Kerric:

”That might work, but the water cultist who *welcomed* us at the bridge already knew us by sight as the Argent Alliance.  Going undercover would take some disguises and they may reverse the trap on us if we are suspected,” responds Kerric, interested but concerned.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker nods, "I concur with Kerric, that was my first thought as well. They seem to know us. It may be a challenge to get recruited. But, I certainly like the spirit and the idea! I wonder...if we could beat up, as you say....the cultists at the river, and then take their riverboat up to the place, and impersonate THEM. We have sufficient magic to look like others. That leaves us in control a bit more. Best of both worlds?" 

Spitefire Inn

"Gorm, Herek, and Shadnil. They be some of mah lads that 'ave gone 'missin''." He'd scoff. "Truth be told, them three, prolly 'ave joined their stinkin' crew." Seamus would grumble in return to the tiefling. He'd nod along in agreement as the conversation progressed about approaching Shoalar and his crew.

Lady Lynn would bat her eyelashes at Kerric as he talks. Eventually she'd sip her lager and straighten her posture before responding. "The gang normally remains at the docks, occupying the dock and granary buildings there. They frequented the tavern, but Benny has said they've stopped showing up when whispers of the Womford Bat started."

Reghys' Map Update:

"Ah, found it! " Reghys would suddenly exclaim, excitedly showing the others the passage in the traveller's guide. "There's a footpath that runs parallel to the Dessarin road and down to the river. If we're afraid the cultists will be able to ambush us if we go with them, or if we fear we might not get up on the river, we might be able to surprise them by coming  down at them? Plus, that way we won't have to leave Bill behind?"  They take a sip of their milk: "If we travel fast for a day and push ourselves a little, we might make Summit Hall before nightfall. The next day, we can get onto the footpath and start sailing downriver, to surprise the Riverguard keep in an assault at dusk two days' hence. What do you think?"

Kerric:

”I like your idea too, Reghys, but it doesn’t solve the problem with the thugs in town.  It does give me an idea, though...” begins Kerric.

”Option One:  We go to the docks and deal with the river rat leaders there—hopefully taking them down and getting into a position to impersonate them as T’Chal suggested.”

”Option Two:  if that doesn’t work, or we get any escapees going upriver to warn the enemy, we send Hawke to lead a pursuit vessel.  Once we have established the ruse, Hawke flies off to join the rest of us along Reghys’ secret path and we get to the keep from behind as he suggests while they are focusing their defenses to the south.”

After sharing his thoughts, Kerric says, “What do you think?  Should we still try to go undercover as recruits first, or try the other suggestions?”

Reghys smiles: "I like that a lot, as long as Hawke is happy being left behind for a bit. And I'm happy to try and use subterfuge first, and switch to Option two if our cover is blown."

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker has only one thing to say in reply to Kerric's words, "T'chal'fronack'zcinicker."

Otherwise he nods in agreement with the plan.

Hawke snorts at Ebele's demand of carrying her now that she was secured on his shoulders. "I mean... I'm not the strongest guy out there, but if you insist..." He gives a lighthearted chuckle. "No need to apologize, Belle, you're good. You get down when you're good n' ready." 

There's a pleased hum that emits from the druid when she runs her fingers through his hair, a small smile on his face now as he brings the apple back down to him. He always had a weakness for hair petting, as rare as it would happen to him. "Mm... Careful doin' that. Might get me to fall asleep on ya." He teases before biting into the apple again, needing a quick pick me up to fight back the drowsiness. "But, you were the one refusin' to come down in the first place, lil lady! Might as well pick as many apples as we can since you're up there, right? Promise I won't out pick you this time!"

At the question, he mulls it over prior to saying, "Naaaah... It's free real estate. Plus, I'm not seein' anyone bein' bother by us pickin' a few apples..." To double check, he takes a quick gander around. 

Passive Perception is 21, but if a roll is preferred: 21

"And," He says as he looks about. "Snicker's won't need to forge up a contract for us if we bend the truth a bit. Maybe... Say we bought them for Bill by a travelling merchant, ended up wanting to make a sample cider with some others?"

(21 or 21 your choice XD)

Picking Apples

"Shhh... You're just dreaming." Ebelle would jest hypnotically before adding, "Not everyday I can stand up high with my head in the clouds!" She'd stretch her hand out excitedly, then move it to gently cover Hawke's seeing eye. "You try picking apples without your eye." She'd tease playfully.

Hawke, you hear a very impatient horse stomping his hooves and huffing. You could feel eyes leering at you from within the stables, possible through even the tiniest crack.

The monk would chew her lip in thought. "Alrighty." She'd give in "But you're going to have to answer to Bill's sass back." A chuckle would leave her lips. She'd uncover the druids eye so he could guide her for real so she could pick apples. After the second batch of apples and feeding bill/storing/delivering extras, they should brief with the others before retiring for the night.

"And you're going to have to hold these ones." Ebelle would remind.

Ebele picks apples: 22

Spitefire Inn

The group converses over food and drink and the discussion casually shifts to planning out their mission. The locals listen, but eventually break off into their own discussion to give them their privacy to conduct details of their business.

Evening Wind Down
(All)

As the Argent Alliance eventually comes together as a complete group in the comfort of Spitefire Inn. The white haired dwarven inn keeper would walk off to the back with a staggering Seamus in toe. After what sounded like some cluttering of pans, toppling of pots and something crashing to the ground, a rosy cheeked Lynn would excuse herself. She'd tip toe to the back. You'd hear some shushing, grumbling and jolly chuckling.

Lady Lynn would pop back out with a practiced smile on her face, skipping back to her seat. She'd present a fresh batch of cookies.

Seamus would stumble out, pause to look down, pressing his chin against his chest. He'd flick something off his shirt before taking a step to begin his journey back to his seat. It was a different one.

Not a moment too soon, the bartender would burst through the doors, bursting with energy. "Oh ho ho ho!" He'd let out a deep infectious laugh, taking up a standing position near the head of the table. Petting his beard with a great big grin, the man would look over the group. "How rude of me! Never did intraduce mahself." He'd tsk himself, propping his hand on his hip. "Now, name's Nick." He'd wink.

Nick would pause, almost as if waiting for some groans or hopeful eyes. "That's the spirit!" He'd let out a deep bellied laugh. After settling and dabbing the corner of his eye, he'd continue. "Guess what comes next?" With a growing smirk, he'd toss a red velvet bag on the table. "Go ahead, reach in." The man would gesture to it with his chin. "What? Didya think I was gunna ask ya tah sit on mah lap?" A snort would leave his nose before more laughter.

"One at a time." Lynn would encourage with a trusting smile.

Achievements
1 x Safe Apprehension of Womford Bat
1 x Well Researched
1 x Happy Horse
1 x Contract Signed

You each receive:
(Must be applied yourself)

Experience:
XP Granted: 700xp
Bonus XP: 95xp
Total XP: 795xp

Some Bling:
Gold: 75g
Bonus Gold: 14g
Total Gold: 89g

Individual Bonus:
Roll call: Everyone
Roll: 1d100 for me please!

Kerric:

Percentile:  33

Picking Apples:

Hawke chuff's softly with a smile dancing at the corners of his lips. "Well if you ever feel like puttin' your head in the clouds again, all you gotta do is ask. I don't mind holdin' ya up. Gotta put this height to good use somehow." When the monk covers his seeing eye, he squints a bit, then reaches up to the leaves to try to get an apple.

Lucky Pluck?: 21

Whether he gets one or not, he gives a nervous laugh, feeling the glaring eyes from the stables. "I think I've gotten better with dealin' with his sassy attitude so I got that no problem! I already feel him gettin' impatient, though. Picking only the best for you, buddy!" He shouts the last bit loud enough in hopes Bill could hear him. From then on, the druid guides Ebele to the best looking apples, for Bill, for a cider sample, and also for the group, taking each apple picked with much enthusiasm. "These are real good lookin', Belle! Team work makes the dream work!"

Evening Wind Down:

At the sight of cookies, Hawke's eyes light up in delight and picks one up from the plate, immediately munching down on it with a pleased hum. "Mmm...!" He then reaches for two more cookies... and another... and another... unless stopped.

When the bartender presents them a goodie bag, Hawke, with cheeks full of cookies, reaches into the bag...

Mama wants a new pair of shoes! 61

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, confused and looking like he’s expecting to be putting his hand into a nest of vipers, or even worse, alliterating animals, grabs. 48

Reghys, finally having put their book aside, is their jolly old self as all of the Argent alliance is gathered. Once everyone could enjoy some cookies and the hearty fare of the inn, they ask if able to play a little song. Before anyone can say anything really, the satyr hops of their chair, and starts blowing a litling tune on their pan flute, before starting to hum one of the songs in praise to Mellora, from within the booklet of sheet music. It is a beautiful song, speaking of the return of life in the spring time, but before long, Reghys has started to change the lyrics, and turn it into a rousing song about the forces of nature pushing back evil and darkness, with more than the occasional allusion to the role of the Argent Alliance in these undertakings. It's a little on the improvisational side, and some of the rhymes are a little forced, but the tune is beautiful enough to help carry the song.

Performance: 17

Percentile dice: 41

(How much of the spell transcribing was xalkas able to accomplish during all of the talking and contract signing?)

Xalkas stretches and looks around at their assembled group. (Whether he is done or not.) “I had wanted to wait until later. But now seems as good a time as any other. My birthday was a few days ago and it was tradition in my family to get gifts for the ones we love around us. Since you all are practically family now... I got you each a little something.”

Percentile 28

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker takes the gift and unwraps it, examining it and asking about it, "Oh...well, Xalkas, that is very generous. Thank you! You know, usually the gifts go the other way on birthdays...but...congratulations on surviving another year!" 

Kerric:

"Thank you, Xalkas, I am honored by your gift," says Kerric earnestly as he unwraps the beautiful elven clasps.  Adjusting his cloak so it flows from the shoulders of his magical elven half plate, Kerric uses the clasps to attach his cloak to his shoulders such that the beautiful work is well-displayed.

Hawke swallows down the cookies in one big gulp when Xalkas tells them that his birthday was a few days ago. "Whaaa... seriously?" His mouth is slightly agape when he is given a gift as well. His eyes get sparkly when he sees the pet rock, immediately picking it up with a wide smile on his face. "I've never heard of giving gifts to others on your birthday either, but... aww shit, man... This is great, Xalkas, thank you! I'm namin' 'im Fred."

The druid feels a bit bad for not having much to give in return (even if unnecessary, though, the book he bought from Bubs comes to mind but he wanted to look through it himself first), so he digs into his stones pouch for a bit before pulling out a golden looking stone with dark bands of brown encircling it. "Here. Somethin' for you too," He gives the gemstone to Xalkas. "It's a, uh... Tiger's eye. It helps with concentration n' focus n' stuff. I think it'll help you when you're writin' down your spells!"

Reghys beams at the set of ballads and the two beautiful brooches, one in the shape of an owl with little sapphires inlaid into the eyes, the other a raven, carved from Onyx with ruby eyes. They very happily pin the raven to their shoulder, to keep their cloak nicely in place, while carefully wrapping the owl and storing the brooch in their pack, together with the new book of ballads.

"It's really exciting: In the northern lands, the raven is the seer of secrets and the messenger to the gods- a little like a bard, travelling from place to place and recording what they see, delivering their knowledge to the benefit of others. And the owl is a cunning hunter, combining skill with knowledge. It's the animal representation for strategy and guile. I thank you so much for your lovely gifts, and I hope to live up to the symbolism!"

It’s difficult not to notice the gnome’s the beaming pride on Xalkas’s face as everyone reacts to his thoughtfully picked out gifts (thanks ixi!)

To T'chal'fronack'zcinicker:

“It was tradition in my family to do the opposite. Though many other family’s where I grew up did as you’ve said.”

To Kerric:

Xalkas would share the information he learned about them from Bubs. “It was my pleasure. You seem to enjoy things of elven make. I hope these live up to your standard.”

To Hawke:

“I do hope you enjoy the pet rock. Bubs told me you can create a phrase that activates him. You can set it to whatever you would like.” I point him to the instructions written on the box.

Xalkas eyes light up at the shiny rock. “This looks amazing! Thanks!” He quickly pockets it.

To Reghys:

“You have lived up to it so far. I see no reason why that won’t continue to be the case.”

Picking Apples
(Hawke's lucky number is apparently 21. He should take a chance at a game of blackjack? lol)

Hawke's impressive blind lucky pluck nets him an extra apple! But his boosted energy distracts him from helping Ebele, actually bumping her during her picking. She almost drops all the apples! Though able to recover, as a team you manage to find an additional 11 apples, including Hawke's sneak pick.

Ebele carries 10, intended to bring back with them to Spitefire in to share. Hawke had 11 to keep for Bill and the group.

Total Apples: 21
( 11 (Hawke) + 11(Ebele) - 1 (ate) = 21 )

Spitefire Inn

Although they had already hopped up on their chair in excitement to play, Nick grinned widely, still encouraging Reghys to play their song they felt inspired to play. Although you could tell they were experimenting with the lyrics, it was still a beautiful tune that set a comforting tone at the table.

Kerric, without skipping a beat, you fearlessly lead the way and reach into the bag. Lady Lynn watches with a smile as you pull out a vial with a familiar looking red liquid.

Hawke dips into the bag with crumby fingers and high hopes. Although he may not have pulled out some new shoes, he did however find a bottle that looked different than the others. Taking a closer look the liquid inside is separated into brown, silver, and gray layers resembling bands of stone. Giving it a little shake, the colours won't mix.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, a little hesitantly, reaches in. Expecting an unpleasant experience, he finds a mild one. He'd pull out a greasy, cookie crumb covered vial that looked just like Kerrics.

Reghys once your performance came to an end, you excitedly reach into the bag. You retrieve a vial much like Kerric and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's, sans grease and crumbs.

Xalkas takes a moment to stretch after completing half of his work. Feeling inspired by the giving spirit, the scholar not only presents personalized gifts for each and every member of the group, but he also shares a piece of himself and his home. And when he reaches into the red bag, he recognizes it as a bag of holding. With his positive thoughts, the gnome retrieves a vial much like the others before him. It was clean. Glancing to Nick, he'd wink. Looking back, Xalkas would swear the vial grew just a little bit.

Ebele unloaded a bundle of apples on the table with a grin, a few of them rolling far along and others bumping against other plates. "Apples!" She'd announce the obvious before taking a seat. Following her nose, she'd pluck some items into a little pile in front of her. The monk would snack as she'd listen to rustling and gifting. When it came to her turn, she'd feel around for where she hear others reaching. Finding the velvet material, she'd follow encouragement and reach in. She'd pull out some rolled up parchment.

Individual Bonus Resolved

Kerric: Potion of Healing
T'chal'fronack'zcinicker: Potion of Healing
Hawke: Potion of Climbing
Reghys: Potion of Healing
Xalkas: Potion of Greater Healing
Ebele: Spell Scroll (1st level): 10 - Hideous Laughter

Unable to read it, Ebele believed she knew who's hands this best belonged in. And when Xalkas would reach out to give her his gift, she'd exchange the scroll with an encouraging smile.  Leaving the deciphering to him, the monk would excitedly unwrap her gift. "Thank you Xalkas!" Her hands sifted through the items with care, but she was hasty in her actions. The blonde would find her fingers inside either end of a tube, and when she'd try to pull, it'd get tighter. Trying to keep her cool, she'd correct her posture, breathe and would slowly try to separate her fingers. It'd tighten again. She'd clear her throat and try again. No success. "Ahhh..." That's when she'd start tugging harder in gentle panic. " It's a trap!"