Jodon flips the gold coin to the barkeep ("keep the remainder, but, please, find some soul to feed with a portion") and joins the group at the table. As Landon pauses, Jodon sets down his mug and raises his hand.
"Pardon the interruption, but in my experience, fiend is not a title to be thrown around lightly, and spoiled braggarts rarely have any cause save themselves. What has this Kristoff done to earn these names, and what sort of cause are we all but tools for?"
Several things had not gone according to plan, Dathyra thought. To begin, it had never occurred to her that such an offer would have attracted more applicants, nor did she even begin to think what sort of people would be drawn to it. The half-elf fellow had joined the table without so much as a word, but that hadn't bothered her so much. When the orc and the hooded figure from the bar, who had now revealed himself to be a Tiefling, came over, her face fell and she shrunk back a bit, still frightened. She dared not meet their gazes. She really hadn't noticed the halfling until he was sitting at the table near her. Needless to say, this didn't look like the most savory bunch, and her brother would have scolded her something fierce for being so foolish to put herself into such a situation.
And to top it off, the man she had sought had lied to her about his name. She wasn't sure what to make of that. Yet, as he told his story, she did feel sorry for him, and this whole business with this Kristoff fellow didn't sound good. An open mind and a just heart, she reminded herself. She had to stay hopeful. "Where was the last place these two were seen?" she asked.
Kelbin's eyes fall on Sly first and he replies, "Yes. It sounds so easy said that way." He turns to Jodon. "Kristoff's words at the ball didn't make sense to anyone. He was comparable to a raving madman that night. He flaunts his money and deals in shady goods. Local traders know to steer clear of his ill gotten goods. His father was a respectable wine dealer before he died but now Kristoff is ruining the Hierg name. Aside from that he is a wicked man. Woe be to any woman that finds her way to his bed - they come back with bruises." Kelbin shakes his head and looks to Dathyra with a pained expression. "I spoke with Arlen the morning he disappeared. We are business partners and we had just agreed to meet with a company based in Waterdeep. When Arlen didn't show for the meeting later that afternoon, I went by his home only to find no one there. Worried, I spoke with the Neverwinter guard only to be turned away with a threat. The guard said that Arlen had been there an hour before me claiming that he filed a complaint that I was snooping around his property and that I was to keep my distance from him."
Kelbin throws his hands up a little in a defeated motion and continues looking at each of you in return, "I have known Arlen for the better part of 15 years and I count him among the very best of friends. Something is not right here and it seems as if my hands are tied. I am offering 30 gold for information on where Kristoff has gone and the same for Arlen's whereabouts. If you find Arlen and bring him back to speak with me, I will pay 75 gold instead of 30 - to each of you." He also gives you the location of Arlen's, Kristoff's and his own homes within the Blacklake district on the northern side of the city.
Jodon's expression clouds at the mention of bruises. "But...surely, the town watch would not allow such behavior to continue? Although...this guardsman, this complaint. It seems odd a friend of 15 years would file one. To whom may we speak more of how this came to pass?" He stares as his reflection in his mug. "I can look for your friend, of course. And the other, if there is anything redeemable, I will shall find him, and it. Or perhaps...we will?" Jodon adds, as he looks hopefully at the others around the table.
Kylar leans back in his chair thinking over Kelbin's story. "And if we find this other man, Kristoff, do you want us to bring him back as well...." He leaned forward again and gave Kelbin a knowing look. "I would also like ask you for some more information. What company where you suppose to meet in Waterdeep?"
Noticing how the Elf reacted Sly frown a bit then pulled his hood down covering his face he didn't mind most people were either scared of him or didn't like him also being around a half-orc didn't help her most likely. "Sorry if I made it sound like this was not important Kelbin I do hope if we all take this or those who do find Arlen." The money sounded good but if the others didn't want to work with him he wouldn't go he had free room here for a bit and could find a different job he started to feel like others were staring at him but he knew it could just be in his mind or the people around him. "Do you have any other information about this Kristoff we should know about before going so we aren't surprised or have an idea where to find him?"
This was all indeed troubling. Dathyra looked around the room at the four other men sitting around the table. The easy thing to do would have been to leave and go back to the work that had been instructed to her. She could easily spend a few more days helping the children, and she could arrive early at her next destination. But something told her this was exactly where she needed to be, that being here was for a greater good she had yet to understand. Father Uridan did say she had a good intuition when it came to these sorts of things. But was she really about to put herself into a situation that could result in anything with strangers she had never met before because of a hunch? Lathander had never failed her before. So, when she heard the halfling say, "Or perhaps...we will?" she quickly responded, "I too shall take up your offer."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: Okay, lets start getting some dice rolled here shall we?)
Holg, feeling more frustrated than relieved by the direction of the conversation and the haste of other's accepting this offer, wonders to himself if this Kelbin character is telling the whole story...
[INSIGHT CHECK: To see if Kelbin is being 100% honest or is holding back some important information - 12 ]
Kelbin nods at Jodon. "You're right to think the watch would intervene. I have been questioned by the guards about Kristoff, and I can think of two others right away that have spoken out against his dark dealings. The man is not long for this city on his current course." Kelbin moves his pipe to take another draw and realizes the fire has gone out. His hand halfway to the pipe to relight it, he looks at Dathyra and decides to put it away for now. He turns to Sly and shakes his head, “Besides where he lives in Blacklake and what is public knowledge, I know very little of the man. His crooked path demands a bit of secrecy I imagine.”
Kelbin’s eyes snap to Kylar when he asks about the Waterdhavian company. “I had not thought of that before. Up to now I had just assumed Kristoff to be the culprit because of who he is. I deal in ropes and fabrics. The shop I was to meet with is called Piatran's Clothiers. I believe their envoy came in with a caravan from the south.” He frames his bearded chin between his thumb and index finger and thinks for a moment. ”It’s been nine days since I met with him, though. He may not even be in Neverwinter anymore.
This mystery keeps evolving...I cannot say what you should do with Kristoff should he be responsible, though. If they are his crimes, then I think Neverwinter should see to his punishment, personally. That is not why I am hiring you, though. I am not asking you to be a judge or executioner; I am but a man seeking an answer to an old friend’s disappearance.” He gives a nod to those of you who accept his offer.
Just so you are all aware I send insight check replies and the like in private messages.
Holg leans forward into the table and points his finger at Kelbin. "Look Kelbin, I can see you are greatly concerned for your friend. I, for one, see no problem asking a few questions around town..." (and breaking a few skulls if need be, he thought) "... in order to help you find the location of Arlen. Your business with him is your own and nothing to me. But before I accept your offer, I have a few questions of my own." Holg pauses, leans back, and looks around the table to gauge the focus of everyone sitting there. "Have Arlen and Kristoff ever had any interaction before the ball you attended with them? You deal in ropes and fabric, Kristoff in wine, what is Arlen's business in Neverwinter? Are you the only person that knows of Arlen's disappearance? Surely he must have some patrons of his business or a family that has reported his absence over the last few days."
As you point at Kelbin, he seems to shrink back for a moment. You catch a glimpse of raw fear for only a moment, but when Holg makes no other movement he replies quickly, "Arlen is a moneylender. I - I know that Kristoff owed him some money so they had to have some interaction, but I do not know how much was owed. Arlen never complained that he wasn't paying. One of Arlen's clients did come by my estate looking for him. His business is not the every day sort, but I imagine there are more and more who are noticing his absence, yes." It's plain to see that he was more than a little shaken by Holg's small gesture.
Kylar smirked towards Holg appreciative of his ability to press for more information. He sizes up the rest of people at the table, "With this group, we will be lucky to stay out of trouble rather than to find a missing person, but it could prove rather fun either way." he thought. Kylar pulls down his hood leaned forwards to rest his arms on the table towards Kelbin. "I am willing to accept the job as well... Given that you are not withholding any other vital information from us of course." Kylar said looking straight at Kelbin.
"Wait your friend is a moneylender?" Sly looked at him the sat his chair down on the ground there could have been someone who didn't want to pay him back and might have good reasons to make him disappear. "Did he have any enemies or people who didn't like him?" He lean a bit closer to look at him closer to be honest he didn't know if this man was telling them all the truth but he didn't think he was lying and knowing more about Arlen the Tiefling looked at the half-elf then back at the human. "Like the nice Half-elf said I really hope you wouldn't keep any information from us I'm sure all of us want to know all we can so we can find these men." Sly took his drink from the table it didn't seam like anyone was giving up the job which was good more people around meant that if they get into a fight they have a better chance at winning it even if some of these people didn't look like fighters he can't really judge them with out seeing them in action. He took a long drink from the cup he still couldn't get enough of the taste it was good and it just tasted better that it was for free he didn't know much about the others but he was sure this was going to be an interesting group.
This new information presented a very peculiar...wrinkle in the situation. It seemed that the more the group talked with this Kelbin, or Landon, or whoever he was, the more information he seemed to have concealed from them. Dathyra's question was why? She didn't get the impression that he did it intentionally, or at least not with ill intent in mind. But some things were not adding up. She was thankful for the cleverer members of what was slowly becoming their group for having had the courage and the insight to dig further. Trusting as she was, she realized she wouldn't have done well at all on her own. Maybe there was something more to the companions she had found herself with tonight.
"Wait," she interrupted, letting all the details sink in, "you said you were meeting Arlen because you were business partners. If your business is ropes and fabrics, and his is money lending...exactly what kind of business did you have with this Piatran's Clothiers? What do you know about them?"
Jodon sighs to himself; why do beings everywhere look for the bad in each other, rather than the good? Though just this once, he had to admit, perhaps Holg and the others had a point.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Intimidation roll = 17)
Kylar would have admitted that at first he did not think much of the odd group of people before him, but now he felt slightly better that they didn't take this mysterious stranger for his word when they're were so many holes in his story. Although he ears had slightly twitched when he heard one of them say "the nice half-elf".
Taking in what everyone has to say, Kelbin's eyes meet Kylar's and they hold for a moment before Kelbin looks away, down at the table. He says flatly, "Arlen is all but bankrupt." His gaze returns to Kylar, but he seems to have lost some spark. "His financial struggles directly affect me and my business. I have to find him - please do not speak of this to anyone!" Kelbin's eyes dart around the room as his voice rose above the clamor in the tavern. He continues in a lower volume, "It would ruin me if anyone knew. Currently, there is much we can do to remedy the situation, but I can't do that without Arlen. Arlen purchases the raw materials required to make my products. In return, I create a quality product, sell it, and we split profits. The Piatran's Clothiers deal was for small and steady orders - exactly what we need in our current situation."
Holg smirked and looked around the table. "It seems I am not the only one feeling uneasy about all of this", he thought to himself. "Perhaps this little group will work out well to find Arlen. Plus, some easy coin for information on a man seems simple enough". Feeling that not everyone at the table is fully on board yet with the task, Holg decided to offer his aid, hoping to comfort those that are still on the fence about everything.
"Kelbin, I am willing to assist anyone that is committed to this task of helping you find Arlen or any information about his whereabouts. Just know that I personally do not stick my neck out on the line for anyone that has not proven himself in combat. From the way you come across, I feel as your experience in that matter is minimal at best. I will search for Arlen, but do not think that I will hesitate to walk away at the first sign of things not adding up to the way you are describing them now."
Jodon flips the gold coin to the barkeep ("keep the remainder, but, please, find some soul to feed with a portion") and joins the group at the table. As Landon pauses, Jodon sets down his mug and raises his hand.
"Pardon the interruption, but in my experience, fiend is not a title to be thrown around lightly, and spoiled braggarts rarely have any cause save themselves. What has this Kristoff done to earn these names, and what sort of cause are we all but tools for?"
Several things had not gone according to plan, Dathyra thought. To begin, it had never occurred to her that such an offer would have attracted more applicants, nor did she even begin to think what sort of people would be drawn to it. The half-elf fellow had joined the table without so much as a word, but that hadn't bothered her so much. When the orc and the hooded figure from the bar, who had now revealed himself to be a Tiefling, came over, her face fell and she shrunk back a bit, still frightened. She dared not meet their gazes. She really hadn't noticed the halfling until he was sitting at the table near her. Needless to say, this didn't look like the most savory bunch, and her brother would have scolded her something fierce for being so foolish to put herself into such a situation.
And to top it off, the man she had sought had lied to her about his name. She wasn't sure what to make of that. Yet, as he told his story, she did feel sorry for him, and this whole business with this Kristoff fellow didn't sound good. An open mind and a just heart, she reminded herself. She had to stay hopeful. "Where was the last place these two were seen?" she asked.
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
Kelbin's eyes fall on Sly first and he replies, "Yes. It sounds so easy said that way." He turns to Jodon. "Kristoff's words at the ball didn't make sense to anyone. He was comparable to a raving madman that night. He flaunts his money and deals in shady goods. Local traders know to steer clear of his ill gotten goods. His father was a respectable wine dealer before he died but now Kristoff is ruining the Hierg name. Aside from that he is a wicked man. Woe be to any woman that finds her way to his bed - they come back with bruises." Kelbin shakes his head and looks to Dathyra with a pained expression. "I spoke with Arlen the morning he disappeared. We are business partners and we had just agreed to meet with a company based in Waterdeep. When Arlen didn't show for the meeting later that afternoon, I went by his home only to find no one there. Worried, I spoke with the Neverwinter guard only to be turned away with a threat. The guard said that Arlen had been there an hour before me claiming that he filed a complaint that I was snooping around his property and that I was to keep my distance from him."
Kelbin throws his hands up a little in a defeated motion and continues looking at each of you in return, "I have known Arlen for the better part of 15 years and I count him among the very best of friends. Something is not right here and it seems as if my hands are tied. I am offering 30 gold for information on where Kristoff has gone and the same for Arlen's whereabouts. If you find Arlen and bring him back to speak with me, I will pay 75 gold instead of 30 - to each of you." He also gives you the location of Arlen's, Kristoff's and his own homes within the Blacklake district on the northern side of the city.
Jodon's expression clouds at the mention of bruises. "But...surely, the town watch would not allow such behavior to continue? Although...this guardsman, this complaint. It seems odd a friend of 15 years would file one. To whom may we speak more of how this came to pass?" He stares as his reflection in his mug. "I can look for your friend, of course. And the other, if there is anything redeemable, I will shall find him, and it. Or perhaps...we will?" Jodon adds, as he looks hopefully at the others around the table.
Kylar leans back in his chair thinking over Kelbin's story. "And if we find this other man, Kristoff, do you want us to bring him back as well...." He leaned forward again and gave Kelbin a knowing look. "I would also like ask you for some more information. What company where you suppose to meet in Waterdeep?"
Noticing how the Elf reacted Sly frown a bit then pulled his hood down covering his face he didn't mind most people were either scared of him or didn't like him also being around a half-orc didn't help her most likely. "Sorry if I made it sound like this was not important Kelbin I do hope if we all take this or those who do find Arlen." The money sounded good but if the others didn't want to work with him he wouldn't go he had free room here for a bit and could find a different job he started to feel like others were staring at him but he knew it could just be in his mind or the people around him. "Do you have any other information about this Kristoff we should know about before going so we aren't surprised or have an idea where to find him?"
This was all indeed troubling. Dathyra looked around the room at the four other men sitting around the table. The easy thing to do would have been to leave and go back to the work that had been instructed to her. She could easily spend a few more days helping the children, and she could arrive early at her next destination. But something told her this was exactly where she needed to be, that being here was for a greater good she had yet to understand. Father Uridan did say she had a good intuition when it came to these sorts of things. But was she really about to put herself into a situation that could result in anything with strangers she had never met before because of a hunch? Lathander had never failed her before. So, when she heard the halfling say, "Or perhaps...we will?" she quickly responded, "I too shall take up your offer."
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
(OOC: Okay, lets start getting some dice rolled here shall we?)
Holg, feeling more frustrated than relieved by the direction of the conversation and the haste of other's accepting this offer, wonders to himself if this Kelbin character is telling the whole story...
[INSIGHT CHECK: To see if Kelbin is being 100% honest or is holding back some important information - 12 ]
Conrad Gilles - Mortal Grit - The Entertainer
Kelbin nods at Jodon. "You're right to think the watch would intervene. I have been questioned by the guards about Kristoff, and I can think of two others right away that have spoken out against his dark dealings. The man is not long for this city on his current course." Kelbin moves his pipe to take another draw and realizes the fire has gone out. His hand halfway to the pipe to relight it, he looks at Dathyra and decides to put it away for now. He turns to Sly and shakes his head, “Besides where he lives in Blacklake and what is public knowledge, I know very little of the man. His crooked path demands a bit of secrecy I imagine.”
Kelbin’s eyes snap to Kylar when he asks about the Waterdhavian company. “I had not thought of that before. Up to now I had just assumed Kristoff to be the culprit because of who he is. I deal in ropes and fabrics. The shop I was to meet with is called Piatran's Clothiers. I believe their envoy came in with a caravan from the south.” He frames his bearded chin between his thumb and index finger and thinks for a moment. ”It’s been nine days since I met with him, though. He may not even be in Neverwinter anymore.
This mystery keeps evolving...I cannot say what you should do with Kristoff should he be responsible, though. If they are his crimes, then I think Neverwinter should see to his punishment, personally. That is not why I am hiring you, though. I am not asking you to be a judge or executioner; I am but a man seeking an answer to an old friend’s disappearance.” He gives a nod to those of you who accept his offer.
Just so you are all aware I send insight check replies and the like in private messages.
Dice rolls are definitely coming. My campaigns are usually combat heavy. May the rolls be ever in your favor.
Holg leans forward into the table and points his finger at Kelbin. "Look Kelbin, I can see you are greatly concerned for your friend. I, for one, see no problem asking a few questions around town..." (and breaking a few skulls if need be, he thought) "... in order to help you find the location of Arlen. Your business with him is your own and nothing to me. But before I accept your offer, I have a few questions of my own." Holg pauses, leans back, and looks around the table to gauge the focus of everyone sitting there. "Have Arlen and Kristoff ever had any interaction before the ball you attended with them? You deal in ropes and fabric, Kristoff in wine, what is Arlen's business in Neverwinter? Are you the only person that knows of Arlen's disappearance? Surely he must have some patrons of his business or a family that has reported his absence over the last few days."
Conrad Gilles - Mortal Grit - The Entertainer
As you point at Kelbin, he seems to shrink back for a moment. You catch a glimpse of raw fear for only a moment, but when Holg makes no other movement he replies quickly, "Arlen is a moneylender. I - I know that Kristoff owed him some money so they had to have some interaction, but I do not know how much was owed. Arlen never complained that he wasn't paying. One of Arlen's clients did come by my estate looking for him. His business is not the every day sort, but I imagine there are more and more who are noticing his absence, yes." It's plain to see that he was more than a little shaken by Holg's small gesture.
Kylar smirked towards Holg appreciative of his ability to press for more information. He sizes up the rest of people at the table, "With this group, we will be lucky to stay out of trouble rather than to find a missing person, but it could prove rather fun either way." he thought. Kylar pulls down his hood leaned forwards to rest his arms on the table towards Kelbin. "I am willing to accept the job as well... Given that you are not withholding any other vital information from us of course." Kylar said looking straight at Kelbin.
Roll intimidation with advantage.
"Wait your friend is a moneylender?" Sly looked at him the sat his chair down on the ground there could have been someone who didn't want to pay him back and might have good reasons to make him disappear. "Did he have any enemies or people who didn't like him?" He lean a bit closer to look at him closer to be honest he didn't know if this man was telling them all the truth but he didn't think he was lying and knowing more about Arlen the Tiefling looked at the half-elf then back at the human. "Like the nice Half-elf said I really hope you wouldn't keep any information from us I'm sure all of us want to know all we can so we can find these men." Sly took his drink from the table it didn't seam like anyone was giving up the job which was good more people around meant that if they get into a fight they have a better chance at winning it even if some of these people didn't look like fighters he can't really judge them with out seeing them in action. He took a long drink from the cup he still couldn't get enough of the taste it was good and it just tasted better that it was for free he didn't know much about the others but he was sure this was going to be an interesting group.
This new information presented a very peculiar...wrinkle in the situation. It seemed that the more the group talked with this Kelbin, or Landon, or whoever he was, the more information he seemed to have concealed from them. Dathyra's question was why? She didn't get the impression that he did it intentionally, or at least not with ill intent in mind. But some things were not adding up. She was thankful for the cleverer members of what was slowly becoming their group for having had the courage and the insight to dig further. Trusting as she was, she realized she wouldn't have done well at all on her own. Maybe there was something more to the companions she had found herself with tonight.
"Wait," she interrupted, letting all the details sink in, "you said you were meeting Arlen because you were business partners. If your business is ropes and fabrics, and his is money lending...exactly what kind of business did you have with this Piatran's Clothiers? What do you know about them?"
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
Jodon sighs to himself; why do beings everywhere look for the bad in each other, rather than the good? Though just this once, he had to admit, perhaps Holg and the others had a point.
(Intimidation roll = 17)
Kylar would have admitted that at first he did not think much of the odd group of people before him, but now he felt slightly better that they didn't take this mysterious stranger for his word when they're were so many holes in his story. Although he ears had slightly twitched when he heard one of them say "the nice half-elf".
Taking in what everyone has to say, Kelbin's eyes meet Kylar's and they hold for a moment before Kelbin looks away, down at the table. He says flatly, "Arlen is all but bankrupt." His gaze returns to Kylar, but he seems to have lost some spark. "His financial struggles directly affect me and my business. I have to find him - please do not speak of this to anyone!" Kelbin's eyes dart around the room as his voice rose above the clamor in the tavern. He continues in a lower volume, "It would ruin me if anyone knew. Currently, there is much we can do to remedy the situation, but I can't do that without Arlen. Arlen purchases the raw materials required to make my products. In return, I create a quality product, sell it, and we split profits. The Piatran's Clothiers deal was for small and steady orders - exactly what we need in our current situation."
Holg smirked and looked around the table. "It seems I am not the only one feeling uneasy about all of this", he thought to himself. "Perhaps this little group will work out well to find Arlen. Plus, some easy coin for information on a man seems simple enough". Feeling that not everyone at the table is fully on board yet with the task, Holg decided to offer his aid, hoping to comfort those that are still on the fence about everything.
"Kelbin, I am willing to assist anyone that is committed to this task of helping you find Arlen or any information about his whereabouts. Just know that I personally do not stick my neck out on the line for anyone that has not proven himself in combat. From the way you come across, I feel as your experience in that matter is minimal at best. I will search for Arlen, but do not think that I will hesitate to walk away at the first sign of things not adding up to the way you are describing them now."
Conrad Gilles - Mortal Grit - The Entertainer