The words of a reply scarcely begin to form on Doozey's lips when he's a touch taken aback at the offered coin pouch. But almost just as quickly would he accept the pouch and put away, least any stick fingered Welcomer or desperate bystander saw fit to try their luck. "Fair enough! Probably could've waited 'till we were more inside the shrine area, but 'preciate it all the same Villie. Now let's hustle on over 'fore any onlookers start getting too many ideas. "
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I wonder Braden, if you could let us know whether trade to Phlan has increased in the last few days, and keep an eye out to see how things progress in the coming days. Only the Grey Patriots still operate in the area at any kind of strength, so hopefully more caravans can make it through. Also, how are things at the port, is shipping still disrupted or is it coming back?"
Inside the shrine of Helm, the fully armored attendant welcomes the duo but has no reason to recognize either the gnome or the halfling (Doozey had made a point about staying by the wagon when Utar first visited.) The shrine attendant, a fully armored tall human man with his helm being held on one hand by his waist, approaches: “How may Helm protect you today?” He points at the small altar with an oversized gauntlet in display.
AT CRAP HQ
"Ah..." Braden wags a finger at Raist. "So you are on a triple hunt then: Krulek, the sorceress, and the necklace; but the mission has progressed such that a third unknown-until-now band of outlaws has been completely defeated, the sorceress band has been dismantled, and the Gray Patriots took a minor blow. In other words, this is a status report but the mission continues, and in the meantime, there is a chance that some trade over the Iron Route might already be possible. Did I get that right?"
Turning to face Utar again, he adds: "Your partial victory has been quite the recent development. I don't think many traders knew to give the Iron Route another try just yet, but now I know, and I shall spread the word to the merchants I care about. Those I don't, well, they will see the trade flowing in soon after anyway..." Braden can't help but smirk at that thought. "And, of course, I can keep you abreast of the trade developments here. Just be sure to reach out whenever you wish for an update. That mental messaging trick of yours is quite the convenient tool, isn't it?"
"The ships will begin docking again as soon as they feel they won't be stormed for their goods by the citizens, which will happen once overland trade is reestablished," Braden opines further. "Now, shall we eat?"
Doozey winced and looked a touch guilty, but went on to hold his tongue as excessive assurances made in the moment only served to slow them down.
With th epair eventually making their way inside, the halfling gave a small but formal bow to the shrine attendant, looked briefly to Villonah, and then looked again to the Helmite with a solemn smile. "Yes sir, uhh... I, uh, well... we are part of a party that came by not too long ago having returned to the city with one of your fallen faithful? Not sure if Mr. Utar, uh, gave his name, but, uhm... we've come to sort out arrangements for his return home."He explained, and for once without overthinking things, went to briefly hold Villonah's hand to give it a comforting squeeze. Then when she looks to him, he just nods and motions encouragingly towards the attendant.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Villonah squeezes Doozey’s hand back, accepting and repaying the comforting gestures. He nods at him too and steps forward. Over the next few minutes, she describes to the Helmite the person that Gavriel was: faithful, brave, and always ready to help. She shares details on his place of origin and on his family, so that the attendant can arrange for the appropriate rituals to take place at the most appropriate place and around those who loved Gavriel. Villonah sheds a few tears, feeling the loss of a good friend who shared her desire to protect others through the work of the Order of the Gauntlet.
Once she is done, the Helmite assures her that all will be taken care of. She walks to Doozey, collects a generous amount of coin should he allow it (let’s say 100gp) and explains that whatever is left over from funding the rites should be given to Gavriel’s family. The attendant nods in agreement and disappears in the back of the shrine to begin preparations.
Villonah turns to face frozen once more, tears sliding down her cheeks. She is trying to be strong but feels vulnerable at this time. Needing comfort and support at this difficult time, she open her arms and hugs Doozey, squeezing him tightly. The halfling can feel her troubled breathing as she sobs a bit more intensely in his arms. A moment later she backs up a bit, her arms still entrapped by Doozey’s. She looks her misty eyes with those of the holdings and says: “I can’t lose you too. Promise me you won’t die!”
AT CRAP’S HQ
Sagin serves a whole roasted goose with accompanying roasted potatoes, tomatoes, onions, asparagus, and a multitude of other vegetables cooked on the animal’s juices. You know the kobold would normally provide a few main course options instead of just the one, but you can understand his cautious approach for this meal given the general rationing situation in town and the fact that CRAP is also hosting visitors for a third meal later this same day.
During lunch, Braden clears his throat and says: “The job of half complete, so I guess I can pay you your dues halfway as well if you prefer. The other half can be laid upon full completion of the job. Does that seem fair?”
The words of a reply scarcely begin to form on Doozey's lips when he's a touch taken aback at the offered coin pouch. But almost just as quickly would he accept the pouch and put away, least any stick fingered Welcomer or desperate bystander saw fit to try their luck. "Fair enough! Probably could've waited 'till we were more inside the shrine area, but 'preciate it all the same Villie. Now let's hustle on over 'fore any onlookers start getting too many ideas. "
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"The sorceress in question is still unfinished business. But we are working on that, and yes on the necklace if possible"
Laissez les bons temps rouler
"I wonder Braden, if you could let us know whether trade to Phlan has increased in the last few days, and keep an eye out to see how things progress in the coming days. Only the Grey Patriots still operate in the area at any kind of strength, so hopefully more caravans can make it through. Also, how are things at the port, is shipping still disrupted or is it coming back?"
IN THE CITY
Villonah looks apologetic: "Right, good point."
Inside the shrine of Helm, the fully armored attendant welcomes the duo but has no reason to recognize either the gnome or the halfling (Doozey had made a point about staying by the wagon when Utar first visited.) The shrine attendant, a fully armored tall human man with his helm being held on one hand by his waist, approaches: “How may Helm protect you today?” He points at the small altar with an oversized gauntlet in display.
AT CRAP HQ
"Ah..." Braden wags a finger at Raist. "So you are on a triple hunt then: Krulek, the sorceress, and the necklace; but the mission has progressed such that a third unknown-until-now band of outlaws has been completely defeated, the sorceress band has been dismantled, and the Gray Patriots took a minor blow. In other words, this is a status report but the mission continues, and in the meantime, there is a chance that some trade over the Iron Route might already be possible. Did I get that right?"
Turning to face Utar again, he adds: "Your partial victory has been quite the recent development. I don't think many traders knew to give the Iron Route another try just yet, but now I know, and I shall spread the word to the merchants I care about. Those I don't, well, they will see the trade flowing in soon after anyway..." Braden can't help but smirk at that thought. "And, of course, I can keep you abreast of the trade developments here. Just be sure to reach out whenever you wish for an update. That mental messaging trick of yours is quite the convenient tool, isn't it?"
"The ships will begin docking again as soon as they feel they won't be stormed for their goods by the citizens, which will happen once overland trade is reestablished," Braden opines further. "Now, shall we eat?"
Utar gives Braden one of the ol' finger guns. "Spot on. Status report. Mission ongoing."
At the mention of lunch, Braden gets both finger guns. " Yes, Braden. Lunch."
Doozey winced and looked a touch guilty, but went on to hold his tongue as excessive assurances made in the moment only served to slow them down.
With th epair eventually making their way inside, the halfling gave a small but formal bow to the shrine attendant, looked briefly to Villonah, and then looked again to the Helmite with a solemn smile. "Yes sir, uhh... I, uh, well... we are part of a party that came by not too long ago having returned to the city with one of your fallen faithful? Not sure if Mr. Utar, uh, gave his name, but, uhm... we've come to sort out arrangements for his return home." He explained, and for once without overthinking things, went to briefly hold Villonah's hand to give it a comforting squeeze. Then when she looks to him, he just nods and motions encouragingly towards the attendant.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
IN THE CITY
Villonah squeezes Doozey’s hand back, accepting and repaying the comforting gestures. He nods at him too and steps forward. Over the next few minutes, she describes to the Helmite the person that Gavriel was: faithful, brave, and always ready to help. She shares details on his place of origin and on his family, so that the attendant can arrange for the appropriate rituals to take place at the most appropriate place and around those who loved Gavriel. Villonah sheds a few tears, feeling the loss of a good friend who shared her desire to protect others through the work of the Order of the Gauntlet.
Once she is done, the Helmite assures her that all will be taken care of. She walks to Doozey, collects a generous amount of coin should he allow it (let’s say 100gp) and explains that whatever is left over from funding the rites should be given to Gavriel’s family. The attendant nods in agreement and disappears in the back of the shrine to begin preparations.
Villonah turns to face frozen once more, tears sliding down her cheeks. She is trying to be strong but feels vulnerable at this time. Needing comfort and support at this difficult time, she open her arms and hugs Doozey, squeezing him tightly. The halfling can feel her troubled breathing as she sobs a bit more intensely in his arms. A moment later she backs up a bit, her arms still entrapped by Doozey’s. She looks her misty eyes with those of the holdings and says: “I can’t lose you too. Promise me you won’t die!”
AT CRAP’S HQ
Sagin serves a whole roasted goose with accompanying roasted potatoes, tomatoes, onions, asparagus, and a multitude of other vegetables cooked on the animal’s juices. You know the kobold would normally provide a few main course options instead of just the one, but you can understand his cautious approach for this meal given the general rationing situation in town and the fact that CRAP is also hosting visitors for a third meal later this same day.
During lunch, Braden clears his throat and says: “The job of half complete, so I guess I can pay you your dues halfway as well if you prefer. The other half can be laid upon full completion of the job. Does that seem fair?”