Graxx keeps his mouth shut as he agreed to do. He desperately wants to cut down Hurn and he stares at Hurn and his mind begins to drift...
He thinks back to island where they fought against the Black Fist not so long ago. Where he got this sword he holds. Where he almost fell to this very sword being wielded by Grim. He remembers the greed in his eyes and the death that followed. He thinks back to Hurn's threats before that about putting them behind bars.
Graxx looks at Hurns bald head. Could he split it while the dwarf was reading the letter and make his suspicious little eyes pop out?
Graxx thinks back to facing the Black Fist in their secret torture dungeon and the hacking that followed. How they held their girl prisoner with those Gricks terrifying her.
Graxx wonders if Hurn is as strong as Grim was.
Graxx thinks of the electric ball at Evenfeast... Maybe if the Black Fist weren't so busy terrorizing the citizens of Phlan they wouldn't have let that magical item destroy the Tea Kettle.
Graxx closes his eyes feeling his hair on the back of his neck standing up. He wants to rage... But he promised the group... The group comes first...
Graxx thinks of the abominations they had to fight under the Phlan graveyard. He seeks for a way to blame the Black Fist once more building his hatred. If they were here for the people Brother Keefe could have gone to the Black Fist instead of hiring strangers off the street.
Graxx breathes in and out and opens his eyes but they stare through Hurn and not at him.
Graxx thinks of when he first stumbled into Phlan finding the donkey dying in the street shortly after... The Black Fist made no effort to help it. Graxx comforted it the best he could.
Graxx's eyes glaze over for a second but for him is an eternity.
The donkey... The.. Sky Ponies... His mind drifts to back when he became a warrior. When the shaman painted his face. He remembers looking up at his father. He was so proud! There beside him... The Drow... He will never forget those eyes staring back at him. The Drow and the evil god... Just like Bane! He cannot stand for it. They need to be punished. The Black Fist need to be punished! They need to feel the pain physical and emotional... Emotional.
Graxx cocks his head slightly looking at Hurn. Hurn was hoping the mercenaries would return any moment? He was white as a ghost when they came in? Maybe not because we may take his fame. But because his precious Sell Sword isn't here? Could the letter pulled off of Aravele's body have been a love letter from or to Hurn?
Graxx smiles on the inside but stays stoic on the outside. Watching Hurn's face. He hopes to watch the man break. Emotional pain wins out against physical pain anyway.
As curious as Doozey had grown seeing the many shifts in expression on Graxx, Utar's declaration kept coming back to him. He began chewing his lip out of a clear frustration to speak, and yet held his tongue, remembering another wish for remaining near by. Sensing the torment, Biscuit licks the hunters face, shaking him from a downward spiral. "It's okay. I'm okay, bud." He whispers, smiling faintly and patting the mastiff's head.
Calmer yet still concerned, Doozey watched the proceedings with renewed interest, and a thin smile to set any onlooker heart back at ease.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Igan Sokol, and Sargeant Grim and his men were also casualties of this incident, unfortunately. From what we were able to find out, they went down there around the time the lighthouse went out and were ambushed."
Hurn listens to Utar and Neya: "The dead underneath? They killed Aravele, Keria, Grim, the other Black Fists, and Igan Sokol... everyone except you lot? You have to agree that sounds mightily suspicious, does it not?" You can see Hurn stand up from his chair and begin to show more of his characteristic rudeness. Before he can go on, however, he too notices all the changes in expressions that are passing like a theater play on Graxx's face. The dwarf looks curious at first, then uncertain, and then frightened. The color leaves his face for a second time in a matter of minutes. He struggles to break the silence that follows, and when he finally does, he can only speak falteringly: "Right... con...contract... I will hand you the agreed am... amount... and then you can go on your way... done and dust... dusted."
He turns to go into a back office and you can hear him hitting a few pieces of furniture on the way. A key turns loudly in an unseen coffer somewhere beyond your field of vision, and the sergeant eventually returns with three standard-sized pouches. "Each has 100gp in it. Take it... and go. And let us... never do business again."
(@Grx: That was so good you don't even need to roll, my friend. Insta-success. There is a clause for it in the PHB, you know.)
(OOC: I'm glad you liked it! Also, Gruxx passive perception is 12 and I know Doozey rolled an 11 so for RP reasons let's say he can see's Doozey?)
Gruxx smirks very slightly as he takes the three standard sacks and places two of them in his back pack. Keeping one in his hand to hold and feel for a moment.
" 'Preciate it.", Gruxx says to Hurn.
Soon...
Gruxx turns and is startled to see Doozey and Biscuit. Gruxx eyes go wide for a minute then he smiles as he walks up to the Hafling and whispers.
"Sneaky and a bow wizard."
Gruxx tosses the sack of gold in the air just about 3 inches enough to make it jingle so Doozey can see it.
"Heard you say you were lookin' for work. Just happens a spots opened up in our group. If you want to walk.. Or ride and talk.. We a few more stops to make and we can talk about your skills."
Gruxx nods his head encouraging Doozey to follow and walks out the door.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(@Grx: That is what the DM implied about the crappy stealth. I'll get you all yet though! :D)
(Also, did Graxx evolve into his next state after that amazing performance? The one known only as Gruxx Almighty!?)
Just as mindful as Hurn, if not moreso over the story, Doozey lofts a brow aver it. If he gained insight in the moment however, it certainly fails to be vocalized by the Halfling. Not yet, at least, and after the stare down between Hurn and Graxx, there would be some side-burn scratching and quiet "hmms" later about it.
A just as startled Doozey glances sidelong at Graxx over the whisper, but pays no particular interest in the bag even after the display. Rather, the man himself held chief interest for the stoutling, and warranted narrowed eyes in suspicion throughout the offer. Though hesitant, after a quick glance over to a shaken Hurn, and then a 'BOOF' from Biscuit, Doozey sighs and shakes his head with a faint smile of amusement.
"Mn. Don't see much harm in that. C'mon Biscuit. We're done here for the day." Doozey said in Graxx' wake, and then a few gentle heel nudges to the side, command Biscuit to follow. "Pleasure talking to you again, Mister Hurn." He calls back along with a few waves.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx steps outside and breathes in the air and out. He keeps an eye out as well for Rorin but takes a few steps past the doorway so that he is no longer within earshot of the Black Fist.
"Got eyes on Rorin anyone?"
Graxx says and he then looks to Doozey.
"I'm sorry bow wizard. I got caught up in some other things earlier when we first met and I didn't get your name. My name is Graxx and I believe you met Utar and Neya."
Graxx motions with his hands aligning motions with the announcing of names and putting a thumb in his chest when he stated his own.
"We have been together for some time now and been through a lot together. We've become known by a few in these parts as the adventuring party Chaotic Relief. Over this period of time many adventurers have come into Phlan and joined up with us and then gone on their way. Some to seek their fortune elsewhere, some to help their families, and others for reasons we do not quiet know. One thing has remained true, no one who has joined the party has ever died. We have come close a few times but no one has crossed through that door."
Graxx points to Utar
"Utar was first, then I came, then Neya. We have no leader but operate as a democratic unit. We watch each others backs and use our various skills to help the party. I am good at hitting things and getting to the truth. Utar is a relationship builder and warrior of the divine. Neya is brings a logical and rational viewpoint as well as a pair of deadly hands. We all came to Phlan for different reasons and have stayed for... Well I guess we never really talked about why we stayed... We all have our reasons and maybe you will. Maybe you won't."
Graxx smiles while we wait for Rorin to be found.
"Our reputation has lead to individuals seeking us out to help them. Phlan is plagued by many factions... Some worse than others. I feel we've really been making a difference as of late. Of course, it's nice to feel good about what you do... For the most part... and get paid for it fairly."
Graxx sighs and looks to Doozey welcomingly.
"So... That's a short form of our story. Tell us about you."
Doozey: While you watch the group talk to Hurn, you deduce that they are likely giving the sergeant the short version of the story about what occurred in Thorn Isle. There is certainly a reason for that, and it is probably a good one. You cannot tell if omission of details would be akin to lying in this case, or if it was simply a result of a lack of respect for Hurn.
Graxx collects the pouches of money, delivers his initial pitch to Doozey, and leaves Hurn's office. Utar follows, and then Biscuit carrying Doozey. Neya is the last one to leave. As they leave, they hear Hurn saying a few words: "that greatsword..." but it sounds like the dwarf thinks better of pushing the topic any further.
Outside, Utar spots Rorin fairly easily. It looks like the boy made sure not to go too far, and to keep an eye at the Black Fist Post's door the entire time. He re-approaches the party with an embarrassed smile on his face: "Sorry I let meself be pushed out. I didn't want to be any trouble."
Graxx then delivers the second part of his pitch to Doozey and the group anxiously awaits for an answer, and perhaps for some background on the halfling and his four-legged companion as requested by the large human man.
Meanwhile, Neya recalls that Liela's office is not very far from Hurn's.
Doozey is mildly distracted at first looking for Rorin. But either after finding or being comforted by the fact the Mark remained in place soon enough, he listens with varying degrees of skepticism judging by a raised brow or wide-eyed curiosity over certain points. Towards the end his eyes over the 'For the most part' from Graxx, but only silently sealed it away in the mind palace.
"Well, first off. Names Doozey. Doozey Redfoot, in case I forgot to properly introduce myself earlier. And this here is Biscuit -- u-uh, don't give him biscuits if he starts pawing for one. We'll both regret it... *ahem*...That aside, there isn't-..." He pauses, frowning and furrowing his brows as if carefully choosing his next words. "There may be a few things... I've been on the road for some time now, and on occasion found myself in the service of or assisting similar groups like yourselves along the way. Quite a number, in fact, come to think of it. Though sadly, I only wish I could boast having never lost a friend or two along the way. But, that's the job sometimes. Not everyone has Big Mama Yondalla looking out for them." He says, smiling good-naturally at the end, though it clear doesn't fully reach his face.
"Or that of a good boy." Doozey adds more cheerily, petting Biscuit until he barks happily at the attention. "Aside from being Lucky, I wasn't joking about being something of a 'Bow Wizard'. There's... a bit more to it, of course. Picked up some peculiar and old magic in my journeys. Most of which helps me do what I do best: Scouting and Hunting; 'specially those things that wear sheep's clothing." He eyes Rorin on that last note. "It certainly has made me a little more insightful than most." He adds, eyeing Graxx in particular. "More than that, I couldn't say. I'm... a little out of touch with things. Been me and Biscuit here for some time now. So, hope you can forgive a bit of rudeness, and... wouldn't mind having me tag along with you for a spell longer."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Ah! A brother of the wild! I am some what of a hunter myself! I am excited to hear your tales of the wild as I have been living in this town for so long I can't recall the last time I slept under the stars."
Graxx makes a motion to start walking.
"Our next stop is our friend Liela's office which isn't too far from here. I am sorry for your fallen... Hopefully we will not experience that again and I am excited that you have decided to tag along."
Graxx smiles at biscuit.
"It must be nice having someone with you all the time. I hope to have a mount of my own one day. I am pleased to hear you weren't jokin' around about being a bow wizard. You see, I used to despise the use of magic. I liked to get up close and personal but well..."
Graxx laughs a little.
"Only so many people can fit in one place so combat started to get a little crowded! That magic and that bow of yours will be just the right fit. You keep an eye out on things and we'll catch you up with all you need to know about Phlan."
The group continues to walk and talk, welcoming their newest fellow adventurers Doozey and Biscuit. The teenager Rorin also follows the party closely.
From the outside, House Sokol's Administrative Office at the docks looks exactly how you left it. The wooden sign sporting the Lighthouse as the noble family's sigil is flapping on the wind. The door is closed but not locked, and Graxx makes sure to hold it open for all five of his companions to go inside the building before he himself does the same.
This place is much less crowded that Hurn's office was. There are three other people here, two of which are dockworkers reporting on some broken cargo, and the last one is Liela herself. She is taking notes and calculating what kind of monetary loss she will have to take from the spilled pickled pork feet on which the dockworkers are reporting. This enticing business talk is abruptly interrupted by a little bell ringing as the swinging door announces your arrival. Upon noticing at least a few familiar faces, Liela's own lights up is a big smile. She stands up an pats her simple but clean clothes down, approaching in hurried steps. The smile fades a little once she realizes Praxx is not among you: "Oh, it is good to see you alive again, but I can't help but notice that you are missing a couple of members of your adventuring party. Or did the dwarf and Mr. Praxx turn into a halfling and a hound?" she jests, hoping that you'll dismiss her absurd theory with a laugh.
Her office looks the same: small but extremely well organized. Liela also looks the same: a tall, lean half-elven woman of golden hair, though she is wearing a different outfit this time. Looking around, you notice that her belongings and office supplies are placed in meticulously chosen spots, and pieces of parchment are cut and rolled in perfect symmetry. Mirrors are still strategically position to make the best possible use of the daylight coming into the abode. A slight scent of lavender plays with your nostrils this time instead of eucalyptus.
Sensing they better come back at another time and probably trying to escape the earful they were about to get from Liela, the dockworkers shimmy out of the office. One nods to Neya and the other to Utar, trying to be polite and all.
"There's dwarf blood running in my veins, but I don't think I am the same kind of dwarf yer be meaning." He jests to an accompanying 'Boof!' from Biscuit as if to confirm the claim. Beneath the half-smile is a similar wariness shown to Rorin. But as Biscuit failed to react to her -- the searching for source of Lavender seeming to occupy much attention -- the halfling above calms before long.
"The name is Doozey. Doozey Redfoot, at your service. Well, moreso the other fellows truth be told. I, uhm..." He trails off there, looking to Graxx at that point to finish introductions. For all the nervousness and curiosity Doozey at least subconsciously always positions himself in such a way that Rorin is ever fully out of sight. A desire Biscuit instinctively reads, but not as always so successfully as to avoid gentle nudges in the rib to guide him back on course.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx laughs at Liela's joke and picks up where Doozey left off.
"Yes, Doozey here is most likely the newest member of our Chaotic Relief but as Utar said do not fear! Praxx did not fall in our journey to repair the lighthouse. He saved my own life in fact! Drazzim is here in town but he had some other matters to attend to."
Graxx nods to Utar.
"It's not like Praxx to be late from what we've seen. It doesn't sound like he's been here at all."
Graxx then looks Liela.
"That smell is so relaxing. Anyway, Liela while we are waiting on Praxx's arrival I know you like to get down to business so to speak. As you can see the light shines once more and all is right again. I believe the agreement was 450 gold pieces for accomplishing this task?"
Utar shakes his head
"Not our work. Whatever disrupted the lighthouse raised the dead beneath it. Both your girls fell down there."
Graxx keeps his mouth shut as he agreed to do. He desperately wants to cut down Hurn and he stares at Hurn and his mind begins to drift...
He thinks back to island where they fought against the Black Fist not so long ago. Where he got this sword he holds. Where he almost fell to this very sword being wielded by Grim. He remembers the greed in his eyes and the death that followed. He thinks back to Hurn's threats before that about putting them behind bars.
Graxx looks at Hurns bald head. Could he split it while the dwarf was reading the letter and make his suspicious little eyes pop out?
Graxx thinks back to facing the Black Fist in their secret torture dungeon and the hacking that followed. How they held their girl prisoner with those Gricks terrifying her.
Graxx wonders if Hurn is as strong as Grim was.
Graxx thinks of the electric ball at Evenfeast... Maybe if the Black Fist weren't so busy terrorizing the citizens of Phlan they wouldn't have let that magical item destroy the Tea Kettle.
Graxx closes his eyes feeling his hair on the back of his neck standing up. He wants to rage... But he promised the group... The group comes first...
Graxx thinks of the abominations they had to fight under the Phlan graveyard. He seeks for a way to blame the Black Fist once more building his hatred. If they were here for the people Brother Keefe could have gone to the Black Fist instead of hiring strangers off the street.
Graxx breathes in and out and opens his eyes but they stare through Hurn and not at him.
Graxx thinks of when he first stumbled into Phlan finding the donkey dying in the street shortly after... The Black Fist made no effort to help it. Graxx comforted it the best he could.
Graxx's eyes glaze over for a second but for him is an eternity.
The donkey... The.. Sky Ponies... His mind drifts to back when he became a warrior. When the shaman painted his face. He remembers looking up at his father. He was so proud! There beside him... The Drow... He will never forget those eyes staring back at him. The Drow and the evil god... Just like Bane! He cannot stand for it. They need to be punished. The Black Fist need to be punished! They need to feel the pain physical and emotional... Emotional.
Graxx cocks his head slightly looking at Hurn. Hurn was hoping the mercenaries would return any moment? He was white as a ghost when they came in? Maybe not because we may take his fame. But because his precious Sell Sword isn't here? Could the letter pulled off of Aravele's body have been a love letter from or to Hurn?
Graxx smiles on the inside but stays stoic on the outside. Watching Hurn's face. He hopes to watch the man break. Emotional pain wins out against physical pain anyway.
As curious as Doozey had grown seeing the many shifts in expression on Graxx, Utar's declaration kept coming back to him. He began chewing his lip out of a clear frustration to speak, and yet held his tongue, remembering another wish for remaining near by. Sensing the torment, Biscuit licks the hunters face, shaking him from a downward spiral. "It's okay. I'm okay, bud." He whispers, smiling faintly and patting the mastiff's head.
Calmer yet still concerned, Doozey watched the proceedings with renewed interest, and a thin smile to set any onlooker heart back at ease.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Igan Sokol, and Sargeant Grim and his men were also casualties of this incident, unfortunately. From what we were able to find out, they went down there around the time the lighthouse went out and were ambushed."
Extended Signature
Hurn listens to Utar and Neya: "The dead underneath? They killed Aravele, Keria, Grim, the other Black Fists, and Igan Sokol... everyone except you lot? You have to agree that sounds mightily suspicious, does it not?" You can see Hurn stand up from his chair and begin to show more of his characteristic rudeness. Before he can go on, however, he too notices all the changes in expressions that are passing like a theater play on Graxx's face. The dwarf looks curious at first, then uncertain, and then frightened. The color leaves his face for a second time in a matter of minutes. He struggles to break the silence that follows, and when he finally does, he can only speak falteringly: "Right... con...contract... I will hand you the agreed am... amount... and then you can go on your way... done and dust... dusted."
He turns to go into a back office and you can hear him hitting a few pieces of furniture on the way. A key turns loudly in an unseen coffer somewhere beyond your field of vision, and the sergeant eventually returns with three standard-sized pouches. "Each has 100gp in it. Take it... and go. And let us... never do business again."
(@Grx: That was so good you don't even need to roll, my friend. Insta-success. There is a clause for it in the PHB, you know.)
(OOC: I'm glad you liked it! Also, Gruxx passive perception is 12 and I know Doozey rolled an 11 so for RP reasons let's say he can see's Doozey?)
Gruxx smirks very slightly as he takes the three standard sacks and places two of them in his back pack. Keeping one in his hand to hold and feel for a moment.
" 'Preciate it.", Gruxx says to Hurn.
Soon...
Gruxx turns and is startled to see Doozey and Biscuit. Gruxx eyes go wide for a minute then he smiles as he walks up to the Hafling and whispers.
"Sneaky and a bow wizard."
Gruxx tosses the sack of gold in the air just about 3 inches enough to make it jingle so Doozey can see it.
"Heard you say you were lookin' for work. Just happens a spots opened up in our group. If you want to walk.. Or ride and talk.. We a few more stops to make and we can talk about your skills."
Gruxx nods his head encouraging Doozey to follow and walks out the door.
Utar pauses for a moment, gives Hurn a then hard stare, then turns and follows Graxx out the door, anxious to spot Rorin outside.
(OOC Great stuff @Grx!)
(@Grx: That is what the DM implied about the crappy stealth. I'll get you all yet though! :D)
(Also, did Graxx evolve into his next state after that amazing performance? The one known only as Gruxx Almighty!?)
Just as mindful as Hurn, if not moreso over the story, Doozey lofts a brow aver it. If he gained insight in the moment however, it certainly fails to be vocalized by the Halfling. Not yet, at least, and after the stare down between Hurn and Graxx, there would be some side-burn scratching and quiet "hmms" later about it.
Insight: 18.
A just as startled Doozey glances sidelong at Graxx over the whisper, but pays no particular interest in the bag even after the display. Rather, the man himself held chief interest for the stoutling, and warranted narrowed eyes in suspicion throughout the offer. Though hesitant, after a quick glance over to a shaken Hurn, and then a 'BOOF' from Biscuit, Doozey sighs and shakes his head with a faint smile of amusement.
"Mn. Don't see much harm in that. C'mon Biscuit. We're done here for the day." Doozey said in Graxx' wake, and then a few gentle heel nudges to the side, command Biscuit to follow. "Pleasure talking to you again, Mister Hurn." He calls back along with a few waves.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx steps outside and breathes in the air and out. He keeps an eye out as well for Rorin but takes a few steps past the doorway so that he is no longer within earshot of the Black Fist.
"Got eyes on Rorin anyone?"
Graxx says and he then looks to Doozey.
"I'm sorry bow wizard. I got caught up in some other things earlier when we first met and I didn't get your name. My name is Graxx and I believe you met Utar and Neya."
Graxx motions with his hands aligning motions with the announcing of names and putting a thumb in his chest when he stated his own.
"We have been together for some time now and been through a lot together. We've become known by a few in these parts as the adventuring party Chaotic Relief. Over this period of time many adventurers have come into Phlan and joined up with us and then gone on their way. Some to seek their fortune elsewhere, some to help their families, and others for reasons we do not quiet know. One thing has remained true, no one who has joined the party has ever died. We have come close a few times but no one has crossed through that door."
Graxx points to Utar
"Utar was first, then I came, then Neya. We have no leader but operate as a democratic unit. We watch each others backs and use our various skills to help the party. I am good at hitting things and getting to the truth. Utar is a relationship builder and warrior of the divine. Neya is brings a logical and rational viewpoint as well as a pair of deadly hands. We all came to Phlan for different reasons and have stayed for... Well I guess we never really talked about why we stayed... We all have our reasons and maybe you will. Maybe you won't."
Graxx smiles while we wait for Rorin to be found.
"Our reputation has lead to individuals seeking us out to help them. Phlan is plagued by many factions... Some worse than others. I feel we've really been making a difference as of late. Of course, it's nice to feel good about what you do... For the most part... and get paid for it fairly."
Graxx sighs and looks to Doozey welcomingly.
"So... That's a short form of our story. Tell us about you."
Neya follows the group outside. She takes some solace that she does have to go back in that office anymore unless she absolutely has to.
Extended Signature
Doozey: While you watch the group talk to Hurn, you deduce that they are likely giving the sergeant the short version of the story about what occurred in Thorn Isle. There is certainly a reason for that, and it is probably a good one. You cannot tell if omission of details would be akin to lying in this case, or if it was simply a result of a lack of respect for Hurn.
Graxx collects the pouches of money, delivers his initial pitch to Doozey, and leaves Hurn's office. Utar follows, and then Biscuit carrying Doozey. Neya is the last one to leave. As they leave, they hear Hurn saying a few words: "that greatsword..." but it sounds like the dwarf thinks better of pushing the topic any further.
Outside, Utar spots Rorin fairly easily. It looks like the boy made sure not to go too far, and to keep an eye at the Black Fist Post's door the entire time. He re-approaches the party with an embarrassed smile on his face: "Sorry I let meself be pushed out. I didn't want to be any trouble."
Graxx then delivers the second part of his pitch to Doozey and the group anxiously awaits for an answer, and perhaps for some background on the halfling and his four-legged companion as requested by the large human man.
Meanwhile, Neya recalls that Liela's office is not very far from Hurn's.
Doozey is mildly distracted at first looking for Rorin. But either after finding or being comforted by the fact the Mark remained in place soon enough, he listens with varying degrees of skepticism judging by a raised brow or wide-eyed curiosity over certain points. Towards the end his eyes over the 'For the most part' from Graxx, but only silently sealed it away in the mind palace.
"Well, first off. Names Doozey. Doozey Redfoot, in case I forgot to properly introduce myself earlier. And this here is Biscuit -- u-uh, don't give him biscuits if he starts pawing for one. We'll both regret it... *ahem*...That aside, there isn't-..." He pauses, frowning and furrowing his brows as if carefully choosing his next words. "There may be a few things... I've been on the road for some time now, and on occasion found myself in the service of or assisting similar groups like yourselves along the way. Quite a number, in fact, come to think of it. Though sadly, I only wish I could boast having never lost a friend or two along the way. But, that's the job sometimes. Not everyone has Big Mama Yondalla looking out for them." He says, smiling good-naturally at the end, though it clear doesn't fully reach his face.
"Or that of a good boy." Doozey adds more cheerily, petting Biscuit until he barks happily at the attention. "Aside from being Lucky, I wasn't joking about being something of a 'Bow Wizard'. There's... a bit more to it, of course. Picked up some peculiar and old magic in my journeys. Most of which helps me do what I do best: Scouting and Hunting; 'specially those things that wear sheep's clothing." He eyes Rorin on that last note. "It certainly has made me a little more insightful than most." He adds, eyeing Graxx in particular. "More than that, I couldn't say. I'm... a little out of touch with things. Been me and Biscuit here for some time now. So, hope you can forgive a bit of rudeness, and... wouldn't mind having me tag along with you for a spell longer."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Graxx smiles and is happy with Doozey's answer.
"Ah! A brother of the wild! I am some what of a hunter myself! I am excited to hear your tales of the wild as I have been living in this town for so long I can't recall the last time I slept under the stars."
Graxx makes a motion to start walking.
"Our next stop is our friend Liela's office which isn't too far from here. I am sorry for your fallen... Hopefully we will not experience that again and I am excited that you have decided to tag along."
Graxx smiles at biscuit.
"It must be nice having someone with you all the time. I hope to have a mount of my own one day. I am pleased to hear you weren't jokin' around about being a bow wizard. You see, I used to despise the use of magic. I liked to get up close and personal but well..."
Graxx laughs a little.
"Only so many people can fit in one place so combat started to get a little crowded! That magic and that bow of yours will be just the right fit. You keep an eye out on things and we'll catch you up with all you need to know about Phlan."
As the group nears the Sokol office, Neya starts thinking out loud.
"I wonder to what degree Praxx had wooed Leila. He turned on the charm as soon as he entered last time we were here."
Extended Signature
The group continues to walk and talk, welcoming their newest fellow adventurers Doozey and Biscuit. The teenager Rorin also follows the party closely.
From the outside, House Sokol's Administrative Office at the docks looks exactly how you left it. The wooden sign sporting the Lighthouse as the noble family's sigil is flapping on the wind. The door is closed but not locked, and Graxx makes sure to hold it open for all five of his companions to go inside the building before he himself does the same.
This place is much less crowded that Hurn's office was. There are three other people here, two of which are dockworkers reporting on some broken cargo, and the last one is Liela herself. She is taking notes and calculating what kind of monetary loss she will have to take from the spilled pickled pork feet on which the dockworkers are reporting. This enticing business talk is abruptly interrupted by a little bell ringing as the swinging door announces your arrival. Upon noticing at least a few familiar faces, Liela's own lights up is a big smile. She stands up an pats her simple but clean clothes down, approaching in hurried steps. The smile fades a little once she realizes Praxx is not among you: "Oh, it is good to see you alive again, but I can't help but notice that you are missing a couple of members of your adventuring party. Or did the dwarf and Mr. Praxx turn into a halfling and a hound?" she jests, hoping that you'll dismiss her absurd theory with a laugh.
Her office looks the same: small but extremely well organized. Liela also looks the same: a tall, lean half-elven woman of golden hair, though she is wearing a different outfit this time. Looking around, you notice that her belongings and office supplies are placed in meticulously chosen spots, and pieces of parchment are cut and rolled in perfect symmetry. Mirrors are still strategically position to make the best possible use of the daylight coming into the abode. A slight scent of lavender plays with your nostrils this time instead of eucalyptus.
Sensing they better come back at another time and probably trying to escape the earful they were about to get from Liela, the dockworkers shimmy out of the office. One nods to Neya and the other to Utar, trying to be polite and all.
(OOC They aren't dock workers from the tavern brawl are they?)
"There's dwarf blood running in my veins, but I don't think I am the same kind of dwarf yer be meaning." He jests to an accompanying 'Boof!' from Biscuit as if to confirm the claim. Beneath the half-smile is a similar wariness shown to Rorin. But as Biscuit failed to react to her -- the searching for source of Lavender seeming to occupy much attention -- the halfling above calms before long.
"The name is Doozey. Doozey Redfoot, at your service. Well, moreso the other fellows truth be told. I, uhm..." He trails off there, looking to Graxx at that point to finish introductions. For all the nervousness and curiosity Doozey at least subconsciously always positions himself in such a way that Rorin is ever fully out of sight. A desire Biscuit instinctively reads, but not as always so successfully as to avoid gentle nudges in the rib to guide him back on course.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar looks around the office trying to spot Praxx.
"No, our gnomish music wizard is not with us, we were to meet him here."
Pointing at the door, Utar continues,
"Do you mind if I poke my head out, see if he's running late?"
Graxx laughs at Liela's joke and picks up where Doozey left off.
"Yes, Doozey here is most likely the newest member of our Chaotic Relief but as Utar said do not fear! Praxx did not fall in our journey to repair the lighthouse. He saved my own life in fact! Drazzim is here in town but he had some other matters to attend to."
Graxx nods to Utar.
"It's not like Praxx to be late from what we've seen. It doesn't sound like he's been here at all."
Graxx then looks Liela.
"That smell is so relaxing. Anyway, Liela while we are waiting on Praxx's arrival I know you like to get down to business so to speak. As you can see the light shines once more and all is right again. I believe the agreement was 450 gold pieces for accomplishing this task?"
(@MB: No, not the same guys at all. Also, give me a perception check, please.)