The front door swings wide as Hutton enters, carrying a large woven basket with a cloth draped over it.
"Melrom!" he bellows. "Fresh loaves!"
Reaching under the cloth, he withdraws a still-warm loaf of bread and sets it in front of the group. He sets the basket full of several more on the bar and returns to the corner where it appeared he was still bundled under the patchwork blanket. Tossing the blanket aside, he hefts several large sacks of potatoes, onions, and other produce and places them on the bar for the dwarf as well.
"Noticed our stores were running a bit low so went out this morning to restock," he explains in response to the quizzical looks. "Ah! Eggs! I knew I was forgetting something... Thank you to whoever grabbed those."
"I'm glad you're all awake now," he says as he leans one hip against the bar and inspects an apple before taking a large bite. "Looks like the city is still standing after all that last night." He finishes chewing and swallows. "So... What's the day hold for the rest of you?"
Despite the cheerfulness and ease to which the others conducted themselves as the morning meal is prepared, Brack seemed unmoved. His hood was still pulled over his head to try and retain warmth from a restless night. The dwarf let the others carry out their jovial banter before issuing a challenge whilst squinting from beneath his cloak, "T'city may be standing for now, but 'ow long do yeh think that'll 'old for?"
He pauses a moment, then takes a deep sigh. Reaching a hand up to wipe his face down all the way through his beard, Brack's complexion softens as he changes his tone drastically, "Don't think I'm not all for celebrating on account of 'ow we made it through a night like t'last, but with I would bet our situation isn't going to get any easier from 'ere on out, eh?"
"There's a reason people say 'May you live in interesting times' as a threat. Good morning Hutton." Mazour reached out and pulled off a small hunk of bread. "This bread is so good warm. Is this the bakery down the road?" He pulled a small piece off and ate it. "I understand that Dwarves are... naturally... pessimistic, but, aside from that, what makes you suspicious?"
The ledger Mazour spent a part of the night reading was originally found on top of the strongbox within Gaedren's filthy liar. Even in his fatigued state, Mazour was able to quickly determine that it contained a remarkably complete and concise accounting of much of Gaedren Lamm’s criminal activities, although the entries were somewhat coded. Fortunately for Mazour, he was able to decipher the relatively simple code after a few hours of work before drifting off to sleep.
"Noticed our stores were running a bit low so went out this morning to restock," he explains in response to the quizzical looks. "Ah! Eggs! I knew I was forgetting something... Thank you to whoever grabbed those."
"Low is an understatement!" Marni interrupted as she appeared from around the bar. "The neighborhood nearly cleaned us out! Not to mention the damage to some of the furniture too. Do you know how many trips to the market it's going to take me to restock? How many trips its going to take you to restock!? Assuming there are even markets left after the ruckus last night... Once you're done with your friends, we've got alot of work to do."
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of footsteps descending the mismatched staircase announced the arrival of the rescued Lambs joining the others; a few moments later, a yawning Amin joined them. From there, the energy in the room shifted as (5) energetic children full of morning energy took over the space. Even Sarah, the oldest Lamb who had been mostly somber up to this point - was much more child-like, play around and teasing the younger children in a playful manner. Redii even got in on some of shenanagians, when the children "ambushed" Melrom exiting the kitchen, causing him to *harumph* even louder than before and storm back into the kitchen to Redii's and the childrens delight.
Eventually once things settled down a bit, Redii turned to Amin and said, "Can you watch them for a few minutes? We need to talk in private for a bit. We'll be right back." After receiving an affirmative from him, Redii turned to the others and said, "Let's go upstairs and talk..." Without waiting for a reply this time, she rose from her chair and made her way to and up the staircase.
OOC: If the PCs decide to follow Redii upstairs read below, otherwise ignore:
Scene #5
Taking a seat on the windowsill, Redii waited till everyone was comfortable before beginning.
"So I did a bit of scouting this morning to see where things stand. Cliffside & South Midlands seemed to avoid the worst of it. Haven't heard anything on The Gray or Southern Korvosa. North Midlands had some fires and looting and parts of The Heights weren't spared either - especially when you get closer to Castle Korvosa. I didn't make it there, but the worst areas hit from what I overheard were Old Korvosa and North Point. Obviously, The Narrows were hit bad as well (what's new there). On the positive side, it seems like the largest crowds are no longer roaming, but there are still groups moving around, angry, opportunistic, or both. Overall, it could've been a lot worse, though I have no idea if my place is still standing." she sighed and paused for a long moment for continuing
"Even with the world trying to burn itself down, I think last night was a rousing success! Now we just have a few loose ends to settle and then we can all move on to our post-Gaedren lives. First the Children. We should figure out what's best for them. Worst-case, they can come with me if needed. Orphans are nothing new among my friends and I so they'd be welcome, though it won't be fancy living. Second, we gotta figure out what do with Gaedren's loot, particularly this." she paused as she completed a bit of sleight of hand to reveal herself holding the bejeweled brooch they had found in Gaedren's possessions. "I think we should pawn it all, and split what we recoup equally. Except for maybe this," pausing to look at the brooch, "Even though it's worth more than the rest of the loot combined, owning something of our new Queen would put such a warm feeling in my heart. Plus, Gaedren owes me extra for the shit he put me and the Lambs through..." Redii's expression grew dark for a few moments before her expression lightened and she sighed again. "But if you want fight me on it, I'd be willing to pawn it too... begrudgingly..."...
Mazour topped off his coffee, and sauntered up the stairs. With a sweeping gesture, he swept up both the harrow deck and musty book as he followed the others up the stairs. Finding an open space on the floor he sat cross-legged, gently placing his coffee beside him. Smoothing out his robes as Redii spoke, and seemingly not paying attention, he stopped and looked at the brooch. As soon as his eyes focused in, he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight.
"The children can come to the Temple. Now that it's day, there should be no issues. Maybe we can find their families. Some of the items we've found intrigue me. But that one... terrifies... me., He pointed at the brooch in Redii's hand. "And that should tell you something, considering the key dagger is the same style used by a serial killer."
He paused, taking another sip of coffee before gently placing it back on the floor next to him. "One more note, is that this," he produced the musty ledger for the group to see, "appears to be a detailed account of all of his...activities."
"The children can come to the Temple. Now that it's day, there should be no issues. Maybe we can find their families. Some of the items we've found intrigue me. But that one... terrifies... me., He pointed at the brooch in Redii's hand. "And that should tell you something, considering the key dagger is the same style used by a serial killer."
He paused, taking another sip of coffee before gently placing it back on the floor next to him. "One more note, is that this," he produced the musty ledger for the group to see, "appears to be a detailed account of all of his...activities."
"Fine by me assuming it's safe in The Gray at this point... Any objections" Reddi asked. "And why does this scare you?" she followed up before spending a few minutes to admire it. "It seems like a normal - if wildly expensive - piece of jewelry to me; and a nice payday too... I know there's certainly a lot I can do with my cut if we sell it. Hutton could renovate the bar, you could do whatever it is Priest do with donations, and Brack can do whatever it is Brack does when not going after elderly ********. The key dagger seems like the much more sinister item of the two to me. I have no interest dealing with a serial killer."
He paused, taking another sip of coffee before gently placing it back on the floor next to him. "One more note, is that this," he produced the musty ledger for the group to see, "appears to be a detailed account of all of his...activities."
"You can probably solve a lot of unsolved crimes with that ledger... We should sell that too. I'd start with the Guard and Sable Company and see what kind of offers we can get."
"That brooch, my dear, is the Queen's. How would a... slimy piece of otyugh shit... come across that? The dagger at least makes sense. That... does... not."He paused for a dramatic sip of coffee. "Not that I would mind the gold. I can think of quite a few things I'd do with it all. But I wonder how far his greasy little hands reached. Maybe we can find the families of the children. And that one ring has an inscription that, for some odd reason, seems to be tugging on my heart."
"That brooch, my dear, is the Queen's. How would a... slimy piece of otyugh shit... come across that? The dagger at least makes sense. That... does... not."He paused for a dramatic sip of coffee. "Not that I would mind the gold. I can think of quite a few things I'd do with it all. But I wonder how far his greasy little hands reached. Maybe we can find the families of the children. And that one ring has an inscription that, for some odd reason, seems to be tugging on my heart."
"He may have been trash, but he was a resourceful piece of trash. He had a way of pouncing right when someone was most vulnerable. Never say never, but if I had to guess, he took it from someone else who had it. And even if you're right there is more to this brooch, if we get rid of it quickly, then we're in clear (and richer for it). Or I can hold on to it and deal with whatever mystery come along with it" Redii gave Mazour a rather mischievous smile when she mentioned holding onto the brooch.
Turning to Hutton & Brack, "You two have been quiet. What do you say to all of this? I'd like to figure out things pretty soon as I have a few people I'd like to check in on... And figure out if I need to find a new place to live."
Hutton uses his teeth to tear a large hunk of bread from a loaf and chews it. He swallows and takes a gulp from the tankard in his other fist.
"So you're to become crimefighters? Tipsters? Crusaders?" He snorts derisively. "May Desna shine down on you and afford you a worthy death."
He looks at the pile of loot brought back from yesterday's venture and continues, "I won't lie and say that I've no use for gold or that I don't care what becomes of that rubbish, but my only priority is making sure the kids get to the temple safely. But it sounds as if you lot have plans to continue this nightmare into other shadows best left to those who enjoy the dark. I honestly don't know why you wouldn't just return the blasted brooch for a reward. Seems like the most logical thing to do." He shrugs.
Hutton uses his teeth to tear a large hunk of bread from a loaf and chews it. He swallows and takes a gulp from the tankard in his other fist.
"So you're to become crimefighters? Tipsters? Crusaders?" He snorts derisively. "May Desna shine down on you and afford you a worthy death."
He looks at the pile of loot brought back from yesterday's venture and continues, "I won't lie and say that I've no use for gold or that I don't care what becomes of that rubbish, but my only priority is making sure the kids get to the temple safely. But it sounds as if you lot have plans to continue this nightmare into other shadows best left to those who enjoy the dark. I honestly don't know why you wouldn't just return the blasted brooch for a reward. Seems like the most logical thing to do." He shrugs.
"Crime fighter? Who do you think I am? Blackjack!? I have less than zero interest in anything like that. I just want to make some coin and move on with my life. I don't personally believe in the nefariousness of this brooch as Mazour seems to allude to, but if it would make you all happier to get rid of the thing, I will sell this, magnificent, brooch out of the goodness of my heart.
"My typical contact for things like this might be hard to reach at present with the uncertainty surrounding the city, so I say we look for a respectful looking establishment in this part of Korvorsa and sell the lot of it. Then we drop of the children with the Pharasmans, shake hands for a job well done, and start the next chapter of our lives. Sound good? Oh, and Mazour, personally, I say we sell the lot of it, but you can try to convince me if there's 'one' item you want to keep for whatever reason."
"Crime fighter? Me? I must admit, I do look simply... ravishing... in a long dramatic cape." He paused for a moment and gave Hutton a gravely serious look and spoke in a deeper, gravelly voice, "I'm Blackjack!"
With a musical elven laugh, he took a sip of coffee to ease his now sore throat. "I just figured that with all the talk last night of protecting the community, this might fall under that. Fine then, if you all insist we can sell it then. I would like to keep the Harrow deck though. I don't think it's worth much, and besides, it likes me. Not that there's anything wrong with a worthy death. Oh, and Desna? Seriously Hutton you are just adorable at times. Well whatever we do, the children come first. Well, second I supposed. Redii and I have to stop off at a little café on the way over. Shall we then?"
The front door swings wide as Hutton enters, carrying a large woven basket with a cloth draped over it.
"Melrom!" he bellows. "Fresh loaves!"
Reaching under the cloth, he withdraws a still-warm loaf of bread and sets it in front of the group. He sets the basket full of several more on the bar and returns to the corner where it appeared he was still bundled under the patchwork blanket. Tossing the blanket aside, he hefts several large sacks of potatoes, onions, and other produce and places them on the bar for the dwarf as well.
"Noticed our stores were running a bit low so went out this morning to restock," he explains in response to the quizzical looks. "Ah! Eggs! I knew I was forgetting something... Thank you to whoever grabbed those."
"I'm glad you're all awake now," he says as he leans one hip against the bar and inspects an apple before taking a large bite. "Looks like the city is still standing after all that last night." He finishes chewing and swallows. "So... What's the day hold for the rest of you?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Despite the cheerfulness and ease to which the others conducted themselves as the morning meal is prepared, Brack seemed unmoved. His hood was still pulled over his head to try and retain warmth from a restless night. The dwarf let the others carry out their jovial banter before issuing a challenge whilst squinting from beneath his cloak, "T'city may be standing for now, but 'ow long do yeh think that'll 'old for?"
He pauses a moment, then takes a deep sigh. Reaching a hand up to wipe his face down all the way through his beard, Brack's complexion softens as he changes his tone drastically, "Don't think I'm not all for celebrating on account of 'ow we made it through a night like t'last, but with I would bet our situation isn't going to get any easier from 'ere on out, eh?"
"There's a reason people say 'May you live in interesting times' as a threat. Good morning Hutton." Mazour reached out and pulled off a small hunk of bread. "This bread is so good warm. Is this the bakery down the road?" He pulled a small piece off and ate it. "I understand that Dwarves are... naturally... pessimistic, but, aside from that, what makes you suspicious?"
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
"Low is an understatement!" Marni interrupted as she appeared from around the bar. "The neighborhood nearly cleaned us out! Not to mention the damage to some of the furniture too. Do you know how many trips to the market it's going to take me to restock? How many trips its going to take you to restock!? Assuming there are even markets left after the ruckus last night... Once you're done with your friends, we've got alot of work to do."
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of footsteps descending the mismatched staircase announced the arrival of the rescued Lambs joining the others; a few moments later, a yawning Amin joined them. From there, the energy in the room shifted as (5) energetic children full of morning energy took over the space. Even Sarah, the oldest Lamb who had been mostly somber up to this point - was much more child-like, play around and teasing the younger children in a playful manner. Redii even got in on some of shenanagians, when the children "ambushed" Melrom exiting the kitchen, causing him to *harumph* even louder than before and storm back into the kitchen to Redii's and the childrens delight.
Eventually once things settled down a bit, Redii turned to Amin and said, "Can you watch them for a few minutes? We need to talk in private for a bit. We'll be right back." After receiving an affirmative from him, Redii turned to the others and said, "Let's go upstairs and talk..." Without waiting for a reply this time, she rose from her chair and made her way to and up the staircase.
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Zoldier's Curse of the Crimson Throne
OOC: If the PCs decide to follow Redii upstairs read below, otherwise ignore:
Scene #5
Taking a seat on the windowsill, Redii waited till everyone was comfortable before beginning.
"So I did a bit of scouting this morning to see where things stand. Cliffside & South Midlands seemed to avoid the worst of it. Haven't heard anything on The Gray or Southern Korvosa. North Midlands had some fires and looting and parts of The Heights weren't spared either - especially when you get closer to Castle Korvosa. I didn't make it there, but the worst areas hit from what I overheard were Old Korvosa and North Point. Obviously, The Narrows were hit bad as well (what's new there). On the positive side, it seems like the largest crowds are no longer roaming, but there are still groups moving around, angry, opportunistic, or both. Overall, it could've been a lot worse, though I have no idea if my place is still standing." she sighed and paused for a long moment for continuing
"Even with the world trying to burn itself down, I think last night was a rousing success! Now we just have a few loose ends to settle and then we can all move on to our post-Gaedren lives. First the Children. We should figure out what's best for them. Worst-case, they can come with me if needed. Orphans are nothing new among my friends and I so they'd be welcome, though it won't be fancy living. Second, we gotta figure out what do with Gaedren's loot, particularly this." she paused as she completed a bit of sleight of hand to reveal herself holding the bejeweled brooch they had found in Gaedren's possessions. "I think we should pawn it all, and split what we recoup equally. Except for maybe this," pausing to look at the brooch, "Even though it's worth more than the rest of the loot combined, owning something of our new Queen would put such a warm feeling in my heart. Plus, Gaedren owes me extra for the shit he put me and the Lambs through..." Redii's expression grew dark for a few moments before her expression lightened and she sighed again. "But if you want fight me on it, I'd be willing to pawn it too... begrudgingly..."...
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Mazour topped off his coffee, and sauntered up the stairs. With a sweeping gesture, he swept up both the harrow deck and musty book as he followed the others up the stairs. Finding an open space on the floor he sat cross-legged, gently placing his coffee beside him. Smoothing out his robes as Redii spoke, and seemingly not paying attention, he stopped and looked at the brooch. As soon as his eyes focused in, he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand straight.
"The children can come to the Temple. Now that it's day, there should be no issues. Maybe we can find their families. Some of the items we've found intrigue me. But that one... terrifies... me., He pointed at the brooch in Redii's hand. "And that should tell you something, considering the key dagger is the same style used by a serial killer."
He paused, taking another sip of coffee before gently placing it back on the floor next to him. "One more note, is that this," he produced the musty ledger for the group to see, "appears to be a detailed account of all of his...activities."
"Fine by me assuming it's safe in The Gray at this point... Any objections" Reddi asked. "And why does this scare you?" she followed up before spending a few minutes to admire it. "It seems like a normal - if wildly expensive - piece of jewelry to me; and a nice payday too... I know there's certainly a lot I can do with my cut if we sell it. Hutton could renovate the bar, you could do whatever it is Priest do with donations, and Brack can do whatever it is Brack does when not going after elderly ********. The key dagger seems like the much more sinister item of the two to me. I have no interest dealing with a serial killer."
"You can probably solve a lot of unsolved crimes with that ledger... We should sell that too. I'd start with the Guard and Sable Company and see what kind of offers we can get."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"That brooch, my dear, is the Queen's. How would a... slimy piece of otyugh shit... come across that? The dagger at least makes sense. That... does... not." He paused for a dramatic sip of coffee. "Not that I would mind the gold. I can think of quite a few things I'd do with it all. But I wonder how far his greasy little hands reached. Maybe we can find the families of the children. And that one ring has an inscription that, for some odd reason, seems to be tugging on my heart."
"He may have been trash, but he was a resourceful piece of trash. He had a way of pouncing right when someone was most vulnerable. Never say never, but if I had to guess, he took it from someone else who had it. And even if you're right there is more to this brooch, if we get rid of it quickly, then we're in clear (and richer for it). Or I can hold on to it and deal with whatever mystery come along with it" Redii gave Mazour a rather mischievous smile when she mentioned holding onto the brooch.
Turning to Hutton & Brack, "You two have been quiet. What do you say to all of this? I'd like to figure out things pretty soon as I have a few people I'd like to check in on... And figure out if I need to find a new place to live."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Hutton uses his teeth to tear a large hunk of bread from a loaf and chews it. He swallows and takes a gulp from the tankard in his other fist.
"So you're to become crimefighters? Tipsters? Crusaders?" He snorts derisively. "May Desna shine down on you and afford you a worthy death."
He looks at the pile of loot brought back from yesterday's venture and continues, "I won't lie and say that I've no use for gold or that I don't care what becomes of that rubbish, but my only priority is making sure the kids get to the temple safely. But it sounds as if you lot have plans to continue this nightmare into other shadows best left to those who enjoy the dark. I honestly don't know why you wouldn't just return the blasted brooch for a reward. Seems like the most logical thing to do." He shrugs.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"Crime fighter? Who do you think I am? Blackjack!? I have less than zero interest in anything like that. I just want to make some coin and move on with my life. I don't personally believe in the nefariousness of this brooch as Mazour seems to allude to, but if it would make you all happier to get rid of the thing, I will sell this, magnificent, brooch out of the goodness of my heart.
"My typical contact for things like this might be hard to reach at present with the uncertainty surrounding the city, so I say we look for a respectful looking establishment in this part of Korvorsa and sell the lot of it. Then we drop of the children with the Pharasmans, shake hands for a job well done, and start the next chapter of our lives. Sound good? Oh, and Mazour, personally, I say we sell the lot of it, but you can try to convince me if there's 'one' item you want to keep for whatever reason."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Crime fighter? Me? I must admit, I do look simply... ravishing... in a long dramatic cape." He paused for a moment and gave Hutton a gravely serious look and spoke in a deeper, gravelly voice, "I'm Blackjack!"
With a musical elven laugh, he took a sip of coffee to ease his now sore throat. "I just figured that with all the talk last night of protecting the community, this might fall under that. Fine then, if you all insist we can sell it then. I would like to keep the Harrow deck though. I don't think it's worth much, and besides, it likes me. Not that there's anything wrong with a worthy death. Oh, and Desna? Seriously Hutton you are just adorable at times. Well whatever we do, the children come first. Well, second I supposed. Redii and I have to stop off at a little café on the way over. Shall we then?"