“Narth, is it? I’m be glad to play a game with you, old timer. I just bought the deck today and I’m probably pretty rusty, if we’re going to put money on it, let’s keep it at a few coppers,” Serwa says. “Elsa, I’ll just have another tea if you have it. Thanks.”

Tool proficiency check for Dragon Chess: 21

OOC: The gaming is for character flavor, Serwa retires for the night afterwards and refuses the old man’s money if he puts any on the game. 

Narth either takes it easy on you or isn't as good as  he thinks...or is suckering you.  "Can I ask you a question, warrior?" he asks, keeping his voice low and a smile on his face.  "You don't look like a farmer...or a butcher," he opens.  "So...that blood on your boots.  Anyone I know?"  He tries to ask as lightly as possible, but his concern comes through.  It's clearly more than idle curiosity.

“I doubt it, you don’t seem like you’d fit in with them,” Serwa says. “A local gang, the red scarves or red sash or something.”

Narth lets a couple of plays go by before responding to that, though he never looks away from the game.  "Redbrands. Well, well.  Good for you, lass."  After another play he says, "They've had it coming for a while.  After what happened to young Thel Dendrar..."  He pauses.  "A few of 'em were harassing his wife," he explains.  "Well, Thel was having none of it.  So they killed him, right there in the street.  Took his wife an' kids, and no one has seen 'em since."  He pauses again.  "Stirred up a right hornet's nest, you have.  Good for you.  It needed stirring up. From the look of you and your friends, you might just be able to finish 'em.  We owe you one, even if you don't."

I assume aster shares a room with Xianon.
Before Aster goes to sleep, he replaces the cords in his scale mail with the cords he fabricated on the way, while whispering prayers to Illmater.

Quote from ZarquonDutch >>

Narth lets a couple of plays go by before responding to that, though he never looks away from the game.  "Redbrands. Well, well.  Good for you, lass."  After another play he says, "They've had it coming for a while.  After what happened to young Thel Dendrar..."  He pauses.  "A few of 'em were harassing his wife," he explains.  "Well, Thel was having none of it.  So they killed him, right there in the street.  Took his wife an' kids, and no one has seen 'em since."  He pauses again.  "Stirred up a right hornet's nest, you have.  Good for you.  It needed stirring up. From the look of you and your friends, you might just be able to finish 'em.  We owe you one, even if you don't."

 "The Redbrands, that's right."  Somewhat under her breath, Serwa adds, "We should have killed them all, after all."  She makes a move, announcing "check," and then adds, "If they did that to Thel and his family, they've done it to others, and they will do it again.  These men have gotten away with too much already, it's made them brazen.  It was just a matter of time until the right  people arrived, who wouldn't look the other way and allow them to continue.  I believe we're the right people.  I'll do what I can, Narth, to leave this town a better place.  Whoever the coffin maker is, best tell them to brew a pot of strong tea. They'll have their work cut out for them."

Over breakfast the next morning she will share the pertinent details of what she learned from the old man over the game of chess with her allies.  

They really did not deserve mercy afterall. That is a mistake that i wont make again. When do you plan on ending them for good? Cause i got some things to do in town before we do so. There ks a tiny piece of anger in Asters voice, just barely noticable.

Serwa looks to the others, still as blank in expression and neutral in tone as ever, as she says, "Like we said last night, there's Cragmaw Castle and Gundren's rescue to worry about, but now we've got The Redbrands, also.  We didn't start this, but it might be the gods' will that we became involved in it.  They're local, and Cragmaw Castle isn't in town.  It does seem to make sense to deal with this gang, with finality, and then move on to Cragmaw.  We need intel on both.  Maybe we could start by asking around about the Redbrand base of operations, as well as Cragmaw castle?  Do we have a known location for either of those?"  

Serwa is her usual grump self during these morning hours, looking bleary eyed and half awake, but she does pick up on Aster's anger.  "Why don't you do the things you need to do in town, Aster.  Maybe you can ask around about the Castle and the Gang Hideout while you're about your business, and the rest of us can do the same." 

She sips her tea - or black coffee, if the tavern had it available - and says in the usual sardonic tone, but with the intent of providing some comfort, "It's good that we've got different backgrounds and perspectives, you know.  You all keep me in check.  I always presume the worst, assume every hostage is dead, and that everyone I know will die in front of my eyes.  I assume everyone who crosses me wrongly probably deserves to die. 

Maybe disagreeing on these things is one of the best thing about having an adventuring party.  About having friends.  I didn't tell you what my Dragon Chess partner shared as an 'I told you so.'  Sometimes we'll all be right, sometimes we'll be wrong, everyone of us.  I do value what each of you have to say.  Just don't die on me - then you'll prove me right about all my worst assumptions about life, and I won't have anyone to talk me out of the 'kill 'em all and let Kelemvor sort 'em out' approach to conflicts. Be safe out there, even while you're just asking around for information.  If you prefer, we can travel in groups, or just all stay together.  I can tag along with your errands if you don't mind my music when I get bored."  

Tomora is visibly upset by Serwa's news "Well that ain't right what they done! it seemed that fellow who ran off last night headed up the hill towards that old manor house...that's where I would start lookin' for the Redbrands.  As for Cragmaw, someone around here has got to have heard of it.  First we should talk to Daran, with the local milita, to see what he knows. Let's settle our bill and get going!" 

When the group is ready Tomora would like to go to the local store (Lionshield Coster?) and see if she can sell the frog statue, then head to where ever the militia is located.

"Sounds good to me, Tomora.  Aster, until we know better, how do you feel about all of us staying together?  Unless it's personal private business, if so, I understand, just be careful.  I think Tomora's idea of going to the local militia leader sounds like a good start, he's got to know about this gang, and likely the castle as well, if it's close by," Serwa says.  

Xianon Lathalas

The monk helps himself to a morsel for breakfast.  His tunic, at least, is clean, but there's a faint rust-colored tint to the sandy color of his sleeves. "Don't be too hard on yourself, Aster," the elf reassures the human. "You did well. 'Earthly power doth show likest gods' when mercy tempers justice.'. After all, it is much easier to correct mistaken mercy than mistaken justice.

As far as our course now, in addition to Aster's errands we do need to stop by Barthen's Provisions, remember.  That was our primary reason for heading out here, remember - to deliver those supplies.  Our wages will bankroll our next step, whatever it is.  Assuming Jon and Arto haven't taken all the pay," he adds.  "But they seemed like honest men.  I suppose we'll find out."

The innkeeper's wife comes to the table. "I hate to interrupt," she interrupts, "but your friend left a note."  She slips the carefully folded parchment onto the table, near the center. Inside it reads,

"My friends,

     I have a few errands to run before I meet with the townmaster. He has graciously invited me to stay with him, and I intend to do so. I will be at his offices for most of the day. Please meet me there at your convenience.  We have some unfinished business.

Your servant,

Sildar Halwinter

My intentions here are not private so we can stay grouped if you so wish. I wanted to check back in with my apprentice. That and get some fresh bandages and some more salve. I personally dont want to split up, actually. the one redbrand that ran off probably informed the others of us, so it has to be dangerous to walk alone.

Aster drinks water for breakfast and nibbles on some bread.

So plans for today: Go to Barthens, then the doctors, eliminate a criminal organisation and aquire information about cragmaw. Sounds like an usual day.

"No sense waiting here then," Serwa says, her breakfast finished and coffee/tea mug emptied.  "Let's start with Barthens and get paid."  

Tomora thanks the woman and pays for her meals and room (how much?) "Right, Barthen's provisions first then...I could pick up some thicker armor if they have any..." 

Trilena - the innkeeper's wife - seems almost apologetic.  "It'll be seven silvers apiece," she says hesitantly.

Serwa breaks a gold piece and accepts the 3 silver in change, before heading out to Barthen's.  (Character sheet updated.)

Xianon Lathalas

The elf arches an eyebrow at Trilena, who flushes and drops her eyes.  After a moment, the elf hands over a gold piece.  "Protection?" he asks simply.  The hostess nods miserably.  "I understand," the monk says.  "We'll take care of it."  He rises.  "Let's take care of business," he says to the group.