"Vesta Willis," Lia shouts up to the men on the wall. She's never been on very good terms with law enforcement, and over the years it's become habit to introduce herself to them with a fake name. The fewer of them knew who she was, the better. "We're just hoping to pass through and be on our way, if you'd be so kind as to open the gate."

"Well, alright then," You see him disappear behind the well for a minute as the gate starts to rise, allowing you to enter. The man greets you once again, "Hello, I'm captain Rinfar. Sorry about the hostility, we've just been keeping records of everyone that passes through here. Can't be too safe these days, you never know who is on what side with nasty spies being in the mix. Listen, I know you said that your party is just passing through but I see that you're on foot and if you have any spare time, we could use your help with a nearby raider camp that's been pestering us. We would take care of it ourselves, but this damn war has us pretty locked down with things to do. I have some horses in it for you if you're interested"

Glancing around the interior of the fort and seeing the way everyone seems to be constantly in a state of work, this whole place seems well-organized for security and for defense. Many of the civilians here are armed and seem to be ready to help man the walls, while non-combatants would probably bring ammunition, food, and water to the walls and help the wounded. You see a tower atop each corner of the fort for lookouts and archers. This place is definitely well-armed and on its way to becoming a permanent, more established fort with more city-like qualities. Just from the quick glance from the gate, you can already see a stable, hear a blacksmith, and lots (for a place that's not an actual town) of people.

"No, I fully understand. In a time such as this, it's best to be on your guard," Lia says. In reality, she's far from pleased that they're on high alert, but the captain doesn't need to know that. "How large is this camp? And how well armed are they? I'm presuming you want us to destroy it completely?"

OOC As a veteran officer, Finn gives the compound the once over while inside. is this all legit?   

OOC yes it seems pretty legit

"We've only had enough resources to send out a scout here and there for some basic recon. They have half a dozen as far as we've been able to tell. But the main thing is a magic item they stole from us. We need it back. However you want to do the job is up to you, we just need to make sure we won't be getting raided anymore."

"I'd be glad to help," says Haldos. "I'm sorry... I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Haldos, or Honest."

Lia surveys their little group. "Five of us. Six of them. I like those odds." Turning back to the captain, she asks, "What specific magic item?"

"Captain" Finn asks after Lia's question is addressed. "Do you know of a man named Cornwallis?"'

Ivo'liss pipes up from the back of the group, "You have any of those scouts available right now?? I'd like to see if the caught any specifics on the camp". Ivo'liss has straightened up, no longer slouching, and seems to have dropped the usual act of aloofness. At some point since entering the fort he has donned the cloth belt he's been wearing as a sash clasped neared the center of his chest

With a sudden surge of inspiration, Monk-E decides to move on, alone, in search of other adventures more suitable to his flow of life.

"Good to meet you Haldos. However, I'm not sure if I trust the name..." he laughs to himself a bit; he continues, "They're a pair of leather gauntlets the raiders got a hold of about a week ago, you'll recognize them by their greenish tint."

"Hmm, the name does sound familiar. I'll have to check my list and get back to you."

"Unfortunately, the only manpower here at the fort right now are needed here at the fort otherwise I would be happy to send someone along with you, my apologies."

"Captain" Finn asks after Lia's question is addressed. "Do you know of a man named Cornwallis?"'

"Names are seldom trustworthy," Haldos retorts to Rinfar. "Plus they can be interpreted in many different ways. I'd be honest if I was telling you that I hate my job as priest of Asmodeus. And I'd still be honest in telling you that I stay in the job because of peer pressure." He pauses to change topic. "So where did you last see the gauntlets? Do you have any idea where the raider camp could be?"

"Oh I'm sorry captain, I didn't desire to take any of your men with us, I just wished to discuss the bandit's defenses and the layout of their encampment, scout to scout ya know??"  as Ivo'liss says this he lays his hand on the green sash he is now wearing "It'd be helpful to know all we can about these miscreants".