Irenia nodded at Genesh's observations. "I agree with you and if there is something in the woods that would explain all of the activity in the woods. It could also mean that the structure is here to hold something precious to a fey creature, hence the blessing to ward off fey creatures. I wonder if 'fey' could mean all elves. If you were going to hide something or someone in a city of elves, you do it under their eyes and nose and in a place they can't get to."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh gaze met Irenia's as the tortle nodded, "I am pleased that we are in agreement then. A fey creature would difficult enough to deal with but if fey does refer to all elves then we might have a real problem on our hands. I was thinking about scouting out a new place to shelter for the night if you'd care to join me you are welcome to do so. Or did you have another suggestion or something else that we should check out first?"
Irenia raises an eyebrow. "We could probably go to a local fighting arena and get some lodging. Otherwise, I think an inn would suit us just fine."
OOC: Irenia's Gladiator background has the Feature "Back By Popular Demand - You can always find a place to perform in any place that features combat for entertainment — perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret pit fighting club. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes you something of a local figure. When strangers recognize you in a town where you have performed, they typically take a liking to you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh looked at Irenia and nodded in agreement, "sure we can try that, as cold as it was last night I'd don't care where we stay, as long as it's warm and dry. Good idea."
Olwer walks right up to the door of the guard station and stands there listening. Anyone around can see him (nobody but maybe Genesh and Irenia who walk passed in a moment) and he hears the standard booking procedure for “wanton destruction of private property by means of fire.” Curiously, John remains silent throughout the process and allows himself to be placed in the cage without a word. They congratulate themselves and begin packing for a trip up the river.
Genesh interprets “New Ways of Man” to be a somewhat dismissive way of the mason referring to the more modern myths and legends in Human religions. If humans have been around 1000 years, and their oldest religions maybe 900, he's talking about things humans have started beveling in within the last 50-60 years. Within that context, it would be really easy to jump to the conclusion that the Innkeeper is seeking “the Blessing of Progress,” as the spirits welcomed by the ritual invoking the blessing drive away Fey creatures.
Genesh finds several spots in and around the town that are clear for camping and or some kind of leaning up against. Many of the shop keepers are welcoming enough to let you sleep in doorways and against buildings, but they do not welcome you into their shops as their are six of you and nobody wants to play favorites.
The tailor sees you as he's walking passed the Alchemist just as you exit her shop, her being the most likely to allow you to stay but still unwillingly. Irenia speaks up about her ability to fight, and the tailor is actually an avid boxing fan. He suggests that you speak with the banker and you do so. Of course, the person with the most money in town is very aware of an area where investments can be made on martial skill, and he explains that as long as you are friendly to the elves up until you smack them in the face, they'll probably let you sleep in their camp while they are gone at night. They might even pay you to guard it if you're strong enough.
A pause. This is the first you hear of an elf camp nearby. Its been obvious from the sightings, frequent trade, and various remarks about how elves aren't so bad, but this confirms it.
He explains that its only a group of 5 or 6 but they're all highly skilled rangers and they all love to drink and fight during the day because at night everything is all serious for them. You'd only have to walk about an hour but the directions are tricky and lead through some serious terrain. This is done so on purpose as these elves can literally glide through it like flying squirrels during the summer, and hear everything coming during the winter. He has several copies of maps to get there, and suggests that for the right price, he'll tell you exactly where to go, and may even go with you if you agree to let him place bets on your impending fight when you make it.
Genesh turned to Irenia, "well, what do you think? Shall we try to look for this mysterious and legendary elf camp? Who knows if we do then we might be able to question them and get answers to some of our burning questions. I'm game if you are."
Irenia nods to Genesh. "Sure, let's head to the camp. My fighting days are behind me, but I don't mind a tussle, especially if it gets us room and a chance to talk to some folks."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh nodded at Irenia, "alright then, sounds good. Do you think we try to pay this guy for a map or a guided tour? If so perhaps you might want to be in charge of any negotiations."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Olwer
immediately begins (mental) work on the Ballad of Jackass John the Adulterous Arsonist.
The bard strolls away from the guard shop, looking for his companions. If he meets anyone friendly along the way, he will chat, passing along the news that the guard has arrested John for arson.
If he finds Chris or someone not in his party who appears credulous, he will add that he thought John muttered something about how "the town will pay in blood and fire." If there's any way to pass that on to someone in his cups, despite the tavern being burned down, Olwer will spend his own coins to supply the booze and do just that.
Chris maintains a relatively useless conversation about preference of alcohol, much to Elisha's drudgery and growing annoyance before the Guards return with John. Chris goes dead silent, growing intense and serious. He leaves the room as John is arrested, and Elisha can see that John just kind of smirks when he sees that Chris is not only not saying anything about the arrest, but won't even bother looking at him. With a dismissive tsk, John reverts to the previous silence.
Depending on who you listen to, it would appear the case has been all but solved. Chris's mutterings outside seem to confirm that John is guilty, the Guards seem to almost want John to be guilty, and Olwer is outside singing a song about how guilty is John.
But there is something unrelentingly off about the fact that he hasn't raised a single ounce of protest verbally, having only briefly struggled before being arrested. If John really was the type to burn down a tavern after an argument, seems like the temper would be more explosive.
Then again, John probably wasn't drinking and mad when he was arrested. Quiet the opposite, they would have caught him totally off guard, and thereby at his most relaxed.
(There is time to speak with John, Chris, or the Guards once more before the Guards escort John to the River. You must indicate that you follow them if you do.)
On another path, Irenia & Genesh buy the map from the man and leave town. They retrace their steps back to the clearing where they caught the druid and head in the original direction Olwer had blocked the Larger one from running with Chris towards. It leads up to a well worn path within the trees exiting the forest briefly to walk around a hillside covered in thorns. You can see from the brambles and many overgrown vines that these were grown for a purpose and have clearly been the recipients of some kind of enchanting magics....
When you finally reach the other side, you reenter the forest for a small bit, then come to a campsite. There are two barrels near two crates immediately to the left as well as two blankets with pillows on individual bunches of straw on the right. The ashes of a dead fire sit center stage, holding the last blanket and pillow to its left, and an actual tent all the way to the back.
Before you even have time to really look around though, you're surrounded. In instinct, you raise your map, and a heavily covered representative, bow drawn, walks up. They lower it momentarily to snatch the map and recognize the seal. The other four drop down and you immediately recognize the body shape and size of the druid & larger one from before. The druid immediately runs behind the one who walked up to you with bow drawn as the larger does the same behind the druid. The first is not impressed and shakes its head before motioning to walk over to the campsite.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Olwer will attempt to convince the guard captain that he (and at least Elisha, if the elf is willing to come along) ought to go with the men taking John downriver. He stresses the dangers of shape-shifting kidnappers--another mention of the man transforming into a fierce bear-- and possible trouble with the Fair Folk, who may want John for their own reasons... He alludes to a 'dark beast' stalking the outskirts of town. Given the situation, surely it is much better to add strength to the party taking in the villain?
And, of course, the trip will provide him with further material for the ballad he's working on. He hints at an important, heroic role in the composition for the captain and his men.
Elisha will ask John: "I have a couple of short,easy questions for you : Did you burn down the inn? If so why? If you didn't why are you not fighting the accusation? It seems as everyone seems to be pleased to have this tied up neat and nice with you taking the blame......why is that?"
Elisha agrees to accompany Owler if the guards allow them.
Genesh just looked at the figures looking at them with bows drawn, the tortle holds up his hands to show he has no weapon at the ready, "we meet again it seems, most fortuitous don't you think my large bearish friend? Please, please, lower your bows, we come in peace. It seems there are no rooms at the inn in town so we've come here to share your camp if you would be so kind as to accept humble visitors such as ourselves into your midst."
The tortle follows them on to the campsite, seemingly totally unafraid, "so my friends, what is for dinner, fish I hope?"
The guards have no problem with Elisha & Olwer coming along to the river. They intend to head up to the Elf village and link up with a detachment from the harbor that comes out every week or so. They intend to stay in the village until then. (but you don't actually have to follow them down the river or even all the way to it if you don't want too.)
Just before that, however, Elisha spends the fleeting moments to ask John about his experience. He stays silent when ask directly if he burned down the inn, moving to a smile when asked why he would or wouldn't and a full on smirk when asked about not fighting the accusation.
“I'm definitely guilty of something.”
He lets slide out with a grin that would lead you to believe he knows something more than he's letting on. When he does so, he looks directly at the wall where Chris is standing on the other-side outside. You get the feeling that something between them is at the center of this. Perhaps this is John trying to atone for his guilt regarding Chris & Catherine's now failed relationship, which is definitely something he is guilty of in some part.
You can't confirm anything in this moment, however, as the guards come to let him up and begin escorting him down the long road to the river. As you leave town with them, Chris watches you all the way till out of eyesight, then he walks back to his house.
At the Camp:
Two of the five rangers return to their beds once the leader, or at least who you assume is the leader, waves to them. The bear and the larger one do so as well, but they keep their eyes on you and are most suspicious. They say nothing as the leader sits in front of his tent and speaks,
“I do not believe we have ever met. I assume you are speaking to *bear noise* and Olorin. They warned me of a several interesting figures in the words when they didn't come back with the monster we'd captured...”
He takes a pause, running a hand across his chin in contemplation.
“...nevertheless, it would appear that you are such figures and as it happens, I am in need of physical assistance.”
He gestures to the other four. The group looks fairly dejected, and you are sure that it isn't because of your arrival, nor the release of Chris.
“We have been hunting prey in this area for some time, but have been unable to pursue it as needed for fear of theft. During the night the humans are too afraid to wander this far but during the day we've already met men who wander deep into the forest just to act foolish and slaughter innocent creatures before the morning dew has even left the grass.”
Here, you know they're referring to Chris getting drunk and killing all the small creatures in the woods. This gives a little more context as the last time you heard about this, it seemed as though it was done at night, after a day of heavy drinking. According to this version, Chris was getting up and doing this stuff basically since the moment he woke up.
“If you would be so kind as to watch our camp so we can hunt without worry until about noon tomorrow, I'd be eternally grateful and more than willing to let you stay here.”
He smiles, pulling a set of skewers from the tent. He stands and walks over to the piled up crates and barrels. He pops open a barrel, shoves the skewers through something and sticks several skewered Pike in the ground near the fire so they begin roasting.
“And yes, today's meal is actually fish. These four have already eaten, but I haven't and I assume you haven't either...”
He chuckles a little
“...Or you just enjoy eating. Either way feel free to have some.”
He says nothing to John, not even a word of gloating over the man's capture. Instead, he strolls along humming softly, using the staff the tortle gave him as a walking stick, and glancing into the trees from time to time.
Irenia nodded at Genesh's observations. "I agree with you and if there is something in the woods that would explain all of the activity in the woods. It could also mean that the structure is here to hold something precious to a fey creature, hence the blessing to ward off fey creatures. I wonder if 'fey' could mean all elves. If you were going to hide something or someone in a city of elves, you do it under their eyes and nose and in a place they can't get to."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh gaze met Irenia's as the tortle nodded, "I am pleased that we are in agreement then. A fey creature would difficult enough to deal with but if fey does refer to all elves then we might have a real problem on our hands. I was thinking about scouting out a new place to shelter for the night if you'd care to join me you are welcome to do so. Or did you have another suggestion or something else that we should check out first?"
Irenia raises an eyebrow. "We could probably go to a local fighting arena and get some lodging. Otherwise, I think an inn would suit us just fine."
OOC: Irenia's Gladiator background has the Feature "Back By Popular Demand - You can always find a place to perform in any place that features combat for entertainment — perhaps a gladiatorial arena or secret pit fighting club. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes you something of a local figure. When strangers recognize you in a town where you have performed, they typically take a liking to you.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh looked at Irenia and nodded in agreement, "sure we can try that, as cold as it was last night I'd don't care where we stay, as long as it's warm and dry. Good idea."
Irenia nods and she will lead Genesh to the nearest fighting arena in the city.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
The tortle walked alongside Irenia to seek out the nearest fighting arena starting to very much enjoy the company of the Wood Elf warrior...
Olwer walks right up to the door of the guard station and stands there listening. Anyone around can see him (nobody but maybe Genesh and Irenia who walk passed in a moment) and he hears the standard booking procedure for “wanton destruction of private property by means of fire.” Curiously, John remains silent throughout the process and allows himself to be placed in the cage without a word. They congratulate themselves and begin packing for a trip up the river.
Genesh interprets “New Ways of Man” to be a somewhat dismissive way of the mason referring to the more modern myths and legends in Human religions. If humans have been around 1000 years, and their oldest religions maybe 900, he's talking about things humans have started beveling in within the last 50-60 years. Within that context, it would be really easy to jump to the conclusion that the Innkeeper is seeking “the Blessing of Progress,” as the spirits welcomed by the ritual invoking the blessing drive away Fey creatures.
Genesh finds several spots in and around the town that are clear for camping and or some kind of leaning up against. Many of the shop keepers are welcoming enough to let you sleep in doorways and against buildings, but they do not welcome you into their shops as their are six of you and nobody wants to play favorites.
The tailor sees you as he's walking passed the Alchemist just as you exit her shop, her being the most likely to allow you to stay but still unwillingly. Irenia speaks up about her ability to fight, and the tailor is actually an avid boxing fan. He suggests that you speak with the banker and you do so. Of course, the person with the most money in town is very aware of an area where investments can be made on martial skill, and he explains that as long as you are friendly to the elves up until you smack them in the face, they'll probably let you sleep in their camp while they are gone at night. They might even pay you to guard it if you're strong enough.
A pause. This is the first you hear of an elf camp nearby. Its been obvious from the sightings, frequent trade, and various remarks about how elves aren't so bad, but this confirms it.
He explains that its only a group of 5 or 6 but they're all highly skilled rangers and they all love to drink and fight during the day because at night everything is all serious for them. You'd only have to walk about an hour but the directions are tricky and lead through some serious terrain. This is done so on purpose as these elves can literally glide through it like flying squirrels during the summer, and hear everything coming during the winter. He has several copies of maps to get there, and suggests that for the right price, he'll tell you exactly where to go, and may even go with you if you agree to let him place bets on your impending fight when you make it.
Genesh turned to Irenia, "well, what do you think? Shall we try to look for this mysterious and legendary elf camp? Who knows if we do then we might be able to question them and get answers to some of our burning questions. I'm game if you are."
Irenia nods to Genesh. "Sure, let's head to the camp. My fighting days are behind me, but I don't mind a tussle, especially if it gets us room and a chance to talk to some folks."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Genesh nodded at Irenia, "alright then, sounds good. Do you think we try to pay this guy for a map or a guided tour? If so perhaps you might want to be in charge of any negotiations."
Olwer
immediately begins (mental) work on the Ballad of Jackass John the Adulterous Arsonist.
The bard strolls away from the guard shop, looking for his companions. If he meets anyone friendly along the way, he will chat, passing along the news that the guard has arrested John for arson.
If he finds Chris or someone not in his party who appears credulous, he will add that he thought John muttered something about how "the town will pay in blood and fire." If there's any way to pass that on to someone in his cups, despite the tavern being burned down, Olwer will spend his own coins to supply the booze and do just that.
deception
12
+5
Irenia thinks about it for a moment. "How about a gold for a map?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Chris maintains a relatively useless conversation about preference of alcohol, much to Elisha's drudgery and growing annoyance before the Guards return with John. Chris goes dead silent, growing intense and serious. He leaves the room as John is arrested, and Elisha can see that John just kind of smirks when he sees that Chris is not only not saying anything about the arrest, but won't even bother looking at him. With a dismissive tsk, John reverts to the previous silence.
Depending on who you listen to, it would appear the case has been all but solved. Chris's mutterings outside seem to confirm that John is guilty, the Guards seem to almost want John to be guilty, and Olwer is outside singing a song about how guilty is John.
But there is something unrelentingly off about the fact that he hasn't raised a single ounce of protest verbally, having only briefly struggled before being arrested. If John really was the type to burn down a tavern after an argument, seems like the temper would be more explosive.
Then again, John probably wasn't drinking and mad when he was arrested. Quiet the opposite, they would have caught him totally off guard, and thereby at his most relaxed.
(There is time to speak with John, Chris, or the Guards once more before the Guards escort John to the River. You must indicate that you follow them if you do.)
On another path, Irenia & Genesh buy the map from the man and leave town. They retrace their steps back to the clearing where they caught the druid and head in the original direction Olwer had blocked the Larger one from running with Chris towards. It leads up to a well worn path within the trees exiting the forest briefly to walk around a hillside covered in thorns. You can see from the brambles and many overgrown vines that these were grown for a purpose and have clearly been the recipients of some kind of enchanting magics....
When you finally reach the other side, you reenter the forest for a small bit, then come to a campsite. There are two barrels near two crates immediately to the left as well as two blankets with pillows on individual bunches of straw on the right. The ashes of a dead fire sit center stage, holding the last blanket and pillow to its left, and an actual tent all the way to the back.
Before you even have time to really look around though, you're surrounded. In instinct, you raise your map, and a heavily covered representative, bow drawn, walks up. They lower it momentarily to snatch the map and recognize the seal. The other four drop down and you immediately recognize the body shape and size of the druid & larger one from before. The druid immediately runs behind the one who walked up to you with bow drawn as the larger does the same behind the druid. The first is not impressed and shakes its head before motioning to walk over to the campsite.
Olwer will attempt to convince the guard captain that he (and at least Elisha, if the elf is willing to come along) ought to go with the men taking John downriver. He stresses the dangers of shape-shifting kidnappers--another mention of the man transforming into a fierce bear-- and possible trouble with the Fair Folk, who may want John for their own reasons... He alludes to a 'dark beast' stalking the outskirts of town. Given the situation, surely it is much better to add strength to the party taking in the villain?
And, of course, the trip will provide him with further material for the ballad he's working on. He hints at an important, heroic role in the composition for the captain and his men.
persuasion
17
Irenia follows them to the campsite, keeping her hand on her weapon in case things go wrong.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Elisha will ask John: "I have a couple of short,easy questions for you : Did you burn down the inn? If so why? If you didn't why are you not fighting the accusation? It seems as everyone seems to be pleased to have this tied up neat and nice with you taking the blame......why is that?"
Elisha agrees to accompany Owler if the guards allow them.
Genesh just looked at the figures looking at them with bows drawn, the tortle holds up his hands to show he has no weapon at the ready, "we meet again it seems, most fortuitous don't you think my large bearish friend? Please, please, lower your bows, we come in peace. It seems there are no rooms at the inn in town so we've come here to share your camp if you would be so kind as to accept humble visitors such as ourselves into your midst."
The tortle follows them on to the campsite, seemingly totally unafraid, "so my friends, what is for dinner, fish I hope?"
In Town:
The guards have no problem with Elisha & Olwer coming along to the river. They intend to head up to the Elf village and link up with a detachment from the harbor that comes out every week or so. They intend to stay in the village until then. (but you don't actually have to follow them down the river or even all the way to it if you don't want too.)
Just before that, however, Elisha spends the fleeting moments to ask John about his experience. He stays silent when ask directly if he burned down the inn, moving to a smile when asked why he would or wouldn't and a full on smirk when asked about not fighting the accusation.
“I'm definitely guilty of something.”
He lets slide out with a grin that would lead you to believe he knows something more than he's letting on. When he does so, he looks directly at the wall where Chris is standing on the other-side outside. You get the feeling that something between them is at the center of this. Perhaps this is John trying to atone for his guilt regarding Chris & Catherine's now failed relationship, which is definitely something he is guilty of in some part.
You can't confirm anything in this moment, however, as the guards come to let him up and begin escorting him down the long road to the river. As you leave town with them, Chris watches you all the way till out of eyesight, then he walks back to his house.
At the Camp:
Two of the five rangers return to their beds once the leader, or at least who you assume is the leader, waves to them. The bear and the larger one do so as well, but they keep their eyes on you and are most suspicious. They say nothing as the leader sits in front of his tent and speaks,
“I do not believe we have ever met. I assume you are speaking to *bear noise* and Olorin. They warned me of a several interesting figures in the words when they didn't come back with the monster we'd captured...”
He takes a pause, running a hand across his chin in contemplation.
“...nevertheless, it would appear that you are such figures and as it happens, I am in need of physical assistance.”
He gestures to the other four. The group looks fairly dejected, and you are sure that it isn't because of your arrival, nor the release of Chris.
“We have been hunting prey in this area for some time, but have been unable to pursue it as needed for fear of theft. During the night the humans are too afraid to wander this far but during the day we've already met men who wander deep into the forest just to act foolish and slaughter innocent creatures before the morning dew has even left the grass.”
Here, you know they're referring to Chris getting drunk and killing all the small creatures in the woods. This gives a little more context as the last time you heard about this, it seemed as though it was done at night, after a day of heavy drinking. According to this version, Chris was getting up and doing this stuff basically since the moment he woke up.
“If you would be so kind as to watch our camp so we can hunt without worry until about noon tomorrow, I'd be eternally grateful and more than willing to let you stay here.”
He smiles, pulling a set of skewers from the tent. He stands and walks over to the piled up crates and barrels. He pops open a barrel, shoves the skewers through something and sticks several skewered Pike in the ground near the fire so they begin roasting.
“And yes, today's meal is actually fish. These four have already eaten, but I haven't and I assume you haven't either...”
He chuckles a little
“...Or you just enjoy eating. Either way feel free to have some.”
Olwer accompanies the guards.
He says nothing to John, not even a word of gloating over the man's capture. Instead, he strolls along humming softly, using the staff the tortle gave him as a walking stick, and glancing into the trees from time to time.
Irenia turns to Genesh. "I suppose we could watch the camp for you while you hunt."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.