laid back apocalypse

(Does Xalkas take notice of Reghys subtle glance?)

Percpetion: 4

 (Lol. Nope)

Xalkas is too lost in his own thoughts to notice the conversation between the Satyr and Ebele. Not to mention the subtle glance from Reghys. 

Reghys was close to rolling their eyes. "Sorry dear, maybe Xalkas can help..." With that, they call Xalkas over, making sure to position the gnome in between them and the half-elf monk.

Xalkas looks up startled to hear his name being called and hurries over to Reghys and Ebele. “Yes? How may I be of assistance?”

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker when you head downstairs to drop off the dishes, the burly bartender eyes the stew bowl suspiciously. He'd quirk a brow as if inspecting it for what the tiefling's companion may have done to it before accepting the dishes with a simple grunt and nod. Taking your scan around the room, some of the patrons from earlier had retired for the evening, but there were others who took their place, and a few more at the table the Argent Alliance sat earlier. They were simply eating some stew and enjoying some ale while Nalaskar's table was empty. As you make your way outside, the only one watching you was the bartender, but he watched everyone come and go from his establishment.

Perception or Investigation Check
Roll call: T'chal'fronack'zcinicker
Decisions: Can one or the other.
Are you focusing on whether T'chal'fronack'zcinicker is being watched or whether any of your possessions have been disturbed?

"Hmm?" Hearing Reghys' voice near her, Ebele would come out of her thoughts and tilt her head their way. There was a pause, but since it was Reghys, Ebele would feel herself relax and begin to open her mouth to formulate a thought. Before she could get it out though, the Satyr would stop her with an apology and mention Xalkas might be able to help. "Oh." The monk would shift a little. She'd make room for the scholar to join. When he'd offer assistance, she'd think again on it. Ebele would put on a smile and reach for her ale. "Do... Do you think we can retrofit my brewing kit for cider making on the go?" It was a fun project she wanted to ask Xalkas' help with, if he was willing. She'd lean in to whisper. "It's better than this syrup." She'd jest. "If we're going to be on the road adventuring for a while, I'll never get the downtime to make a batch!" And she still had berries on her she needed to use up.

Perception : 15.  He's just there to see if the wagon and goods are safe or have been disturbed.  If that should have been investigation, subtract one from the roll. 

Checking over the horses, wagon and supplies, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, you're pretty sure that none of the Argent Alliance's possessions were disturbed in any way.

Nodding to himself, he makes sure nothing particularly valuable is left here, otherwise he stows it in his backpack.  Then he heads back into the bar, finds someplace to sit where he has a good view, and stays up for another hour just sipping his beer, watching the room, and scribbling on a parchment. (his evening update to Corporate)

Xalkas considers thoughtfully for a moment before answering, “I believe we should be able to concoct some sort of mobile brewery for you. Though if we can find the requisite items here to make it remains to be seen.” Xalkas stops and glances over to Reghys who seems to be prompting the gnome to continue, “I had something I wanted to offer you.” Unable to make any sort of meaningful eye contact at this point Xalkas fumbles through his bag and pulls out the music box he made and hands it to Ebele. “I noticed the thunderstorm early seemed to have unsettled you and I made this to help soothe you in those moments.” Gesturing time Reghys continues, “They’ve offered to record a soothing lullaby of sorts to help calm your nerves.”

He then stands there holding it out in his hands for Ebele to grab before remembering that she is blind. Cursing under his breath he then grabs her hand and puts it there. He then shows her where and how to wind it and any other details she would need get it to function. 

Ebele’s expression would brighten a little with excitement when Xalkas would amuse her ask. “Y’know, now that you mention it, I’m surprised T didn’t ask about buying or selling of goods here.” She’d pat her finger on her nose when the scholar would mention if he could find the materials necessary. The monk would tilt her head in curiosity when Xalkas would break the pause in conversation saying he had something for her. She’d listen to him rustling in his bag as he’d share his inspiration for a gift. When he’d take her hands, they felt familiar, guiding her over his craftsmanship and how to use it. The half-elf’s face would soften and her smile would show warmth of appreciation. “Thank you Xalkas.” She’d say softly, accepting his thoughtful gift. Ebele was a bit at a loss for words. “I’d like that.” When he’d mention the lullaby.

After another hour or so at the bar, people watching, T'chal'fronack'zcinicker heads up to his room to get some sleep. 

Seeing Ebele's face at the gift, Reghys softly guides Ebele's hand to start playing the recorded lullaby. It's a simple tune, but very soothing, each line evoking comfort and safety.

"It's only a lullaby for now. But I've been learning a lot from Xalkas, and we were planning to enchanting the music box with some more tunes, but I'm still working on that. For now, we hope you like it and that it will give you comfort when you need it."

Kerric:

With no specific goals for the evening once they had discussed the new information about the cultists and decided on the overland path to the keep, Kerric returns to the common room and converses with his companions, observing anyone else in the common room who appears to be interesting or speaking loudly.  Sipping some hot tea before bedtime, Kerric moves over and puts his hand on the Gnome's shoulder, nodding and smiling in support of his kind gesture after he has given his gift to Ebele.

"Reghys, perhaps you can grace us with some music of your own.  As it grows late, perhaps some relaxing flute or string music?" suggests Kerric as he relaxes with the others.

Perception in case there is something worth hearing:  18

Reghys beams at the suggestion: "I know just the tune!" With that, they get out their pan flute, settle into a comfortable position, and begin to play.

The tune picks up slowly, faint, timid sounds that evoke the dawn on a foggy moor. Slowly, the brighter notes kick in, the tune grows in strength and the main theme emerges. While the piece remains a softer, more sombre, perhaps even reflective piece, Reghys is giving emotional depth to each note.  Those who find the tune vaguely familiar would notice that the satyr would put their own spin on things, playing with the theme, or improvising along the way, guided by the emotion.

As they finish, you all feel refreshed somehow.  

Performance: 19

Ever since Ebele had left Hawke with those parting words, they lingered at the back of his mind, even when the group powwow had ended and everyone was parting ways.

The Snake finds the Weeping Glove.

The **** did that mean? Was that a code of some sort? No doubt it was some creepy shit said by the guard back at the stables. Ebele wouldn't just... say that for no reason, right? He didn't know her too well, but she didn't seem like that much of a cryptic type to just say that out of the blue with no explanation, but that guard definitely did. Damn, did they really not get his name?

When it looked to be that everyone was going back down to the common area, Hawke tags along, but just to get another ale in his system before exiting the inn again. Truthfully he didn't sleep well on beds, preferring a tree or grass to sleep on, but he would be crazy to sleep outside in this town, so the next best thing might have just been the stables/wagon. Though with the eyes of the guard still fresh in his mind, he heads into some quiet and empty alley way to wildshape into a tabby cat and make his merry way over to the stables as quietly as he could.

Stealth: 18

Upon entering them (either through the front door or otherwise, stealthy or not), he settles himself on one of the beams in which he could get a nice overview of the stables itself and relaxes, for the most part.

Perception (with advantage due to Keen Smell, if that helps me at all!): 20

(Wildshape lasts for two hours, and I got two of 'em so assuming nothing happens in his first two hours, he'll shape into a cat again and take a cat nap on the beams and end up reverting back while he's asleep because he's a mess of a man.)

Ebele feels warmth in her cheeks as she takes the music box from the wizards hands. She’d give Xalkas’ hand a gentle squeeze in thanks as she did, for the effort and collaboration it took to create something like this for her. When Reghys would encourage her to keep winding it just a bit further for the lullaby to play. The monk would almost pause in her tracks as the notes would hit her ears and sing in her mind. Even now she felt the calming effect sooth her anxiety. Her muscles would visibly begin to relax, as would her posture. Touched by all the care and kind gestures she’s received by everyone tonight, Ebele feels her eyes well up. “Thank you... This means a great deal...” Was all she’d manage to get out. She’d smile to bite back her emotions so tears don’t soak her bandage.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker during your writing to corporate and diligent people watching session, you start hearing rumours of recent supply problems.

Perception Check
Roll call: T'chal'fronack'zcinicker
How much do you hear? Listening for any specific details?

Kerric, as you’re enjoying your tea, you’re observant as always. Even as you accompany your companions and converse together, you’re able to overhear some drunk patrons babble on about a unique rumour as well. Nalashkar needs to leave on business to Waterdeep and is looking for someone to watch the Inn for a tenday or so. There’s whispers of handsome pay and a good recommendation.

Ebele’s body language lights up and her head tilts towards Kerric’s voice with an enthusiastic nod when he’d ask Reghys to play some music to end the night. Her smile would grow. And when Reghys would beam with their infectious energy, the half-elf couldn’t help but rock back and forth on the balls of her feet in anticipation for better things to fill her head before bed, instead of the haunting voice of the Senior Sword. She’d  hastily tip toe after the others to join them for a night cap and Reghys’ performance. This time, the monk would actually find a place to sit on the floor near whoever didn’t mind her back near their feet. Being on the floor helped her feel the reverberation of the music better, picking up some details of the new spin they put on the song tonight. She’d even sway a little to the tune.

Reghys, the patrons, as well as the bartender, enjoy your performance. A few of them approach you and toss some coin at your hooves. The bartender would clear the Argent Alliance’s tab for the night. Nalashkar was covering food and the guard was stables and rooms.

Patrons 4 x 4g = tips

Hawke you felt like your instincts were on to something. Ebele has shown cleverness and wit, but that crypticness was definitely uncharacteristic to you, making it a bit of a red flag. 

Investigation Check
Roll call: Hawke
If you want to think on the phrase to see if you can pull anything from it. “The **** did that mean? Was that a code of some sort?”

Things appeared to be winding down for the evening. It was getting a bit late. 

(2/6 mentioned going to bed. Waiting for 1 or 2 more to specify sleeping to move us to officially morning.)

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker quietly excuses himself and heads up for the night.

Hawke eventually excuses himself for the night as well. As stealthy as a large watched stranger could be, the druid shifted into a tabby cat and makes his way to the stables to sleep for the night. 

Hawke, you’re able to tell your stealth attempts didn’t hide you or your abilities very well.  Someone saw, but because of you’re obviously on your guard, you were left alone to your rest.

Downstairs during Reghys performance Xalkas keeps his eye open for the guard from earlier, hoping to try his luck with some more gambling. If he doesn’t see him or the gentleman doesn’t show up after the rest of the group retire for the evening Xalkas will head up to rest. 

Perception: 7

As Catwke sits atop the beams, tail swaying side to side, he thinks upon the phrase...

Investi: 15 

Perception check : 5.  Listening for anything about the river, or the fort up the river. 

Glad that the performance was a success, Reghys thanks the patrons, the barkeep, and their friends, before heading to bed.

Catwke, as you think on the phrase, The Snake finds the Weeping Glove, your mind immediately thinks about the presence of the Zhentarim and all of the details the group has uncovered about them. ‘The Snake’ brings you to think about their faction logo, the winged serpent Kerric brought to your attention. And as you thought about the symbolism, your mind begins to move on to the word ‘Glove’. In your time with the Silver Enclave, you’ve come across a faction that’s name comes to you: The Order of the Gauntlet. And as you have that epiphany, you also get a sense that ‘Weeping’ means something, but it’s not necessarily directly related to the Order of the Gauntlet as a faction.

T'chal'fronack'zcinicker, you hear whispers around the tavern that confirm the suspicions of the Cult of the Crushing wave dominating the river trade route. Someone even mentioned the riverboat captain in Womford who was said to have transported some of the delegation’s goods. There are also murmurs about the Zhentarim looking to hire a party to escort a caravan from Womford to Triboar.

Xalkas, in your quiet demeanour and keeping to yourself since presenting your gift to Ebele, you don’t really notice much besides your desire to gamble. You could not spot the guard anywhere before heading to bed for the evening.

With Reghys also retiring for the night after their performance, Ebele would sit still and remain on the ground as she’d sip and finish her ale. She had mentioned that would be her last one before bed... Nibbling on her lip, the half-elf would think about the feeling of being watched, hearing the Senior Sword’s voice ring in her mind. She’d shudder. The blindfolded monk would decide to order just one more before she’d actually decide to retire to a room for the night.