Malachi spends the evening examining the wooden necklace he lifted from the curio shop, trying to determine what religion, if any, it is supposed to serve. He also spends some time working up a set of documents giving him the appearance of a merchant with a much greater stake of goods than he actually has possession of at the moment, all back in Madurst of course. He does seek to start some sort of trading business in the long term and hopes to gain a bit more respectability than he had back in the twin cities. He was staking his hopes on that when he crossed the Shield pass, but now with a note of credit and a letter of introduction to the council, that may no longer be necessary.
The next day brings them to the city gates of Talmouth. Malachi considers how much they should share with the guard to avoid rumors racing into the city ahead of them and decides to keep their mission with the council secret a bit longer. “Good day, Sir! We are from Tensmith, seeking trade and good fortune within your walls. Might you direct us to one of your best inns?”
Ashley eventually gives up walking alongside Joren and the horses and joins the ride in the carriage the next morning with Malachi, Samir and Marion. She plays with her new tinderbox at times, but mainly takes in the vast countryside. It was so beautiful compared to the Smoking Sands from whence she came. Such a vast difference between them and the freshness of the air and surroundings, just made her hairs stand on end. Her firey hair was in a perpetual state of mid flame while they rode, and she was excited to check out this next city.
As they approach the city, Ashley sits up tall and stares in awe at the great wall and architecture that she can see. She was so excited to leave Tensmith, that she never really looked back to see it in the same light as this, though she knows it doesn't measure up. "Have you guys ever been to such a place? This is... wow." she utters to no one in particular.
As the guards halt them, Ashley jumps down to greet them. "Why hello there! You look so bored... how can you be bored when your position is to guard such an incredible place? Why... I'd be honored! And yes, my friend states true, where would you recommend as we are all road worn and need a good glass of wine!"
Joren attempts to mask his surprise at Malachi's dissembling as well as his smile at Ashley's irrepressible spirit and fiery enthusiasm.
His own reaction to the bored guard is more muted. A simple nod as the others talk.
If this city is defended by the likes of him and the mediocre fortifications I see, an invading enemy fleet may overrun them easily when they are landing.
"Papers?" The guard holds out a hand expectantly. Malachi fidgets with a few papers he had worked on. The letter of introduction would probably get them in, but a voice in Malachi's head tells him that to play their hand too soon may attract the wrong kind of attention. That being said, he does not feel particularly confident about his forgery this time around. The cart was bumpy, and he didn't have as much reference material to work off as he would have liked.
But even as he hesitates to hand over the fake paperwork, Ashley speaks up. The guard perks up, roused from his indifference by the fiery woman's exuberance. "Um, well... There's not a lot of guarding to do here. Only people inland are from Tensmith, which is closed, or are just simple country folk. Though from the looks of you lot, they've maybe got some more interesting stuff going on out there than I'd thought."
The open hand closes, and he jabs his thumb over his shoulder. "Couple blocks down that way is the Water's Down. Fine enough drinks, but it's a bit quiet for my taste. The patrons tend to keep to themselves, and I don't think I've ever seen so much a light scuffle go down there. No, I'd recommend the Imperial Arms Inn. Two blocks west, then four blocks north. A bit pricier, but more fun to be had for sure. That's where me and my mates go after a long shift to unwind." He pauses to consider what he said, but then rushes to reassure the new arrivals. "Oh, but don't worry. We don't spoil the party!"
He steps aside, paperwork seemingly long forgotten or disregarded.
Samir watches the exchange at the gate patiently, keeping his mouth closed and letting the others do the work of talking their way past the city watch. It was good for a person to know their own limitations, and schmoozing strangers was decidedly one of his. As they begin moving forward once more, the artificer turns his attention to the inner workings of Talmouth, unconsciously comparing it to his own experiences in Madurst and elsewhere. From the outside it certainly appeared to be a relatively reasonable comparitor, judging on what he could tell of its size and sophistication. But the outer shell of a city very rarely told enough of the story, and it was the inside, with its people and laws and customs that would reveal what kind of place Talmouth really was.
As they move away from the gate Malachi gives the guard a small wave and lets out a breath that he did not realize he was holding. He turns to Ashley with a wry grin “Well done, Lady Ashley. Usually I would recommend that we let bored guards continue to be bored guards, they cause less trouble that way and ask far fewer questions. But that worked just as well. Where to then, the Waters Down or the Imperial Arms Inn? Having friends among the guards could hardly be a bad thing”He gives the group another smile and then sets to take in the sights and sounds of Talmouth as they make their way through the streets, trying to place the different districts and neighborhoods a city of this size is bound to have.
Joren grins. "I am voting for the Imperial Arms, at least wishfully. In our week in Cambria so far, we have yet to be enjoying a nice lively tavern together."
"Of course, at the moment, I am having but a single gold piece to my name until we can be redeeming our money order from Mayor Berg," he is forced to admit ruefully. "So perhaps I truly cannot afford it, wishfully or no."
As they leave the guards, Ashley gives them a bright smile and adds, "Thanks for the information! Though you might want to know that Tensmith is no longer closed, so you will probably have a lot more business to deal with. Hey, you won't be as bored! Hopefully, we'll see you around."
When Mal calls her Lady Ashley, she blushes, though it is about impossible to tell. "I would agree with Joren, let's go have some fun. As for coin, I have some... though hopefully it isn't too pricey for a couple of rooms." She crawls back up on the carriage, then asks Malachi, "Should we first find a stables or something to drop off our lovely riding accommodations? I still can't believe this is ours."
Not far from the gates, there is a large stable containing several horses and empty carts and wagons. A stablehand nearby offers to house the two horses until the next morning for 1 silver each, and an extra 2 silver for housing the wagon. A total of 4 Silver per day.
Though the architecture is similar to Tensmith, here in Talmouth, the streets are surrounded by dense rows of buildings typically three or more stories tall. The streets are well worn with constant foot travel, and there is a lively atmosphere here that had been absent in Tensmith. People mill the streets, carting around goods, chatting to neighbors, and watering plants. A couple of kids with sticks chase a hoop down the street.
Soon enough, the group passes by a small inn with a sign out front that reads "Water's Down" with an image of a waterfall pouring out of a tipped mug. Only two patrons can be seen inside, quietly sipping at their drinks.
Moving on, the group takes a right turn and starts heading north. The buildings start to get taller, further apart, and much fancier. Down the road, Samir spots a fountain, and beyond it, an inn. This one sports a sign with an image of two silly looking men in crowns arm wrestling. Underneath, it reads "Imperial Arms." Though it is the middle of the day, a roar of sound emerges from within as two swaying men burst out through the fine wooden doors into the sun. Leaning heavily on one another, they squint at the sudden light before making their clumsy way past the group. Once inside, they see the taproom is quite large, and there is a fair crowd inside at the moment. Most are sitting at the bar, though only 2 of the twelve tables are entirely unoccupied. Three city guards sit at one table. One of them has his head slumped on to his chest in slumber while his two pals argue light heartedly about which server is the prettiest. One man and one woman tend the bar, moving back and forth quickly between customers. They could be humans or elves, or somewhere in between.
Having little coin left, Joren leaves it to the more social party members to initiate conversation and buy drinks. Instead he plays the role (hardly a stretch) of the stoic muscle of the party. Surveying the tavern for anyone who looks like trouble or seems to be observing them unduly closely as they enter.
He has to admit, however, that he really could use a tankard of ale.
Malachi breaks out in a smile as they enter the common room of the Imperial Arms “Here you go, a far cry from Opportunity Knocks, eh? Just what you were looking for Ashley” Malachi leads the way to the bar, his eyes moving across the room as he looks over the crowd, taking in the guards and looking for a game of dice. He approaches the female bartender and leans against the bar with his best charming expression “Good day my lady, a round of drinks for my friends here, if you please. And what is that delicious aroma I smell, something special from the cook?”
As Malachi talks, he feels eyes on him. Perhaps nothing more than regular patrons noting the eclectic group of newcomers with their fresh wounds, dented armour, singed clothes and well-used weapons. Maybe that's all it is.
The female barkeeper finishes talking to another customer and turns to face Malachi, wiping an empty mug with a dish rag. Malachi notices the lightning-quick up and down she gives him with her eyes before she responds with a smile. "For the five of you? Today we have local winterwine from the Angene Vineyard, which pairs wonderfully with the braised porkbelly stew, seasoned with exotic spices from the Smoking Sands." She makes eye contact with Ashley. "A little taste of home for you, I suppose. It'll come to... Let's see... 2 gold for the 5 drinks, and another 4 for the food"
Malachi thinks he hears someone snicker somewhere in the din and chatter of the room.
Ashley takes in the common room and all that in entails. It is almost overwhelming for the fire genasi, she's never seen places like this and it excites her and puts her on edge. As she watches Malachi address her and then work the room, it helps calm her a bit, at least enough to make her hair not be as much of a spectacle.
She follows Mal up to the bar, looking forward to some local drink and dinner. As the woman mentions the sands, her ears perk up and she starts sniffing the air, looking forward to 'a little taste of home' as she put it. But then her nose wrinkles and her face turns into a frown.
She bellies up to the bar herself, "Excuse me miss, but first of all, I don't know who swindled you on those supposed exotic spices, but they are most certainly not from the Smoking Sands. Also, those costs are ridiculous. Word of mouth got us in here, but I am sure we can take our business elsewhere and use word of mouth to tell others why we didn't stay here." and she glares at the woman, daring her to respond.
As Ashley, Mal, and Joren head up to the bar, Samir takes the opportunity to grab one of the empty tables. With his bag tucked into his lap, he watches the room, observing and feeling more than a little out of place amidst the rowdy bar crowd. In his mind, he reviews the number of coins hidden inside the bag, feeling fairly comfortable in his ability to obtain rooming for them all, at least for the night.
A well-dressed orc on the stool next to them slams his tankard down and spins around, rising to confront Ashley. "Oi, we don't take kindly to strangers coming in here and slanderin' sweet Naeve!" Two of the orc's friends stand up as well, though the bartender, Naeve, tries unsuccessfully to calm them.
Joren sees that the man is about to walk up to Ashley and try to jab an angry finger at her. He also quickly picks up on the shift in atmosphere. Other patrons lean in to watch with excitement. The two guards nudge their buddy awake, but make no move to intervene. The other bartender starts subtly removing any empty glass drinking vessels from the counter. Joren is quite familiar with what is happening here. Not all, but most of the patrons here are likely wealthy, arrogant, and worst of all, bored. Thinking back to the gate-guard's words, he realizes the orc man moving towards Ashley probably isn't even that mad on behalf of the bartender. He's just glad for an excuse to let off steam.
Joren summons his echo, interposing it between the orc on one side and Ashley and Malachi on the other, making it as startling as possible. He moves to stand beside his echo, walling off access to the fire genasi and the half-elf. On the balls of his feet, ready to attack non-lethally. Projecting his voice.
"Was only hearing prices and spices being slandered, and rightfully so. Sweet Naeve's honor is remaining intact, is it not?" He glances at the bartender.
"But myself, I have anger issues, not honor, and you..." he continues, focusing on the orc and his friends, "you are on the verge of absolutely making my day if you are choosing poorly in the next few seconds." Joren grins expansively as both he and his echo draw their greatsword.
"Or we could throw a few tankards back together as friends and tell you all about Tensmith opening up again and trade resuming along the river. Are you sure you are not wanting to be our friends? I am advising you, it is better to be our friend than our enemy. Last chance."
As the orc rises to his feet to confront Ashley, she turns to him, one eyebrow raised. Just as she is about to respond, Joren interjects with his echo and words. Ashley smiles, comforted by the friendships she is forging within this group, but shakes her head a little and raises her hand and places it on Joren's forearm as he goes to draw his sword.
"No need for weapons, dear friend." she says softly to him. She then looks to the orc and with her eyes shining, "Looks like you have the attention of my friend here! I'd uh, take his advice." And then turning to Naeve seeing that she did try to calm down the orcs, "Now where were we... ah yes, with those prices, I'm sure you were including breakfast for my friends as well as a couple of rooms? So, do we have a deal?"
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Malachi spends the evening examining the wooden necklace he lifted from the curio shop, trying to determine what religion, if any, it is supposed to serve. He also spends some time working up a set of documents giving him the appearance of a merchant with a much greater stake of goods than he actually has possession of at the moment, all back in Madurst of course. He does seek to start some sort of trading business in the long term and hopes to gain a bit more respectability than he had back in the twin cities. He was staking his hopes on that when he crossed the Shield pass, but now with a note of credit and a letter of introduction to the council, that may no longer be necessary.
The next day brings them to the city gates of Talmouth. Malachi considers how much they should share with the guard to avoid rumors racing into the city ahead of them and decides to keep their mission with the council secret a bit longer. “Good day, Sir! We are from Tensmith, seeking trade and good fortune within your walls. Might you direct us to one of your best inns?”
Ashley eventually gives up walking alongside Joren and the horses and joins the ride in the carriage the next morning with Malachi, Samir and Marion. She plays with her new tinderbox at times, but mainly takes in the vast countryside. It was so beautiful compared to the Smoking Sands from whence she came. Such a vast difference between them and the freshness of the air and surroundings, just made her hairs stand on end. Her firey hair was in a perpetual state of mid flame while they rode, and she was excited to check out this next city.
As they approach the city, Ashley sits up tall and stares in awe at the great wall and architecture that she can see. She was so excited to leave Tensmith, that she never really looked back to see it in the same light as this, though she knows it doesn't measure up. "Have you guys ever been to such a place? This is... wow." she utters to no one in particular.
As the guards halt them, Ashley jumps down to greet them. "Why hello there! You look so bored... how can you be bored when your position is to guard such an incredible place? Why... I'd be honored! And yes, my friend states true, where would you recommend as we are all road worn and need a good glass of wine!"
Joren attempts to mask his surprise at Malachi's dissembling as well as his smile at Ashley's irrepressible spirit and fiery enthusiasm.
His own reaction to the bored guard is more muted. A simple nod as the others talk.
If this city is defended by the likes of him and the mediocre fortifications I see, an invading enemy fleet may overrun them easily when they are landing.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
"Papers?" The guard holds out a hand expectantly. Malachi fidgets with a few papers he had worked on. The letter of introduction would probably get them in, but a voice in Malachi's head tells him that to play their hand too soon may attract the wrong kind of attention. That being said, he does not feel particularly confident about his forgery this time around. The cart was bumpy, and he didn't have as much reference material to work off as he would have liked.
But even as he hesitates to hand over the fake paperwork, Ashley speaks up. The guard perks up, roused from his indifference by the fiery woman's exuberance. "Um, well... There's not a lot of guarding to do here. Only people inland are from Tensmith, which is closed, or are just simple country folk. Though from the looks of you lot, they've maybe got some more interesting stuff going on out there than I'd thought."
The open hand closes, and he jabs his thumb over his shoulder. "Couple blocks down that way is the Water's Down. Fine enough drinks, but it's a bit quiet for my taste. The patrons tend to keep to themselves, and I don't think I've ever seen so much a light scuffle go down there. No, I'd recommend the Imperial Arms Inn. Two blocks west, then four blocks north. A bit pricier, but more fun to be had for sure. That's where me and my mates go after a long shift to unwind." He pauses to consider what he said, but then rushes to reassure the new arrivals. "Oh, but don't worry. We don't spoil the party!"
He steps aside, paperwork seemingly long forgotten or disregarded.
Samir watches the exchange at the gate patiently, keeping his mouth closed and letting the others do the work of talking their way past the city watch. It was good for a person to know their own limitations, and schmoozing strangers was decidedly one of his. As they begin moving forward once more, the artificer turns his attention to the inner workings of Talmouth, unconsciously comparing it to his own experiences in Madurst and elsewhere. From the outside it certainly appeared to be a relatively reasonable comparitor, judging on what he could tell of its size and sophistication. But the outer shell of a city very rarely told enough of the story, and it was the inside, with its people and laws and customs that would reveal what kind of place Talmouth really was.
As they move away from the gate Malachi gives the guard a small wave and lets out a breath that he did not realize he was holding. He turns to Ashley with a wry grin “Well done, Lady Ashley. Usually I would recommend that we let bored guards continue to be bored guards, they cause less trouble that way and ask far fewer questions. But that worked just as well. Where to then, the Waters Down or the Imperial Arms Inn? Having friends among the guards could hardly be a bad thing” He gives the group another smile and then sets to take in the sights and sounds of Talmouth as they make their way through the streets, trying to place the different districts and neighborhoods a city of this size is bound to have.
Joren grins. "I am voting for the Imperial Arms, at least wishfully. In our week in Cambria so far, we have yet to be enjoying a nice lively tavern together."
"Of course, at the moment, I am having but a single gold piece to my name until we can be redeeming our money order from Mayor Berg," he is forced to admit ruefully. "So perhaps I truly cannot afford it, wishfully or no."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As they leave the guards, Ashley gives them a bright smile and adds, "Thanks for the information! Though you might want to know that Tensmith is no longer closed, so you will probably have a lot more business to deal with. Hey, you won't be as bored! Hopefully, we'll see you around."
When Mal calls her Lady Ashley, she blushes, though it is about impossible to tell. "I would agree with Joren, let's go have some fun. As for coin, I have some... though hopefully it isn't too pricey for a couple of rooms." She crawls back up on the carriage, then asks Malachi, "Should we first find a stables or something to drop off our lovely riding accommodations? I still can't believe this is ours."
Not far from the gates, there is a large stable containing several horses and empty carts and wagons. A stablehand nearby offers to house the two horses until the next morning for 1 silver each, and an extra 2 silver for housing the wagon. A total of 4 Silver per day.
"I can be affording this at least," Joren smiles wanly as he passes the stablehand five silver worth of coins for the night.
"Taking good care of them, please. I am having a soft spot, especially for the grey."
He turns back to his friends, ready to head out, in anticipation of some long overdue carousing at the Imperial Arms.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Though the architecture is similar to Tensmith, here in Talmouth, the streets are surrounded by dense rows of buildings typically three or more stories tall. The streets are well worn with constant foot travel, and there is a lively atmosphere here that had been absent in Tensmith. People mill the streets, carting around goods, chatting to neighbors, and watering plants. A couple of kids with sticks chase a hoop down the street.
Soon enough, the group passes by a small inn with a sign out front that reads "Water's Down" with an image of a waterfall pouring out of a tipped mug. Only two patrons can be seen inside, quietly sipping at their drinks.
Moving on, the group takes a right turn and starts heading north. The buildings start to get taller, further apart, and much fancier. Down the road, Samir spots a fountain, and beyond it, an inn. This one sports a sign with an image of two silly looking men in crowns arm wrestling. Underneath, it reads "Imperial Arms." Though it is the middle of the day, a roar of sound emerges from within as two swaying men burst out through the fine wooden doors into the sun. Leaning heavily on one another, they squint at the sudden light before making their clumsy way past the group. Once inside, they see the taproom is quite large, and there is a fair crowd inside at the moment. Most are sitting at the bar, though only 2 of the twelve tables are entirely unoccupied. Three city guards sit at one table. One of them has his head slumped on to his chest in slumber while his two pals argue light heartedly about which server is the prettiest. One man and one woman tend the bar, moving back and forth quickly between customers. They could be humans or elves, or somewhere in between.
Having little coin left, Joren leaves it to the more social party members to initiate conversation and buy drinks. Instead he plays the role (hardly a stretch) of the stoic muscle of the party. Surveying the tavern for anyone who looks like trouble or seems to be observing them unduly closely as they enter.
He has to admit, however, that he really could use a tankard of ale.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Malachi breaks out in a smile as they enter the common room of the Imperial Arms “Here you go, a far cry from Opportunity Knocks, eh? Just what you were looking for Ashley” Malachi leads the way to the bar, his eyes moving across the room as he looks over the crowd, taking in the guards and looking for a game of dice. He approaches the female bartender and leans against the bar with his best charming expression “Good day my lady, a round of drinks for my friends here, if you please. And what is that delicious aroma I smell, something special from the cook?”
Malachi:
As Malachi talks, he feels eyes on him. Perhaps nothing more than regular patrons noting the eclectic group of newcomers with their fresh wounds, dented armour, singed clothes and well-used weapons. Maybe that's all it is.
The female barkeeper finishes talking to another customer and turns to face Malachi, wiping an empty mug with a dish rag. Malachi notices the lightning-quick up and down she gives him with her eyes before she responds with a smile. "For the five of you? Today we have local winterwine from the Angene Vineyard, which pairs wonderfully with the braised porkbelly stew, seasoned with exotic spices from the Smoking Sands." She makes eye contact with Ashley. "A little taste of home for you, I suppose. It'll come to... Let's see... 2 gold for the 5 drinks, and another 4 for the food"
Malachi thinks he hears someone snicker somewhere in the din and chatter of the room.
Ashley takes in the common room and all that in entails. It is almost overwhelming for the fire genasi, she's never seen places like this and it excites her and puts her on edge. As she watches Malachi address her and then work the room, it helps calm her a bit, at least enough to make her hair not be as much of a spectacle.
She follows Mal up to the bar, looking forward to some local drink and dinner. As the woman mentions the sands, her ears perk up and she starts sniffing the air, looking forward to 'a little taste of home' as she put it. But then her nose wrinkles and her face turns into a frown.
She bellies up to the bar herself, "Excuse me miss, but first of all, I don't know who swindled you on those supposed exotic spices, but they are most certainly not from the Smoking Sands. Also, those costs are ridiculous. Word of mouth got us in here, but I am sure we can take our business elsewhere and use word of mouth to tell others why we didn't stay here." and she glares at the woman, daring her to respond.
Joren ambles over, blank and amiable smile on his face, standing in support of Ashley and Malachi. Not threatening, just making his presence known.
His gaze rests mildly on both the bartender and the rest of the crowd, his demeanor seeming to ask, not unkindly: is there a problem here?
Joren Insight: 21
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As Ashley, Mal, and Joren head up to the bar, Samir takes the opportunity to grab one of the empty tables. With his bag tucked into his lap, he watches the room, observing and feeling more than a little out of place amidst the rowdy bar crowd. In his mind, he reviews the number of coins hidden inside the bag, feeling fairly comfortable in his ability to obtain rooming for them all, at least for the night.
A well-dressed orc on the stool next to them slams his tankard down and spins around, rising to confront Ashley. "Oi, we don't take kindly to strangers coming in here and slanderin' sweet Naeve!" Two of the orc's friends stand up as well, though the bartender, Naeve, tries unsuccessfully to calm them.
Joren sees that the man is about to walk up to Ashley and try to jab an angry finger at her. He also quickly picks up on the shift in atmosphere. Other patrons lean in to watch with excitement. The two guards nudge their buddy awake, but make no move to intervene. The other bartender starts subtly removing any empty glass drinking vessels from the counter. Joren is quite familiar with what is happening here. Not all, but most of the patrons here are likely wealthy, arrogant, and worst of all, bored. Thinking back to the gate-guard's words, he realizes the orc man moving towards Ashley probably isn't even that mad on behalf of the bartender. He's just glad for an excuse to let off steam.
Joren summons his echo, interposing it between the orc on one side and Ashley and Malachi on the other, making it as startling as possible. He moves to stand beside his echo, walling off access to the fire genasi and the half-elf. On the balls of his feet, ready to attack non-lethally. Projecting his voice.
"Was only hearing prices and spices being slandered, and rightfully so. Sweet Naeve's honor is remaining intact, is it not?" He glances at the bartender.
"But myself, I have anger issues, not honor, and you..." he continues, focusing on the orc and his friends, "you are on the verge of absolutely making my day if you are choosing poorly in the next few seconds." Joren grins expansively as both he and his echo draw their greatsword.
"Or we could throw a few tankards back together as friends and tell you all about Tensmith opening up again and trade resuming along the river. Are you sure you are not wanting to be our friends? I am advising you, it is better to be our friend than our enemy. Last chance."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
As the orc rises to his feet to confront Ashley, she turns to him, one eyebrow raised. Just as she is about to respond, Joren interjects with his echo and words. Ashley smiles, comforted by the friendships she is forging within this group, but shakes her head a little and raises her hand and places it on Joren's forearm as he goes to draw his sword.
"No need for weapons, dear friend." she says softly to him. She then looks to the orc and with her eyes shining, "Looks like you have the attention of my friend here! I'd uh, take his advice." And then turning to Naeve seeing that she did try to calm down the orcs, "Now where were we... ah yes, with those prices, I'm sure you were including breakfast for my friends as well as a couple of rooms? So, do we have a deal?"