Joren continues to search near the shed for the rats which Marion mentioned, ((presumably unsuccessfully based on the previous roll)), then finishes chopping firewood and brings it back. Assuming he is convinced people are keeping watch, he then sleeps for 6 hours before being ready to go, removing 1 more level of exhaustion. Still very uneasy about this whole situation and thinks they are being spied on somehow. But happy to see Ashley and the others and looking a little better.
"I feel we first need to be finishing whatever it is down that tunnel past the cave-in if we can. More prisoners, being down there perhaps. Either way, I will follow as the group is deciding. But please, if you are agreeing: no more just doing important things on your own without telling anyone first when there is no immediate need and an easy opportunity to be talking about it first with the others. If there is no time to be discussing, then fine. But in danger, we are finding ourselves and we must be acting and deciding together."
(Joren says this to the group but clearly means it for Silas, certainly in reference to killing the innkeeper without warning, but also leaving to go look for food and water without telling anyone).
"As for destination after we are finishing that, I do not know. An outlander, I am being here. I am trusting you, my companions to be choosing wisely. Honoring to serve, to be fighting at your side." (He puts his right fist to his chest and bows his head briefly).
Joren looks around, but whatever Marion had seen must have scurried off. He does find a cage hanging up around the back of the building past where they found the water shed, and in it is the falcon he had seen in his strange dreams, with a harness secured to its leg that must be for transporting correspondence.
The idea of the falcon remaining caged here chafes at Joren. He doesn’t have a key for the lock, but finds the bars easy enough to bend out of the way. The bird sits calmly as he sets out water for it, and it lets him get close enough to untie its harness, currently empty, and sets the bird free. It cocks it head him curiously, not sure what is expected, but Joren manages to nudge it into flying away. It takes off and heads west.
After the group has a chance to recover, and Joren makes his proclamation to the group, one of the ex-prisoners clambers up through the cellar door panting. "The dwarf!" he wheezes, obviously referring to Kairem who had gone down to keep an eye on the tunnel. "Says there's the sound of digging from the other side of the cave-in."
It's at that moment that there comes a knock on the front door of the inn
"What? What is going on, now?!" Ashley tries to keep the panic from rising up and two different fronts are coming at them and she is feeling a bit squeezed. She takes a deep breath and gets her wits back to her. "This is ridiculous, I am going to answer it, probably just another traveler." she walks towards the door, if anyone stops her she will let them and listen, but if not, opens the front door a crack to peek out and not let the person at the door see in, positioning her foot behind the door so they can't push it easily. "Hello?"
Samir's reply is cut off by the sound of knocking at the door. He struggles to his feet, adjusting his glasses in the process as he nearly loses them. His eyes dart somewhat nervously towards Silas once more before watching Ashley.
Silas is very wary of the knocking on the door and the new arrival, as Ashley answers he sidles up to the door taking a stance, back to the wall to the openings side that the door opens ajar to..
He prepares an attack should the new arrival be hostile, his form shifting purple static, and kaleidoscope-like back into that of a bloodied and bruised Goliath, daggers in hand.
Ashley cracks the door and looks out to greet an average, if slightly pudgy looking young man. His skin is pale, but his cheeks are flushed, and he stands a couple of inches shorter than Ashley. His travelling clothes under his large cloak are just as unassuming
"Ah, hello," the man says, eyes quickly noting Ashley's skin and hair. "I was just passing through and was told this was a good place to get some rest and grab a bite to eat. Are you the owner?" He leans slightly, as though trying to get a look into the building, but Ashley's body blocks his line of sight.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ashley gives the man a big smile and says, "Why, I am! And you've been told this is a good place to come for rest and a bite to eat? Oh, I love hearing that, why word of mouth is definitely the best type of advertising! May I ask who I can thank for their recommendation? I always want to give thanks where thanks is due."
Her smile falters a bit and a distressed look comes across her face, "I am sorry though, but we're all filled up at the moment."she pauses and scratches her head, "I sure hate turning people away, where are you traveling from?"
Ashley makes sure to continue to block his view and at the same time tries to exude confidence as she speaks with the man. Trying to read him as they talk.
He stops trying to look past Ashley and focusses squarely on her Ashley can tell right away that the newcomer doesn’t believe her, and that he is now watching her very closely to see how she reacts to his next question. “Full up, eh? Business must be good. It was a friend who told me about this place. In fact, I thought he might be here himself right now. Tall fellow, Goliath, came from Talmouth a day or two ago. He was in the area so I figured he may have stopped by. Ring any bells?”
Ashley gets the impression he is not being totally honest, and that he now suspects Ashley of the same. If she tries to deceive him again, the DC will depend on what she says next.
Silas grips his daggers tighter, he looks distressed as he stands waiting for Ashley's response, he is still the picture of bloodied after his bear mistake
Malachi looks up in alarm at the report of sounds of digging in the tunnel below. It can’t be good news. HIs thoughts and warnings are interrupted by the knock at the door. As Ashley opens the door, he moves closer to listen in on the conversation. His eyebrow raises and he shoots a concerned look toward Silas as the stranger mentions the goliath from Talmouth.
Malachi grabs an empty tankard from a table and moves to the door to help Ashley in her deception “Excuse me ma’am, it appears we are out of ale, and the party of dwarves are getting restless. Do you have any more?”
He shoots a look at the stranger “oh, sorry, did not see you there. Did not mean to interrupt.”He gives the stranger a sharp look up and down, looking for any distinguishing characteristics or clues as to where he traveled from. Perception: 9.
Understanding that this man is after Silas, she quickly points at Silas from behind the door and does a waving motion at him, hoping he understands she wants him to go hide. No one should be hunted like this.
She then tries to look embarrassed. "I'm so sorry for lying to you. I honestly do not know if we're filled up or not, but with the ruckus going on behind me and who knows what rooms are filled upstairs I just didn't want to expose you to the mess. You seem a fine gentleman and with your kind words, well I am embarrassed at the state my inn is in. A large troop of dwarves has inhabited my inn and well, I'm hoping they aren't here forever, but they pay well" she winks at him. "but as for a goliath? Now that one would stand out amongst the dwarves, wouldn't it? No, I'm afraid I have not seen one of those."
She turns her head to answer Malachi, "Ah yes, I'll be with you in a moment."she turns back to the man, "So I'm sorry you made it all the way out here, I wish you luck on your search."
Malachi can’t tell much about this very nondescript man at the door, besides that his pale skin doesn’t lend the impression of a traveller.
Ashley hears a clatter of dishes behind her and some laughter, followed by Rana’s voice saying “Excuse me, Excuse me, gentlemen! I have to get by so I can bring a this to the boys upstairs.” Shuffling ensues. It seems Ashley got the point across to the inn’s other occupants, and they have joined in the ruse.
Ashley can’t quite tell if the young man is buying it or not, but he doesn’t seem to want to push the issue either way. “Well if you’re full, you’re full. If my friend does come by, do let him know…” he raises his voice a bit so it could be clearly heard inside the taproom of the inn, “…that his dear father back home is asking after him. Now, I have come a long way from Burrwatch, so could I trouble you for some water and a bite to eat? Oh don’t worry, I’ll take my meal up on yon hill there and take in the scenery. Just don’t want to head out, turned away this late in the day with an empty stomach, and I’m sure that you, as someone in hospitality wouldn’t stand for that either.”
Silas backs away slowly from the door, his daggers no longer poised for action.
As he exits the direct vicinity of the doorway he crouches holding his head, straining somewhat, after a moment of concentration and with Silas now fully red in the face with veins throbbing in his forehead, a spark of purple static suddenly ignites on his nose then dissipates, he lets his breath go and looks angry at his failure momentarily before his entire body erupts in the same purple static and standing in Silas' place is a kind faced, moss covered, Firbolg man.
The Firbolg looks down at his hands surprised and gives a smiling nod to Ashley and Malachi as he moves to put more space between himself and the door.
As he completes his transformation, Silas hears the man outside mention his father, and recognition dawns on him. That voice belongs to his father’s assistant, the one who sent him out of Talmouth in the first place.
"Thank you for being so understanding, and yes, yes I will let any goliath I see know that his dear father is looking for him back home to make sure the message gets passed on!" she turns her head slightly and raises her voice to be heard back at the bar, "Mali, can you please put together some water and delicious food for this traveler?"She doesn't use his full name as she doesn't know what this man knows or doesn't know and doesn't want to put anyone in danger if she can help. it. She also doesn't move from her position at the door.
While waiting for Malachi, she tries a bit of small talk, "How were your travels here? I hope no run ins with bandits, owning this place I always hear of such things." she shudders at the thought. "Oh! and I've recently had the pleasure of trying some goats milk. Have you? If not, you simply must give it a try when you have the chance."
Joren, himself well back in the inn's common room, makes his echo by the door disappear. Being a half-dwarf himself, he belches out a jovial yell in dwarvish at an imaginary drinking buddy to add background noise to the ruse.
He then heads downstairs to join Marion and Kairem, re-summoning his echo ahead of himself.
Edited to add: walking, not running - he does not want to incur more exhaustion! (And making sure the other PCs know he is leaving via eye contact and hand gestures - they can ask him to stay if they like).
Joren continues to search near the shed for the rats which Marion mentioned, ((presumably unsuccessfully based on the previous roll)), then finishes chopping firewood and brings it back. Assuming he is convinced people are keeping watch, he then sleeps for 6 hours before being ready to go, removing 1 more level of exhaustion. Still very uneasy about this whole situation and thinks they are being spied on somehow. But happy to see Ashley and the others and looking a little better.
"I feel we first need to be finishing whatever it is down that tunnel past the cave-in if we can. More prisoners, being down there perhaps. Either way, I will follow as the group is deciding. But please, if you are agreeing: no more just doing important things on your own without telling anyone first when there is no immediate need and an easy opportunity to be talking about it first with the others. If there is no time to be discussing, then fine. But in danger, we are finding ourselves and we must be acting and deciding together."
(Joren says this to the group but clearly means it for Silas, certainly in reference to killing the innkeeper without warning, but also leaving to go look for food and water without telling anyone).
"As for destination after we are finishing that, I do not know. An outlander, I am being here. I am trusting you, my companions to be choosing wisely. Honoring to serve, to be fighting at your side." (He puts his right fist to his chest and bows his head briefly).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Joren looks around, but whatever Marion had seen must have scurried off. He does find a cage hanging up around the back of the building past where they found the water shed, and in it is the falcon he had seen in his strange dreams, with a harness secured to its leg that must be for transporting correspondence.
The idea of the falcon remaining caged here chafes at Joren. He doesn’t have a key for the lock, but finds the bars easy enough to bend out of the way. The bird sits calmly as he sets out water for it, and it lets him get close enough to untie its harness, currently empty, and sets the bird free. It cocks it head him curiously, not sure what is expected, but Joren manages to nudge it into flying away. It takes off and heads west.
After the group has a chance to recover, and Joren makes his proclamation to the group, one of the ex-prisoners clambers up through the cellar door panting. "The dwarf!" he wheezes, obviously referring to Kairem who had gone down to keep an eye on the tunnel. "Says there's the sound of digging from the other side of the cave-in."
It's at that moment that there comes a knock on the front door of the inn
Knock
Knock
Knock
"What? What is going on, now?!" Ashley tries to keep the panic from rising up and two different fronts are coming at them and she is feeling a bit squeezed. She takes a deep breath and gets her wits back to her. "This is ridiculous, I am going to answer it, probably just another traveler." she walks towards the door, if anyone stops her she will let them and listen, but if not, opens the front door a crack to peek out and not let the person at the door see in, positioning her foot behind the door so they can't push it easily. "Hello?"
Samir's reply is cut off by the sound of knocking at the door. He struggles to his feet, adjusting his glasses in the process as he nearly loses them. His eyes dart somewhat nervously towards Silas once more before watching Ashley.
Joren positions his echo just to the one side of the door.
(Back in time, he would have told the group about the captive messenger bird and suggested freeing it).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Silas is very wary of the knocking on the door and the new arrival, as Ashley answers he sidles up to the door taking a stance, back to the wall to the openings side that the door opens ajar to..
He prepares an attack should the new arrival be hostile, his form shifting purple static, and kaleidoscope-like back into that of a bloodied and bruised Goliath, daggers in hand.
Ashley cracks the door and looks out to greet an average, if slightly pudgy looking young man. His skin is pale, but his cheeks are flushed, and he stands a couple of inches shorter than Ashley. His travelling clothes under his large cloak are just as unassuming
"Ah, hello," the man says, eyes quickly noting Ashley's skin and hair. "I was just passing through and was told this was a good place to get some rest and grab a bite to eat. Are you the owner?" He leans slightly, as though trying to get a look into the building, but Ashley's body blocks his line of sight.
(Silas make a perception check for me.)
Ashley gives the man a big smile and says, "Why, I am! And you've been told this is a good place to come for rest and a bite to eat? Oh, I love hearing that, why word of mouth is definitely the best type of advertising! May I ask who I can thank for their recommendation? I always want to give thanks where thanks is due."
Her smile falters a bit and a distressed look comes across her face, "I am sorry though, but we're all filled up at the moment." she pauses and scratches her head, "I sure hate turning people away, where are you traveling from?"
Ashley makes sure to continue to block his view and at the same time tries to exude confidence as she speaks with the man. Trying to read him as they talk.
Deception 17
Insight 4
Perception 18
He stops trying to look past Ashley and focusses squarely on her Ashley can tell right away that the newcomer doesn’t believe her, and that he is now watching her very closely to see how she reacts to his next question. “Full up, eh? Business must be good. It was a friend who told me about this place. In fact, I thought he might be here himself right now. Tall fellow, Goliath, came from Talmouth a day or two ago. He was in the area so I figured he may have stopped by. Ring any bells?”
Ashley gets the impression he is not being totally honest, and that he now suspects Ashley of the same. If she tries to deceive him again, the DC will depend on what she says next.
Silas grips his daggers tighter, he looks distressed as he stands waiting for Ashley's response, he is still the picture of bloodied after his bear mistake
Malachi looks up in alarm at the report of sounds of digging in the tunnel below. It can’t be good news. HIs thoughts and warnings are interrupted by the knock at the door. As Ashley opens the door, he moves closer to listen in on the conversation. His eyebrow raises and he shoots a concerned look toward Silas as the stranger mentions the goliath from Talmouth.
Malachi grabs an empty tankard from a table and moves to the door to help Ashley in her deception “Excuse me ma’am, it appears we are out of ale, and the party of dwarves are getting restless. Do you have any more?”
He shoots a look at the stranger “oh, sorry, did not see you there. Did not mean to interrupt.” He gives the stranger a sharp look up and down, looking for any distinguishing characteristics or clues as to where he traveled from. Perception: 9.
Understanding that this man is after Silas, she quickly points at Silas from behind the door and does a waving motion at him, hoping he understands she wants him to go hide. No one should be hunted like this.
She then tries to look embarrassed. "I'm so sorry for lying to you. I honestly do not know if we're filled up or not, but with the ruckus going on behind me and who knows what rooms are filled upstairs I just didn't want to expose you to the mess. You seem a fine gentleman and with your kind words, well I am embarrassed at the state my inn is in. A large troop of dwarves has inhabited my inn and well, I'm hoping they aren't here forever, but they pay well" she winks at him. "but as for a goliath? Now that one would stand out amongst the dwarves, wouldn't it? No, I'm afraid I have not seen one of those."
She turns her head to answer Malachi, "Ah yes, I'll be with you in a moment." she turns back to the man, "So I'm sorry you made it all the way out here, I wish you luck on your search."
Deception w/help 14
Malachi can’t tell much about this very nondescript man at the door, besides that his pale skin doesn’t lend the impression of a traveller.
Ashley hears a clatter of dishes behind her and some laughter, followed by Rana’s voice saying “Excuse me, Excuse me, gentlemen! I have to get by so I can bring a this to the boys upstairs.” Shuffling ensues. It seems Ashley got the point across to the inn’s other occupants, and they have joined in the ruse.
Ashley can’t quite tell if the young man is buying it or not, but he doesn’t seem to want to push the issue either way. “Well if you’re full, you’re full. If my friend does come by, do let him know…” he raises his voice a bit so it could be clearly heard inside the taproom of the inn, “…that his dear father back home is asking after him. Now, I have come a long way from Burrwatch, so could I trouble you for some water and a bite to eat? Oh don’t worry, I’ll take my meal up on yon hill there and take in the scenery. Just don’t want to head out, turned away this late in the day with an empty stomach, and I’m sure that you, as someone in hospitality wouldn’t stand for that either.”
During the exchange at the door, Marion slips down into the cellar to go keep an eye on the situation in the tunnel with Kairem
Silas backs away slowly from the door, his daggers no longer poised for action.
As he exits the direct vicinity of the doorway he crouches holding his head, straining somewhat, after a moment of concentration and with Silas now fully red in the face with veins throbbing in his forehead, a spark of purple static suddenly ignites on his nose then dissipates, he lets his breath go and looks angry at his failure momentarily before his entire body erupts in the same purple static and standing in Silas' place is a kind faced, moss covered, Firbolg man.
The Firbolg looks down at his hands surprised and gives a smiling nod to Ashley and Malachi as he moves to put more space between himself and the door.
As he completes his transformation, Silas hears the man outside mention his father, and recognition dawns on him. That voice belongs to his father’s assistant, the one who sent him out of Talmouth in the first place.
"Thank you for being so understanding, and yes, yes I will let any goliath I see know that his dear father is looking for him back home to make sure the message gets passed on!" she turns her head slightly and raises her voice to be heard back at the bar, "Mali, can you please put together some water and delicious food for this traveler?" She doesn't use his full name as she doesn't know what this man knows or doesn't know and doesn't want to put anyone in danger if she can help. it. She also doesn't move from her position at the door.
While waiting for Malachi, she tries a bit of small talk, "How were your travels here? I hope no run ins with bandits, owning this place I always hear of such things." she shudders at the thought. "Oh! and I've recently had the pleasure of trying some goats milk. Have you? If not, you simply must give it a try when you have the chance."
Joren, himself well back in the inn's common room, makes his echo by the door disappear. Being a half-dwarf himself, he belches out a jovial yell in dwarvish at an imaginary drinking buddy to add background noise to the ruse.
He then heads downstairs to join Marion and Kairem, re-summoning his echo ahead of himself.
Edited to add: walking, not running - he does not want to incur more exhaustion! (And making sure the other PCs know he is leaving via eye contact and hand gestures - they can ask him to stay if they like).
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Barn(Paladin1): Damian_May's Ereworn Under the Shadow | Lyra(Warlock2/Bard4): VitusW's Silverwood Forest
Dyson/Eleo(Cleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(Druid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(Sorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(Fighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(Monk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(Cleric3/Sorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk