The guard Karib calls on looks to his teamster, who motions him on to join the rest of the contingent approaching the roadside inn. "It's plenty dry inside the wagons," the guard shrugs when Merric asks his question.
The common room of the inn is remarkably warm and comfortable; it is obvious that the fire has been roaring for quite some time, and the inn's appearance is very clean. An older human man with gray streaking his thinning brown hair greets the new arrivals near the doorway. "I apologize, but..." he starts, gazing past you through the open door at the caravan outside. "I am terribly sorry, but the entire inn is sold out. All the private rooms are taken and the common room has been reserved for a private party."
Looking around the room, you see just one group: an aristocratic human man wearing the garb of a judge, and his three human dilettantes in conversation.
Despite all appearances, the man seems to be telling the truth and Rogram detects genuine remorse in his apology once he saw the caravan in the weather outside. While he doesn't seem to be obviously under any duress, the smirks that Rogram spots on the faces of the judge and his dilettantes as they converse indicates that they likely have something to do with the conundrum.
Rogram turns to Karib, but includes Merric in the remark. "I guess we're out of luck." He turns back to the old man, clearly disappointed. "Anywhere else on the road north we could try? This rain is miserable."
"Not so fast lad." With a frown Karib moves to the bar, calling on Gond's help, and hoping that his own patience holds.
Speaking quietly to the barkeep he says, "All the rooms and common room taken, eh, but not the stables? You made no mention of them." He glances around the room, "And what say to if we have a few drinks and leave as soon as the room fills up? A little extra business never goes amiss."
"All the rooms and common room taken, eh, but not the stables? You made no mention of them."
The innkeeper starts to respond but before he can get a word out, a noble from the table hollers out, "Our horses are rather picky about who they share space with. We had to reserve all of it, too, for their sake. You understand, I'm sure." The innkeeper purses his lips, a resigned look on his face, and nods in confirmation of the situation. The noble mutters something about "mud-spattered clothing" and "low breeding" that causes the others at the table to guffaw.
"And what say to if we have a few drinks and leave as soon as the room fills up? A little extra business never goes amiss."
"I truly do apologize, but the whole common room has been reserved, and at a price that more than makes up for the loss of customers," the innkeeper responds.
Rogram marches toward the noble, his fingers opening and closing into fists. "Was that comment directed at my parentage?" he asks, bearing down on the judge.
“Now, now, let’s not be hasty” Merric moves forward and stands between Rogram and the noble, giving Rogram a sideways look. “Silver tongue indeed” he mutters under his breath and then turns his attention back to the noble. With a whispered phrase in elvish and a small flick of his wrist, he attempts to charm the noble. “Beg pardon, we mean no offense. Surely there is room enough for all of us here, you wouldn’t turn friends out in this weather, would you?”
The judge opens his mouth to retort, but as Merric asks his question, his words accompanied by intonation and gestures of his spell, the man looks almost hurt. "Of course not, this weather is ghastly," he says.
One of the man's companions stands quickly, the sound of metal scraping on scabbard accompanying the scraping of his chair against the wooden floorboards as he draws his sword. "Do you really think us to be dallying fools, elf? Try your magic against me and see where it gets you!"
"Whoa, easy! I don't want any trouble in here," the innkeeper says, rushing over.
"Relax, Jamir!" the judge adds. "What's wrong with you? The man simply asked me a question!"
Jamir rolls his eyes. "You're charmed, you clown. You've seen this a dozen times but of course you can't recognize it when it's used against you," he says.
Of all the things they might have said, why did they have to unerringly find Rogram's weak spot? Karib utters a brief prayer again for Gond's guidance as he moves toward the group.
"There's no need for trouble here," he says. "Surely the four of us can come to some agreement with you three? We've got maybe fifty men and women outside who could all do with a drink and a rest. Nothing more...is it so much to ask?"
As he speaks he studies the three, trying to understand their relationship and trying to sift through what he has seen and heard already in order to understand what's behind the power play. Is it just a noble being a noble? Is Jamir a body guard, the real power, or something else? Are they vampire spawn? Can he see a path that might get past this situation that does not involve bloodshed, given Rogram's reaction?
Karib's gaze moves slowly over each, but he makes no sudden moves. He exudes an air of weariness but also quiet confidence born both of their numbers inside, and the much large numbers outside.
(( He's *not* intending to lie about numbers, but there's a lot of wagons and he *does* want to impress upon the judge and his friends that there's more than just the four of them to deal with. ))
Jamir's eyes narrow at Karib, and he silences the judge's attempt to respond. "We paid with good money to have this place all to ourselves," he states. "Enjoy the weather."
"I apologize," the innkeeper places himself in the middle of the parties. "You are welcome to stay on the inn grounds, but your caravan will need to spend the night outside. I know it is not ideal, but the stables and common room have been reserved."
Outside, Tyjit grumbles next to Akira, "What do you think is taking so long?" Orvustia shivers nearby. "I imagine there's a lot of paperwork that needs done. There are a lot of people that'll need rooms tonight, won't that take time?"
Tyjit looks toward the still-open front door of the inn. "I have a bad feeling about this," she says.
For Karib:
Up close, you notice that though they wear the garb of a judge and noblemen, there may be more to these men than it originally seemed. Each of them is athletically built and fit, and their weapons finely honed. Their clothes are unusually bulky, and now you recognize why - for some reason, they each seem to be wearing a set of splint armor beneath their clothing, where most nobility would wear lighter armor like a chain shirt or breastplate.
Regardless of their outfitting, one thing also seems clear; they seem to delight in others' misfortune, as if this were the entire purpose all along, and aside from the judge now viewing Merric as an ally, they are entirely unyielding on the matter.
Merric raises his eyebrows slightly as Akira’s voice filters through the noise of the common room in a whisper. He focuses his thoughts to return a message.
Running into complications with some other guests. Be ready for trouble.
He focuses on the innkeeper’s newest offer, they might be able to come into an arrangement after all. “I think staying on the grounds may be agreeable, but can we get a hot meal? It would warm the body in this foul weather. Surely there is enough food to go around, all of it has not been reserved has it?” He focuses the last question on the judge.
One of the dilettantes opens his mouth but scowls as the judge interrupts, "Of course, the four of us have already had our fill. If my colleagues won't budge on providing space, the least you can do is feed these folks if they're willing to pay."
Jamir twitches, glaring at Merric, but makes no further move. The innkeeper sighs. "It sounds like we have an agreement then. As long as your caravan can pay for the meals, the kitchens can prepare it for you. Unfortunately, it will still have to be partaken of outside," he says.
Rogram's eyes move back and forth between Jamir and the judge, who he understands has had a change of heart, despite Jamir's claim otherwise. His axe lowers a bit as he clears his throat. "Th - thanks," he responds, his heat dissipating. He looks back at Karib and gives a one-shoulder shrug.
Merric nods his thanks to the innkeeper and the judge. “Thank you, most reasonable. I will discuss with the wagon leaders, but I think there will be good coin for a hot meal at least.” He gives one last smirk to Jamir and walks back to share the news with the others.
Outside, he joins Edhelri, Akira and the others. “The inn claims there is no room, both the stables and the rooms are ‘reserved’. We can set up camp by the wagons on the grounds of the inn, and we can buy a hot meal.” He spreads his arms out wide “It was the best we could do. There is a group of four, one important looking one among them, that have paid for the entire place. They were eager to be rid of us, keep an eye on them for trouble.”
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The guard Karib calls on looks to his teamster, who motions him on to join the rest of the contingent approaching the roadside inn. "It's plenty dry inside the wagons," the guard shrugs when Merric asks his question.
The common room of the inn is remarkably warm and comfortable; it is obvious that the fire has been roaring for quite some time, and the inn's appearance is very clean. An older human man with gray streaking his thinning brown hair greets the new arrivals near the doorway. "I apologize, but..." he starts, gazing past you through the open door at the caravan outside. "I am terribly sorry, but the entire inn is sold out. All the private rooms are taken and the common room has been reserved for a private party."
Looking around the room, you see just one group: an aristocratic human man wearing the garb of a judge, and his three human dilettantes in conversation.
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Insight check: 11
OOC: What sort of information is Rogram attempting to glean here?
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If the older man is telling the truth. Also, if he seems under duress in any way.
Despite all appearances, the man seems to be telling the truth and Rogram detects genuine remorse in his apology once he saw the caravan in the weather outside. While he doesn't seem to be obviously under any duress, the smirks that Rogram spots on the faces of the judge and his dilettantes as they converse indicates that they likely have something to do with the conundrum.
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Rogram turns to Karib, but includes Merric in the remark. "I guess we're out of luck." He turns back to the old man, clearly disappointed. "Anywhere else on the road north we could try? This rain is miserable."
"Not so fast lad." With a frown Karib moves to the bar, calling on Gond's help, and hoping that his own patience holds.
Speaking quietly to the barkeep he says, "All the rooms and common room taken, eh, but not the stables? You made no mention of them." He glances around the room, "And what say to if we have a few drinks and leave as soon as the room fills up? A little extra business never goes amiss."
"This is largest trade route on the Sword Coast, so there are plenty of inns along the way. But not within the day, I'm afraid," the innkeeper says.
The innkeeper starts to respond but before he can get a word out, a noble from the table hollers out, "Our horses are rather picky about who they share space with. We had to reserve all of it, too, for their sake. You understand, I'm sure." The innkeeper purses his lips, a resigned look on his face, and nods in confirmation of the situation. The noble mutters something about "mud-spattered clothing" and "low breeding" that causes the others at the table to guffaw.
"I truly do apologize, but the whole common room has been reserved, and at a price that more than makes up for the loss of customers," the innkeeper responds.
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Rogram marches toward the noble, his fingers opening and closing into fists. "Was that comment directed at my parentage?" he asks, bearing down on the judge.
“Now, now, let’s not be hasty” Merric moves forward and stands between Rogram and the noble, giving Rogram a sideways look. “Silver tongue indeed” he mutters under his breath and then turns his attention back to the noble. With a whispered phrase in elvish and a small flick of his wrist, he attempts to charm the noble. “Beg pardon, we mean no offense. Surely there is room enough for all of us here, you wouldn’t turn friends out in this weather, would you?”
(DC12 Wisdom save or charmed)
The judge opens his mouth to retort, but as Merric asks his question, his words accompanied by intonation and gestures of his spell, the man looks almost hurt. "Of course not, this weather is ghastly," he says.
One of the man's companions stands quickly, the sound of metal scraping on scabbard accompanying the scraping of his chair against the wooden floorboards as he draws his sword. "Do you really think us to be dallying fools, elf? Try your magic against me and see where it gets you!"
"Whoa, easy! I don't want any trouble in here," the innkeeper says, rushing over.
"Relax, Jamir!" the judge adds. "What's wrong with you? The man simply asked me a question!"
Jamir rolls his eyes. "You're charmed, you clown. You've seen this a dozen times but of course you can't recognize it when it's used against you," he says.
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As the man's companion draws his weapon, Rogram's axe is drawn as well. He trains his narrowed eyes on "Jamir", almost hoping for something to happen.
Of all the things they might have said, why did they have to unerringly find Rogram's weak spot? Karib utters a brief prayer again for Gond's guidance as he moves toward the group.
"There's no need for trouble here," he says. "Surely the four of us can come to some agreement with you three? We've got maybe fifty men and women outside who could all do with a drink and a rest. Nothing more...is it so much to ask?"
As he speaks he studies the three, trying to understand their relationship and trying to sift through what he has seen and heard already in order to understand what's behind the power play. Is it just a noble being a noble? Is Jamir a body guard, the real power, or something else? Are they vampire spawn? Can he see a path that might get past this situation that does not involve bloodshed, given Rogram's reaction?
Karib's gaze moves slowly over each, but he makes no sudden moves. He exudes an air of weariness but also quiet confidence born both of their numbers inside, and the much large numbers outside.
(( He's *not* intending to lie about numbers, but there's a lot of wagons and he *does* want to impress upon the judge and his friends that there's more than just the four of them to deal with. ))
Insight: 24 + 3 (guidance) = 27
Jamir's eyes narrow at Karib, and he silences the judge's attempt to respond. "We paid with good money to have this place all to ourselves," he states. "Enjoy the weather."
"I apologize," the innkeeper places himself in the middle of the parties. "You are welcome to stay on the inn grounds, but your caravan will need to spend the night outside. I know it is not ideal, but the stables and common room have been reserved."
Outside, Tyjit grumbles next to Akira, "What do you think is taking so long?" Orvustia shivers nearby. "I imagine there's a lot of paperwork that needs done. There are a lot of people that'll need rooms tonight, won't that take time?"
Tyjit looks toward the still-open front door of the inn. "I have a bad feeling about this," she says.
For Karib:
Up close, you notice that though they wear the garb of a judge and noblemen, there may be more to these men than it originally seemed. Each of them is athletically built and fit, and their weapons finely honed. Their clothes are unusually bulky, and now you recognize why - for some reason, they each seem to be wearing a set of splint armor beneath their clothing, where most nobility would wear lighter armor like a chain shirt or breastplate.
Regardless of their outfitting, one thing also seems clear; they seem to delight in others' misfortune, as if this were the entire purpose all along, and aside from the judge now viewing Merric as an ally, they are entirely unyielding on the matter.
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Akira acknowledges Tyjit and Orvustia's remarks with a nod. "Let me see if I can learn more about the delay"
Focusing her mind on Merric's face, she will cast Message with Merric as the recipient.
"Getting very wet. Should we be joining you inside?"
Halsen - Human Monk - Winter Splendor
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's Blade Bizarre
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Betrayal at Devilsfall
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Hidden War" (Doom Portals Part 4A)
Aradurk - Half-Orc Fighter - Barty's "The Whispered Word (Doom Portals Part 5)
Garu - Tabaxi Paladin - Barty's "Beyond Twilight" (Rikirta Part 3)
Rogram continues to stand with his weapon in his hands, ready for Jamir to do anything the least bit suggestive of an attack.
Merric raises his eyebrows slightly as Akira’s voice filters through the noise of the common room in a whisper. He focuses his thoughts to return a message.
Running into complications with some other guests. Be ready for trouble.
He focuses on the innkeeper’s newest offer, they might be able to come into an arrangement after all. “I think staying on the grounds may be agreeable, but can we get a hot meal? It would warm the body in this foul weather. Surely there is enough food to go around, all of it has not been reserved has it?” He focuses the last question on the judge.
One of the dilettantes opens his mouth but scowls as the judge interrupts, "Of course, the four of us have already had our fill. If my colleagues won't budge on providing space, the least you can do is feed these folks if they're willing to pay."
Jamir twitches, glaring at Merric, but makes no further move. The innkeeper sighs. "It sounds like we have an agreement then. As long as your caravan can pay for the meals, the kitchens can prepare it for you. Unfortunately, it will still have to be partaken of outside," he says.
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Rogram's eyes move back and forth between Jamir and the judge, who he understands has had a change of heart, despite Jamir's claim otherwise. His axe lowers a bit as he clears his throat. "Th - thanks," he responds, his heat dissipating. He looks back at Karib and gives a one-shoulder shrug.
Merric nods his thanks to the innkeeper and the judge. “Thank you, most reasonable. I will discuss with the wagon leaders, but I think there will be good coin for a hot meal at least.” He gives one last smirk to Jamir and walks back to share the news with the others.
Outside, he joins Edhelri, Akira and the others. “The inn claims there is no room, both the stables and the rooms are ‘reserved’. We can set up camp by the wagons on the grounds of the inn, and we can buy a hot meal.” He spreads his arms out wide “It was the best we could do. There is a group of four, one important looking one among them, that have paid for the entire place. They were eager to be rid of us, keep an eye on them for trouble.”