Krikas is just about to engage the tiefling child, Fallia, when she is summoned away. Fortunately it seems, Rusty steps through the door looking for help. Briar was in trouble? Krikas recalls his promise to the halfling and immediately excuses himself to the bartend. "Duty calls I'm afraid. Here take payment for the room and anything else those two require" he thumbs in the direction of Aelinn and Felmar as he flips a Noble onto the bar. He moves back across the room and into the dusting snow.
"What's he gotten himself into now Rusty?" he questions the automaton as they cross towards the shrine.
((I agree with DirtyDog. Excellent writing style. Enjoying the posts immensely))
The Dwarf eyes Felmar with a shrewd look upon his face. "The lass, you meanin the woman over there with Aranya? Perhaps we should be talkin with her instead then." He makes a dismissive gesture signaling the discussion between Dwarves has come to an end.
Aranya continues to prattle on, talking about the weather, the comings and going of the townsfolk, the idyllic life within the town, at least until last fall when the Dragon appeared in the sky. She talks about the poor availability of provisions between Barthens and the Lionshield. It has been a tough winter and the spring has not arrived. Her garden, the many Herbs she relies on are still frozen within the ground, unwilling to bloom with the snows remaining.
Aelinn
Her prattle is just a cover for the true conversation she initiates, using a subtle Cant of gestures and lost words.
"The mine is lost. The Dwarves who ran it have kept its location a secret. Every month they would send raw ores down to Phandalin but it has been been months since any word. Some in this village believe they have perished, they search for the mine even now. It is rumored to be more than an Iron mine, it was a place of power in times past, the seat of the Phandalin Pact. Who ever finds and claims it may have power untold. A map was discovered, to be brought to the village, but it has not arrived, as far as I can tell. These Raiders, tell me more, did you search the stores, the wagon. Did they have any allies?"
Briar continues to sweep as Rusty wanders over to the Inn. Linene notices his interest in the group of men and tries to distract him from their presence. "Don't do any thing rash young master, there are more in the shadows than you realize. They are as hornets, harmless if unprovoked but deadly when pressed." Her smile never fades, to any outside of the shrine she is having a pleasant conversation on the virtues of Tymora.
"perhaps if you are restless I can offer a task I have had need of doing for some time now, would you be interested?" She looks off into the distance before continuing. "A woman lives not far from here, a days walk if that. They used to call her an oracle but I believe she has a greater malevolence about her presence. A mother of the village, and her young daughter, a poor child with a wasting sickness traveled to visit this oracle but have not returned. Are you willing to check on them. To discover what has happened to my friend?"
So that was why the dwarf had asked Felmar about a map. A lost mine just waiting to be found. She began to chatter about the Heartwood whilst using thieves cant to continue her conversation. The brigands all wore red bandanas and seemed to be working with the goblins. The dead leader was a woman. They had a pet spider that used the caves along with some starving hounds. We searched their belongings but there was no map. So are there other adventurers looking for the mine or is it just the militia. How does the town fair under the mercenaries? Persuasion 16
So places to visit were Barthens and this LIonshield.
She noticed Krikas leave the inn with Rusty. Should she follow? At the moment she could see Briar returning to shovelling snow, so maybe the problem had passed.
As the table empties, leaving Felmar and his mug of ale alone he wonders aloud, "Was it somethin' I said?" With a shrug he grabs the mug and downs it in one gulp (aside from the sizable portion running down his red beard). He lets out a respectable belch and turns to check on Aelinn. He sees her talking with Aranya and sees the dwarf and his cohorts approaching the table as well. He doesn't want to disrupt the flow of Aelinn's conversation so for now he's going to watch and be prepared to jump in if Aelinn requires aid.
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Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
"A spy? That's an odd request, but I'm more than happy to help." He replies as they cross to the shrine. Approaching Briar and the woman, Krikas pokes fun at Briar. "What have you got yourself into now Briar?" Then to the woman with a bow. "M'lady. I apologise if my little friend here has brought trouble to your place of worship. He can't seem to keep himself away from danger. Good thing he seems favoured by Torm."
The Dwarf scowls at Felmar. Realizing he is not going to get up and vacate the table the three of them rise and move to an empty table, one closer to Aelinn and the cowled woman.
Aelinn continues her conversation, to anybody looking on it would appear the two woman have been long friends. Laughter punctures the air, smiles and good cheer between the two erupt from the table. Few, if any would even notice the subtle conversation, the true conversation occurring.
"Redbands, that's what the people call them, they wear them tied to their upper arms." Verbally she is discussing the time she visited Neverwinter, through gestures and cant she continues. "I suspected the goblins were in league, they were nothing but a nuisance. The Redbands swooped in and drove them off, it seemed a farce, to contrived." The conversation lulls for a moment, she sips her drink. "There are goblins in the woods, an old elven manor house, perhaps they have the map, come by my shop and I will provide directions"
She considers her answer before continuing but once again to any looking on, or listening in, as the Dwarf and his companions are in the table next to them, there was no pause, just a gentle laugh. "There are others but none to declare it so boldly, Harbin is involved I am sure of it, The dwarf Horgrunn over there asked to many questions, perhaps others more subtle"
Rusty and Krikas step out into the gentle snow, Briar hopelessly sweeping the drifts from the shrine as quickly as the new snow adds to their weight. Despite the distraction offered by Linene he continues to glance at the trhee men several buildings over. The door is answered by a middle aged woman, barely seen behind the door frame. A few coins are passed out and the door slammed. The three men look around and head in the direction of Linene and the shrine.
"Greetings maam" they begin, all curtesy and manners. "Tis that time maam, Alms for your protection, we need to feed the garrison and keep them strong to fend off the chaos that surrounds us." It sounds like a well practiced, well rehearsed speech.
She took the time to gather herself, things were far from good here. So the mercenaries were the brigands on the road. No doubt a toll was being gathered. The dwarf and his colleagues must have put up a hell of a fight before they died. If only she knew his name. Trust me I'll be knocking at your door tomorrow to buy a health potion, in thieves cant, It sounds like Phandalin has become a nesting ground for a brigand clan, so much for mercenaries. Do they actively search out enemies amongst the townfolk? Dwarves are difficult to bully and you must have a sturdy group of miners here. We have a map that you can annotate tomorrow.
Until tomorrow then Aranya Hoping that she hadn't made Aranya a target for the local militia.
She stood and walked over to the small group with the elf in it, Mae govannen cousin, may the warmth of the Heartwood rest upon you. May I buy you all a drink? I can heartily recommend the mead, it rivals some of the finer vintages from the Heartwood brewers. Do you enjoy music? I'll ask our bard to play when he gets back from the shrine of Tymora. You can never have enough luck, happily the lady has only shown me her right hand.
Rusty notices that each of the men has a red bandana tied around their arm. He recognizes the pieces of cloth. He even has one tucked away. If he could narrow his eyes, he would. Instead, he turns to face them squarely, his many buckets swinging merrily by their handles. "Chaos-os-os-os?" he asks in his usual monotone. "What ki-ki-ki-kind of chaos threatens this hamlet?"
Aranya nods at your words, smiling as Aelinn leaves the table.
The door to the inn opens as a young dark haired woman stomps the snow from high cut boots, hanging her coat next to the fire she joins the dark skinned elf and his companions moments before Aelinn strolls over. The group looks up, gesturing to an open bench, one of the men commenting, "An offer of a drink is most welcome."
The dark skinned elf, clearly a Drow speaks first, "Daran Edermath" he says in way of greeting. "I run the orchard at the edge of town. This here is Elmina" gesturing to the Blonde woman, "and her husband Frederick Barthen. That's Sildar and.."
The dark haired woman leans forward, an alluring smile on her lips and a twinkle of clear attraction in her sky blue eyes. She offers her hand, palm down in a gentile way, breathlessly she says "Calista, a pleasure." The others at the table look to her, a long pause as they watch her greet Aelinn, then erupt into hearty and good natured laughter. The young woman blushes, a rosy hue only adding to her beauty.
Daran opens the conversation, "What brings you and your friends to Phandalin? The curse of this never ending winter has kept most travelers and merchants from our doors"
Linene retrieves a pair of Nibs from within the folds of her simple brown garb, handing them to a young man. He couldn't have seen more than 18 seasons if that. "Thank you for your efforts, may Tymora grant you the luck you need." She smiles at the mercenaries.
The three men jump at the motion and words of Rusty. Not just surprise, also fear in the largest one, suddenly turns to anger at his feelings of embarrassment. He squares his shoulders turning defiantly towards the construct, his fists clench spasmodically. The younger man in the back simply bursts out "Hrast", at the automatons words. The third man, a line of scar closing one eye puts his hand on his larger friend.
Looking curiously at the mechanical man the scared man smiles. Not a pleasant, friendly sort of a smile, it has an edge, a subtle realization of the opportunities before them. He glances between Rusty, Krikas, and Briar, "New in town? Are you planning on staying? If so you should reveal your presence to Speaker Wester, he lives in the manor up the hill. Don't cause any trouble while here, we don't appreciate trouble" The man just stands their, the same subtle smile upon his lips.
Briar looks on as Linene hands over the money. Troublesome mercenaries extorting money not only from the people but also the spiritual center of the town? It puts his thoughts on Linene's mentioning of the oracle on the backburner of his mind.
An opportunistic look on the man's face too. He didn't like that. "What makes you think we'd be a cause of trouble?" he asks rather gruffly. Less a genuine question and more a demand of an answer. His thoughts wander to his warhammer for a moment. But no, it wouldn't do to desecrate holy ground with fighting. Plus he'd best follow Linene's wishes in the shrine of her goddess.
Looking at his companions he smiles, glad to see them. "Though I do agree it would be good to see the townmaster. Although I'd like some words with Linene before we go."
[[ Self-note to remember: Ask about the oracle. Interested in aiding her request. ]]
Pleased to meet you all she said with a large smile. Do you mind if I ask my friend to join us he looks so alone siting there whilst I enjoy myself. At their nods she called over to Felmar, Come and join us. I'll get a jug of ale and a jug of mead for the group please she waved at the young Tiefling. It must be nice to own an orchard, watching the seasons flow amongst their leaves. She nods to herself and keeps her tattoo hidden.
We were sent to find out why there is no ore getting through yet. Your dwarven smith seemed to be having problems even as near as he is to the town. We're supposed to find out what is wrong and deal with it.
Persuasion 19
She angrily watched the men tithing the old cleric. Briar had found trouble all right, his face clearly thunderous. She could speak to them all later tonight in the common room.
Rusty watched the various reactions to his question, and noted only that it had not been answered. He teetered on the edge of mentioning the cave and those with red bandanas they battled there, but decided it might not be a good idea. However, hearing the name of the town speaker, Rusty decides to try another question. "Speaking-king-king-king with Harbin Wester is our task. Would you-you-you-you escort us to the manor so we may spea-spea-spea-speak with him?"
Arriving just as the coins change hands, Krikas scowls for a second before forcing his face into a pleasant, non threatening smile. He nods as the scarred man looks them over. "Now, now old friend. We shouldn't bother these men just to show us around. I'm sure they have very important work to do" Krikas nudges Rustys immense form as he speaks.
The scarred man looks down on Briar, "I know your kind little one, hands off and no trouble, we don't take kindly in these parts".
Looking at Rusty, a new smile crosses his face, a man not used to niceties or friendly gestures he at least makes an effort. "We still have a job to finish." He says, gesturing to the town at large with a wave of his open palm. He seems to consider something, "Ya know, I could answer all your questions. Rightly so I got a few meself, must say you are fascinatin in all. Where'd you come from, what makes you tick? Join us, you can have a tour of the town and join up with your friends at the Manor a little later"
The man looks up at the Manor then back to Krikas and Briar, "No hurry's all, the fat man aint leavin any time soon."
Felmar joins the group filling one end of the tavern great room. Nods of greeting, they quickly return to the conversation. The seasons are wonderful, not just in the orchard but the hills and plains, the beauty of the oaks and maples of the southern Winterwood. Easily it pivots to talk of the winter that wont let go. Frederick and Daran talk about blossoms and bees, Fredericks bees are dying for lack of forage.
"It was the worst winter I've seen in these parts, in any parts, and I'm coming from North of Luskan" Calista remarks, a nod of heads agree with her statement. "Its the Dragon I say, she arrived late fall and immediately it got cold."
"Why hasn't it attacked, are we all mad to listen to Linene. Why haven't we just left Frederick?" The talk of the Dragon clearly affects Elmina in a horrible way. She seems to shrink visibly from the conversation.
"So this is just rumor mind you, but I heard there was a Harper in town..." A round of guffaws and knee slaps of disbelief, a feeling of, oh geez, here we go again erupts from the table, undaunted Sildar continues. "So, as I was saying, they are here. They have a theory about your mines madam." He says nodding at Aelinn. "Cryovain, that's what they call the Dragon. She is up there in those mountains, if I was the Dwarves, I wouldn't poke my head up either."
Daran addas a terrifying thought, "What if Cryovain already found the mine?"
Briar tenses up. He didn't like the way that man had been looking at Rusty. And he likes the idea of him taking his partymember away alone even less. Despite his stature compared to the others he takes a stance slightly in front of and to the side of Rusty, driven from a sense of wanting protected the warforged, even if Rusty was a bit hardier than himself. He awaits Rusty's reply to the man before saying anything.
I was told that there was a Harper here as well, a dying dwarfs last words. I have to try and find them to let them know that the brigands murdered their ally. So not a silly idea. We saw the Dragon on the way here, it seized one of the oxen from a field. Gave us quite the fright.
Watching the body language of Krikas and Briar it was obvious that they were trying to stop Rusty from doing something he'd regret. She stood up and gave her apologies as she moved to the door.
It's getting late, come indoors. We can see Harbin tomorrow when it gets light. We want to order a meal. Come on Rusty I've got some clove oil for your joints, it will make a new warforged out of you! Greetings gentlemen, doing the rounds to make sure all is well? She smiled at them as if she hadn't just seen them shake down the old cleric.
OOC: Just a reminder that Rusty is only five feet tall at his normal height. It's just that he's built like a box. His back is almost completely horizontal from his hips to his shoulders and neck. And he weighs 300 lbs. (136 kgs).
Rusty doesn't understand why the others are against learning more about these red bandana-ed individuals. It seems only logical to learn as much about this group as possible. Couldn't it even be possible that those they fought in the cave were not actually part of this group, but where only pretending to be? There clearly were several difficulties going on, even if they wouldn't answer his question about specifics. Trouble on the road. A winter that has lasted much too long. No ore. The religious woman had mentioned goblins and orcs. Wouldn't it be prudent to employ a small militia to keep the town safe? And wouldn't such a militia need funds to operate? But Rusty also knows that he has little experience. He is only five seasons old. And The Blade taught him little more of "the real world" than what he needed to know for traveling and the show itself. It would be wise to follow the others — Krikas, Briar, Felmar and Aelinn. If they lead him to say no, he would say no.
Rusty turns to look at Aelinn as she sticks her head out of the door and offers oil inside the inn. Turning back to the scarred man, Rusty's voice announces, "Perha-ha-ha-haps another time." He rotates, his many internal and external parts coming to life with a variety of noises, and begins marching through the dusting of snow toward the inn. He would ask the others his questions when it was more private. And he still had questions for the follower of Tymora. He stomps up the stairs and toward the door, not slowing until he had skillfully entered, the jamb mere inches on each side of his bulk. He looks around the new group of flesh beings, taking in their appearances and any other information he might glean from first sight.
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Krikas
Krikas is just about to engage the tiefling child, Fallia, when she is summoned away. Fortunately it seems, Rusty steps through the door looking for help. Briar was in trouble? Krikas recalls his promise to the halfling and immediately excuses himself to the bartend. "Duty calls I'm afraid. Here take payment for the room and anything else those two require" he thumbs in the direction of Aelinn and Felmar as he flips a Noble onto the bar. He moves back across the room and into the dusting snow.
"What's he gotten himself into now Rusty?" he questions the automaton as they cross towards the shrine.
((I agree with DirtyDog. Excellent writing style. Enjoying the posts immensely))
The Dwarf eyes Felmar with a shrewd look upon his face. "The lass, you meanin the woman over there with Aranya? Perhaps we should be talkin with her instead then." He makes a dismissive gesture signaling the discussion between Dwarves has come to an end.
Aranya continues to prattle on, talking about the weather, the comings and going of the townsfolk, the idyllic life within the town, at least until last fall when the Dragon appeared in the sky. She talks about the poor availability of provisions between Barthens and the Lionshield. It has been a tough winter and the spring has not arrived. Her garden, the many Herbs she relies on are still frozen within the ground, unwilling to bloom with the snows remaining.
Aelinn
Her prattle is just a cover for the true conversation she initiates, using a subtle Cant of gestures and lost words.
"The mine is lost. The Dwarves who ran it have kept its location a secret. Every month they would send raw ores down to Phandalin but it has been been months since any word. Some in this village believe they have perished, they search for the mine even now. It is rumored to be more than an Iron mine, it was a place of power in times past, the seat of the Phandalin Pact. Who ever finds and claims it may have power untold. A map was discovered, to be brought to the village, but it has not arrived, as far as I can tell. These Raiders, tell me more, did you search the stores, the wagon. Did they have any allies?"
Briar continues to sweep as Rusty wanders over to the Inn. Linene notices his interest in the group of men and tries to distract him from their presence. "Don't do any thing rash young master, there are more in the shadows than you realize. They are as hornets, harmless if unprovoked but deadly when pressed." Her smile never fades, to any outside of the shrine she is having a pleasant conversation on the virtues of Tymora.
"perhaps if you are restless I can offer a task I have had need of doing for some time now, would you be interested?" She looks off into the distance before continuing. "A woman lives not far from here, a days walk if that. They used to call her an oracle but I believe she has a greater malevolence about her presence. A mother of the village, and her young daughter, a poor child with a wasting sickness traveled to visit this oracle but have not returned. Are you willing to check on them. To discover what has happened to my friend?"
Aelinn
So that was why the dwarf had asked Felmar about a map. A lost mine just waiting to be found. She began to chatter about the Heartwood whilst using thieves cant to continue her conversation. The brigands all wore red bandanas and seemed to be working with the goblins. The dead leader was a woman. They had a pet spider that used the caves along with some starving hounds. We searched their belongings but there was no map. So are there other adventurers looking for the mine or is it just the militia. How does the town fair under the mercenaries? Persuasion 16
So places to visit were Barthens and this LIonshield.
She noticed Krikas leave the inn with Rusty. Should she follow? At the moment she could see Briar returning to shovelling snow, so maybe the problem had passed.
As the table empties, leaving Felmar and his mug of ale alone he wonders aloud, "Was it somethin' I said?" With a shrug he grabs the mug and downs it in one gulp (aside from the sizable portion running down his red beard). He lets out a respectable belch and turns to check on Aelinn. He sees her talking with Aranya and sees the dwarf and his cohorts approaching the table as well. He doesn't want to disrupt the flow of Aelinn's conversation so for now he's going to watch and be prepared to jump in if Aelinn requires aid.
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Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
As soon as they've exited the inn, Rusty says to Krikas, "We are-are-are-are in need of a spy."
Krikas
"A spy? That's an odd request, but I'm more than happy to help." He replies as they cross to the shrine. Approaching Briar and the woman, Krikas pokes fun at Briar. "What have you got yourself into now Briar?" Then to the woman with a bow. "M'lady. I apologise if my little friend here has brought trouble to your place of worship. He can't seem to keep himself away from danger. Good thing he seems favoured by Torm."
The Dwarf scowls at Felmar. Realizing he is not going to get up and vacate the table the three of them rise and move to an empty table, one closer to Aelinn and the cowled woman.
Aelinn continues her conversation, to anybody looking on it would appear the two woman have been long friends. Laughter punctures the air, smiles and good cheer between the two erupt from the table. Few, if any would even notice the subtle conversation, the true conversation occurring.
"Redbands, that's what the people call them, they wear them tied to their upper arms." Verbally she is discussing the time she visited Neverwinter, through gestures and cant she continues. "I suspected the goblins were in league, they were nothing but a nuisance. The Redbands swooped in and drove them off, it seemed a farce, to contrived." The conversation lulls for a moment, she sips her drink. "There are goblins in the woods, an old elven manor house, perhaps they have the map, come by my shop and I will provide directions"
She considers her answer before continuing but once again to any looking on, or listening in, as the Dwarf and his companions are in the table next to them, there was no pause, just a gentle laugh. "There are others but none to declare it so boldly, Harbin is involved I am sure of it, The dwarf Horgrunn over there asked to many questions, perhaps others more subtle"
Rusty and Krikas step out into the gentle snow, Briar hopelessly sweeping the drifts from the shrine as quickly as the new snow adds to their weight. Despite the distraction offered by Linene he continues to glance at the trhee men several buildings over. The door is answered by a middle aged woman, barely seen behind the door frame. A few coins are passed out and the door slammed. The three men look around and head in the direction of Linene and the shrine.
"Greetings maam" they begin, all curtesy and manners. "Tis that time maam, Alms for your protection, we need to feed the garrison and keep them strong to fend off the chaos that surrounds us." It sounds like a well practiced, well rehearsed speech.
Aelinn
She took the time to gather herself, things were far from good here. So the mercenaries were the brigands on the road. No doubt a toll was being gathered. The dwarf and his colleagues must have put up a hell of a fight before they died. If only she knew his name. Trust me I'll be knocking at your door tomorrow to buy a health potion, in thieves cant, It sounds like Phandalin has become a nesting ground for a brigand clan, so much for mercenaries. Do they actively search out enemies amongst the townfolk? Dwarves are difficult to bully and you must have a sturdy group of miners here. We have a map that you can annotate tomorrow.
Until tomorrow then Aranya Hoping that she hadn't made Aranya a target for the local militia.
She stood and walked over to the small group with the elf in it, Mae govannen cousin, may the warmth of the Heartwood rest upon you. May I buy you all a drink? I can heartily recommend the mead, it rivals some of the finer vintages from the Heartwood brewers. Do you enjoy music? I'll ask our bard to play when he gets back from the shrine of Tymora. You can never have enough luck, happily the lady has only shown me her right hand.
Persuasion 14
Rusty notices that each of the men has a red bandana tied around their arm. He recognizes the pieces of cloth. He even has one tucked away. If he could narrow his eyes, he would. Instead, he turns to face them squarely, his many buckets swinging merrily by their handles. "Chaos-os-os-os?" he asks in his usual monotone. "What ki-ki-ki-kind of chaos threatens this hamlet?"
OOC-Thanks for the complements
Aranya nods at your words, smiling as Aelinn leaves the table.
The door to the inn opens as a young dark haired woman stomps the snow from high cut boots, hanging her coat next to the fire she joins the dark skinned elf and his companions moments before Aelinn strolls over. The group looks up, gesturing to an open bench, one of the men commenting, "An offer of a drink is most welcome."
The dark skinned elf, clearly a Drow speaks first, "Daran Edermath" he says in way of greeting. "I run the orchard at the edge of town. This here is Elmina" gesturing to the Blonde woman, "and her husband Frederick Barthen. That's Sildar and.."
The dark haired woman leans forward, an alluring smile on her lips and a twinkle of clear attraction in her sky blue eyes. She offers her hand, palm down in a gentile way, breathlessly she says "Calista, a pleasure." The others at the table look to her, a long pause as they watch her greet Aelinn, then erupt into hearty and good natured laughter. The young woman blushes, a rosy hue only adding to her beauty.
Daran opens the conversation, "What brings you and your friends to Phandalin? The curse of this never ending winter has kept most travelers and merchants from our doors"
Linene retrieves a pair of Nibs from within the folds of her simple brown garb, handing them to a young man. He couldn't have seen more than 18 seasons if that. "Thank you for your efforts, may Tymora grant you the luck you need." She smiles at the mercenaries.
The three men jump at the motion and words of Rusty. Not just surprise, also fear in the largest one, suddenly turns to anger at his feelings of embarrassment. He squares his shoulders turning defiantly towards the construct, his fists clench spasmodically. The younger man in the back simply bursts out "Hrast", at the automatons words. The third man, a line of scar closing one eye puts his hand on his larger friend.
Looking curiously at the mechanical man the scared man smiles. Not a pleasant, friendly sort of a smile, it has an edge, a subtle realization of the opportunities before them. He glances between Rusty, Krikas, and Briar, "New in town? Are you planning on staying? If so you should reveal your presence to Speaker Wester, he lives in the manor up the hill. Don't cause any trouble while here, we don't appreciate trouble" The man just stands their, the same subtle smile upon his lips.
Briar looks on as Linene hands over the money. Troublesome mercenaries extorting money not only from the people but also the spiritual center of the town? It puts his thoughts on Linene's mentioning of the oracle on the backburner of his mind.
An opportunistic look on the man's face too. He didn't like that. "What makes you think we'd be a cause of trouble?" he asks rather gruffly. Less a genuine question and more a demand of an answer. His thoughts wander to his warhammer for a moment. But no, it wouldn't do to desecrate holy ground with fighting. Plus he'd best follow Linene's wishes in the shrine of her goddess.
Looking at his companions he smiles, glad to see them. "Though I do agree it would be good to see the townmaster. Although I'd like some words with Linene before we go."
[[ Self-note to remember: Ask about the oracle. Interested in aiding her request. ]]
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Aelinn
Pleased to meet you all she said with a large smile. Do you mind if I ask my friend to join us he looks so alone siting there whilst I enjoy myself. At their nods she called over to Felmar, Come and join us. I'll get a jug of ale and a jug of mead for the group please she waved at the young Tiefling. It must be nice to own an orchard, watching the seasons flow amongst their leaves. She nods to herself and keeps her tattoo hidden.
We were sent to find out why there is no ore getting through yet. Your dwarven smith seemed to be having problems even as near as he is to the town. We're supposed to find out what is wrong and deal with it.
Persuasion 19
She angrily watched the men tithing the old cleric. Briar had found trouble all right, his face clearly thunderous. She could speak to them all later tonight in the common room.
Rusty watched the various reactions to his question, and noted only that it had not been answered. He teetered on the edge of mentioning the cave and those with red bandanas they battled there, but decided it might not be a good idea. However, hearing the name of the town speaker, Rusty decides to try another question. "Speaking-king-king-king with Harbin Wester is our task. Would you-you-you-you escort us to the manor so we may spea-spea-spea-speak with him?"
Felmar will accept Aelinn’s invitation and join the group. He nods and grunts a quick hello to everyone
Kaelan Thornfell - Wildhunt Shifter Beast Barbarian - Horde of the Dragon Queen
Gustuck "Grumpy Gus" Clayshaper - Deep Gnome Astral Self Monk - Malady of Minarrh
Shelmo Sherrinford - Fairy Inquisitive Rogue - Vae Victus
Solstice Nightchill - Winter Eladrin Hunter Ranger - The Yawning Portal
Captain Duskstar - Human Hex "Gun" Warlock - Airships and Whiskey
Krikas
Arriving just as the coins change hands, Krikas scowls for a second before forcing his face into a pleasant, non threatening smile. He nods as the scarred man looks them over. "Now, now old friend. We shouldn't bother these men just to show us around. I'm sure they have very important work to do" Krikas nudges Rustys immense form as he speaks.
"Indeed," concurs Briar with Krikas. "We can head to Harbin by ourselves."
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
The scarred man looks down on Briar, "I know your kind little one, hands off and no trouble, we don't take kindly in these parts".
Looking at Rusty, a new smile crosses his face, a man not used to niceties or friendly gestures he at least makes an effort. "We still have a job to finish." He says, gesturing to the town at large with a wave of his open palm. He seems to consider something, "Ya know, I could answer all your questions. Rightly so I got a few meself, must say you are fascinatin in all. Where'd you come from, what makes you tick? Join us, you can have a tour of the town and join up with your friends at the Manor a little later"
The man looks up at the Manor then back to Krikas and Briar, "No hurry's all, the fat man aint leavin any time soon."
Felmar joins the group filling one end of the tavern great room. Nods of greeting, they quickly return to the conversation. The seasons are wonderful, not just in the orchard but the hills and plains, the beauty of the oaks and maples of the southern Winterwood. Easily it pivots to talk of the winter that wont let go. Frederick and Daran talk about blossoms and bees, Fredericks bees are dying for lack of forage.
"It was the worst winter I've seen in these parts, in any parts, and I'm coming from North of Luskan" Calista remarks, a nod of heads agree with her statement. "Its the Dragon I say, she arrived late fall and immediately it got cold."
"Why hasn't it attacked, are we all mad to listen to Linene. Why haven't we just left Frederick?" The talk of the Dragon clearly affects Elmina in a horrible way. She seems to shrink visibly from the conversation.
"So this is just rumor mind you, but I heard there was a Harper in town..." A round of guffaws and knee slaps of disbelief, a feeling of, oh geez, here we go again erupts from the table, undaunted Sildar continues. "So, as I was saying, they are here. They have a theory about your mines madam." He says nodding at Aelinn. "Cryovain, that's what they call the Dragon. She is up there in those mountains, if I was the Dwarves, I wouldn't poke my head up either."
Daran addas a terrifying thought, "What if Cryovain already found the mine?"
Briar tenses up. He didn't like the way that man had been looking at Rusty. And he likes the idea of him taking his partymember away alone even less. Despite his stature compared to the others he takes a stance slightly in front of and to the side of Rusty, driven from a sense of wanting protected the warforged, even if Rusty was a bit hardier than himself. He awaits Rusty's reply to the man before saying anything.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Aelinn
I was told that there was a Harper here as well, a dying dwarfs last words. I have to try and find them to let them know that the brigands murdered their ally. So not a silly idea. We saw the Dragon on the way here, it seized one of the oxen from a field. Gave us quite the fright.
Watching the body language of Krikas and Briar it was obvious that they were trying to stop Rusty from doing something he'd regret. She stood up and gave her apologies as she moved to the door.
It's getting late, come indoors. We can see Harbin tomorrow when it gets light. We want to order a meal. Come on Rusty I've got some clove oil for your joints, it will make a new warforged out of you! Greetings gentlemen, doing the rounds to make sure all is well? She smiled at them as if she hadn't just seen them shake down the old cleric.
Persuasion 17 for the group at the table
Persuasion 15 for the militia and colleagues
OOC: Just a reminder that Rusty is only five feet tall at his normal height. It's just that he's built like a box. His back is almost completely horizontal from his hips to his shoulders and neck. And he weighs 300 lbs. (136 kgs).
Rusty doesn't understand why the others are against learning more about these red bandana-ed individuals. It seems only logical to learn as much about this group as possible. Couldn't it even be possible that those they fought in the cave were not actually part of this group, but where only pretending to be? There clearly were several difficulties going on, even if they wouldn't answer his question about specifics. Trouble on the road. A winter that has lasted much too long. No ore. The religious woman had mentioned goblins and orcs. Wouldn't it be prudent to employ a small militia to keep the town safe? And wouldn't such a militia need funds to operate? But Rusty also knows that he has little experience. He is only five seasons old. And The Blade taught him little more of "the real world" than what he needed to know for traveling and the show itself. It would be wise to follow the others — Krikas, Briar, Felmar and Aelinn. If they lead him to say no, he would say no.
Rusty turns to look at Aelinn as she sticks her head out of the door and offers oil inside the inn. Turning back to the scarred man, Rusty's voice announces, "Perha-ha-ha-haps another time." He rotates, his many internal and external parts coming to life with a variety of noises, and begins marching through the dusting of snow toward the inn. He would ask the others his questions when it was more private. And he still had questions for the follower of Tymora. He stomps up the stairs and toward the door, not slowing until he had skillfully entered, the jamb mere inches on each side of his bulk. He looks around the new group of flesh beings, taking in their appearances and any other information he might glean from first sight.