I sniffed. My nose crinkled. Magic. Enchantment magic to be more precise, judging from the smell of it. Nasty stuff: muddles the mind and warps the senses. Like a bottle of hard booze but with none of the pleasant experience. I sauntered up to the counter. Bill's still the barkeep. Guess some things never change.
'Didn't plan on visiting but beggars can't be choosers.' I eyeballed the shelves behind him. 'Give me the house special or whatever passes for cheap, hard, and plentiful around here.' I took a seat. Most of the padding was gone from the stool. Just my luck.
'People go missing all the time.' I kept an eye on the rowdy bunch in the centre. Seemed like we weren't the only ones with a vested interest here. 'But when half a town goes missing, that's when the important people take notice.'I leaned in over the counter when Bill put down my glass of indecipherable liquid. 'You deal in coin and drink, Bill. That's the sort of thing that makes people talk. You must have heard something.'
I put the glass to my lips. It tasted just like it looked: brown. I shifted my eyes to direct Bill's gaze over my shoulder. 'Why don't you start with dark, grey and broody over there?'
(Lol I was completely unaware that Bugbears could do that! Hahah, yeah if I ever say something wrong don't be afraid to correct me. XD)
Kit and Thar manage to squeeze themselves through the tiny hole and into the dining room of the house. While this building doesn't appear to have been in bad shape (apart from the child-sized hole) it's clear that it hasn't been occupied for a while. By the looks of the bare shelves and cabinets, whoever lived here packed up all that they could carry. A thin layer of dust covers the dining table, and the six chairs surrounding it. A withered rose lays on the seat of the chair just left of the table's head, perhaps this family lost a child and fled for fear of losing the rest. There's a staircase on the far end of the room, along with an open wall which likely leads to the living room.
Thar is surprisingly quiet when he slips through, but unfortunately doesn't notice much other than the state of the room. No one answers when Kit calls out, but she does take notice of several things. One being a distinct footprint clearly leading through the other hole exiting the house, however she also notes that a lot of the dust on the floor has been disturbed leaving a faint trail towards the stairs. Her keen senses also allow her to notice that there's a lot of dust falling from the ceiling.
When Omen tips his hat to the rowdy bunch, the dragonborn grins and gives him a sailor's salute. "Haha! Looks like I be gettin some competition eh?" Then she raises her mug to him and starts chugging. When the kenku sits down and examines the man in the corner, he immediately notices that the man carries a rapier. He's clearly not trying to hide the weapon, but it's not directly visible either. Other than the sword, he doesn't seem to be carrying any other weapons. At least if he is they are hidden within his clothing. His coat, trousers, and boots carry an obvious layer of dust, suggesting that he's been traveling if not just walking around town. While his posture is relaxed, you get the feeling he's on edge about something.
The man lifts his head slightly, fixing Amery with a silver gaze when he asks to join him. "I have an interest in everyone who enters this town." He says flatly, clearly not to happy to have his space intruded upon. His gaze flicks from Amery to Omen then back to Amery.
Bill nods solemnly before grabbing the mug he'd just been polishing and poring some strong-smelling liquor into it. "Well, you're right about that. I hear all sorts of things around here." He says sliding the drink over to the half-elf. "Most are complete nonsense, since this whole thing started people have been accusing each other left n right. Others are raving about some wild beast." He sighs and pours himself a drink. "I don't know what to believe." He takes a swig, eyes distant. Then he blinks, and glances towards the man in the corner. "Oh, the drow?" He says quietly, "He came here same as you, just started earlier. He arrived about month after the disappearances started." He shakes his head, "He doesn't talk much, so I'm not sure how much he knows. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the dark just as much as I am. He's supposed to be investigating, but the most I've seen him do is break up fights here and there. There seems to be one of those every couple days now with all the accusations going around."
"No sense in chasing her. Best we catch up with the others."
Kit digs around in her pack and sets a couple of rations on the table, then writes the words "Kit" and "Stonedog" in the dust on the tabletop with her finger.
With that, Kit heads back out through the hole where she entered, stopping briefly to confirm that Thar is following her.
(If he does, she heads to the Stonedog Inn. If he doesn't, she stays with him.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When Amery sits next to the mysterious elf, Omen's eyes would dart from the shrouded individual to his rival and then back again. "I'll give you two some room... it's a bit crowded over here." he would grumble before tipping his tophat towards the elf and making his way towards the dragonborn. He would raise a gloved hand and look towards the bartender. "Can I get an ale for me... and whatever she wants for her?" He would say with a beaky smile as he gestured towards the dragonborn. "What's your name and where are you from... if you don't mind me asking?" He would casually remove his hat and sit it down on the table in front of him before giving her a quick look up and down. "Are you here looking to find the missing townsfolk too? Seems like that reward is pretty tempting? He would ask with a grin.
Perception 21 to check over the dragonborn, looking for weapons, magic items, coins, blood...
Amery takes a seat opposite this glowering man. "I apologize, but I assume you are keenly aware of the missing people. Since you are an avid watcher perhaps you saw something that can help us find those that are missing. My sister possibly being among the lost." He tries to keep a neutral face, but slivers of grief slip through the cracks. A sadness in his brown eyes.
Bill nods solemnly before grabbing the mug he'd just been polishing and poring some strong-smelling liquor into it. "Well, you're right about that. I hear all sorts of things around here." He says sliding the drink over to the half-elf. "Most are complete nonsense, since this whole thing started people have been accusing each other left n right. Others are raving about some wild beast." He sighs and pours himself a drink. "I don't know what to believe." He takes a swig, eyes distant. Then he blinks, and glances towards the man in the corner. "Oh, the drow?" He says quietly, "He came here same as you, just started earlier. He arrived about month after the disappearances started." He shakes his head, "He doesn't talk much, so I'm not sure how much he knows. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the dark just as much as I am. He's supposed to be investigating, but the most I've seen him do is break up fights here and there. There seems to be one of those every couple days now with all the accusations going around."
Bill's words were like a gnome barbarian: troubling yet intriguing. One of them Underdarkers up here could spell trouble, even if he sounded incompetent. Too many cooks spoil the broth and all that. I tapped the counter to order another drink. It somehow tasted worse than the first one. The commotion behind my back told me that one of my companions had sauntered up to the dragonborn for a chat.
'What about those three?' I briefly nudged my head as I put down my glass. 'The human, dwarf and dragonborn. Start with the ugliest one first.'
Thar hesitates, leaving two more rations at the table with Kit's.
"Do you think she will be ok? Could be dangerous with all that disappearances... "
"I hope so. She's made it this long on her own."
Her brow furrows and she chews on her lip.
"Either way, it won't do to drag her out against her will. Give her the chance to come to us. But, if you feel that strongly, you can always go upstairs and ask her," she says as she catches some of the falling dust in her hand.
"I'd wager gold against copper she's up there, and not alone."
Thar raises his eyes towards the ceiling, almost reaching it with his height.
"I don't want to force anyone... but maybe it would be safer if they are not alone in here!"he says in loud voice "Maybe a warm stew and a cozy bed in a safe place is better... and it would be free!"he says and waits a few seconds looking at Kit waiting to see if there is any reaction. If not he shrugs and follows Kit to the Inn.
Back at the abandoned house, Thar and Kit decide to give up the chase after Thar's offer seems to be ignored. With no response from the girl, the two adventurers leave an offering before making their way to the StoneDog.
The Drow pointedly ignores Omen, and sighs through his teeth before answering Amery. "My condolences." He says after a pause. He seems to be struggling with what to say, either that or choosing his words carefully. After another long pause, he stands up and continues in a low voice. "I can tell you and your friends want to try to sort out this mess. So, I'll tell you this...take everything you hear from the residents with a grain of salt. Either they all just hate each other, or there's something messing with their heads." Pausing again, he glances at the loud group before continuing. "And take this as a warning. I'm sure you've realized that there's been a lot more bounty hunters coming into this town than coming out, and no one here seems to be talking about it. There's a reason for that. Watch your backs, and watch the shadows." He hesitates for a moment as if he wants to say more, but ends up just shaking his head slightly before turning and making his way upstairs.
(You can make an insight check on him if you'd like)
"I'll get it!" The halfling waitress exclaims before Bill can respond when Oren asks for a drink. She pauses for a moment waiting for the Dragonborn to answer. "Haha! You know what I be wantin'" The dragonborn grins, and the waitress rolls her eyes and sighs. "For the last time. We don't sell rum." The dragonborn laughs again, and the waitress just scurries off. Apparently, she knows what this costumer will settle for.
When Omen sits on the table, Frank's eyes widen and he shakes Jone's shoulder. "Ay, Jone! That's one o' those bird-folk ain't it? Look at his feathers!"
"Yeah, Frank. That's pretty obvious." The dwarf replies, giving his friend a flat look.
The dragonborn laughs, "I be called Zale, Zale Stormsent. And you be right my friend. Haha! That reward is tempting, but not as much as the thrill o a good mystery. Hah! Ye could say I be from the Swordcoast. I've been taking jobs like this one ever since me ship was destroyed." She grins, "Now I've given ye my name, tis only common courtesy for you to be givin me yours in return."
The first thing the kenku notices about Zale, is the massive scar across her right temple, and her broken right horn. She also seems to be a bit shorter than most dragonborn, and thinner, though she holds herself with a lot of confidence. She carries an ornate rapier, along with several knives, one of which has some odd runes on it. (Though he can't tell if it's magical.) Her cloths are also a bit dirty, but nothing that suggest more than a walk through town.
Bill takes another swig from his drink, before answering. "Ugliest first you say? Hah, how about the most useless? Frank and Jone've live here all their lives, but they don't have any first hand knowledge of anything. They're gossipers. Most've what they say is utter nonsense. The dragonborn arrived about a week ago, her name's Zale...So far her tactic for investigation has been to mingle with as many people as possible. If she's found anything, she hasn't mentioned it. She doesn't like sharing information. I suspect she's keeping her mouth shut so she can claim the reward for herself."
Kit and Thar arrive at the inn just as the Drow stands up and walks away from Amery.
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"Zale Stormsent you say?" He would reply with a nod. "A name that's as beautiful as it is strong... it suits you well." The kenku would continue. "My name is Omen Blacktalon, and it sounds like we have a lot in common. I enjoy a good mystery myself... although I must admit that I enjoy the reward for a job well done even more." Shifting his gaze from the dragonborn to Frank and then Jone, he would run his gloved hand over his feathered head... as though trying to slick back his silky feathers. He would then point his gloved hand towards Frank. "Frank" he would repeat in Jone's voice. before pointing towards Jone... "Jone" He would say in Frank's voice.. "You are both quite observant..." His voice returning to normal. "I am a kenku.... and I have a unique set of skills that I hope will help me to save the town... or at least the missing half of it. And, once I've collected the reward... I'll return to Baldur's Gate..." he would pause and look back towards the dragonborn. "That is unless something or someone can convince me to stay." He would say with a wink.
Deception check on the dragonborn as he tries to hit on her to get more information potentially? 22 Arcana check to recognize the runes? 13 Insight check against Zale 14 DC13 insight check to determine that his mimic of the two voices was fake
Entering the inn Thar walks directly towards the bar and his old friend the innkeeper.
"Bill Trent! . It's so good to see you. How are you? I know it could be a silly question given the circumstances but anyway.. how are you? and how's Millain? Does she still bake that carrot cake?"
Kit's eyes search for Omen as she enters. Seeing the Kenku already at work, she opts for an open table with a seat facing Omen and Thar so she can watch their backs in case of trouble.
Bill takes another swig from his drink, before answering. "Ugliest first you say? Hah, how about the most useless? Frank and Jone've live here all their lives, but they don't have any first hand knowledge of anything. They're gossipers. Most've what they say is utter nonsense. The dragonborn arrived about a week ago, her name's Zale...So far her tactic for investigation has been to mingle with as many people as possible. If she's found anything, she hasn't mentioned it. She doesn't like sharing information. I suspect she's keeping her mouth shut so she can claim the reward for herself."
Kit and Thar arrive at the inn just as the Drow stands up and walks away from Amery.
Odd thing to hear that two locals do not have any clue as to what might be happening, let alone after a year. The fact that they have not skipped town yet is a testimony to their character, though it is hard to tell whether they are brave or foolish.
The dragonborn was an outsider like me. Sounds like she was trying to get information out of the remaining people. At least they seemed to like her judging from the drinks shared. Might make it easier to establish a connection.
Speaking of connections: Kit and Thar walked in. The former quietly sat down somewhere, the latter rather bombastically went straight for Bill. I stay put: all the bounty hunters were taking and I still had a bottom of a bottle to get to. I decided to check in with Lulu.
'You there, Lulu?' I shot out telepathically. I hoped she was within reach. A partner was not my shtick and I was still figuring out all the rules around it. 'Stay invisible and converge on my location. We've got booze. I repeat: we've got booze.'
Amery has a hard time reading the man. He can't gauge his intentions, but he gets the feeling that he's hiding something.
Frank and Jone look at each other, thoroughly confused. Clearly they did not catch that the bird-man had been the one speaking. Zale however, had been watching the whole thing so clearly knows who the real speaker was.
"Hahah! Well ain't ye just a sweet talker me fine feathered friend. Unfortunately for you, I don't got no intentions of stayin in this here town either. I've never had roots, and I don't be intendin to grow any. Buuut..." She leans forward, "I ain't opposed to sharin some info with a like-minded chap." She lowers her voice, "If I was you, I'd check out that old fairy's house out by the forest. You'll be findin some intrestin stuff there me thinks. Accordin to the Mayor, she went missin two days ago. Heheh." Her voice lowers farther, "These fool townsfolk all think this be some killer, but I don't think it is. After ye check out that old lady's house, come back and let me know what ye think. I'll tell ye more if I think yer worth it." She brushes a hand across her frill flirtatiously. "Ye might be a looker Birdie Boy, but if ye ain't worth me time, I won't be wastin it. So don't go disappointin me now." She grins wryly at the kenku, then looks over at the counter just as the halfling rushes over with two mugs of ale. "Ayeeeee, more drinks!"
Zale is clearly convinced that you are smitten with her, and she appears to be trying to take advantage of it. You don't think she's lying about finding something interesting at the fairy's house, but her sense she has her own motives in telling you to find it. You recognize the runes on the dagger as being some king of enhancement spell. (It's a +1 dagger)
When Thar walks over inquiring about him and his wife, Bill's face immediately darkens. "Ah, Millain." He takes a deep breath. "Millain's one of the missing son."
"I'm Heeerrreeee!" Lulu shouts back telepathically. Then she giggles, "Oh you know me Kalgren. I'm always watching." She whispers that last part and giggles again. "Booooze you say? Don't drink to much or you'll muddle your mind!"
Thar holds his breath at the news of Millian dissapearance.
"I am sorry Bill... I truly am. I've heard that my father is among the missing too, so I came to see if I could help, with some friends that took the Mayor invitation to come and try to solve this thing... "he extends his arm across the bar between them and put his hand on the inkeeper's shoulder as if they were face to face.
"Stay strong my old friend. I'll do what's in my power to find them. Tell me. How much time since she is missing? Anything weird or strange the days before her dissapearance? Anything you can remember could help us.. "
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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Omen would casually walk into the inn, his eyes scanning the room. The kenku immediately noticed the man sitting in the dark corner but did not acknowledge his presence. He would tip his hat towards the rowdy bunch before taking a seat at one if the tables near the shrouded elf. Once seated he glance over towards the figure and look him over... looking for weapons or anything suspicious about him.
perception 27... it would be 1 more than that if investigstion.
Amery sees the man in the corner eyeing them and the people at the table. He moves directly to the brooding person. If he has been watching everyone come and go, he may know something. Once at the table he says "May I join you? It seems you have an interest in me and my companions."
Thar wasn't going to go after the kid or Kit, but seeing that his words make his friend nervous he decides to follow her and cover her.
For someone who would watch, it was weird how the tall bugnear managed to swift his shoulders to fit into the alley without even taking a side step, but it was more incredible how he crounched himself, with some pops and cracks from his joints and bones as he went into the really small hole as if he was casually walking around. He emerged to the other side and tried to cover himself in the shadows, more from habit than for really trying to hide, for he knew that anyone from the other side of the small hole could had seen him.
He pierced the darkness with his eyes as he waits for the kid to reply to Kit.
( Perception: 9 Investigation: 23 Stealth: 10. Bugbears has this racial feature that allows them to move or even stop at a space for a small creature withour squeezing )
PbP Character: A few ;)
I sniffed. My nose crinkled. Magic. Enchantment magic to be more precise, judging from the smell of it. Nasty stuff: muddles the mind and warps the senses. Like a bottle of hard booze but with none of the pleasant experience. I sauntered up to the counter. Bill's still the barkeep. Guess some things never change.
'Didn't plan on visiting but beggars can't be choosers.' I eyeballed the shelves behind him. 'Give me the house special or whatever passes for cheap, hard, and plentiful around here.'
I took a seat. Most of the padding was gone from the stool. Just my luck.
'People go missing all the time.' I kept an eye on the rowdy bunch in the centre. Seemed like we weren't the only ones with a vested interest here. 'But when half a town goes missing, that's when the important people take notice.' I leaned in over the counter when Bill put down my glass of indecipherable liquid. 'You deal in coin and drink, Bill. That's the sort of thing that makes people talk. You must have heard something.'
I put the glass to my lips. It tasted just like it looked: brown. I shifted my eyes to direct Bill's gaze over my shoulder. 'Why don't you start with dark, grey and broody over there?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
(Lol I was completely unaware that Bugbears could do that! Hahah, yeah if I ever say something wrong don't be afraid to correct me. XD)
Kit and Thar manage to squeeze themselves through the tiny hole and into the dining room of the house. While this building doesn't appear to have been in bad shape (apart from the child-sized hole) it's clear that it hasn't been occupied for a while. By the looks of the bare shelves and cabinets, whoever lived here packed up all that they could carry. A thin layer of dust covers the dining table, and the six chairs surrounding it. A withered rose lays on the seat of the chair just left of the table's head, perhaps this family lost a child and fled for fear of losing the rest. There's a staircase on the far end of the room, along with an open wall which likely leads to the living room.
Thar is surprisingly quiet when he slips through, but unfortunately doesn't notice much other than the state of the room. No one answers when Kit calls out, but she does take notice of several things. One being a distinct footprint clearly leading through the other hole exiting the house, however she also notes that a lot of the dust on the floor has been disturbed leaving a faint trail towards the stairs. Her keen senses also allow her to notice that there's a lot of dust falling from the ceiling.
When Omen tips his hat to the rowdy bunch, the dragonborn grins and gives him a sailor's salute. "Haha! Looks like I be gettin some competition eh?" Then she raises her mug to him and starts chugging. When the kenku sits down and examines the man in the corner, he immediately notices that the man carries a rapier. He's clearly not trying to hide the weapon, but it's not directly visible either. Other than the sword, he doesn't seem to be carrying any other weapons. At least if he is they are hidden within his clothing. His coat, trousers, and boots carry an obvious layer of dust, suggesting that he's been traveling if not just walking around town. While his posture is relaxed, you get the feeling he's on edge about something.
The man lifts his head slightly, fixing Amery with a silver gaze when he asks to join him. "I have an interest in everyone who enters this town." He says flatly, clearly not to happy to have his space intruded upon. His gaze flicks from Amery to Omen then back to Amery.
Bill nods solemnly before grabbing the mug he'd just been polishing and poring some strong-smelling liquor into it. "Well, you're right about that. I hear all sorts of things around here." He says sliding the drink over to the half-elf. "Most are complete nonsense, since this whole thing started people have been accusing each other left n right. Others are raving about some wild beast." He sighs and pours himself a drink. "I don't know what to believe." He takes a swig, eyes distant. Then he blinks, and glances towards the man in the corner. "Oh, the drow?" He says quietly, "He came here same as you, just started earlier. He arrived about month after the disappearances started." He shakes his head, "He doesn't talk much, so I'm not sure how much he knows. Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the dark just as much as I am. He's supposed to be investigating, but the most I've seen him do is break up fights here and there. There seems to be one of those every couple days now with all the accusations going around."
Kit turns to Thar.
"No sense in chasing her. Best we catch up with the others."
Kit digs around in her pack and sets a couple of rations on the table, then writes the words "Kit" and "Stonedog" in the dust on the tabletop with her finger.
With that, Kit heads back out through the hole where she entered, stopping briefly to confirm that Thar is following her.
(If he does, she heads to the Stonedog Inn. If he doesn't, she stays with him.)
When Amery sits next to the mysterious elf, Omen's eyes would dart from the shrouded individual to his rival and then back again. "I'll give you two some room... it's a bit crowded over here." he would grumble before tipping his tophat towards the elf and making his way towards the dragonborn. He would raise a gloved hand and look towards the bartender. "Can I get an ale for me... and whatever she wants for her?" He would say with a beaky smile as he gestured towards the dragonborn. "What's your name and where are you from... if you don't mind me asking?" He would casually remove his hat and sit it down on the table in front of him before giving her a quick look up and down. "Are you here looking to find the missing townsfolk too? Seems like that reward is pretty tempting? He would ask with a grin.
Perception 21 to check over the dragonborn, looking for weapons, magic items, coins, blood...
Thar hesitates, leaving two more rations at the table with Kit's.
"Do you think she will be ok? Could be dangerous with all that disappearances... "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Amery takes a seat opposite this glowering man. "I apologize, but I assume you are keenly aware of the missing people. Since you are an avid watcher perhaps you saw something that can help us find those that are missing. My sister possibly being among the lost." He tries to keep a neutral face, but slivers of grief slip through the cracks. A sadness in his brown eyes.
Bill's words were like a gnome barbarian: troubling yet intriguing. One of them Underdarkers up here could spell trouble, even if he sounded incompetent. Too many cooks spoil the broth and all that. I tapped the counter to order another drink. It somehow tasted worse than the first one. The commotion behind my back told me that one of my companions had sauntered up to the dragonborn for a chat.
'What about those three?' I briefly nudged my head as I put down my glass. 'The human, dwarf and dragonborn. Start with the ugliest one first.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
"I hope so. She's made it this long on her own."
Her brow furrows and she chews on her lip.
"Either way, it won't do to drag her out against her will. Give her the chance to come to us. But, if you feel that strongly, you can always go upstairs and ask her," she says as she catches some of the falling dust in her hand.
"I'd wager gold against copper she's up there, and not alone."
Thar raises his eyes towards the ceiling, almost reaching it with his height.
"I don't want to force anyone... but maybe it would be safer if they are not alone in here!" he says in loud voice "Maybe a warm stew and a cozy bed in a safe place is better... and it would be free!" he says and waits a few seconds looking at Kit waiting to see if there is any reaction. If not he shrugs and follows Kit to the Inn.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Back at the abandoned house, Thar and Kit decide to give up the chase after Thar's offer seems to be ignored. With no response from the girl, the two adventurers leave an offering before making their way to the StoneDog.
The Drow pointedly ignores Omen, and sighs through his teeth before answering Amery. "My condolences." He says after a pause. He seems to be struggling with what to say, either that or choosing his words carefully. After another long pause, he stands up and continues in a low voice. "I can tell you and your friends want to try to sort out this mess. So, I'll tell you this...take everything you hear from the residents with a grain of salt. Either they all just hate each other, or there's something messing with their heads." Pausing again, he glances at the loud group before continuing. "And take this as a warning. I'm sure you've realized that there's been a lot more bounty hunters coming into this town than coming out, and no one here seems to be talking about it. There's a reason for that. Watch your backs, and watch the shadows." He hesitates for a moment as if he wants to say more, but ends up just shaking his head slightly before turning and making his way upstairs.
(You can make an insight check on him if you'd like)
"I'll get it!" The halfling waitress exclaims before Bill can respond when Oren asks for a drink. She pauses for a moment waiting for the Dragonborn to answer. "Haha! You know what I be wantin'" The dragonborn grins, and the waitress rolls her eyes and sighs. "For the last time. We don't sell rum." The dragonborn laughs again, and the waitress just scurries off. Apparently, she knows what this costumer will settle for.
When Omen sits on the table, Frank's eyes widen and he shakes Jone's shoulder. "Ay, Jone! That's one o' those bird-folk ain't it? Look at his feathers!"
"Yeah, Frank. That's pretty obvious." The dwarf replies, giving his friend a flat look.
The dragonborn laughs, "I be called Zale, Zale Stormsent. And you be right my friend. Haha! That reward is tempting, but not as much as the thrill o a good mystery. Hah! Ye could say I be from the Swordcoast. I've been taking jobs like this one ever since me ship was destroyed." She grins, "Now I've given ye my name, tis only common courtesy for you to be givin me yours in return."
The first thing the kenku notices about Zale, is the massive scar across her right temple, and her broken right horn. She also seems to be a bit shorter than most dragonborn, and thinner, though she holds herself with a lot of confidence. She carries an ornate rapier, along with several knives, one of which has some odd runes on it. (Though he can't tell if it's magical.) Her cloths are also a bit dirty, but nothing that suggest more than a walk through town.
Bill takes another swig from his drink, before answering. "Ugliest first you say? Hah, how about the most useless? Frank and Jone've live here all their lives, but they don't have any first hand knowledge of anything. They're gossipers. Most've what they say is utter nonsense. The dragonborn arrived about a week ago, her name's Zale...So far her tactic for investigation has been to mingle with as many people as possible. If she's found anything, she hasn't mentioned it. She doesn't like sharing information. I suspect she's keeping her mouth shut so she can claim the reward for herself."
Kit and Thar arrive at the inn just as the Drow stands up and walks away from Amery.
Amery Insight Check
10 rolled in game log.
"Zale Stormsent you say?" He would reply with a nod. "A name that's as beautiful as it is strong... it suits you well." The kenku would continue. "My name is Omen Blacktalon, and it sounds like we have a lot in common. I enjoy a good mystery myself... although I must admit that I enjoy the reward for a job well done even more." Shifting his gaze from the dragonborn to Frank and then Jone, he would run his gloved hand over his feathered head... as though trying to slick back his silky feathers. He would then point his gloved hand towards Frank. "Frank" he would repeat in Jone's voice. before pointing towards Jone... "Jone" He would say in Frank's voice.. "You are both quite observant..." His voice returning to normal. "I am a kenku.... and I have a unique set of skills that I hope will help me to save the town... or at least the missing half of it. And, once I've collected the reward... I'll return to Baldur's Gate..." he would pause and look back towards the dragonborn. "That is unless something or someone can convince me to stay." He would say with a wink.
Deception check on the dragonborn as he tries to hit on her to get more information potentially? 22
Arcana check to recognize the runes? 13
Insight check against Zale 14
DC13 insight check to determine that his mimic of the two voices was fake
Entering the inn Thar walks directly towards the bar and his old friend the innkeeper.
"Bill Trent! . It's so good to see you. How are you? I know it could be a silly question given the circumstances but anyway.. how are you? and how's Millain? Does she still bake that carrot cake?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kit's eyes search for Omen as she enters. Seeing the Kenku already at work, she opts for an open table with a seat facing Omen and Thar so she can watch their backs in case of trouble.
Odd thing to hear that two locals do not have any clue as to what might be happening, let alone after a year. The fact that they have not skipped town yet is a testimony to their character, though it is hard to tell whether they are brave or foolish.
The dragonborn was an outsider like me. Sounds like she was trying to get information out of the remaining people. At least they seemed to like her judging from the drinks shared. Might make it easier to establish a connection.
Speaking of connections: Kit and Thar walked in. The former quietly sat down somewhere, the latter rather bombastically went straight for Bill. I stay put: all the bounty hunters were taking and I still had a bottom of a bottle to get to. I decided to check in with Lulu.
'You there, Lulu?' I shot out telepathically. I hoped she was within reach. A partner was not my shtick and I was still figuring out all the rules around it. 'Stay invisible and converge on my location. We've got booze. I repeat: we've got booze.'
I motioned Bill for another glass.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
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Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Amery has a hard time reading the man. He can't gauge his intentions, but he gets the feeling that he's hiding something.
Frank and Jone look at each other, thoroughly confused. Clearly they did not catch that the bird-man had been the one speaking. Zale however, had been watching the whole thing so clearly knows who the real speaker was.
"Hahah! Well ain't ye just a sweet talker me fine feathered friend. Unfortunately for you, I don't got no intentions of stayin in this here town either. I've never had roots, and I don't be intendin to grow any. Buuut..." She leans forward, "I ain't opposed to sharin some info with a like-minded chap." She lowers her voice, "If I was you, I'd check out that old fairy's house out by the forest. You'll be findin some intrestin stuff there me thinks. Accordin to the Mayor, she went missin two days ago. Heheh." Her voice lowers farther, "These fool townsfolk all think this be some killer, but I don't think it is. After ye check out that old lady's house, come back and let me know what ye think. I'll tell ye more if I think yer worth it." She brushes a hand across her frill flirtatiously. "Ye might be a looker Birdie Boy, but if ye ain't worth me time, I won't be wastin it. So don't go disappointin me now." She grins wryly at the kenku, then looks over at the counter just as the halfling rushes over with two mugs of ale. "Ayeeeee, more drinks!"
Zale is clearly convinced that you are smitten with her, and she appears to be trying to take advantage of it. You don't think she's lying about finding something interesting at the fairy's house, but her sense she has her own motives in telling you to find it. You recognize the runes on the dagger as being some king of enhancement spell. (It's a +1 dagger)
When Thar walks over inquiring about him and his wife, Bill's face immediately darkens. "Ah, Millain." He takes a deep breath. "Millain's one of the missing son."
"I'm Heeerrreeee!" Lulu shouts back telepathically. Then she giggles, "Oh you know me Kalgren. I'm always watching." She whispers that last part and giggles again. "Booooze you say? Don't drink to much or you'll muddle your mind!"
Thar holds his breath at the news of Millian dissapearance.
"I am sorry Bill... I truly am. I've heard that my father is among the missing too, so I came to see if I could help, with some friends that took the Mayor invitation to come and try to solve this thing... " he extends his arm across the bar between them and put his hand on the inkeeper's shoulder as if they were face to face.
"Stay strong my old friend. I'll do what's in my power to find them. Tell me. How much time since she is missing? Anything weird or strange the days before her dissapearance? Anything you can remember could help us.. "
PbP Character: A few ;)