laid back apocalypse

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker smiles a bit to himself as Ebele guides the horse...or vice versa....easily through the town. He glances back at the spider as they arrive, "She's after your job Hawke." He turns to Ebele with a smile...she probably knows he's smiling....the clever girl...then without a word hops down.  He helps them get the wagon and horse settled before heading on into the Inn with anticipation of contract negotiations ahead of him. He'll order some food, some drink, then sit down for a few minutes and make a few adjustments to the standard services contract, including clause 6.ii, under the proviso's...."Alliteration shall be avoided during communication with and near the contractees.".  He hides that behind some illusory script...before heading over to the Sheriff with a smile on his face to discuss their terms of service. 

Sitting up with proper posture completely proud to arrive without incident, Ebele only beamed more when T'chal'fronack'zcinicker chimed and turned to her. She'd chuckle before giving a wider smile. The blonde would wait for him along with the others to disembark before she'd ask Bill to move. He on the other hand, had been eyeing the stables since they trotted by to drop the others off closer to the inn door.

Kerric held the door open, waiting diligently. As always, he kept a sharp eye out for danger. Once again, he could confirm there were no threats lurking in the shadows in his presence tonight.

Lady Lynn rocked up and down on her feet just outside the inn as she waited for Xalkas or Kerric usher her in.

The gruff sheriff would stumble out of the back of the cart with a tired thud. Seamus would follow anyone into the inn, giving a passing grunt of appreciation Kerric's way for holding the door open for him. He'd contently take a seat, flagging the bartender for an ale. The sheriff would barely have the mug to his lips the first time when the tiefling would approach him. "Aye." His eyes would watch, waiting for the businessman to speak. Chancing it, the dwarf would take his first sip while he waited.

Charisma Check:
Seamus is just making sure that if he's going to be signing a contract, that it's going to be in the best interest of his community. He'd be interested in what would happen if he were to ever somehow break said contract for example?
Roll Call: T'chal'fronack'zcinicker
Check: Persuasion? Deception? You do you sir! Use advantage from the use of your fancy script.
Seamus Insight on T'Chal: 19

Once everyone was unloaded, the monk made some clicking noises with her mouth to get Bill moving again. Off he went, making a swift and smooth ride to park the cart, separate from his own pick of the stables. And he'd be sure to check every single one himself to make sure it was the cleanest and coziest sleeping quarters. Bill would let out nays of approval when he'd approve of one.

Perception Check
There's an apple tree close to the stables. Do you see it?
Roll call: Hawke and Ebele

Tree:
Perception to see/find it: 9
Apples on tree: 8

Kerric:

Once all the others had gone in, Kerric noticed the Dwarven cleric waiting for escort.  Opening the door a bit wiser and stepping forward, he says, “After you, Lady Lynn,” gesturing for her to precede him through the door.

Stepping in and escorting the priestess to the largest table, Kerric gets her settled and makes sure there is enough room for them all.  As is his practice, he chooses a seat with his back to the wall and surveys the room for potential threats or opportunities.

(Passive Perception and Insight of 13 and 11).

When T'chal and Ebele successfully lead Bill to the 'parking lot', he finally returns back to his druid form with a grin wide on his face and a round of applause for the two. "That's what I call team work! Nice work, Belle, Snickers. Even got Bill bein' sassy to me too." He wags a finger over to the horse, a playful glint in his eye. "Don't think I didn't see your little look back there, buddy!"

He watches the tiefling hop off the wagon into the bar, he earning a small snort at the possibility of the monk taking his job. "Someone else has gotta get used to reigns too, ya know? What if I fall deathly ill or somethin' and we need to find me a cure? No empathy for the lowly wagon driver, eh?" His tone is full of jest as he speaks and he even chuckles at the possibility. The druid hops on up where T'chal had sat. "We'll catch up with you n' the others soon. Gotta get this guy some apples!"

Hawke watches how Bill and Ebele interact with one another as they easily make way to the stables, the horse showing off his personality through an through when he picks only the best stable for him to rest in. "Two peas in a pod, you two. Bill gathered a liking to you quick, Belle. Probably got a little crush too." He chuckles with a grin, giving Bill a good pat on the neck after jumping down the wagon. "Got some good synergy too. Great thing to have with a fine equine like him." The druid moves to remove the harness that connected the wagon to Bill, off him for more comfortable resting, and had Ebele wanted (or didn't already know how), he'll guide her on how to properly take off the harness. 

With that done, he brushes his hands on his pants and looks around the stable. "Hrm... Where the apples at?"

Perceppy: 24

Spitefire Inn
(T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, Sheriff Seamus, Lady Lynn and Kerric. Assuming: Reghys and Xalkas.)

Kerric makes note of an apple tree outside the stables prior to escorting Lynn inside.

A surprisingly tall dwarf with greying hair and beard pushes through a pair of saloon doors from the back. "Seamus." He was cleaning a mug "You helpin' yerself teh yer own brew again?" The hearty man would chastise before even looking up. "Oh! Ho, ho, ho! Lookit this!" Green eyes with deepening crows feet ping wide under bushy brows. "Yah brought friends?" He'd chuckle more almost giddy. "Ah, m'lady." He'd bow like a gentleman when his sight would fall over the cleric being seated by Kerric. "Lagger, Lady Lynn?" The proprietor would offer her her usual with his accompanying charming smile before flashing a wink to Kerric. "Good lad."

"Thank you." Lynn would happily accept the seat Kerric would pull out for her, smiling widely. "Please!" She'd then nod in agreement to the bartender.

"Now!" He'd put the now clean mug down on the counter and puts his hands on his hips. "What can I get ya folks? Aye?" Moving with a little pep in his step, he moves on to pour Lynn's drink, delivering it to her while his new patrons pondered.

Stables
Ebele would laugh lightly along with Hawke's infectious chuckle. "It's hard not to stand tall when you do good at something better than you thought you would, even with help!" She'd stick her tongue out, knowing he was teasing her. The blonde caught herself, she totally was feeding off of Bill's sassy attitude. She'd chuckle some more as she'd find her way off the wagon. "You're not off the hook!" Ebele would accept Hawke's guidance in showing her how to remove Bill's harness. "Pretty sure luck played a good part today." Bill would disagree. "Sorry. Yes. It was all Bill!" It was too late. Hawke patting Bill's neck earlier and complimenting him already won him some favour over the monks 'slip'. She'd let out a playful gasp when she'd feel him retract from her touch and nuzzle up to Hawke. "Fickle too!" She'd tease. It was Bill's turn to 'gasp'. He'd stomp and huff, turning his head. She was getting the silent treatment.

Hawke brushes his hands on his pants and looks around the stable. "Hrm... Where the apples at?"
Bill would nay excited, then with his snout, he'd begin shoving Hawke out of the stables. Outside of the stables, only a few feet away, he finds an apple tree. Looking at it from his height, Hawke was sure he counted 7 apples he might be able to harvest. As he took closer steps towards the tree, a moving shadow would catch the corner of his eye. He'd notice it slipped behind the tree. If Hawke decided to take a look behind the trunk of the tree, he'd just catch Ebele trying to sneak up on him.

Acrobatics or Athletics check!
Apple picking
Roll call: Hawke and Ebele
DC 10: To access the apples.
Amount of apples: Determined by the # over 10
Max attempts: 2

Kerric:

”Some ice wine if you have it, Goodman, or your coldest ale if not,” replies Kerric, “and a hot stew or roast with bread and cheese.  It’s been a long day.”

Thankful to be sitting and relaxing, Kerric lets the others take the lead in their investigation for now, interjecting occasionally to ask tactical questions about the cultists in town—their locations, numbers, capabilities, and any identifying features beyond the tattoos they have already seen.

Hawke would laugh triumphantly when he notices Bill nuzzling up to him instead of the monk now, the druid giving the equine a hug, just before he begins huffing again. "He's got so much personality in him. One of the best horses I've had the pleasure workin' with. But..." His voice goes a little stern as he looks to Bill, but there was still some playfulness behind the tone. "You gotta be respectful to Miss Belle here, Bill. She'll be the one taking over the reigns if I'm in no position to do so, okay?" When he gets a signification of understanding, another good rub on the neck would be earned.

Then he mentioned the apples...

"Hey, woah!" Hawke yelped out in surprise when Bill started pushing him out the stables. "Alright, okay, I'll find-- oh, wait, no. There's a tree right there, huh?" He snorts, remembering catching a glimpse of it as they pulled in the stables. "Tell Ebele to come out here, and--" He stops himself when he sees a moving shadow, eyes squinting as a smirk grew on his face. The monk had always been a sneaky little snake. "Nah, I got this. Don't worry, Bill."

With a dismissive hand wave, he slowly stalks his way to the tree. He'd never been the sneakiest guy in the world, but his aim mainly was to keep his steps light enough to poke his head to look behind the tree and stare at the stealthy half-elf, saying with a grin, "Gonna help me or scare me?" He chuckles lightly. "Was thinking you could hop on my shoulders and I guide you to the best looking apples, but if you wanna play games..."

(Depending on if she/you want(s) to or not, I was hoping maybe giving Ebele a helping boost would give her adv on the check? If not that's coolio! I'll roll myself :D)

Roll just in case (Athletics): 12

Reghys had been quietly reading his new-won treasures on the cart ride back to town. At first, they were engrossed by the new songs, and occasionally would hum a litte tune from the book. At some point though, they seem to have an idea, and put the sheet music away, instead grabbing the red-leather bound traveller's account. The satyr would flick to the maps portion of the book, where the traveller had sketched the surrounding areas. Reghys was curious what the guide mentioned about Wormford, but in particular what, if anything was written about the Sumber Hills. The party had discovered where the delegation had been ambushed, but with more than a day's travel between Beliard and Summit Hall along the Dessarin road, there must be some other path that is known only to the locals, and that would have to be the path that the attackers used. Maybe, Reghys could figure out where the attackers hid out or whether there is a path that leads to the Riverguard Keep from the north, rather than from the river.

Unusually focused for the satyr, they order a glass of milk but otherwise stay focused on the book, trying to flip through the pages to find any mention of places of lodging, trails and other things in the middle of the Sumber Hills that are mentioned by the traveller's guide.

OOC: Please let me know what to roll.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker waves to the bar tender, "Whatever food you have on offer, preferably hot, and I could actually just use a bit of water to drink if you don't mind." 

He turns to Seamus, and...glancing around the Inn a bit conspiratorially, says in a hushed voice, "Alright then, so, if I understand it right, you're asking for help with the Womford Rats and cultists, which are causing you some trouble. Now, I'll give you this, we ourselves are interested in the cult, so, our goals are aligned, which is excellent. You'll also be glad to know that we are very respectful people who don't have any intention of damaging a lot of property or harming innocent folk.  Good for you, the Argent Alliance is here. Now, before we begin, we do have a standard contract for you to sign. It just simply states that you plan to align with us on this common gold, that treasure recovered belongs to us, but otherwise no payment...or any nasty business like that. Some terms and conditions around non-prosecution in an unlucky event, and breaking of the contract terms, standard stuff." He slides it across the table to the Sherriff, "I see that Kerric is already digging into details, so sign that and we'll continue doing great work for you folk." 

OOC: as mentioned in post #1900 Xalkas would sit a little was away from the group. Working on copying over his newly acquired spells. 

Picking Apples

Ebele's head would tilt and her face would drop into as much of an innocent face as she could possible muster when Hawke would catch her. "Uh..." She'd pause before putting up a finger. "To help of course! It's for the horse!" She'd grin before rocking on her heels. The monk would accept the druid's suggestion and hand up onto his shoulders. She'd reach up towards apples she was guided to in the tree. It turned out Hawke was tall enough to access the apples himself. He just wanted to see if he could mess with Ebele.

Can Ebele snatch the apples before Hawke?: 21

Bill's and Party's Fresh apples
Success no matter what!

Potential outcomes based on Ebele's roll:
If above 21: Ebele grabs apples faster, Hawke holds them = 10 apples! (your efficiency as a team gets you 3 extra apples)
If 21: Ebele and Hawke pick their own apples and tie the same amount = 8 apples! (Ebele is naturally a little faster, snatching an extra apple that falls from another one Hawke picks)
If below 21: Hawke actually picks them all first, handing them to Ebele = 11 apples! (Aiming to impress?)
If nat 1: Ebele fumbles the bundle of apples, sending some tumbling onto Hawke's head and smashing on the ground = 6 apples (lost some apples during the shenanigans!)

 Spitefire Inn
(My apologies Rforrest! I did forgot Xalkas had already settled in. Ty for the reminder.)

Xalkas sits quietly and contently at the table, fully absorbed in his spellbooks. Recognizing that the wizard was trying to transribe spells, and Reghys was trying to review their books, Lady Lynn shushes and shoos the boisterous bartender to the other side to go fetch some fixings.

Making an exaggerated but innocent gasping face, the old dwarf would stride off to the back. First he'd come back with a tray of drinks. There was a pitcher of Lady Lynn's favourite lager and some mugs for those who preferred. A decanter of ice wine and stemless glasses accompanied it. Hiding behind the grandeur of containers came smaller carafe's of both milk and iced water.

Seamus would make a genuine face of shock, waddling over with his drink.

Without a word, the jolly man would jaunt his way back to reappear with his hands full. He carried a heavy tray with strong steady hands for delivery, hoisting it up onto his shoulder to free up a hand to serve the table. Humming as low as he could beneath his breath, he'd present a basket of breads with some dipping oils and vinegar. Next came the board of cheeses and dried fruit and some nuts. Then one by one, depending on preference, he'd serve a vegetable stew, offering slices of roast and gravy separate.

Catching the Sheriff's exasperated expression him even being served. "Why? A gentleman from a fine line wanted some fine wine, so why not fine dine?" The older white haired dwarf would say as quiet as could be with a wink. "Now," The man would wipe his hands on his apron. "This all of yah?" He'd try to ask quietly. Once they were all settled and chatty, the cheeky dwarf would grin and listen.

Wide wide excited eyes, Lady Lynn, as well as a sipping Seamus, would hear what the Argent Alliance had to say. It would take some time for the locals to gather their thoughts on Kerric's information and asks. Seamus would address T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's contract first. He'd read it over behind a gulp from his mug while Lynn leant over to look too. Before she could whisper something he knew she'd say, the Sheriff would shrug, lick his thumb and take the tiefling's pen. He'd blotch the tip on the signature portion to create a little pool before smooshing his thumb in it to create his personal print. "Thank ya fer your continya'd service." He'd drop the pen too early when handing it back, leaving a unique splatter next to his signature. Nothing smeared the contract words. He'd give a salute before helping himself to his food.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker
1 contract signed

Brain Storming Session
Let's pull out that map again, and review!
(Will provide an updated version based on the rolls to come)

Let's Make Some Checks
Trying to make sure I get everyone in one place. Please point out if I've missed anything again.

Kerric and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker 
(Cultists in town—their locations, numbers, capabilities, and any identifying features beyond the tattoos they have already seen)

Religion: w/ advantage for consulting with Lady Lynn
History: w/ advantage for consulting with Sheriff Seamus and the bartender

Reghys
(Summary—additional knowledge of *Womford, Sumber Hills, different/hidden path that potentially leads north from Riverguard Keep and speculation of another hideout.)

Investigation: w/ advantage for consulting books, referencing Kerric's maps and listening to Kerric and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker's conversations with the locals.

Kerric:

Consulting quietly with the Sheriff and and comparing notes about cult activity and the missing delegation, Kerric is reminded of the smooth efficiency of the elven constabulary back home--distant in their own way, but not quite so dour.  Still, the ice wine and hot food have put him in a fine mood, and Kerric pulls out the map and discusses quietly with the dwarf after checking to make sure there weren't any prying cultist eyes or ears around.

Perception:  22

History with Advantage:  23

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker smoothly slides the signed contract into his bag and immediately gets down to work. He talks to Lady Lynn....though her name smacks of alliteration he's sure that's only a coincidence and so isn't strictly contract breaking.  He talks to her to figure what he can learn based on her religious knowledge: 

Religion w/ ad : 12

Xalkas attention is drawn away from his transcription work, if only for a few moments, by the wonderful smell of the food that was brought to them. He asks for a little bit of everything and indulges heartily of his meal.

He pays little attention to the discussion taking place. Trusting Kerric and the contract loving tiefling to handle all the wither twos and the why fours. His attention returns to transcription once his meal his finished. Pausing only occasionally to sip some water. 

Feeling like they found something, Reghys eagerly reads on.

Investigation: 11

Try again because the first attempt said that resutls couldn't be displayed, feel free to use those if they do show up.

Investigation: 19

Hawke can't help but snort when Ebele gives him the face of innocence, knowing there there was a little deviousness behind the little halo. "Right, right, of course, you were lookin' to help. Climb on up, little lady." He puts on his best "Southern" accent as he speaks, giving her a helping hand up to help situate her on his shoulders. 

Then he realizes he was actually tall enough to reach the apples himself. Using one hand to hold Ebele steady, he uses the other to pick a few apples and hand them on up to her. Time to mess with her a little! "Here's one... and another... aaand another..." After the first few apples, a sheepish chuckle emits from the druid. "Sorry, Belle, looks like the apples were attracted to me today, huh?"

After gathering a good bunch, he kneels down to give Ebele an easier time down (had she wanted him to), and plucks one of the apples from her arms before cleaning it on his shirt and taking a bite and chewing. "Mm... Nice n' crisp." He swallows. "Bill will be happy with these for sure. Want a bite?" The kalashtar offers.

Had she wanted a bite, he would either offer his (turning it to the unbitten side) and put it near her mouth to bite, or take another apple from her, clean it, then feed it to her. (I'll leave the decision to you!)

Had she not, he'd give a nod in understanding and continue to eat his.

Afterwards, he would say, "Can't let him see all of these though. Horses can't have too many snacks or their tummies will get all sorts of messed up. Promised him three so you can put the rest in here..." He slugs over his bag and gets to opening the flap for her to drop in some of the apples. "Hmm... We could probably could try picking more for your cider too, if you want?"

Spitefire Inn

Kerric, you were certain there were no cultists or prying eyes around. While you consulted with Sheriff Seamus, and T'chal'fronack'zcinicker engaged in conversation with Lady Lynn, you're able to combine their collective knowledge.

You learn:

Reghys, reading on you're urged that your hunch is correct. Unfortunately you don't think you could pinpoint an exact location, but you're convinced you may have found the ambush path.
[Will update with a map tomorrow when I can recreate it. I lost the original editing file XD]

Picking Apples

Ebele would let out playful gasps and pouts. She'd give him a noogie with her free hand when she'd hear him snickering, catching on that he was messing with her. And when he'd offer her to get down, she'd stay where she was. "Carry me peasant!" She'd gesture exuberantly in a random direction before chuckling and muttering an apology under her breath when she'd hear him crunch down on what sounded like a really tasty apple. The monk would lean forward to take a big bite of the fruit, letting out a few coos of her own. "Mmm! Bill would totally each all these if he got into them." She'd fall silent as she chewed, mulling over the thought of more apples. "Just trying to keep me up here longer?" She'd chuckle, hand running through his hair to make sure she didn't drool everywhere. "Perhaps the others may want some of these apples too?" The blonde would check on the bundle to make sure it was secure in her one arm and that she wasn't going to bruise them. Then a thought would cross her mind and she'd clean closer to Hawke's ear. "Are we stealing?" She'd let out a little snort. "Snicker's probably going to want to secure a contract for us to harvest these apples for business purposes." Playfully tucking the apples closer to her, she'd add. "It's a sample pack!"

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker asks, "Sailed off where? Do we know? Where did those boys go to join the cult?? If you don't know, perhaps we can ask Shoalar guy." 

Kerric:

Once everyone is settled and eating in the inn, Kerric satisfies himself that that there are no cultist ears about. He lays out the situation with the help of T’chal and the local town leaders (feel free to read the spoiler).

”I suggest we go confront Shoalar and his crew, as they are most likely water cultists.  If we can defeat them, perhaps the commoners on the other boats can be made to see reason and support the townsfolk instead of the cult,” suggests Kerric, asking the sheriff, “Where does this gang gather when they are not plying the river?”

Reghys would chime in: "I'm pretty sure they are launching their raids and their boats down the Dessarin from Riverkeep Guard. It's close to the ambush site, and I think I read something about a foot path through the Sumber hills somewhere... can't find it for the moment, but anyway, that's where they're coming from, I'd wager." Then, looking at both T and Kerric, they add, "While our usual "Find the biggest guy and beat him up" strategy has worked so far, I feel like we might have the advantage this time. Apparently, we're in a recruitment hub, and we know where their main center of operations are located. Why don't we try and blend in, get shipped there, and then capture their headquarters? If we start to fight them here, we would just warn all of the more fanatical cultists, giving them ample time to prepare. But if we struck at the heart of their operation, we'd still help these people, but we wouldn't give any warning tothe cultists. What do you think?"