City of Cresthall

OOC: Are we at an In or something now ?

(I think we're all walking, trying to find an inn where we can rent private rooms for the night and have a conversation.  It should be as close to the palace entrance as possible).

(I believe that's the plan. Get to a tavern and find a quiet room to catch up Crispy/Ashley on what Hatt/Karra know and vice versa.)

Since we didnt get an update can we just push the story forward and assume we did?

The group finds a not too shady tavern and requests a private booth/room to dine and discuss current events. Ashley was going to pay, but her delicious bikini clad girlfriend with no pockets volunteered before she could.

Crispy saw Ashley reach into her pack with the intention to pay, but Crispy "gently" "slapped" her hand "lovingly" with a look of disapproval. "Eh eh eh." she wiggled her finger. "I got this one, babe. You get me a drink, ok? I'll get the room. I feel like that's only fair." She turned to everyone else. "Alright, kids, lets get some drinks and rent a room."

(Yes, I think so.  We find an inn, pay for individual rooms, and then everyone meets up in one room together.)

Hatt will remind everyone that there was an unknown aura around Bennett from the first night in Cresthall when he went to speak with Ominak.  He expresses his frustration that he never managed to address this, but felt that with Ominak nearby it was dangerous to appear to be tampering with whatever this aura represented.  I still think there's a danger, even now; Ominak seems to wield a great deal of power in this city, and I don't know what this aura is or whether Ominak would sense any change.  I really just want to talk to Bennett, and now Gasp too I suppose; I imagine that they're now both in the same position.  Maybe if it's magical, I can dispel it, with the Goddess's aid.  

(to Ashley and Crispy)  Oh, and we got your money.  It will be easier to divide up correctly when we're all together, as we each got a part of your share so Gasp still has his with him.

At some point in the evening, Hatt will take back the handful of coins he had given to Ashley, select one Platinum piece, and cast Dispel Magic on it.

More or less what happens: Crispy paid for their rooms, and her and Ashley put their things by their bed. They met in one room, split up the money, and eventually all went downstairs, ordered food and drink, and sat down.

"Ok, Hatt." Crispy said, eating, "Thith magical aura. I remember you mentioning somethink about it." She swallowed, then took a gulp of ale. "AHH. That's good stuff. Ok, where was I? Oh, the aura. Ok. Also, something else happened to us this morning. We had a knock on our door. One of the employees and a yuan-ti told us something along the lines of Almanac never checked in. Or something. He never showed up into the resort. They have no record of him coming in." She turned to Ashley. "Am I getting that right?"

This is what was said:

 ((("Yes, there is a problem. The problem being that your supposed patron's name is literally name. Your...not from here so it's obvious you both don't speak draconic, but Ominak means name. So unless there's some idiot wealthy couple to name their child name or you've been simply tricked by someone, either way you owe us a sum of two hundred and fifty gold...though I find any broken furniture in this room then the price will rise.")))

and

((("From the way my attendants describe it, the brute did lead you here but never did he mention his brother to my attendants. In fact, one of them just decided to charge the commander with your stay...Which reminds me," She looks to the attendant beside her, "Have that one sent to the Quarry, I will not tolerate such behavior among you all." She looks back to you two, "And I would take this matter to the patron, but that's the problem. They don't exist, so now it's your problem to solve. And glare at me like that once more, and I'll have the guards come detain your whole group.")))

Ashley nods in affirmation to Crispy. That's more or less correct. We were told that the word he has been using as his name literally means name. I feel we have been played for fools from the start. He is hiding something from us and it nearly ended very badly.

A little self conscious about her scars, not to mention wearing nearly nothing but boots and her blade holster, Crispy unconsciously wrapped her hands around herself. The food was warm, the ale was cold, and she was sitting next to the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. She tried to eat like a human being while they talked about their experiences the last few weeks. She shivered a bit thinking about the Dragon Turtle, and visible goosebumps immediately covered most of her skin, causing the fine peach fuzz hair on her arms to stand straight up.

They got the money, but something else was up.

Karra reaches into his pack and pulls out a blanket, holding it out for Crispy.

Didn't they call him something else as well?  Master something.  Opsola?  Opsala?  If we're now in a public area, then next time a waiter/waitress comes over with drinks, Hatt will ask them if 'ominak' and 'opsala' mean anything in any local language.

She saw Karra's offer, and shook her head. "Thanks, i'm ok. I can't. I lost a bet." She turned to Hatt, saying. "I have no idea. But something is definitely up."

Ashley senses Crispy's self consciousness and reaches under the table to hold her hand reassuringly. 

Crispy immediately relaxes upon feeling her touch, and gives Ashley a warm smile to match her affection. She resumes eating and drinking and listening to her friends, but not before flashing her a quick wink. Usually wearing clothes, and not making bets she'd lose, no one really could see her scars, but the gentle show of affection made her relax quickly, and helped her realize it was a silly thought.

(Hate my sleep schedule.)

@Hatt

For the Inn:

The waitress comes by and is a bit puzzled by your questions but answers them. "Well Ominak is just draconic for name and Opsala...Oh do you mean Opsola? Well, he's the advisor to the queen for magic and stuff. Most people really just pay attention to his brother since he's...well, kinder, easier to get along with, and a bit dumb...in a good way. Opsola really just keeps to himself, rarely see him during public events. Why do you ask? Did that drunk talk to you all? Don't believe him, he's just saying all that nonsense for attention."

Karra looks to the waitress. "Hmm, this Opsola, know them, yes? Maybe describe them, please?"

Crispy looked at Ashley after the waitress spoke. What in the world is going on? But did it matter? We were paid, the food was good, and the ale was cold. She continued to eat as the conversation continued.

After the waitress has answered Karra's question, Hatt asks:  You mentioned a drunk, errr..  madam... Hatt is unsure how to address a waitress in the local custom, but ploughs on regardless.  Might I ask who you are referring to?  If there is a soul in need of guidance... he trails off, trying to avoid anything actively deceptive.

After the waitress has left, Hatt sighs.  Once again, I find myself in the same struggle as on the long journey by ship.  Ominak - I suppose we should call him Opsola - lied to us about his identity, and may have employed magic on our companions.  Either he is an evildoer, and we are his dupes perhaps in some crime, or he is simply a powerful man who is foolishly obsessed with keeping his secrets.  Let's try to think this through.  What do we actually know about him?

"Surprisingly nothing, actually. He only hired us to do a job, he didn't get personal with Ashley, or I. Hired us.. to transport.." Crispy struggled to remember, "..some..special cargo by sea. And then we arrived here. And now..we're getting the impression he's a fraud. And, who are Bennett and Bird Person looking for, anyways? Why aren't they here? With us?"

She thought about what Hatt said. "Dupes in some crime. Or, perhaps obsessed with his secrets."