Denae had taken a minute or two to consider Doozey's apologies, only nodding in agreement once Biscuit had given his empathic boofs. By the time the group reaches The Crossing Inn, the good-not-good-intel episode seems pretty much forgotten for all intents and purposes. The same could be said about Utar's 'offensive' tea episode but, who knows, maybe Denae is just proficient at silently holding petty grudges.
"Very, well. Through the front door we go." She shoots a look at Neya, and asks: "See, you are already approaching in plain sight instead of through the shadows." She claims a small victory in that.
Upon entering, you find a large, wooden framed octagonal common room used for both eating and sleeping. It can comfortably hold up to fifty travelers overnight, and a good deal more if they squeeze in. At the moment, there is only a few staff members around and even fewer travelers. A large man with a heavily scarred bald head watches you from a massive table near the front, next to a window. After a tense moment, he calls you over: "Welcome to The Crossing Inn. I'm host and proprietor Romsan Kal. We don't get many mid-day travelers, and few proper adventurers, so I'm guessing you are here to see me. You see, I used to be quite the perceptive adventurer in my youth," he says, attempting a little jest to break the ice.
Gesturing to the table he already occupies, he concludes his initial invitation: "Please, have a seat and introduce yourselves."
"Doozey Redfoot, Hunter and at your service. Possibly quite literally in fact before long, seeing as we've heard of some recent concerns plagueing the area 'n all that." Doozey greets as he dismounts of Biscuiit and finds hiimself a seat at the table. Biscuit is quick to follow suit, though unlike Berry settled moreso right beside Doozey's chair as much as he was able to in the moment. "And this here is me brother Biscuit. Toughest Tundra mastiff out there." He adds, giving a small grin as he ruffled the fur atop his mastiff's head.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"And I'm Denae," the last adventurer adds. She points to the largest feather in her hairdo and elaborates, albeit just barely: "You contacted the Red Plume. We are their representatives. We'll take payment once the mystery is solved, but do not let that fool you; we are here because we care."She also takes a seat, waving to a waiter who is curiously looking at the new arrivals.
"In that case, thank you for seeking me." Romsan replies after acknowledging each of his four hirelings, five after he nods to Biscuit as well. "And yes, as mister Redfoot mentioned, something plagues this area." The waiter arrives, receives quick instructions from Romsan instead of from Denae, and leaves to retrieve refreshments. "I took the liberty of ordering a round of our specialty here at The Crossing Inn. A welcoming gift for you all. You are more than welcome to also order whatever else you like once he returns with the initial drinks."
Before the specialty drinks arrive, or is even described, Romsan resumes: "People are frightened. The disappearances began about a tenday ago, the first night of the drums. Most say it is coming from the south, maybe as far as the Twilight Marsh. The drums beat throughout the night. Each morning, one or more people are simply gone, often along with some of their livestock if they have any. The farmers and travelers are scared. Once the drums start, no one travels at night and no one feels safe, even behind barred doors."
As if remembering a question he accidentally skipped, he turns to face Denae: "Oh, and yes, I am willing to pay the contracted price with the Red Plume, that is, 500gp. Not much for an adventuring party, I know. I was an adventurer too. But that is what our community here was able to put together. Some travelers even donated part of it, in hopes their next trip past his area would be safer."He looks around to gauge if, and hoping that, this is an acceptable offer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doozey raises a brow while side-eyeing Denae in response to her introduction. Yet in remembering CRAP had done similar business not too long ago, he'dsubtly shrug it off in favor of folding his hands on table and giving Romsan his full attention. And just as Romsan had tried to get a guage on the party's reaction to the reward amount, Doozey had been doing much the same in regards to the former adventure, hoping to catch or suss out any double dealings in the work from any subtle glances or lingering looks to Denae.
"Certainly won't be paying for anything too extravagant back in town, but no well meaning adventurer should grow too comfortable with such things anyhow."Doozey says all the same, giving the man a reassuring smile. Then as if to further confirm his stance on the subject of the reward, if not reinforce it, he'd follow up with his own questions and interests. "On the subject of this drumming though, I don't suppose anyone recognize them as war drumming or the like as well? And would you know of any brave souls so far that have dared to investigate the trouble?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya thought the timing seemed to coincide with Rythnax's death. Further, location of the drumming around and, possibly in, his old territory. But, without anything else to go on it it just supposition.
She brings her thoughts back to the matter at hand: "Where do the disappearances tend to occur? Along the roads? In the fields?"
The man's worry seems legitimate. He chose this area to settle after a life of adventuring and seems to truly care about his neighbors. As for the offered reward, you'd be surprised if an experienced adventurer like him were to fully show his hand right away. You feel a tinge of caution in his offer, but not maliciousness.
Extra for the great roll: "a tenday ago" is about the time you came back into town, about the time CRAP was announcing their victory over Rythnax. Neya seems to have picked up on this as well.
@Neya:
A tenday ago is indeed about the time of Rythnax's defeat and of CRAP's public announcement. Doozey seems to have picked up on this as well.
"Afraid not." Romsan shakes his head in response to Utar's question. "We know our neighbors' names, sure, but there is no accounting for missing travelers or passersby, and I am not sure anyone has prioritized the missing animals given people are missing too... Harsh, I know, but that's the truth of it."He continues shaking his head and then reacts to Doozey's questions: "Well, some of the folk around these parts volunteered to go searching in organized parties. Many of them went missing too."
The inn keeper then starts banging on the table. "Hear the rhythm? I'd call their sound thunderous! Definitely more of a battle call than festive melodies. It is enough for the locals to go hiding. Later, the rhythm changes to a continuous low rumbling. Near sunrise, the drums end with three low booms and two rapid thundering shots."
Turning to face Neya and her question, Romsan nods affirmatively now: "Yes, we have a few clues. Some spotted clawed footprints where the kidnappings occurred. A few river dwellers claim to have heard splashing and movement on the river in the dead of night. Most fear that a new monster has moved in, but some think it's the lizardfolk in the Twilight Marsh. They're troublesome, but some of these disappearances are a long way from a marsh, and a few have even happened along the road. Not exactly lizardfolk hunting grounds."
Utar nods along as Romsan speaks, the case before them staying as opaque as it was when Danae ran through it back in Phlan. Does it bode well that many of those who went searching for the disappeared met the same fate? Utar isn't sure.
"Could we have the names of the missing neighbours at least? Also, you mentioned that some of the search parties went missing too, who didn't go missing, it might be worthwhile speaking to them."
"Well..." Romsan looks upward, trying to remember all names. "New reports trickle in with the occasional traveler or messenger. If I had to put a number to it, about 30 people have disappeared along with a couple dozen livestock, though I admit this is a bit of a guess. There are probably folks I haven't accounted for. There's Walos and Jinns over at the Alyin Farm... Hilloo and Gerona over at the Tralio Farm... Rolk and Nik, the dwarven merchants."Before he is done answering the first question, another name comes to Romsan's mind, but one that would help answer Utar's second question. Romsan shares it as soon as he thinks of it: "Oh, Taroo was one of the searching party members who managed to come back, and..."
Romsan is interrupted. The front door flies open and a young human male dashes in. His appearance suggests he's a farmer. He pauses and looks around the room before running up to the innkeeper. He's clearly upset."Romsan! The Renons are gone! Come to the farm. You have to figure out what happened."Romsan looks pained and says, "I'm not fit to come out of retirement for this, but these folks are here to help."He turns to you, "This is the best lead you're going to get. And our new arrival here happens to be the man I just mentioned, Taroo. He can get you downriver to the Renon Farm. It's much faster than riding the trails."
"Go on now," he says as he stands up from the table. "I can offer to stable your mounts for free, if you brought any, for the duration of the investigation. There is not much else I can offer free of charge, but I can provide some food and a few minor supplies such as blankets or lanterns."
Just then, the waiter returns with the specialty drink order. He announces in a tentative tone: "One Chestnut Riddle for each guess. Welcome!" The tray supports several tall glasses, each housing a beige liquid with a few bubbles and sporting an orange slice on the edge of the glass. The drink smells somewhat like baking nutty-bread.
"I guess that's our next move then. Romsan, do you have a map of the area? It might help to narrow down where these attackers are coming from if we can start to plot them, at least the ones we know about anyway. If it would take some time to find, we'll head back here to share what we've learned from the Renon's farm."
Utar pushes himself up from the table and checks he has all of his things. Picking up the Chesnut Riddle, he gives it a sniff and wonders what the done thing is. Do you sip it, or throw it back in one gulp? Also, the orange? Squeeze it in or just for appearances? Not sure and time is of the essence.
Utar decides to take the drink back in one large gulp.
Though still a touch distracted ruminating over the meaning behind the second set of drumming, both Doozey and Biscuit perk up and look to the door just moments before the new arrival comes rushing through it. Once the danger or lack thereof became clear Doozey only then relaxed the hand that went instinctively for the hilt of Apostle, before readying to slip from his seat in anticipation of what was to come next.
"So long as there's room enough for Biscuit to come along with, we're all set to go as well. Here's hoping this isn't a case of some other dragon muscling in on the territory though. For being shy of our dragonslayer for this would leave even me a bit hesitant to tangle with one."Doozey smirks at Neya and Utar, then regards the drink. The scent and appearance of which left the stoutling looking confused for a time. But unless Biscuit had also been delivered a bowl to sample the threats, Doozey nods in thanks to the waiter... before then proceeding to feed Biscuit the drink, knowing or believing the mastiff's more unique state of being meant little to worry than usual on the front of allergies. "There ya go buddy. Drink up. You've more than earned it. Especially after a certain someone snapped up most of the sausages this morning." He said without looking up to Denae, but with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya takes a smell of the house special before taking a drinks as this conversation occurs. While she listens, she analyzes it, to try and suss out what it may be made of.
General Intelligence: 12 (16 If Wisdom/Perception is more appropriate add +3)
"What would be our action should the investigation doesn't give us anything actionable? Make ourselves the bait and hope whatever is behind this try and come for us?"
(I'm calling your roll an arcana check.) You can detect three clear ingredients: Fermented milk, mashed chestnuts, and orange to squeeze. A fourth ingredient is some minor magical extract, perhaps a few drops of a simple backyard brew.
@Doozey:
The waiter offers to bring a separate bowl for the mastiff but it is too late. Biscuit laps it all up eagerly, with or without the orange squeeze. A moment later, you can see the glint of temporary intelligence in the beast's eyes.
@Utar:
You squeeze the lemon in and see the familiar reaction of citric acid with milk, be it fermented or not. Knocking it all back in one go forces you to double-check your balance, but the sensation passes in an instant. What remains is a feeling of temporary intellect empowerment.
-> You may add a d4 to your next history check (one-time use.)
"Well," the waiter tries to explain. "You should squeeze the orange slice in there and sip... Oh, oh, you already drank it all in one go! Your brain will probably complain about that, but it won't inebriate you."
Romsan, who had left the group while the waiter delivered and explained the drink, returns with a sketched map in hands. "Here, take this one." With a candle in the other hand, he lets a few drops of wax mark spots on the map "... I couldn't find the chalk in my rush. This here is where you are going, the Renon Farm. We are here, at the inn. I mentioned a few names earlier. You can find them here and here, at the Alyin and Trailo Farms. Taroo can show you around. You can take one of my boats. Come, follow me."
Romsan turns around and orders the staff to go to the docks and turn one of the keelboats over. Taroo confirms he can guide you to Renon Farm and offers to tie his own boat to the one your are borring, so you can move together when the time comes. "Wow, real adventurers! Romsan says he used to be one but he's too old now,"he says, finding time to poke fun at the inn keeper even in this dire moment.
Doozey's mention of a dragon gets a few other patrons scared. The halfling hears a whisper here and there. "Did he say dragon?"
After a few minutes of silence, Denae finally speaks up again, answering Neya's question "We could look around these other farms, or along the river. But if Renon Farm is the location of the latest abduction, then our freshest clues should be there. It should be our priority, don't you agree?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar gives his head a shake, the drink isn't unpleasant, but all at once it does threaten to overwhelm his senses. The head shake does the trick though and clears his head and Utar is left to mull over its effects. Earthy, a little sweet, the acidity of the citrus a lovely note of counterpoint, yes, all in all a lovely drink to sit and sip next time.
Coming back to the coversation at hand, Utar folllows along with the other CRAPpers and if still within the confines of the inn, he drops his voice slighty in case what he says would further worry what is left of the local populace.
"I agree with Danae. Renon Farm first, if that comes up with nothing we could maybe try plotting out the attacks and seeing if there is a pattern we could follow. If nothing comes from that... I guess it is good for us that whenever search parties have been organised they've been disappearing too."
Feeling both refreshed and inspired by his recent drink, Utar tries again to recall anything he might recall about the adventures of Romsan Kel.
"That does sound like best course of action, yes," Neya says. "Perhaps we can discern who or what may behind all of these abductions in order to formulate a plan."
Doozey canted his head to the side and rasied a brow at Biscuit's reaction. Yet finding no obvious cause of alarm apart from Biscuit looking around more intently at people, he'd soon enough shrug it off and focus instead on the nearby patrons. At which time he'd try to assuage their nerves with a devil-may-care smile and dismissive wave as if to say to 'pay him no mind'. But if if that alone isn't enough to set them at ease, then he'd just shrug and turn more of his apparent attention back on the conversation closer at hand while setting the glass back down.
"Mn! Agreed! Sooner we're off the better. Biscuit's been needing to properly stretch his legs for a hot minute now, and, uhm,... I can't say I'm not much different." Doozey grins, and presuming that to be that, clamors from his seat onto and already rising Biscuit as the mastiff was more than eager to get on the move again.
Utar ruminates on the name Romsan Kal, but can't quite come up with anything. That said, the half-orc can't help but sneak a peek at the human innkeeper's bald head and many scars every now and then.
Both Romsan and Taroo are moving fast now. They realize this is a golden opportunity to get some answers. An adventuring party arrived to investigate the matter and they have a fresh crime scene for CRAP to examine. Could this be the beginning of the story of how this often forgotten corner of the Moonsea gets its folk back? They need to act!
Biscuit also seems more alert than usual, not that the mastiff is overly aloof normally. That said, that moment soon passes. Whether the drink had a beneficial or harming effect on the spirit-dog, he soon resumes his normal constitution and demeanor.
@Neya:
You taste the ingredients that you had sniffed just a moment ago: fermented milk, mashed chestnuts, and orange to squeeze. The taste is interesting, maybe even pleasant. You feel your mental acuity spark for moment.
-> You may add a d4 to your next history check (one-time use.)
With Neya and Doozey agreeing to Utar's plan, they soon follow Taroo out the door, with Denae at their back. Romsan leads the group down to the docks where a turned keelboat already awaits for the party. The keelboat is 20ft long and about 8ft wide. It has a shallow draft, primitive sail, and a tiny cabin at the stern. There are enough poles for everyone to use to push and guide the vessel. Taroo ties his own small boat to trail behind the stern of the keelboat and offers: "I can help steer the keelboat if you'd like, unless any of you call yourselves a sailor, of course." The honest-looking man in his late 20s looks eager to help real adventurers!
Romsan sets expectations: "The farm is about a mile and a half downstream and only takes about 30 minutes to reach by boat if any of you can proficiently help Taroo negotiate with the river." (This requires proficiency in water vehicles.) "I'm afraid it might take longer if Taroo is the only sailor on board."
"We've had a little experience, but I wouldn't call us true sailors by any stretch of the imagination." Doozey admits and throws out an hapless shrug. "But, I believe we can manage the poles well enough with a bit of guidance and a little luck. Beyond that, I'm afraid the delay will just have to accepted, and some ground will have to be made once we arrive... But! Not to worry overly much, as tracking all manner of beasts and beings is well within my wheelhouse. You have my -- OUR word on that one." He assured the pair along with a thumbs up and Biscuit "Boofing" more pompously in agreement.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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(@Ori: Regarding the mask: got it!)
Denae had taken a minute or two to consider Doozey's apologies, only nodding in agreement once Biscuit had given his empathic boofs. By the time the group reaches The Crossing Inn, the good-not-good-intel episode seems pretty much forgotten for all intents and purposes. The same could be said about Utar's 'offensive' tea episode but, who knows, maybe Denae is just proficient at silently holding petty grudges.
"Very, well. Through the front door we go." She shoots a look at Neya, and asks: "See, you are already approaching in plain sight instead of through the shadows." She claims a small victory in that.
Upon entering, you find a large, wooden framed octagonal common room used for both eating and sleeping. It can comfortably hold up to fifty travelers overnight, and a good deal more if they squeeze in. At the moment, there is only a few staff members around and even fewer travelers. A large man with a heavily scarred bald head watches you from a massive table near the front, next to a window. After a tense moment, he calls you over: "Welcome to The Crossing Inn. I'm host and proprietor Romsan Kal. We don't get many mid-day travelers, and few proper adventurers, so I'm guessing you are here to see me. You see, I used to be quite the perceptive adventurer in my youth," he says, attempting a little jest to break the ice.
Gesturing to the table he already occupies, he concludes his initial invitation: "Please, have a seat and introduce yourselves."
Always nice to receive a warm welcome. Utar does as he's told and takes a seat.
"Utar Hammerhand. Cleric of Torm. Pleased to meet you."
"Doozey Redfoot, Hunter and at your service. Possibly quite literally in fact before long, seeing as we've heard of some recent concerns plagueing the area 'n all that." Doozey greets as he dismounts of Biscuiit and finds hiimself a seat at the table. Biscuit is quick to follow suit, though unlike Berry settled moreso right beside Doozey's chair as much as he was able to in the moment. "And this here is me brother Biscuit. Toughest Tundra mastiff out there." He adds, giving a small grin as he ruffled the fur atop his mastiff's head.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"My name is Neya, nice to make your acquaintance," Neya nods as she greets him.
Extended Signature
"And I'm Denae," the last adventurer adds. She points to the largest feather in her hairdo and elaborates, albeit just barely: "You contacted the Red Plume. We are their representatives. We'll take payment once the mystery is solved, but do not let that fool you; we are here because we care." She also takes a seat, waving to a waiter who is curiously looking at the new arrivals.
"In that case, thank you for seeking me." Romsan replies after acknowledging each of his four hirelings, five after he nods to Biscuit as well. "And yes, as mister Redfoot mentioned, something plagues this area." The waiter arrives, receives quick instructions from Romsan instead of from Denae, and leaves to retrieve refreshments. "I took the liberty of ordering a round of our specialty here at The Crossing Inn. A welcoming gift for you all. You are more than welcome to also order whatever else you like once he returns with the initial drinks."
Before the specialty drinks arrive, or is even described, Romsan resumes: "People are frightened. The disappearances began about a tenday ago, the first night of the drums. Most say it is coming from the south, maybe as far as the Twilight Marsh. The drums beat throughout the night. Each morning, one or more people are simply gone, often along with some of their livestock if they have any. The farmers and travelers are scared. Once the drums start, no one travels at night and no one feels safe, even behind barred doors."
As if remembering a question he accidentally skipped, he turns to face Denae: "Oh, and yes, I am willing to pay the contracted price with the Red Plume, that is, 500gp. Not much for an adventuring party, I know. I was an adventurer too. But that is what our community here was able to put together. Some travelers even donated part of it, in hopes their next trip past his area would be safer." He looks around to gauge if, and hoping that, this is an acceptable offer.
Utar's brow furrows as the disappearances are laid out.
"So the drums start, then folk and maybe their animals are gone. Is there a list of the disappeared? Maybe a record of what night they disappeared?"
Doozey raises a brow while side-eyeing Denae in response to her introduction. Yet in remembering CRAP had done similar business not too long ago, he'dsubtly shrug it off in favor of folding his hands on table and giving Romsan his full attention. And just as Romsan had tried to get a guage on the party's reaction to the reward amount, Doozey had been doing much the same in regards to the former adventure, hoping to catch or suss out any double dealings in the work from any subtle glances or lingering looks to Denae.
-Insight: 27.
"Certainly won't be paying for anything too extravagant back in town, but no well meaning adventurer should grow too comfortable with such things anyhow." Doozey says all the same, giving the man a reassuring smile. Then as if to further confirm his stance on the subject of the reward, if not reinforce it, he'd follow up with his own questions and interests. "On the subject of this drumming though, I don't suppose anyone recognize them as war drumming or the like as well? And would you know of any brave souls so far that have dared to investigate the trouble?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya thought the timing seemed to coincide with Rythnax's death. Further, location of the drumming around and, possibly in, his old territory. But, without anything else to go on it it just supposition.
She brings her thoughts back to the matter at hand: "Where do the disappearances tend to occur? Along the roads? In the fields?"
Extended Signature
@Doozey:
The man's worry seems legitimate. He chose this area to settle after a life of adventuring and seems to truly care about his neighbors. As for the offered reward, you'd be surprised if an experienced adventurer like him were to fully show his hand right away. You feel a tinge of caution in his offer, but not maliciousness.
Extra for the great roll: "a tenday ago" is about the time you came back into town, about the time CRAP was announcing their victory over Rythnax. Neya seems to have picked up on this as well.
@Neya:
A tenday ago is indeed about the time of Rythnax's defeat and of CRAP's public announcement. Doozey seems to have picked up on this as well.
"Afraid not." Romsan shakes his head in response to Utar's question. "We know our neighbors' names, sure, but there is no accounting for missing travelers or passersby, and I am not sure anyone has prioritized the missing animals given people are missing too... Harsh, I know, but that's the truth of it." He continues shaking his head and then reacts to Doozey's questions: "Well, some of the folk around these parts volunteered to go searching in organized parties. Many of them went missing too."
The inn keeper then starts banging on the table. "Hear the rhythm? I'd call their sound thunderous! Definitely more of a battle call than festive melodies. It is enough for the locals to go hiding. Later, the rhythm changes to a continuous low rumbling. Near sunrise, the drums end with three low booms and two rapid thundering shots."
Turning to face Neya and her question, Romsan nods affirmatively now: "Yes, we have a few clues. Some spotted clawed footprints where the kidnappings occurred. A few river dwellers claim to have heard splashing and movement on the river in the dead of night. Most fear that a new monster has moved in, but some think it's the lizardfolk in the Twilight Marsh. They're troublesome, but some of these disappearances are a long way from a marsh, and a few have even happened along the road. Not exactly lizardfolk hunting grounds."
Utar nods along as Romsan speaks, the case before them staying as opaque as it was when Danae ran through it back in Phlan. Does it bode well that many of those who went searching for the disappeared met the same fate? Utar isn't sure.
"Could we have the names of the missing neighbours at least? Also, you mentioned that some of the search parties went missing too, who didn't go missing, it might be worthwhile speaking to them."
"Well..." Romsan looks upward, trying to remember all names. "New reports trickle in with the occasional traveler or messenger. If I had to put a number to it, about 30 people have disappeared along with a couple dozen livestock, though I admit this is a bit of a guess. There are probably folks I haven't accounted for. There's Walos and Jinns over at the Alyin Farm... Hilloo and Gerona over at the Tralio Farm... Rolk and Nik, the dwarven merchants." Before he is done answering the first question, another name comes to Romsan's mind, but one that would help answer Utar's second question. Romsan shares it as soon as he thinks of it: "Oh, Taroo was one of the searching party members who managed to come back, and..."
Romsan is interrupted. The front door flies open and a young human male dashes in. His appearance suggests he's a farmer. He pauses and looks around the room before running up to the innkeeper. He's clearly upset. "Romsan! The Renons are gone! Come to the farm. You have to figure out what happened." Romsan looks pained and says, "I'm not fit to come out of retirement for this, but these folks are here to help." He turns to you, "This is the best lead you're going to get. And our new arrival here happens to be the man I just mentioned, Taroo. He can get you downriver to the Renon Farm. It's much faster than riding the trails."
"Go on now," he says as he stands up from the table. "I can offer to stable your mounts for free, if you brought any, for the duration of the investigation. There is not much else I can offer free of charge, but I can provide some food and a few minor supplies such as blankets or lanterns."
Just then, the waiter returns with the specialty drink order. He announces in a tentative tone: "One Chestnut Riddle for each guess. Welcome!" The tray supports several tall glasses, each housing a beige liquid with a few bubbles and sporting an orange slice on the edge of the glass. The drink smells somewhat like baking nutty-bread.
"I guess that's our next move then. Romsan, do you have a map of the area? It might help to narrow down where these attackers are coming from if we can start to plot them, at least the ones we know about anyway. If it would take some time to find, we'll head back here to share what we've learned from the Renon's farm."
Utar pushes himself up from the table and checks he has all of his things. Picking up the Chesnut Riddle, he gives it a sniff and wonders what the done thing is. Do you sip it, or throw it back in one gulp? Also, the orange? Squeeze it in or just for appearances? Not sure and time is of the essence.
Utar decides to take the drink back in one large gulp.
Though still a touch distracted ruminating over the meaning behind the second set of drumming, both Doozey and Biscuit perk up and look to the door just moments before the new arrival comes rushing through it. Once the danger or lack thereof became clear Doozey only then relaxed the hand that went instinctively for the hilt of Apostle, before readying to slip from his seat in anticipation of what was to come next.
"So long as there's room enough for Biscuit to come along with, we're all set to go as well. Here's hoping this isn't a case of some other dragon muscling in on the territory though. For being shy of our dragonslayer for this would leave even me a bit hesitant to tangle with one." Doozey smirks at Neya and Utar, then regards the drink. The scent and appearance of which left the stoutling looking confused for a time. But unless Biscuit had also been delivered a bowl to sample the threats, Doozey nods in thanks to the waiter... before then proceeding to feed Biscuit the drink, knowing or believing the mastiff's more unique state of being meant little to worry than usual on the front of allergies. "There ya go buddy. Drink up. You've more than earned it. Especially after a certain someone snapped up most of the sausages this morning." He said without looking up to Denae, but with a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya takes a smell of the house special before taking a drinks as this conversation occurs. While she listens, she analyzes it, to try and suss out what it may be made of.
General Intelligence: 12 (16 If Wisdom/Perception is more appropriate add +3)
"What would be our action should the investigation doesn't give us anything actionable? Make ourselves the bait and hope whatever is behind this try and come for us?"
Extended Signature
@Neya:
(I'm calling your roll an arcana check.) You can detect three clear ingredients: Fermented milk, mashed chestnuts, and orange to squeeze. A fourth ingredient is some minor magical extract, perhaps a few drops of a simple backyard brew.
@Doozey:
The waiter offers to bring a separate bowl for the mastiff but it is too late. Biscuit laps it all up eagerly, with or without the orange squeeze. A moment later, you can see the glint of temporary intelligence in the beast's eyes.
@Utar:
You squeeze the lemon in and see the familiar reaction of citric acid with milk, be it fermented or not. Knocking it all back in one go forces you to double-check your balance, but the sensation passes in an instant. What remains is a feeling of temporary intellect empowerment.
-> You may add a d4 to your next history check (one-time use.)
"Well," the waiter tries to explain. "You should squeeze the orange slice in there and sip... Oh, oh, you already drank it all in one go! Your brain will probably complain about that, but it won't inebriate you."
Romsan, who had left the group while the waiter delivered and explained the drink, returns with a sketched map in hands. "Here, take this one." With a candle in the other hand, he lets a few drops of wax mark spots on the map "... I couldn't find the chalk in my rush. This here is where you are going, the Renon Farm. We are here, at the inn. I mentioned a few names earlier. You can find them here and here, at the Alyin and Trailo Farms. Taroo can show you around. You can take one of my boats. Come, follow me."
Romsan turns around and orders the staff to go to the docks and turn one of the keelboats over. Taroo confirms he can guide you to Renon Farm and offers to tie his own boat to the one your are borring, so you can move together when the time comes. "Wow, real adventurers! Romsan says he used to be one but he's too old now," he says, finding time to poke fun at the inn keeper even in this dire moment.
Doozey's mention of a dragon gets a few other patrons scared. The halfling hears a whisper here and there. "Did he say dragon?"
After a few minutes of silence, Denae finally speaks up again, answering Neya's question "We could look around these other farms, or along the river. But if Renon Farm is the location of the latest abduction, then our freshest clues should be there. It should be our priority, don't you agree?"
Utar gives his head a shake, the drink isn't unpleasant, but all at once it does threaten to overwhelm his senses. The head shake does the trick though and clears his head and Utar is left to mull over its effects. Earthy, a little sweet, the acidity of the citrus a lovely note of counterpoint, yes, all in all a lovely drink to sit and sip next time.
Coming back to the coversation at hand, Utar folllows along with the other CRAPpers and if still within the confines of the inn, he drops his voice slighty in case what he says would further worry what is left of the local populace.
"I agree with Danae. Renon Farm first, if that comes up with nothing we could maybe try plotting out the attacks and seeing if there is a pattern we could follow. If nothing comes from that... I guess it is good for us that whenever search parties have been organised they've been disappearing too."
Feeling both refreshed and inspired by his recent drink, Utar tries again to recall anything he might recall about the adventures of Romsan Kel.
History - 15 plus 4
"That does sound like best course of action, yes," Neya says. "Perhaps we can discern who or what may behind all of these abductions in order to formulate a plan."
Extended Signature
Doozey canted his head to the side and rasied a brow at Biscuit's reaction. Yet finding no obvious cause of alarm apart from Biscuit looking around more intently at people, he'd soon enough shrug it off and focus instead on the nearby patrons. At which time he'd try to assuage their nerves with a devil-may-care smile and dismissive wave as if to say to 'pay him no mind'. But if if that alone isn't enough to set them at ease, then he'd just shrug and turn more of his apparent attention back on the conversation closer at hand while setting the glass back down.
"Mn! Agreed! Sooner we're off the better. Biscuit's been needing to properly stretch his legs for a hot minute now, and, uhm,... I can't say I'm not much different." Doozey grins, and presuming that to be that, clamors from his seat onto and already rising Biscuit as the mastiff was more than eager to get on the move again.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar ruminates on the name Romsan Kal, but can't quite come up with anything. That said, the half-orc can't help but sneak a peek at the human innkeeper's bald head and many scars every now and then.
Both Romsan and Taroo are moving fast now. They realize this is a golden opportunity to get some answers. An adventuring party arrived to investigate the matter and they have a fresh crime scene for CRAP to examine. Could this be the beginning of the story of how this often forgotten corner of the Moonsea gets its folk back? They need to act!
Biscuit also seems more alert than usual, not that the mastiff is overly aloof normally. That said, that moment soon passes. Whether the drink had a beneficial or harming effect on the spirit-dog, he soon resumes his normal constitution and demeanor.
@Neya:
You taste the ingredients that you had sniffed just a moment ago: fermented milk, mashed chestnuts, and orange to squeeze. The taste is interesting, maybe even pleasant. You feel your mental acuity spark for moment.
-> You may add a d4 to your next history check (one-time use.)
With Neya and Doozey agreeing to Utar's plan, they soon follow Taroo out the door, with Denae at their back. Romsan leads the group down to the docks where a turned keelboat already awaits for the party. The keelboat is 20ft long and about 8ft wide. It has a shallow draft, primitive sail, and a tiny cabin at the stern. There are enough poles for everyone to use to push and guide the vessel. Taroo ties his own small boat to trail behind the stern of the keelboat and offers: "I can help steer the keelboat if you'd like, unless any of you call yourselves a sailor, of course." The honest-looking man in his late 20s looks eager to help real adventurers!
Romsan sets expectations: "The farm is about a mile and a half downstream and only takes about 30 minutes to reach by boat if any of you can proficiently help Taroo negotiate with the river." (This requires proficiency in water vehicles.) "I'm afraid it might take longer if Taroo is the only sailor on board."
"We've had a little experience, but I wouldn't call us true sailors by any stretch of the imagination." Doozey admits and throws out an hapless shrug. "But, I believe we can manage the poles well enough with a bit of guidance and a little luck. Beyond that, I'm afraid the delay will just have to accepted, and some ground will have to be made once we arrive... But! Not to worry overly much, as tracking all manner of beasts and beings is well within my wheelhouse. You have my -- OUR word on that one." He assured the pair along with a thumbs up and Biscuit "Boofing" more pompously in agreement.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.