Graxx goes into Utar's room and retrieves his Pike completing his ensemble.
Graxx returns to hear Doozey's discussion and thinks on it. He smiles when he hears Neya's idea.
"That sounds like a great idea Neya. I wasn't sure of anything I could do that would be considered discreet. I can at least keep them yapping while you do your thing."
Doozey slowly begins to grin and nods approvingly. "Yea, those aughta do juuuust nicely. But, I'd act soon. Those two didn't exactly strike me as the patient type. Real cocky bastards. So by all means, let's head on down. I'll stand apart, but be ready with some kind of distraction if Mr. Graxx here finds himself in a spot of trouble."
(@MB: Don't forget your -3 penalty to all d20 rolls. That investigation check adjusts to 11.)
@Utar: You know your belongings well and you remember where you placed them. Your armor, shield, potions (common x4 and greater x1) and driftglobe are all there. Your new magical amulet is still around your neck. For a moment, a sense of dread overcomes you as you realize that the your half of the sending stones pair is missing, but you soon remember you gave it to Neya. Your more mundane adventuring items are also all where they should. However, your hope of finding your original holy symbol and/or Lightbringer vanish once you realize they are truly not in this room. As a final check, you open the case in which you carry all your scrolls but can only find three spell scrolls inside. You unroll each of them and verify the ones that are still in your possession: Protection from Energy, Calm Emotions, and Healing Word. The one missing: Purify Food and Drink.
Brother Tyree follows Utar into his room and asks: "Is this a good time to start painting your new emblem? I'd rather not get involved in whatever differences you have with the Black Fist."
Now fully equipped, Graxx and Neya meet up with Doozey and the halfling explains what happened with some visual aid being provided by Taters. They devise a plan for dealing with the guards and recovering the parchment one of them shoved into his armored chest. With the help of some magic and a potion, Neya plans to (possibly) pickpocket the item. Graxx volunteers to engage in a distracting conversation with the guards, while Doozey decides to standby in case the the initial distraction fails to amuse the cocky guards.
(OOC: If moving forward with this, please enact your plan and make sure to roll appropriate checks.)
Utar beckons Brother Tyree in to begin the process of creating his new magical focus, chatting as Brother Tyree works.
"There's no issue with the Black Fist. Just one appears to have pocketed a scroll from my pack. It's not a destructive spell, it would remove the taint of disease or poison from their stores, so I am inclined to see if there isn't a more peaceable solution when I next encounter them, maybe there is an issue with their stores?"
Utar pauses, thinking on what Doozey had mentioned before then quickly follows up.
"Besides, they're just having a drink downstairs. How much trouble could they all get into?"
Graxx makes his way downstairs and he sets his eyes on the Blackfist pair.
"Ah! There you are I'm glad you Blackfist boys stayed!" , says Graxx as he stresses the word "boys".
Graxx sits down at the table and motions for the waiter.
"A drink for me as well, yea?"
Graxx looks at the Blackfist and eye balls their arms.
"You're a bit smaller than I'd prefer but I guess you'll have to do."
Graxx lays his Pike down next to his chair and pulls out 5 gold pieces and sets them on the table.
"You boys gamble? Do you believe in yourself?"
Graxx lays his arm across the table in front of him. His hand toward the Blackfist that we believe has stolen something.
"I've met a lot of you Blackfist lot but not a single Blackfist has ever even come close to beating me at Arm Wrestling. One of you all take me down and the 5 gold is yours. If I beat you, you just have to pay for my drink. Care for a go?"
Graxx wiggles his fingers begging to be taken up on the offer.
Doozey tries to keep a straight face throughout the interaction, though a proves a task easier said than done, what with the goading in all. Fortunately, the stoutling settled into a seat a table or two away to alternate between passively observing while nursing an ordered cheap drink(or simply waiting on said order), and leaving it to Taters to actively do so, while Doozey put charcoal pen to parchment, noting any noteable changes since taken the concoction.
Which apart from the painful realignment of teeth to accommodate slightly larger canine, and a minor discoloration of a few hairs, hadn't been much. Yet...
But, as soon he heard the guards get up in arms, he'd have Taters flutter to a table adjacent to guards and graxx, and somehow start "boofing" loudly like Biscuit used to in order to grab attention, before scampering off. Or maybe a lotta squeaking and some ground based acrobatics if the great ones above deem the former act too silly. >.>
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar decides that there is no risk in letting the guards wait a bit more and, after sitting on the bed, invites Brother Tyree to begin his work. They engage in some light conversation while the priest works his brush: "I don't know much, Brother Utar, but I know that these Black Fist folk have become more bold since marshal law was put in place. I wouldn't be surprised if they are taking things just because they think they can."
Over the next several minutes, Brother Tyree shows Utar that despite mostly behaving like a simpleton and being a terrible cook, he definitely has some artistic talent (with the drums and the paint brush!) His work is made even easier by the fact that Torm's open, gauntlet-wearing hand has already been etched onto the "canvas." The process still takes a few minutes, though, and Utar is likely to miss whatever is happening downstairs unless he is willing to interrupt his Brother's work.
Doozey goes down first, finding a separate empty table to occupy. He waits for a mug of morning ale, even though it is already afternoon, and begins taking some notes. Taters looks intently at the guards, who have failed to notice him so far.
Graxx descends next, going straight for the guards' table. He makes sure he is speaking loudly and veiling a few insults in his words, which get a reaction for the Black Fists duo. The barbarian orders a brown ale, places an unrelated 5gp on the table, and challenges one of the guards to an arm wrestling match. He looks at the one who he believes matches Doozey's description best, hoping he is right about picking the one with the sticky fingers. Graxx adds fuel to the fire by claiming he is undefeated when facing Black Fists and by skewing the wager to their favor. Already riled up, the challenged guard accepts by grabbing Graxx's hand.
Before they can start they match up properly, Neya sneakily approaches the guards from behind having already imbibed her potion of invisibility and tapped into her training to make her footsteps even more silent than usual (making sure to cast the spell before going invisible.) She manages to position herself to the immediate left of the arm-wrestling guard, completely unnoticed. However, she jumps the gun a bit by reaching into his loose-fitting armor before the match has actually started. The guard feels something in his chest and uses his free hand to scratch at it, readjusting his armor a bit. Although she was not discovered, Neya can no longer see the piece of parchment peeking out of the man's attire. She decides not to push her luck and returns upstairs.
That little itch now scratched, the guard affirms his readyness and the match begins.
(OOC: Doozey and Graxx need to deduct 1gp each from their inventory for their drinks. Utar should deduct 2gp and 5sp to account for the drinks and snacks he purchased for the guards. Neya should deduct 2 Ki Points and remove the potion from her inventory, please.)
Enjoying some time with Brother Tyree outside of his usual duties and the temple, Utar is content to let him finish his work.
"Who guards the guardsmen? Who makes sure they don't overstep? We've run into similar mindsets with members of the Black Fist before. Because they are enforce the law, they see themselves as above it. But that is enough of whatever is going on downstairs. How are things with you? How are things at the temple?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: 1 GP deducted boss!)
Graxx Athletics: 10
(Assuming Graxx wins with a 21 vs 8) Graxx feels the guard has little chance of winning but knows he cannot simply smash the guards arm on the table. He needs to give Neya time to do her Monk things. Graxx grits his teeth and grunts.
"Urrrrrr..."
Graxx presses the arm forward then makes his eyes go wide as he lets the Blackfist push him to where it's more equal. Graxx does this a few more seconds until he feels like Neya should have time and then slowly drives the Blackfist's arm down for a win.
"Ah... Good try good try. Looks like I remain undefeated. If either of you want to have another go and put some real coin on the table let me know. Don't worry about paying for my drink, the match was worth the gold. The names Graxx. What do you two call yourselves?"
Graxx rotates his arm.
"Nothing gets the blood flowing like a good arm wrestling match. I don't get my competition in here. Are there other taverns you all frequent where you think I'd have more luck?"
In her room, Neya engages in a bit of shadow boxing, to shake the invisibility off of her. She then comes up with a backup plan.The scroll is deep in his armor, not very easily accessible. Maybe not to him, at the moment. If that's the case, what will he think of a second, very similar scroll appearing?
She takes out a roll of parchment and jots down a random grocery list. Then assuming the Black Fist are distracted with their arm-wrestling competition, she returns downstairs. She goes to Doozey's table.
Sitting down next to him she speaks in a low voice, "Couldn't get it, it fell down further into his armor. But, I thought of an alternative. I know he felt something when I failed. If they seemingly make a scene for no reason, we may have a different opportunity."
She shows him her roll of parchment, "What color was the ribbon, again?"
Doozey quirks a brow at Neya, glances over to Graxx' table, and then back to her. "I don't see that happening on its own. And worse case scenario, assuming Utar's figured out on his own what they've absconded with, we can always speak to the good Captain on this. Though-..." He sighs. "It's probably just as likely she'll let them off with a slap on the wrist at worst. Comradeship 'n all that." He adds with a shrug.
"All in all. Worses case scenario, I truly hope it wasn't anything important." With that, he'd furrow his brows for a moment or so, before then answering the color question. "Ah shite.. I just remembered. I should've asked if those priest back at the temple might have something to protect against magically prying eyes. Probably wouldn't have worked, but... oi."
Neya shrugs in surrender and replies, "Fair enough, it's not like a loosely-cobbled-together plan was worth being attached to in the first place. We tried our best and it just didn't pan out."
The challenger puts all his strength on his wrist and grunts somewhat embarrassingly as he gives Graxx a "good fight." The barbarian is utterly in control of the situation and, out of generosity or sportsmanship, helps the guard save some face. Ultimately, Graxx defeats his opponent and pardons his obligation to cover the already ordered drink. The spectator guard seems a bit mad at the whole thing, but the one who is now cradling his own arm accepts defeat.
As they talk among themselves for a bit, a now fully visible Neya makes her way downstairs and sits next to Doozey. She informs him of her failure but proposes a back-up plan. Doozey has had some time to think about it all and shows some change of heart. The two agree that the situation is probably not worth causing a potential scene.
Just then, Graxx makes a few more teasing comments about lack of competition and finding better challenges elsewhere. The angrier of the two guards stands up abruptly, pushing his chair backwards with the back of his thighs. He grabs the five golden coins Graxx had put on the table and says unapologetically: "Consider this the payment your orc friend had promised for our time and diligent work!" He grabs his spear and leaves. The second guard mimics the first.
(OOC: Neya should deduct 1gp from her inventory for the drink she ordered. Graxx should deduct an additional 5gp if he hadn't already.)
Upstairs, Utar continues to chat with Brother Tyree: "I'm alright," the man responds. "My duties at the temple keep me busy and I pray extra hard whenever I can. But truth be told, I don't care much about being a vessel for the magical miracles Torm grants. I take joy in helping the common folk with my own little gifts. Some warm food and care to heal the wounded, mostly clean cots to house the roofless, and an upbeat song to carry their worries away. Someone has to take care of all of that while Sister Ahkt and Brother Manas distribute the higher miracles, and I am happy to do my part."
A few moments later, Brother Tyree completes his tracing of the etched pauldron. The blessed ink has a golden-yellow hue to it, and it flares up under natural light: "There it is. Keep making us proud, Brother Utar." He packs his things and begins to make his way downstairs and back to the Temple of the Hand.
Utar says his goodbyes and finishes re-equipping all his gear (minus the weapon, the original amulet, and the scroll). He descends the steps of the inn to meet his companions on the tavern floor. The Black Fist guards are no longer in the establishment.
CRAP congregates around a table and Fat Mar approaches. He collects all pending payments, delivers ordered drinks, and asks: "That was quite an event. Anyhow, staying for lunch?"
Graxx smirks a bit but does not resist the 5 gold pieces being taken. He tries to remember their faces the best he can. He smiles at Doozey as the team congregates around the table.
"Well?" and expectant Graxx asks with open arms waiting to see if their strategy worked.
Graxx turns to Fat Mar.
"Well we since we're here I guess we might as well eat. Say, have you seen those fellers before? Know the names of the guards perhaps. When you saw the blood and went to get them, where were they stationed? I may want to... talk to them again in the future."
Standing and admiring Tyree's artwork, Utar is suitably impressed.
"I'll wear this with pride and I'm glad there's someone at the temple offering the services that really matter to most people. Shall we go downstairs to see what trouble the others for themselves into?"
Getting down to the ground floor of the inn, Utar is a little surprised to see the Black Fist have left, especially when he was sure the promise of gold would have kept them in place.
"What happened down here? Where did those Black Fist guards go? You know one of those guys pilfered a scroll of purify food and drink from me, right?"
"So, that's what it was...?" Neya responds to Utar, asking hypothetically. "We tried and failed to get it. But, it wasn't anywhere near why they left. They didn't even know what we attempted."
"No, considering what words were exchanged, it was entirely about wounded pride when Graxx dominated one of them in an arm-wrestling competition."
"A light punishment, all things consider. Scrolls aren't exactly 'cheap', from what I understood. Which explains he was so cagey about it." Doozey adds before crossing his arms. A motion Taters tries to imitate, but only succeeds to an extent. "But what can we do really? You saw your old friend behaved the last two times someone got a little uppity. And while granted, the last one was a smidgen more justified than the other, we don't got time to spend inside a cell while waiting for that one to maybe help." The stoutling said frankly, then looked back to his notes.
"Thankfully... /hopefully/ she'll take your word about this matter later, and do more than just let them go with a slap on the wrist, as I was telling Ms. Neya here earlier. But for now, we have other business, don't we not?" He reminds, looking up to the half-orc. "To start with, think you can spare a spell to speak to the Fey Lord? See if he can send an emissary with directions? Doubt we'd be able to make the trek today, nor that we should with you in your current condition. But, best to clear the air on that one before anything else, no?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Allowing himself a few chuckles before the pain in his chest becomes too much, Utar almost wishes he had been down here to witness events.
"Not surprised that they lost, but how much trouble could they get into with that scroll?"
Utar drifts off remembering casting exactly that spell as a younger initiate and ruining a whole batch of blue cheese...how was he supposed to know it would remove the mould?
"I'll bring it up with Burral when we see her tonight, if we know where they're stationed I'm sure she'll see to it. We should contact this Fey Lord and I can spare the power to do it. Might be best we know a little more about them though first. Check with the team who ventured into their domain, see if there's anything.we ought to know first?"
"Well, I've already spoken to Ms. Seranolla last. T'is how I learned about the whole Caah situation -- which, we /will/ need to resolve this evening along with the whole Yalek business.." Doozey trails for just a moment, before snapping his fingers. "That reminds me!" Taters looks up at him, and cocks his head. Which after noting and looking back at the bunny, the stoutling chuckles to himself. "Okay, maybe not directly so. But, that reminds me. We still haven't taken a proper look at that hobgoblin armor from yesterday. Probably could do with some fitting, but if we take to those two smiths, well... uh...I was gonna suggest them working on that for you, actually." He finishes looking to Utar.
"Though with the recent changes to your armor, that might not be as worth while? Bah. Where was I... Oh yes! When I asked Ms. Seranolla she said-..." He goes on to give the abbreviate version of the conversation. "Not much there, but we can try with the others as well before the meeting, if'n ya wish?"
Graxx goes into Utar's room and retrieves his Pike completing his ensemble.
Graxx returns to hear Doozey's discussion and thinks on it. He smiles when he hears Neya's idea.
"That sounds like a great idea Neya. I wasn't sure of anything I could do that would be considered discreet. I can at least keep them yapping while you do your thing."
Graxx turns to head toward the table.
"Shall we get this party started?"
Doozey slowly begins to grin and nods approvingly. "Yea, those aughta do juuuust nicely. But, I'd act soon. Those two didn't exactly strike me as the patient type. Real cocky bastards. So by all means, let's head on down. I'll stand apart, but be ready with some kind of distraction if Mr. Graxx here finds himself in a spot of trouble."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@MB: Don't forget your -3 penalty to all d20 rolls. That investigation check adjusts to 11.)
@Utar: You know your belongings well and you remember where you placed them. Your armor, shield, potions (common x4 and greater x1) and driftglobe are all there. Your new magical amulet is still around your neck. For a moment, a sense of dread overcomes you as you realize that the your half of the sending stones pair is missing, but you soon remember you gave it to Neya. Your more mundane adventuring items are also all where they should. However, your hope of finding your original holy symbol and/or Lightbringer vanish once you realize they are truly not in this room. As a final check, you open the case in which you carry all your scrolls but can only find three spell scrolls inside. You unroll each of them and verify the ones that are still in your possession: Protection from Energy, Calm Emotions, and Healing Word. The one missing: Purify Food and Drink.
Brother Tyree follows Utar into his room and asks: "Is this a good time to start painting your new emblem? I'd rather not get involved in whatever differences you have with the Black Fist."
Now fully equipped, Graxx and Neya meet up with Doozey and the halfling explains what happened with some visual aid being provided by Taters. They devise a plan for dealing with the guards and recovering the parchment one of them shoved into his armored chest. With the help of some magic and a potion, Neya plans to (possibly) pickpocket the item. Graxx volunteers to engage in a distracting conversation with the guards, while Doozey decides to standby in case the the initial distraction fails to amuse the cocky guards.
(OOC: If moving forward with this, please enact your plan and make sure to roll appropriate checks.)
(OOC I DID FORGET! Good catch!)
Utar beckons Brother Tyree in to begin the process of creating his new magical focus, chatting as Brother Tyree works.
"There's no issue with the Black Fist. Just one appears to have pocketed a scroll from my pack. It's not a destructive spell, it would remove the taint of disease or poison from their stores, so I am inclined to see if there isn't a more peaceable solution when I next encounter them, maybe there is an issue with their stores?"
Utar pauses, thinking on what Doozey had mentioned before then quickly follows up.
"Besides, they're just having a drink downstairs. How much trouble could they all get into?"
Neya will first wait for Doozey and Graxx to go downstairs and initiate their distraction.
Once it starts, she will prepare with the potion and spell. The she will proceed downstairs and execute the plan.
Stealth: 30
Sleight of hand: 9
Whether or not she's successful, she will return upstairs.
Extended Signature
Graxx makes his way downstairs and he sets his eyes on the Blackfist pair.
"Ah! There you are I'm glad you Blackfist boys stayed!" , says Graxx as he stresses the word "boys".
Graxx sits down at the table and motions for the waiter.
"A drink for me as well, yea?"
Graxx looks at the Blackfist and eye balls their arms.
"You're a bit smaller than I'd prefer but I guess you'll have to do."
Graxx lays his Pike down next to his chair and pulls out 5 gold pieces and sets them on the table.
"You boys gamble? Do you believe in yourself?"
Graxx lays his arm across the table in front of him. His hand toward the Blackfist that we believe has stolen something.
"I've met a lot of you Blackfist lot but not a single Blackfist has ever even come close to beating me at Arm Wrestling. One of you all take me down and the 5 gold is yours. If I beat you, you just have to pay for my drink. Care for a go?"
Graxx wiggles his fingers begging to be taken up on the offer.
Persuasion?: 15
Doozey tries to keep a straight face throughout the interaction, though a proves a task easier said than done, what with the goading in all. Fortunately, the stoutling settled into a seat a table or two away to alternate between passively observing while nursing an ordered cheap drink(or simply waiting on said order), and leaving it to Taters to actively do so, while Doozey put charcoal pen to parchment, noting any noteable changes since taken the concoction.
Which apart from the painful realignment of teeth to accommodate slightly larger canine, and a minor discoloration of a few hairs, hadn't been much. Yet...
But, as soon he heard the guards get up in arms, he'd have Taters flutter to a table adjacent to guards and graxx, and somehow start "boofing" loudly like Biscuit used to in order to grab attention, before scampering off. Or maybe a lotta squeaking and some ground based acrobatics if the great ones above deem the former act too silly. >.>
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar decides that there is no risk in letting the guards wait a bit more and, after sitting on the bed, invites Brother Tyree to begin his work. They engage in some light conversation while the priest works his brush: "I don't know much, Brother Utar, but I know that these Black Fist folk have become more bold since marshal law was put in place. I wouldn't be surprised if they are taking things just because they think they can."
Over the next several minutes, Brother Tyree shows Utar that despite mostly behaving like a simpleton and being a terrible cook, he definitely has some artistic talent (with the drums and the paint brush!) His work is made even easier by the fact that Torm's open, gauntlet-wearing hand has already been etched onto the "canvas." The process still takes a few minutes, though, and Utar is likely to miss whatever is happening downstairs unless he is willing to interrupt his Brother's work.
Doozey goes down first, finding a separate empty table to occupy. He waits for a mug of morning ale, even though it is already afternoon, and begins taking some notes. Taters looks intently at the guards, who have failed to notice him so far.
Graxx descends next, going straight for the guards' table. He makes sure he is speaking loudly and veiling a few insults in his words, which get a reaction for the Black Fists duo. The barbarian orders a brown ale, places an unrelated 5gp on the table, and challenges one of the guards to an arm wrestling match. He looks at the one who he believes matches Doozey's description best, hoping he is right about picking the one with the sticky fingers. Graxx adds fuel to the fire by claiming he is undefeated when facing Black Fists and by skewing the wager to their favor. Already riled up, the challenged guard accepts by grabbing Graxx's hand.
Before they can start they match up properly, Neya sneakily approaches the guards from behind having already imbibed her potion of invisibility and tapped into her training to make her footsteps even more silent than usual (making sure to cast the spell before going invisible.) She manages to position herself to the immediate left of the arm-wrestling guard, completely unnoticed. However, she jumps the gun a bit by reaching into his loose-fitting armor before the match has actually started. The guard feels something in his chest and uses his free hand to scratch at it, readjusting his armor a bit. Although she was not discovered, Neya can no longer see the piece of parchment peeking out of the man's attire. She decides not to push her luck and returns upstairs.
That little itch now scratched, the guard affirms his readyness and the match begins.
-> Contested athletics check vs. Graxx: 10
(OOC: Doozey and Graxx need to deduct 1gp each from their inventory for their drinks. Utar should deduct 2gp and 5sp to account for the drinks and snacks he purchased for the guards. Neya should deduct 2 Ki Points and remove the potion from her inventory, please.)
Enjoying some time with Brother Tyree outside of his usual duties and the temple, Utar is content to let him finish his work.
"Who guards the guardsmen? Who makes sure they don't overstep? We've run into similar mindsets with members of the Black Fist before. Because they are enforce the law, they see themselves as above it. But that is enough of whatever is going on downstairs. How are things with you? How are things at the temple?"
(OOC: 1 GP deducted boss!)
Graxx Athletics: 10
(Assuming Graxx wins with a 21 vs 8) Graxx feels the guard has little chance of winning but knows he cannot simply smash the guards arm on the table. He needs to give Neya time to do her Monk things. Graxx grits his teeth and grunts.
"Urrrrrr..."
Graxx presses the arm forward then makes his eyes go wide as he lets the Blackfist push him to where it's more equal. Graxx does this a few more seconds until he feels like Neya should have time and then slowly drives the Blackfist's arm down for a win.
"Ah... Good try good try. Looks like I remain undefeated. If either of you want to have another go and put some real coin on the table let me know. Don't worry about paying for my drink, the match was worth the gold. The names Graxx. What do you two call yourselves?"
Graxx rotates his arm.
"Nothing gets the blood flowing like a good arm wrestling match. I don't get my competition in here. Are there other taverns you all frequent where you think I'd have more luck?"
In her room, Neya engages in a bit of shadow boxing, to shake the invisibility off of her. She then comes up with a backup plan.The scroll is deep in his armor, not very easily accessible. Maybe not to him, at the moment. If that's the case, what will he think of a second, very similar scroll appearing?
She takes out a roll of parchment and jots down a random grocery list. Then assuming the Black Fist are distracted with their arm-wrestling competition, she returns downstairs. She goes to Doozey's table.
Sitting down next to him she speaks in a low voice, "Couldn't get it, it fell down further into his armor. But, I thought of an alternative. I know he felt something when I failed. If they seemingly make a scene for no reason, we may have a different opportunity."
She shows him her roll of parchment, "What color was the ribbon, again?"
Extended Signature
Doozey quirks a brow at Neya, glances over to Graxx' table, and then back to her. "I don't see that happening on its own. And worse case scenario, assuming Utar's figured out on his own what they've absconded with, we can always speak to the good Captain on this. Though-..." He sighs. "It's probably just as likely she'll let them off with a slap on the wrist at worst. Comradeship 'n all that." He adds with a shrug.
"All in all. Worses case scenario, I truly hope it wasn't anything important." With that, he'd furrow his brows for a moment or so, before then answering the color question. "Ah shite.. I just remembered. I should've asked if those priest back at the temple might have something to protect against magically prying eyes. Probably wouldn't have worked, but... oi."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Neya shrugs in surrender and replies, "Fair enough, it's not like a loosely-cobbled-together plan was worth being attached to in the first place. We tried our best and it just didn't pan out."
Neya then orders a drink from Fat Mar.
Extended Signature
The challenger puts all his strength on his wrist and grunts somewhat embarrassingly as he gives Graxx a "good fight." The barbarian is utterly in control of the situation and, out of generosity or sportsmanship, helps the guard save some face. Ultimately, Graxx defeats his opponent and pardons his obligation to cover the already ordered drink. The spectator guard seems a bit mad at the whole thing, but the one who is now cradling his own arm accepts defeat.
As they talk among themselves for a bit, a now fully visible Neya makes her way downstairs and sits next to Doozey. She informs him of her failure but proposes a back-up plan. Doozey has had some time to think about it all and shows some change of heart. The two agree that the situation is probably not worth causing a potential scene.
Just then, Graxx makes a few more teasing comments about lack of competition and finding better challenges elsewhere. The angrier of the two guards stands up abruptly, pushing his chair backwards with the back of his thighs. He grabs the five golden coins Graxx had put on the table and says unapologetically: "Consider this the payment your orc friend had promised for our time and diligent work!" He grabs his spear and leaves. The second guard mimics the first.
(OOC: Neya should deduct 1gp from her inventory for the drink she ordered. Graxx should deduct an additional 5gp if he hadn't already.)
Upstairs, Utar continues to chat with Brother Tyree: "I'm alright," the man responds. "My duties at the temple keep me busy and I pray extra hard whenever I can. But truth be told, I don't care much about being a vessel for the magical miracles Torm grants. I take joy in helping the common folk with my own little gifts. Some warm food and care to heal the wounded, mostly clean cots to house the roofless, and an upbeat song to carry their worries away. Someone has to take care of all of that while Sister Ahkt and Brother Manas distribute the higher miracles, and I am happy to do my part."
A few moments later, Brother Tyree completes his tracing of the etched pauldron. The blessed ink has a golden-yellow hue to it, and it flares up under natural light: "There it is. Keep making us proud, Brother Utar." He packs his things and begins to make his way downstairs and back to the Temple of the Hand.
Utar says his goodbyes and finishes re-equipping all his gear (minus the weapon, the original amulet, and the scroll). He descends the steps of the inn to meet his companions on the tavern floor. The Black Fist guards are no longer in the establishment.
CRAP congregates around a table and Fat Mar approaches. He collects all pending payments, delivers ordered drinks, and asks: "That was quite an event. Anyhow, staying for lunch?"
(OOC: 5 GP Deducted!)
Graxx smirks a bit but does not resist the 5 gold pieces being taken. He tries to remember their faces the best he can. He smiles at Doozey as the team congregates around the table.
"Well?" and expectant Graxx asks with open arms waiting to see if their strategy worked.
Graxx turns to Fat Mar.
"Well we since we're here I guess we might as well eat. Say, have you seen those fellers before? Know the names of the guards perhaps. When you saw the blood and went to get them, where were they stationed? I may want to... talk to them again in the future."
Standing and admiring Tyree's artwork, Utar is suitably impressed.
"I'll wear this with pride and I'm glad there's someone at the temple offering the services that really matter to most people. Shall we go downstairs to see what trouble the others for themselves into?"
Getting down to the ground floor of the inn, Utar is a little surprised to see the Black Fist have left, especially when he was sure the promise of gold would have kept them in place.
"What happened down here? Where did those Black Fist guards go? You know one of those guys pilfered a scroll of purify food and drink from me, right?"
Neya does order lunch from Fat Mar.
"So, that's what it was...?" Neya responds to Utar, asking hypothetically. "We tried and failed to get it. But, it wasn't anywhere near why they left. They didn't even know what we attempted."
"No, considering what words were exchanged, it was entirely about wounded pride when Graxx dominated one of them in an arm-wrestling competition."
Extended Signature
"A light punishment, all things consider. Scrolls aren't exactly 'cheap', from what I understood. Which explains he was so cagey about it." Doozey adds before crossing his arms. A motion Taters tries to imitate, but only succeeds to an extent. "But what can we do really? You saw your old friend behaved the last two times someone got a little uppity. And while granted, the last one was a smidgen more justified than the other, we don't got time to spend inside a cell while waiting for that one to maybe help." The stoutling said frankly, then looked back to his notes.
"Thankfully... /hopefully/ she'll take your word about this matter later, and do more than just let them go with a slap on the wrist, as I was telling Ms. Neya here earlier. But for now, we have other business, don't we not?" He reminds, looking up to the half-orc. "To start with, think you can spare a spell to speak to the Fey Lord? See if he can send an emissary with directions? Doubt we'd be able to make the trek today, nor that we should with you in your current condition. But, best to clear the air on that one before anything else, no?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Allowing himself a few chuckles before the pain in his chest becomes too much, Utar almost wishes he had been down here to witness events.
"Not surprised that they lost, but how much trouble could they get into with that scroll?"
Utar drifts off remembering casting exactly that spell as a younger initiate and ruining a whole batch of blue cheese...how was he supposed to know it would remove the mould?
"I'll bring it up with Burral when we see her tonight, if we know where they're stationed I'm sure she'll see to it. We should contact this Fey Lord and I can spare the power to do it. Might be best we know a little more about them though first. Check with the team who ventured into their domain, see if there's anything.we ought to know first?"
"Well, I've already spoken to Ms. Seranolla last. T'is how I learned about the whole Caah situation -- which, we /will/ need to resolve this evening along with the whole Yalek business.." Doozey trails for just a moment, before snapping his fingers. "That reminds me!" Taters looks up at him, and cocks his head. Which after noting and looking back at the bunny, the stoutling chuckles to himself. "Okay, maybe not directly so. But, that reminds me. We still haven't taken a proper look at that hobgoblin armor from yesterday. Probably could do with some fitting, but if we take to those two smiths, well... uh...I was gonna suggest them working on that for you, actually." He finishes looking to Utar.
"Though with the recent changes to your armor, that might not be as worth while? Bah. Where was I... Oh yes! When I asked Ms. Seranolla she said-..." He goes on to give the abbreviate version of the conversation. "Not much there, but we can try with the others as well before the meeting, if'n ya wish?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.