Eloise allows herself to be coaxed inside. The place is a bit of a mess, empty bottles are everywhere, including a broken one by a table in the first room you enter. Eloise makes a noise of disapproval as she passes and kicks the larger bits of glass to the corner of the room. You pass through a living area, past a kitchen and into a small dining room. The place is spartan, but messy. She gestures to you to take the four seats around the table and pulls over a nearby chest to sit on herself. She sways a little on the curved surface. She leans back and grabs two bottles of ale from a nearby shelf, opens them with her teeth and passes one to Brayton. "Plenty to share!" She glances at the other three of you "Will you be joining us?" If any of you care for an ale, she'll pass you one.
"So I guess we'd best get down to it." she says. "Couple of weeks ago I received a message in the dead-drop location here. Said that Sammus Cobran needs to die. Came with a hefty pouch of gold too. Didn't specify how or when, so I guess there's no hard time limit, but best get it done sharpish if we want repeat business. Now, Sammus is a relatively new merchant in town. Arrived about five years from overseas. Can't recall where exactly. But came with a lot of gold and set up shop here. Has a warehouse by the harbour and a mansion in the Old Town. Deals mostly in animals products from the farms around here. Salted meats, leather and the like. Exports them by sea for the most part. He's got a reasonable reputation. Rumoured to be a bit hard on his workers and his business partners, but not enough to give him a nasty reputation. He's not someone I've had reason to pay particular attention to until this contract, but I've had an eye on him since the contract came in. He seems to spend most of his time in his mansion, which is pretty well guarded. He goes to his warehouse and to the docks every few days, normally with a retinue including five or six guards. He also goes out to visit other rich folk in their houses in the Old Town some evenings, again with a retinue. It seems his careful about his safety, but not paranoid, so I'm sure we can find a way to get to him. It's not my area of expertise though, hence Pike sending you to assist." Given her state earlier, and the slight slurring of her voice, you're somewhat surprised that she's managing to talk relatively eloquently and professionally.
Laza takes a bottle, listens, and replies "I wonder what he's worried about to have so many guards... Likely a straight attack wouldn't be the best. We'll need to find a way to get to him when others wont notice."
Brayton happily takes a drink. “Maybe he’ll need to hire an extra guard.... maybe a botched assassination makes him paranoid and needs more muscle. Maybe we make sure we’re the muscle.”
The half-drow waves off the offer of ale and opts for a drink from his waterskin. The mess doesn't bother the druid in the slightest and takes up one of the offered seats. After the dwarf is done filling them in, "Does he have a spot for dinning or drinks that he frequents? Do his guards seem to be just muscle, or do any of them have any magical abilities?"
Brayton happily takes a drink. “Maybe he’ll need to hire an extra guard.... maybe a botched assassination makes him paranoid and needs more muscle. Maybe we make sure we’re the muscle.”
"I actually like the idea. "says Rothnar to Baryton "But perhaps it's just too complicated and we can just sneak in, do the deed and walk out..."
"But this could work too if we find the right opportunity! Ooh, it has been a while since I've had the chance to plan a good murder!" She claps her hands excitedly and almost falls off of the chest.
The half-drow waves off the offer of ale and opts for a drink from his waterskin. The mess doesn't bother the druid in the slightest and takes up one of the offered seats. After the dwarf is done filling them in, "Does he have a spot for dinning or drinks that he frequents? Do his guards seem to be just muscle, or do any of them have any magical abilities?"
Eloise considers Ruhvon's questions. "Most times he goes out it's to one of his rich friends' houses. Bit boring if you ask me. I haven't seen what they they as most of these rich bastards have pretty high walls, but he stays there for a while. I've only seen him go out to eat at a restaurant once. The Coiled Serpent it's called. Pretentious place wot serves all sorts of fancy food in the Old Town. No idea if he goes there regular-like though. Most of his guards seem to be just muscle, although one of them looks weedy and a bit shrewder than the others. I guess they could be magical, but I haven't seen them pull a rabbit out of a hat or nuffin like that."
"But, of course, you've had a tiring day, we can plot and scheme tomorrow. I imagine you would like some rest? Do you have an inn already? If not, I can show you a good one, maybe we could get a drink or two while we're there?"
“Ha! That’s the best idea I’ve heard since you given me this drink. I think it will best to see what we are up against first before making plans.” Brayton finishes his drink and prepares to walk to the inn
The group of you head to a nearby inn named The Prancing Pony. It has a rowdy but good-natured atmosphere. It;s the type of place where a spontaneous song is more likely than a fight. As you enter a couple of what look like regulars come up to greet Eloise. She waves them off, telling them that she;s entertaining guests and they leave you alone. She takes you to the bar and begins speaking the innkeeper. The innkeeper is a stout male dwarf and they communicate quickly in dwarvish. Brayton, you understand that:
Eloise is calling in a favour the innkeeper owes her to get you a room here at almost no cost. The innkeeper isn't too happy about it, but Eloise reminds him of the incident with "You-Know-Who" and he quickly relents.
The innkeeper turns to your group and puts on a smile. "I've got two rooms going, so you'll have to share, but you can have them as long as you need." He beckons over a serving girl and tells her to get the rooms ready. Eloise orders a round of drinks and sits down at a table. "Right, you want to talk work or pleasure?"
(You can socialise with Eloise, talk more about the job or get an early night. Or anything else you fancy! When you've done all you want to this evening, we'll skip to tomorrow morning. After you decide who's bunking with who of course!)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ruhvon shrugs at the suggestion of heading to the tavern. "Whatever," he mumbles.
The druid orders only a pot of tea when they arrive at the inn. Once the group is settled he continues from the earlier conversation. He leans in toward Eloise and keeps his voice low, "So... We ran into an interesting group on our way here. Champions of Justice they called themselves. It sounds like they came through here on their way to Dun Farum. Heading there to take care of some problems the city seems to be having." The half-drow scans the room to watch for any curious glances or for any attempts to listen in on their conversation. "Have you had any troubles with them here?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Brayton (speaking in dwarvish) nudges Eloise a bit.
“No need calling in favors just for a couple o’ beds.” Shakes hands with the bartender, palming a small gold pouch with the shake. “You still owe her.” The name is Brayton.
Sleight of Hand if necessary: 13
Now speaking in common “Eloise, how does a lady such as yourself come into business like this, with men like us?”
Before entering the bar Laza would have adopted his calico appearance again, not hiding that from Eloise as she's a Blade. Sitting at the table he'll add on to what Ruhvon said saying "They were a rowdy bunch of do-gooders... Likely made an impression. Hopefully they didn't take much notice of anything here..."
Ruhvon shrugs at the suggestion of heading to the tavern. "Whatever," he mumbles.
The druid orders only a pot of tea when they arrive at the inn. Once the group is settled he continues from the earlier conversation. He leans in toward Eloise and keeps his voice low, "So... We ran into an interesting group on our way here. Champions of Justice they called themselves. It sounds like they came through here on their way to Dun Farum. Heading there to take care of some problems the city seems to be having." The half-drow scans the room to watch for any curious glances or for any attempts to listen in on their conversation. "Have you had any troubles with them here?"
Perception: 7
You don't notice anyone paying particular attention to your conversations. Your tea is passable, but you didn't have reason for high hopes in a rowdy inn.
In response to yours and Laza's questions Eloise scoffs a little. "They've begun to make a bit of a name for themselves. Heard all sorts of tall tales. Normally I'd think they're all bluster but a mate of mine worked for a smuggling ring up North. Said they took on their entire crew head on and beat them up pretty good. Didn't kill no-one, just delivered them to the guard. So it seems they can hold their own. Say, have you told Pike they're heading his way? They might be after the Blades..."
Brayton (speaking in dwarvish) nudges Eloise a bit.
“No need calling in favors just for a couple o’ beds.” Shakes hands with the bartender, palming a small gold pouch with the shake. “You still owe her.” The name is Brayton.
Sleight of Hand if necessary: 21
Now speaking in common “Eloise, how does a lady such as yourself come into business like this, with men like us?”
The innkeeper looks a bit nonplussed at the events hat have just happened but pockets the gold anyway and stammers "V-very well, sir," in a confused tone. Eloise shrugs. "Wasn't necessary. Caught him trousers down with one of the barmaids." She cocks her head at a pretty young human woman handing out drinks on the other side of the room. "Doesn't want his wife to find out so I help myself to a little discount every now and again." She roars heartily with laughter as you approach the table.
At your question Eloise grins. "I've been at this game a long, long time. Started when I was a kid, maybe forty years ago. Parents worked in one of the factories here in Nyalean. Hard, honest work that left them poor and broken. Could've done that, but why work for a system that does that to good people? Wanted more from life. And to stick two fingers up at the world. So I helped out with a bit of scouting here and there. A dwarf child can get into a lot of tight space you see. Turns out I have a knack for all kinds of things the Blades does. Stealing, blackmail, roughing people up, murder, that kind of thing. So I could help them and they could pay me. Kept me in coin and beer so far!"She grins and takes a swig of ale. "How about you? What's your story?" Her tone is honest and friendly, you feel she's enjoying your company.
Brayton relaxes back into his seat. “We’re singing the same tune, my dear. Worked as a blacksmith for a couple decades. Hard, honest work that left me pretty poor. I was fine with it until my first little girl came into this world. Decided I wanted to provide a better life. She’s grown now, but got another little one. I like to keep them out of it, but me wife knows not to ask questions about how I provide for my family. She understands.” Brayton keeps his light hearted and jovial tone. Willing to drink and talk as long as Eloise will.
Brayton relaxes back into his seat. “We’re singing the same tune, my dear. Worked as a blacksmith for a couple decades. Hard, honest work that left me pretty poor. I was fine with it until my first little girl came into this world. Decided I wanted to provide a better life. She’s grown now, but got another little one. I like to keep them out of it, but me wife knows not to ask questions about how I provide for my family. She understands.” Brayton keeps his light hearted and jovial tone. Willing to drink and talk as long as Eloise will.
Eloise smiles at you, and her gaze moves a little far away "Part of me envies you. Family's never really been on the cards for me and sometimes I wish it had been." She sighs. "But, another part of me pities you, if I had a family my life would be a lot more boring!" She punches you playfully and laughs.
You sit with Eloise chatting into the night, sharing stories. She's very easy to talk to. The sun is coming up by the time she leaves the bar and you get to bed. Your bill for the night is 2gp. Do the rest of you stay up talking with them or do you retire earlier?
Whenever you go to bed, the next day dawns bright and sunny. Eloise doesn't surface until around midday. What would you like to do?
"Yes. I have a feeling they are going to make trouble for us when we return. We have taken measures to get a message to Pike," Ruhvon assures their host. He takes a drink of the tea, winces at the quality then continues, "Hopefully they will get bored and leave if Pike can manage to get everyone to lay low for a time. The dragonborn certainly enjoyed boasting of their deeds."
The half-drow mostly listens to the others converse for a time - until finishing his cup of tea, and then decides to turn in for the night.
[Ruhvon would like to do some scouting in the the morning around the warehouse, anyone else is welcome to come. Using his wild shape to roam around inside. Listening for any grumblings from the workers regarding their employer and hoping to catch Sammus should he stop by and observe his routine there. He would return to their inn by midday.]
Rothnar keeps mostly to himself during dinner, but that’s not new. He is the last one to leave the table and once he does it he doesn’t go to his room but outside.
"Yes. I have a feeling they are going to make trouble for us when we return. We have taken measures to get a message to Pike," Ruhvon assures their host. He takes a drink of the tea, winces at the quality then continues, "Hopefully they will get bored and leave if Pike can manage to get everyone to lay low for a time. The dragonborn certainly enjoyed boasting of their deeds."
The half-drow mostly listens to the others converse for a time - until finishing his cup of tea, and then decides to turn in for the night.
[Ruhvon would like to do some scouting in the the morning around the warehouse, anyone else is welcome to come. Using his wild shape to roam around inside. Listening for any grumblings from the workers regarding their employer and hoping to catch Sammus should he stop by and observe his routine there. He would return to their inn by midday.]
Your bedroom is comfy enough, but nothing fancy. You have a good night's sleep, only interrupted once by the sound of Brayton laughing downstairs.
What shape would you like to use whilst roaming around the warehouse? Do you let the others know you're going there?
Rothnar keeps mostly to himself during dinner, but that’s not new. He is the last one to leave the table and once he does it he doesn’t go to his room but outside.
Eloise tries to engage you in conversation a few times, but eventually gives up. Where do you go outside?
Eloise allows herself to be coaxed inside. The place is a bit of a mess, empty bottles are everywhere, including a broken one by a table in the first room you enter. Eloise makes a noise of disapproval as she passes and kicks the larger bits of glass to the corner of the room. You pass through a living area, past a kitchen and into a small dining room. The place is spartan, but messy. She gestures to you to take the four seats around the table and pulls over a nearby chest to sit on herself. She sways a little on the curved surface. She leans back and grabs two bottles of ale from a nearby shelf, opens them with her teeth and passes one to Brayton. "Plenty to share!" She glances at the other three of you "Will you be joining us?" If any of you care for an ale, she'll pass you one.
"So I guess we'd best get down to it." she says. "Couple of weeks ago I received a message in the dead-drop location here. Said that Sammus Cobran needs to die. Came with a hefty pouch of gold too. Didn't specify how or when, so I guess there's no hard time limit, but best get it done sharpish if we want repeat business. Now, Sammus is a relatively new merchant in town. Arrived about five years from overseas. Can't recall where exactly. But came with a lot of gold and set up shop here. Has a warehouse by the harbour and a mansion in the Old Town. Deals mostly in animals products from the farms around here. Salted meats, leather and the like. Exports them by sea for the most part. He's got a reasonable reputation. Rumoured to be a bit hard on his workers and his business partners, but not enough to give him a nasty reputation. He's not someone I've had reason to pay particular attention to until this contract, but I've had an eye on him since the contract came in. He seems to spend most of his time in his mansion, which is pretty well guarded. He goes to his warehouse and to the docks every few days, normally with a retinue including five or six guards. He also goes out to visit other rich folk in their houses in the Old Town some evenings, again with a retinue. It seems his careful about his safety, but not paranoid, so I'm sure we can find a way to get to him. It's not my area of expertise though, hence Pike sending you to assist." Given her state earlier, and the slight slurring of her voice, you're somewhat surprised that she's managing to talk relatively eloquently and professionally.
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Laza takes a bottle, listens, and replies "I wonder what he's worried about to have so many guards... Likely a straight attack wouldn't be the best. We'll need to find a way to get to him when others wont notice."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Brayton happily takes a drink. “Maybe he’ll need to hire an extra guard.... maybe a botched assassination makes him paranoid and needs more muscle. Maybe we make sure we’re the muscle.”
"I actually like the idea. " says Rothnar to Baryton "But perhaps it's just too complicated and we can just sneak in, do the deed and walk out..."
PbP Character: A few ;)
The half-drow waves off the offer of ale and opts for a drink from his waterskin. The mess doesn't bother the druid in the slightest and takes up one of the offered seats. After the dwarf is done filling them in, "Does he have a spot for dinning or drinks that he frequents? Do his guards seem to be just muscle, or do any of them have any magical abilities?"
"Ooh, you're a sneaky one! I like you!"
"But this could work too if we find the right opportunity! Ooh, it has been a while since I've had the chance to plan a good murder!" She claps her hands excitedly and almost falls off of the chest.
Eloise considers Ruhvon's questions. "Most times he goes out it's to one of his rich friends' houses. Bit boring if you ask me. I haven't seen what they they as most of these rich bastards have pretty high walls, but he stays there for a while. I've only seen him go out to eat at a restaurant once. The Coiled Serpent it's called. Pretentious place wot serves all sorts of fancy food in the Old Town. No idea if he goes there regular-like though. Most of his guards seem to be just muscle, although one of them looks weedy and a bit shrewder than the others. I guess they could be magical, but I haven't seen them pull a rabbit out of a hat or nuffin like that."
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
"But, of course, you've had a tiring day, we can plot and scheme tomorrow. I imagine you would like some rest? Do you have an inn already? If not, I can show you a good one, maybe we could get a drink or two while we're there?"
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
“Ha! That’s the best idea I’ve heard since you given me this drink. I think it will best to see what we are up against first before making plans.” Brayton finishes his drink and prepares to walk to the inn
"Sounds good" says Rothnar. And he doesn't speaks more while they go to the inn.
PbP Character: A few ;)
The group of you head to a nearby inn named The Prancing Pony. It has a rowdy but good-natured atmosphere. It;s the type of place where a spontaneous song is more likely than a fight. As you enter a couple of what look like regulars come up to greet Eloise. She waves them off, telling them that she;s entertaining guests and they leave you alone. She takes you to the bar and begins speaking the innkeeper. The innkeeper is a stout male dwarf and they communicate quickly in dwarvish. Brayton, you understand that:
Eloise is calling in a favour the innkeeper owes her to get you a room here at almost no cost. The innkeeper isn't too happy about it, but Eloise reminds him of the incident with "You-Know-Who" and he quickly relents.
The innkeeper turns to your group and puts on a smile. "I've got two rooms going, so you'll have to share, but you can have them as long as you need." He beckons over a serving girl and tells her to get the rooms ready. Eloise orders a round of drinks and sits down at a table. "Right, you want to talk work or pleasure?"
(You can socialise with Eloise, talk more about the job or get an early night. Or anything else you fancy! When you've done all you want to this evening, we'll skip to tomorrow morning. After you decide who's bunking with who of course!)
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Ruhvon shrugs at the suggestion of heading to the tavern. "Whatever," he mumbles.
The druid orders only a pot of tea when they arrive at the inn. Once the group is settled he continues from the earlier conversation. He leans in toward Eloise and keeps his voice low, "So... We ran into an interesting group on our way here. Champions of Justice they called themselves. It sounds like they came through here on their way to Dun Farum. Heading there to take care of some problems the city seems to be having." The half-drow scans the room to watch for any curious glances or for any attempts to listen in on their conversation. "Have you had any troubles with them here?"
Perception: 18
Brayton (speaking in dwarvish) nudges Eloise a bit.
“No need calling in favors just for a couple o’ beds.” Shakes hands with the bartender, palming a small gold pouch with the shake. “You still owe her.” The name is Brayton.
Sleight of Hand if necessary: 13
Now speaking in common “Eloise, how does a lady such as yourself come into business like this, with men like us?”
Before entering the bar Laza would have adopted his calico appearance again, not hiding that from Eloise as she's a Blade. Sitting at the table he'll add on to what Ruhvon said saying "They were a rowdy bunch of do-gooders... Likely made an impression. Hopefully they didn't take much notice of anything here..."
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
You don't notice anyone paying particular attention to your conversations. Your tea is passable, but you didn't have reason for high hopes in a rowdy inn.
In response to yours and Laza's questions Eloise scoffs a little. "They've begun to make a bit of a name for themselves. Heard all sorts of tall tales. Normally I'd think they're all bluster but a mate of mine worked for a smuggling ring up North. Said they took on their entire crew head on and beat them up pretty good. Didn't kill no-one, just delivered them to the guard. So it seems they can hold their own. Say, have you told Pike they're heading his way? They might be after the Blades..."
The innkeeper looks a bit nonplussed at the events hat have just happened but pockets the gold anyway and stammers "V-very well, sir," in a confused tone. Eloise shrugs. "Wasn't necessary. Caught him trousers down with one of the barmaids." She cocks her head at a pretty young human woman handing out drinks on the other side of the room. "Doesn't want his wife to find out so I help myself to a little discount every now and again." She roars heartily with laughter as you approach the table.
At your question Eloise grins. "I've been at this game a long, long time. Started when I was a kid, maybe forty years ago. Parents worked in one of the factories here in Nyalean. Hard, honest work that left them poor and broken. Could've done that, but why work for a system that does that to good people? Wanted more from life. And to stick two fingers up at the world. So I helped out with a bit of scouting here and there. A dwarf child can get into a lot of tight space you see. Turns out I have a knack for all kinds of things the Blades does. Stealing, blackmail, roughing people up, murder, that kind of thing. So I could help them and they could pay me. Kept me in coin and beer so far!" She grins and takes a swig of ale. "How about you? What's your story?" Her tone is honest and friendly, you feel she's enjoying your company.
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Brayton relaxes back into his seat. “We’re singing the same tune, my dear. Worked as a blacksmith for a couple decades. Hard, honest work that left me pretty poor. I was fine with it until my first little girl came into this world. Decided I wanted to provide a better life. She’s grown now, but got another little one. I like to keep them out of it, but me wife knows not to ask questions about how I provide for my family. She understands.” Brayton keeps his light hearted and jovial tone. Willing to drink and talk as long as Eloise will.
Eloise smiles at you, and her gaze moves a little far away "Part of me envies you. Family's never really been on the cards for me and sometimes I wish it had been." She sighs. "But, another part of me pities you, if I had a family my life would be a lot more boring!" She punches you playfully and laughs.
You sit with Eloise chatting into the night, sharing stories. She's very easy to talk to. The sun is coming up by the time she leaves the bar and you get to bed. Your bill for the night is 2gp. Do the rest of you stay up talking with them or do you retire earlier?
Whenever you go to bed, the next day dawns bright and sunny. Eloise doesn't surface until around midday. What would you like to do?
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
"Yes. I have a feeling they are going to make trouble for us when we return. We have taken measures to get a message to Pike," Ruhvon assures their host. He takes a drink of the tea, winces at the quality then continues, "Hopefully they will get bored and leave if Pike can manage to get everyone to lay low for a time. The dragonborn certainly enjoyed boasting of their deeds."
The half-drow mostly listens to the others converse for a time - until finishing his cup of tea, and then decides to turn in for the night.
[Ruhvon would like to do some scouting in the the morning around the warehouse, anyone else is welcome to come. Using his wild shape to roam around inside. Listening for any grumblings from the workers regarding their employer and hoping to catch Sammus should he stop by and observe his routine there. He would return to their inn by midday.]
Rothnar keeps mostly to himself during dinner, but that’s not new. He is the last one to leave the table and once he does it he doesn’t go to his room but outside.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Your bedroom is comfy enough, but nothing fancy. You have a good night's sleep, only interrupted once by the sound of Brayton laughing downstairs.
What shape would you like to use whilst roaming around the warehouse? Do you let the others know you're going there?
Eloise tries to engage you in conversation a few times, but eventually gives up. Where do you go outside?
DM - Silver Blades homebrew
Vonrak Hammerstone - Fighter/Wizard: Pick and Play
Rothnar starts walking and makes a couple of circles to make sure nobody is following him.
Eventually he heads towards the house that was his home. He just wants to see it and if it is inhabited.
PbP Character: A few ;)