Pyro gets up from her chair and stands in front of Gibbs. 

"Xavier calm down, Thain is right. Gibbs hasn't done anything to provoke action, so we should give him a chance and get to know him."

[OOC] Persuasion (If needed): 8

Quote from wazzupman >>

Gibbs jumps and lets out a squeal, nearly falling backwards off of his chair as the Aasimir paladin points at Gibbs and  begins too glow faintly before brimmig with light Gibbs scrambles about on all fours for a moment before hiding behind Pyro, placing Pyro between himself and Xavier. 
"I HAVE DONE NOTHIN! Gibbs has done nothing! Gibbs just wants to drink and have friends. Friends from Circus made him leave. NOT REEEAAL FREINDS" 
Gibbs looks up at Pyro FlabberGhast with a scared wide eyed expression.
"Friends protect Gibbs and Gibbs helps friends"
Gibb looks towards Xavier, His brow narrow and he lets out an Audible *HIIISSS*
"FRIENDS DON'T ATTACK FRIENDS. So are we friends or not?!?!" 

Quote from Larger_Ooze_Of_Charisma >>

Pyro gets up from her chair and stands in front of Gibbs. 

"Xavier calm down, Thain is right. Gibbs hasn't done anything to provoke action, so we should give him a chance and get to know him."

[OOC] Persuasion (If needed): 14

 
'The large warrior, standing tall with one glowing hand upon the hilt of his longsword, seems to consider Pyro's words for a moment. Seeing that Thain has now taken a seat near the yellow-skinned creature, which has not yet acted in any deceitful or demonic fashion... Xavier seems to calm down, begrudingly admitting,'

"Well, Ilmater does teach forebearance and encourage his followers to allow the wicked and fallen the opportunity to redeem themselves... And if you are all certain that you want this... creature... at our side, then I suppose that I will allow it. BUT I will be watching you, Gibbs, very closely. Should I detect ANY betrayel or harming of innocents, I will NOT hesitate to act! And should you not readily prove that you are on the path to redemption..."

'The glowing light around Xaviers hands and eyes fades, as he lets his sentence trail off. The implication of what the holy warrior has said is not, however, lost on his companions.'

"Well i'm sure Gibbs will turn onto the right path soon Xavier, and if not, i take full responsibilty."

Aramis goes back to his drink and lets the scene unfold

"fellas, please, this is a tavern, lets not make a scene"

'Thain nods in agreement at Aramis's and Pyro's words, and goes back to enjoying his own drink and some quiet time after your recent trials, while Xavier continues to sit with a resigned frown upon his face, carefully watching your new companion.

As a few of you are now almost finished your drinks, the friendly innkeep walks back over to ask for further orders, but seeing that things have quietened down now, the man, taking particular notice of your weapons and armour, says,'

"Well you have my thanks for not tearing this place apart in a fight with those dwarves. The name's Myran by the way, owner of this inn - The Marsh Oak.

Hope you don't mind me saying so, but you have the look of visitors about you and capable ones at that. I ahh... don't surpose that you would be willing to hear an old innkeeper out in regards to a little problem he's having, would you?"

'Myran walks around dutifully collecting the empty mugs while awaiting your responses.'

Gibbs listens to the barkeep watcing him intently as he speaks to the group and there new companion. Gibbs looks about the group then speaks up for his new 'friends'.

"We willing to listen but that doesnt mean we will help you for nothing mr. Uggghhhh"

 Gibbs squints his eyes at the bartender waiting for his bame and his problem.

Quote from wazzupman >>

Gibbs listens to the barkeep watcing him intently as he speaks to the group and there new companion. Gibbs looks about the group then speaks up for his new 'friends'.

"We willing to listen but that doesnt mean we will help you for nothing mr. Uggghhhh"

 Gibbs squints his eyes at the bartender waiting for his bame and his problem.

 
'Thain and Pyro also lean forward in expectation, with the archer saying in a curious tone,'

"Indeed, the gob... Gibbs here has the right of it. We're always willing to help a good innkeeper out, especially if there's free food, lodging and maybe a few coins in it..."

'Myren puts his tray of empty mugs down and, with a nod, looks you each in the eye, wiping his work-worn hands on his apron, as he says,'

"Well, of course I wouldn't expect you to do it for nothing! I know how adventurers think... well, what they think of at least. I'm still young enough myself to remember the desire to pick up a sword and go battle evil for gold and glory. *Hehehe*

To be honest, my problem ain't one of evil as such, more of a... pest issue. You see, these Great Marsh Oaks, which i'll proudly tell you grow in the very heart of them elve's Green Deep forest kingdom, well they tend to attract a lot of natural beasts and critters. Almost like magic it is and for the most part not a problem. My guests quite like waking to dove song and being serenaded to sleep by forest owls. Least most do.

Recently however, I've had problems with burrowing critters, not in the tree itself, but rather the beautiful thing's massive root system. The roots underlie the entire building, and more besides, but the core of the rootsystem is in my cellar. While I've never minded the beetles that thrive down there, just yesterday I had to flee back upstairs as something near big as the magistrate's hound came flying out at me. It probably would have had me too, if I hadn't been already on alert due to that strange *buzzing* sound.

As for a reward, I'd certainly let you rooms here and provide meals free of charge while you stay, and could put together a bit of coin, though times are tough in these parts. Just ask anyone round here and they'll tell you. Still, I could scrape ten gold pieces each together for you, seeing as how I really do need to be able to get back into my cellar."

'Thain looks somewhat dissapointed at the request being perhaps less enobling than he thought it would be. The brave and steadfast archer is shrugging his shoulders in seeming dissapointment and apparent indifference, when the inn doors open to a familiar face.

Segreant Briston enters, calling out to Myren as he approaches your table,'

"Hey, Myren. Good to see you... and your ale taps! Ahh, good, my friends here found you. I told them that the Oak was the inn to go to, didn't I folks? Speaking of ale, taps and inns, Myren, do you think that this old solider could grab some amber refreshment before heading on out again to valiantly defend our dear town?"

'The grizzled sergeant winks at the last words that come from his mouth, at which Thain interjects,'

"You may jest of it, Briston, but valiant is exactly what you and your fellow Silverstars are, defending this town and her folk from mutant orcs and the devious yuan-ti as you do. Without you and yours, this town would likely not exist for long."

'Briston gives Thain a thin but genuine smile, responding,'

"True enough, true enough, and my thanks for saying as much, Thain. More's the pity, but I've the sorrow of telling you that yet another star has fallen, or so Lormis was just informing me over at the Chest.

Silverstar Golblume, tough old boot that he was, may Tymora watch over him, passed away last night. Heart attack of all things! Who would've thought it? Can't say if I rightly count it a better or worse way to go than Thom faced, but dead is dead all the same."

'As Myren hands the sergeant his tankard of ale, Briston takes a long drink before continuing,'

"Seems we're droping like flies these days. Not much in the way of young recruits ready to fill the gaps either. Oh well, I guess we'll..."

'Briston's words are interrupted as Thain stands and walks up to place a comradely hand on the sergeant's shoulder, saying with passion,'

"Well, I can't say that I planned it this way, and I'll be sad to say goodbye to the rest of you, despite our briefest of travels together, but I think that you may have just found yourself at least one new recruit, sergeant. If you'll have me, that is?"

'Finishing his ale and obviously intent upon getting back on the return road to the South Watch Tower, Briston arches an eyebrow in surprise, but nods his head in obvious allowance,'

"I've seen you shoot, archer, so I'd be a bigger fool than I already am to say no, that's for certain. You'd be a welcome addition to our ranks... if you're sure that is?"

 'With a firm nod to the sergeant, Thain turns to the rest of you present, saying by way of farewell,'

"I think this is where I am meant to be right now, friends... though who knows what tomorrow may bring. I'll bid you farewell and safe travels, and say that I hope to see you all again one day. May your journeys be rich and rewarding, in all the ways that good journeys should be!"

'Going around to shake each of your hands, and in Pyro's case share a warm embrace, Thain simply picks up his longbow and with a final nod, leaves the Marsh Oak's common room with Briston. The departing sergeant for his part merely calls out,'

"Don't you all worry none, either. He'll be fine out here with me. Better than fine, in fact. Next time you come back through, it's likely that the whole town will be talking about the Silver Arrow - the most famous bowman to ever serve with the Ambersilt watch!"

'Some minutes after the Silverstar sergeant departs, the tavern door slams open with a thunderous CRASH! A six foot tall half-orc enters with a huge smile on her face holding three dead rabbits by their ears and waving them about triumphantly.' "Wazzock demands driiink!" 'she announces happily.'

'Her windswept black hair cascades loosely over her shoulders, a few leaves and twigs clinging to it in places. She wears a full suit of shining chainmail, and an unadorned shield is strapped to her backpack. A warhammer and hand axe hang from either side of her belt. Her smiling blue eyes squint as she scans the room for a proprieter or barkeep. Her eyes settle on Myren and she approaches him.'

"Greetings friend! I am Wazzock, and I am in need of drink and... a room... yes a room very likely. Perhaps for a small fee I could utilize your kitchen to cook this brace of rabbits that I have recently captured? A successful hunt needs celebration!" 'She gestures with the rabbits as she speaks, and they have been cleaned and gutted, a few speckles of blood are sent flying in Myren's general direction whenever she swings them.'

Quote from abunny >>

'Some minutes after the Silverstar sergeant departs, the tavern door slams open with a thunderous CRASH! A six foot tall half-orc enters with a huge smile on her face holding three dead rabbits by their ears and waving them about triumphantly.' "Wazzock demands driiink!" 'she announces happily.'

'Her windswept black hair cascades loosely over her shoulders, a few leaves and twigs clinging to it in places. She wears a full suit of shining chainmail, and an unadorned shield is strapped to her backpack. A warhammer and hand axe hang from either side of her belt. Her smiling blue eyes squint as she scans the room for a proprieter or barkeep. Her eyes settle on Myren and she approaches him.'

"Greetings friend! I am Wazzock, and I am in need of drink and... a room... yes a room very likely. Perhaps for a small fee I could utilize your kitchen to cook this brace of rabbits that I have recently captured? A successful hunt needs celebration!" 'She gestures with the rabbits as she speaks, and they have been cleaned and gutted, a few speckles of blood are sent flying in Myren's general direction whenever she swings them.'

 
'The human proprieter smiles at yet another new customer entering his inn, though as the armoured half-orc approaches and begins swinging the brace of gutted rabbits about, he takes a cautious half-step back, hestitantly responding,'

"Ahh, greetings friend. Myren's the name,and I'm innkeeper of the Marsh Oak Inn. You're welcome to a drink and room, but I don't usually let guests cook in my... err, kitchen...."

'The older man, twirls his handlebar mustache, glancing nervously at the gathered individuals sitting at the nearby table.'

[OOC] insight checks by everyone - scores of 10 more more may read the spoiler:

Gibbs watches curiously as the armoured half-orc strides in, excited by the visual of the dead rabbits but dissapointed to hear that they have been gutted.

[Tooltip Not Found] 4

'Wazzock notices the older man's apparent fear and it causes her to remember herself.' "Bahhahaha, there's no need for frayed nerves with Wazzock, gentle Myren!" 'She slaps him on the back, perhaps a bit harder than she means to, with a mailed hand. She stoops a little so that she is at eye level with the shorter man.' "I meant no disrespect. In any case, perhaps an arrangement can be... arranged hmm? It seems I have a brace of rabbits what needs cooking and no kitchen with which to do so. Might these fine specimens buy a gentle wanderer a meal and a drink or two? What do you say Myren my friend?" 

'There's a glimmer of hope in Wazzok's big blue eyes as stoops, looking Myren in the eyes.'

insight : 11

persuasion : 5

Quote from abunny >>

'Wazzock notices the older man's apparent fear and it causes her to remember herself.' "Bahhahaha, there's no need for frayed nerves with Wazzock, gentle Myren!" 'She slaps him on the back, perhaps a bit harder than she means to, with a mailed hand. She stoops a little so that she is at eye level with the shorter man.' "I meant no disrespect. In any case, perhaps an arrangement can be... arranged hmm? It seems I have a brace of rabbits what needs cooking and no kitchen with which to do so. Might these fine specimens buy a gentle wanderer a meal and a drink or two? What do you say Myren my friend?" 

'There's a glimmer of hope in Wazzok's big blue eyes as stoops, looking Myren in the eyes.'

insight : 11

persuasion : 10

 
'At the imposing woman's reassuring words, Myren smiles and nods pleasantly, apparently appeased by Wazzok's manner, replying,'

"Why... why, yes, of course. I'll bring a drink right out and i'd be happy to cook these rabbits. Err, umm... a nice stew perhaps? With potatos, carrots, radish and a bit of ginger for spice."

'The innkeep is turning back towards the bar when he remembers something, calling back,'

"Oh, sorry my goodwoman. The drink? Ahh, by which I mean, which one? Err, would you like? To drink, that is."

'Wazzock helps herself to a chair at the table full of weirdos interesting looking individuals, calling back to the barkeep.' "Dealer's choice Myren! Preferably something strong! Something worthy of celebrating the success of a good hunt, new friends, and the good folk of Clan Wazzock, the total sum and membership of which stand here before you!" 'She gestures at herself proudly.'

'She turns back to the table and sits, throwing her mailed gloves on the table near her. She offers a hand in greeting to whomever will accept it, reaching all the way across the table if necessary.' 

"Wazzock Muul Forrester, is my name, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance...ces... and if'n you don't mind I'll share your table. You look like an interesting bunch, and I could use a tale or two after a tenday of hard travel." 'She has a big toothy smile that shows her slight underbite and enlarged canines, her pale green skin glowing in the light.'

Pyro quickly looks Wazzock up and down and then says ," Why hello Wazzock. I am Detective Pyro Flabberghast, detective meaning someone who unravels mysteries"  She pauses and  glances at the barman and then continues whats she was saying "A ten day is quite a while, where did you come from?"

"Unravels mysteries..." 'Wazzock appraises Pyro as well' "That so? Well, m'fraid ye'll not have much need to unravel me, friend! Most of my gods frown upon liars and tricksters..." 'She laughs heartily.' "But not to worry, I won't judge ye for a few lies or tricks on occasion!"

'"As to where I come from, me da' lives off in the godsforsaken woods, says it's 'his duty as a Forrester' the stubborn bastard. Being a wanderer is a might harder when y'have to check on your old man with any frequency. Frustrating as ol' Shargaas he is, but he's me da', what can be done? Hmm... where's that drink I requested..." 'She looks over her shoulder toward the bar. She turns back, still smiling.' 

"And you, friends? What are your stories?"

'Kestrell walks into the Marsh Oak Inn, tall for a half-elf, he stands about 5'10", slightly stocky, although not fat, with brown hair peaking out from under his traveling cloak.  He appears to move his lips and hands quickly and his pants and boots become noticeably less dirty.  His blue eyes look around for a moment before walking up to the bar.   His gaze pauses when he takes in the table with the Half-Orc woman, then continues to the barkeep.'

"Hello, I'd like a room, and something warm to eat.  And a cold ale if you've got one!"

'Kestrell's eyes take in the size, shape and furnishings of the pleasant inn's interior, noting, as all do, the enormous oak tree that dominates the entirety of the common room's centre. As the handsome sorcerer calls out while walking to the bar, he is nodded to by a few local farmers.

The older human innkeeper Myren, a fine looking chap with his handlebar mustache, thick muttonchops, clean white shirt and well-stitched leather apron, looks to have just plonked a mug down in front of the half-orc woman, who is sitting with an interesting bunch of companions. Seeing the half-elf approach the bar, the innkeep hurries back over, wiping his hands on a bar-rag as he says amicably,'

"Hail friend and welcome to the Marsh Oak. My name's Myren and I have the pleasure of being the proprietor of this here establishment.

A comfortable room, warm meal and... cold ale, was it? Well, I can certainly accomodate the first two, and drinks we also have in abundance... but the cold part might be a problem. Most of my wares that are best served cold I keep in my cellar and I've currently got... err, bug problems... but that's not your concern. And worry not, as this here ale, while not cold, is still a fine frothy drop!"

'Placing a frothy room temperature ale in front of Kestrell, the innkeeper smiles somewhat weakly and turns to the next customer at the bar.'

'Thirsty from a hard day on the road, Kestrell take's a big draw of the room temperature ale.'

"Ah, uh, thank you Myren.  You are right, that is warm. Bug problems you say?  What sort of bugs?  Termites?  Can't let those get away from you now."

'Wazzock is in the midst of guzzling her tepid ale when she overhears Myren's complaint about not being able to access the cellar. She nearly spits the last quarter of her mug onto the people gathered around the table, managing to choke it down, but only just. She storms over to the bar, rudely ignoring whomever might be responding to her questions in the moment, and slams her mug down onto it with just enough force to make a loud noise.' 

"A barkeep who can't access his wares is no good to anyone! Let's have a look at this cellar problem shall we?" 'She elbows the half-elf, and makes eyes at him, then laughs.' "No critter keeps Wazzock from her drink I say!" 

'She storms off and starts looking for the cellar herself.'