There is a pleasant odor of fresh-baked pastries wafting up to your room.
Olwer sniffs appreciatively.
He hands a dark-green stone with blood-red spots to Erevan.
''For the fair. My good fortune is yours, comrade."
He peeks out the window.
"Hmmmm....I see plenty of Gnomes, as expected. A Damaran Bloodstone might attract more than the usual interest if these little fellows share their kind's typical love of gems."
OOC:
I can edit this out if you have already spent the gp value, DarwinCullins. If not, let Olwer give Erevan his gift in-game. Seems fun this way.
Erevan has finished his rudimentary dressing and grooming when Olwer arrives. He smiles and nods as his comrade hands him the gem. "Very much appreciated, my friend," he says.
"Hey, that's a nice one," Fez says, landing on Erevan's hand to use the gem as a small seat. Erevan's free hand gently waves near the sprite to shoo him away. He pockets the gem in his belt pouch.
"Ah yes, food is a fine idea," he says. "Shall we?"
As they move to leave he tilts his head toward Fez. "Best stay unseen for now, eh?" The miniature winged humanoid nods and shimmers into invisibility, keeping fairly close to Erevan for now.
OOC:
That makes sense. I have not used it yet. Might actually get some armor with these funds!
The proprietress of the Squirrel and Nightjar Inn, where you’ve stayed last night, catches you on the stairs. She’s a kindly old halfling who goes by Miss Buttertree and she bobs and curtsies so much it’s a wonder she’s able to ever walk anywhere.
”Good morning, masters. Will you be having breakfast here, or will you be wanting to catch some food at the Faire? They’re serving free meals all day long at the big tent, but if you’d rather I whipped you up a home-cooked meal, I’ll take your order and a silver piece, and it’ll be ready in a jiffy. Or maybe you’re saving your appetite for the eel-eating contest?”
Erevan nods at Olwer's response to the courteous keeper of the inn. "Of course," he says. "No rush to get out there amidst the clamor, er, the celebration."
He sniffs the air, wondering if by any odd chance this fine establishment might have that rarest of morning pleasures, kaeth. He doubts it but holds out just a bit of hope for a sip of the rejuvenating brown liquid.
Miss Buttertree sits you down at a table in a rather homey dining room and before long serves a hot breakfast of hash browns, eggs, and ham. No kaeth, she’s never heard of it, but listens politely if you care to explain it to her.
“You’ll be wanting to get to the Faire now, of course,”
she says as she clears away your plates. She comes back with a parchment that she gives to you. It’s a map of the Faire.
”We’ve been making these maps for out-of-towners, they seem to help. Is there anything else I can help with?
(I can’t seem to figure out how to get an image in the post, on mobile, so just a link for now)
Olwer says, "Thank you for the map. I'm sure it will prove useful." He nods thoughtfully and adds, "Have you got an opinion about which local water source is the purest?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erevan enjoys the food, particularly the sweet treats. He's vaguely aware of Fez's presence, but the sprite does a good job of remaining hidden, at least for now. The warlock pockets a few bits of pastry to share with his little pal later. He does not bother to discuss kaeth, knowing it is a truly rare beverage and not likely to have found its way to this village.
At some point, he decides, perhaps unwisely, to follow a rather direct line of questioning to Miss Buttertree. "Dear Miss Buttertree-miss, really? can that be correct?" His eyes seem to reach out to her as he speaks, and he flashes the halfling lady a winning smile. "This map really is wonderful, sent by the gods even." He lowers his voice and leans a little closer to her. "Now don't tell a soul, because I would sincerely love for it to be surprise, but have you heard tell of halfling lass goes by the name of Elsie who's arrived at the faire?"
Miss Buttertree subconsciously pats at her hair, which is pulled back in a bun, to make sure the hairs are in place, and gives Erevan a smile.
“Aren’t you a sweet talker. As for Elsies, I don’t know I’d say they’ve “arrived” but there are two Elsies that live here in Honeypuddle. Swere little things they are, too. I hear that little Elsie Longbobbin is going to turn some heads at the archery contest this year.”
I’ll add that you have a description of your quarry, Elsie Rumknuckle, as a stout but athletic 30-year-old halfling with flaming red hair, green eyes, and a distinctive blush of red freckles across her cheeks and nose.
Erevan smiles and nods, seeming to hang on the proprietress's every word. "Oho, an archery contest!" he says, his voice rising just slightly in pitch. "If only I were a decent shot!" He laughs and finishes up his meal.
"This food has been wonderful," he says to the happy innkeeper. In this case, his words are completely sincere. He looks to his comrade (comrades?) and tilts his head just slightly toward the door.
Erevan ... looks to his comrade (comrades?) and tilts his head just slightly toward the door.
Erevan and Olwer have traveled here with another half-elf, Taro. The three of you are a bounty-hunting team, as Elsie has proven to be slippery. Taro seems to be sleeping in this morning, a bit odd for him.
Erevan ... looks to his comrade (comrades?) and tilts his head just slightly toward the door.
Erevan and Olwer have traveled here with another half-elf, Taro. The three of you are a bounty-hunting team, as Elsie has proven to be slippery. Taro seems to be sleeping in this morning, a bit odd for him.
Olwer returns Erevan's nod.
He quickly leaves a message with the innkeeper, advising Taro to look for him at the big tent (where the free food is served) at highsun, should they not run across one another sooner.
He goes off to explore the Pudding Faire, eyes peeled for any red-headed Halfling women.
Outside there’s a palpable feeling of bustle and excitement. Halflings and gnomes throng the streets, heading towards the faire. Everywhere you look, something interesting is happening. A group of children startle a goose, which flutters and honks, causing a nearby gnome to jump and drop a pile of cakes on the ground. You see a passing jackdaw poop on the bald pate of an aged halfling. Further up the street, a barking dog chases a cat through the legs of the crowd, tripping up the town crier (the fellow who had been bellowing this morning) and he falls into a mud puddle. These events are met with laughs and helping hands from other passersby. You see that most of the halflings here have dark brown or even black hair and earthy complexions; your Elsie’s fair appearance may stand out among these folk, but you see no sign of her yet.
Moving forward with the flow in the street, you see ahead of you the Faire. A large tent stands in the distance, with a large thoroughfair leading up to it, lined with carts and smaller tents.
Outside there’s a palpable feeling of bustle and excitement. Halflings and gnomes throng the streets, heading towards the faire. Everywhere you look, something interesting is happening. A group of children startle a goose, which flutters and honks, causing a nearby gnome to jump and drop a pile of cakes on the ground. You see a passing jackdaw poop on the bald pate of an aged halfling. Further up the street, a barking dog chases a cat through the legs of the crowd, tripping up the town crier (the fellow who had been bellowing this morning) and he falls into a mud puddle. These events are met with laughs and helping hands from other passersby. You see that most of the halflings here have dark brown or even black hair and earthy complexions; your Elsie’s fair appearance may stand out among these folk, but you see no sign of her yet.
Moving forward with the flow in the street, you see ahead of you the Faire. A large tent stands in the distance, with a large thoroughfair leading up to it, lined with carts and smaller tents.
Olwer peers a moment at the map and then hands it to Erevan.
Erevan is surprised at how much he enjoys seeing the silly antics of the halflings, gnomes and associated livestock. Though he's tempted to roll his eyes at such things, he has to admire their innocent joy.
At Olwer's question, he takes the map in hand for a moment. "Well, much as I am tempted by the oiled boar and eel eating contests, it appears the Great Pudding Tent is the heart of this event, and we'll get a look at plenty of folks along the path to it. What say you?"
Erevan is surprised at how much he enjoys seeing the silly antics of the halflings, gnomes and associated livestock. Though he's tempted to roll his eyes at such things, he has to admire their innocent joy.
At Olwer's question, he takes the map in hand for a moment. "Well, much as I am tempted by the oiled boar and eel eating contests, it appears the Great Pudding Tent is the heart of this event, and we'll get a look at plenty of folks along the path to it. What say you?"
Olwer nods.
''Yes, that seems good to me.''
He whistles a merry tune as he strolls along.
On the way to the central pavilion, Olwer looks about at the fair-goers, the tents and stalls, and any food or wares on display. If he spots a red-headed or very fair Halfling, he will shift his attention to the nearest fairground attraction and head that way, keeping track of the one he spotted while doing his best to seem more interested in whatever event or shop stands close to the target of his suspicion.
perception16
deception23
If he sees nobody who fits the suspect's description, he keeps on until he reaches the big tent.
Olwer, your relative height in comparison to the halflings and gnomes gives you a great vantage point to spy out many of them. It's the perfect early summer day, everyone's wearing light, summer clothing, and features such as complexion and hair color are readily visible. You're confident that you could spot your quarry, if she were anywhere nearby, but she does not appear to be.
The first sight, right at the faire entrance, is a strange one. An ancient-looking halfling woman, bent over with age, yet with a youthful happy spark in her eyes, is enthusiastically greeting many faire-goers, and many of the faire-goers seem to want to stop and talk to her, as well. What really catches your eye, though, are her "pet" companions. Harnessed to her cart are two kittens of enormous size. The kittens appear completely normal in every way, except that they are each as large as a horse. They sit calmly, cleaning themselves and watching the faire-goers with mild curiosity.
Just inside the faire ahead on the right, you can also see what appears to be an herbalist's wagon with their wares set out on display, and on the left is a livestock pen.
Olwer comes into the room from the hall.
"Good news, guild-brother; our third fellow has arrived in town. He ought to be here soon."
The bard smiles and nods to the warlock's sprite.
Looking back to Erevan, he says,
"'Breakfast in the common room, or do you have another notion?"
There is a pleasant odor of fresh-baked pastries wafting up to your room.
Olwer sniffs appreciatively.
He hands a dark-green stone with blood-red spots to Erevan.
''For the fair. My good fortune is yours, comrade."
He peeks out the window.
"Hmmmm....I see plenty of Gnomes, as expected. A Damaran Bloodstone might attract more than the usual interest if these little fellows share their kind's typical love of gems."
OOC:
I can edit this out if you have already spent the gp value, DarwinCullins. If not, let Olwer give Erevan his gift in-game. Seems fun this way.
Same for you, Kobalt, if you like.
Erevan has finished his rudimentary dressing and grooming when Olwer arrives. He smiles and nods as his comrade hands him the gem. "Very much appreciated, my friend," he says.
"Hey, that's a nice one," Fez says, landing on Erevan's hand to use the gem as a small seat. Erevan's free hand gently waves near the sprite to shoo him away. He pockets the gem in his belt pouch.
"Ah yes, food is a fine idea," he says. "Shall we?"
As they move to leave he tilts his head toward Fez. "Best stay unseen for now, eh?" The miniature winged humanoid nods and shimmers into invisibility, keeping fairly close to Erevan for now.
OOC:
That makes sense. I have not used it yet. Might actually get some armor with these funds!
The proprietress of the Squirrel and Nightjar Inn, where you’ve stayed last night, catches you on the stairs. She’s a kindly old halfling who goes by Miss Buttertree and she bobs and curtsies so much it’s a wonder she’s able to ever walk anywhere.
”Good morning, masters. Will you be having breakfast here, or will you be wanting to catch some food at the Faire? They’re serving free meals all day long at the big tent, but if you’d rather I whipped you up a home-cooked meal, I’ll take your order and a silver piece, and it’ll be ready in a jiffy. Or maybe you’re saving your appetite for the eel-eating contest?”
Olwer checks with Erevan first, and if his fellow 'brewer' has no objections, he will pay for a fresh meal at the inn.
"I'd be delighted to take my breakfast here, Mistress Buttertree."
I am subtracting the money now.
Erevan nods at Olwer's response to the courteous keeper of the inn. "Of course," he says. "No rush to get out there amidst the clamor, er, the celebration."
He sniffs the air, wondering if by any odd chance this fine establishment might have that rarest of morning pleasures, kaeth. He doubts it but holds out just a bit of hope for a sip of the rejuvenating brown liquid.
Miss Buttertree sits you down at a table in a rather homey dining room and before long serves a hot breakfast of hash browns, eggs, and ham. No kaeth, she’s never heard of it, but listens politely if you care to explain it to her.
“You’ll be wanting to get to the Faire now, of course,”
she says as she clears away your plates. She comes back with a parchment that she gives to you. It’s a map of the Faire.
”We’ve been making these maps for out-of-towners, they seem to help. Is there anything else I can help with?
(I can’t seem to figure out how to get an image in the post, on mobile, so just a link for now)
Map
Olwer says, "Thank you for the map. I'm sure it will prove useful." He nods thoughtfully and adds, "Have you got an opinion about which local water source is the purest?"
Erevan enjoys the food, particularly the sweet treats. He's vaguely aware of Fez's presence, but the sprite does a good job of remaining hidden, at least for now. The warlock pockets a few bits of pastry to share with his little pal later. He does not bother to discuss kaeth, knowing it is a truly rare beverage and not likely to have found its way to this village.
At some point, he decides, perhaps unwisely, to follow a rather direct line of questioning to Miss Buttertree. "Dear Miss Buttertree-miss, really? can that be correct?" His eyes seem to reach out to her as he speaks, and he flashes the halfling lady a winning smile. "This map really is wonderful, sent by the gods even." He lowers his voice and leans a little closer to her. "Now don't tell a soul, because I would sincerely love for it to be surprise, but have you heard tell of halfling lass goes by the name of Elsie who's arrived at the faire?"
OOC: Putting two potentially relevant rolls here.
Persuasion 18
Investigation 11
Miss Buttertree subconsciously pats at her hair, which is pulled back in a bun, to make sure the hairs are in place, and gives Erevan a smile.
“Aren’t you a sweet talker. As for Elsies, I don’t know I’d say they’ve “arrived” but there are two Elsies that live here in Honeypuddle. Swere little things they are, too. I hear that little Elsie Longbobbin is going to turn some heads at the archery contest this year.”
I’ll add that you have a description of your quarry, Elsie Rumknuckle, as a stout but athletic 30-year-old halfling with flaming red hair, green eyes, and a distinctive blush of red freckles across her cheeks and nose.
Erevan smiles and nods, seeming to hang on the proprietress's every word. "Oho, an archery contest!" he says, his voice rising just slightly in pitch. "If only I were a decent shot!" He laughs and finishes up his meal.
"This food has been wonderful," he says to the happy innkeeper. In this case, his words are completely sincere. He looks to his comrade (comrades?) and tilts his head just slightly toward the door.
Erevan and Olwer have traveled here with another half-elf, Taro. The three of you are a bounty-hunting team, as Elsie has proven to be slippery. Taro seems to be sleeping in this morning, a bit odd for him.
Olwer returns Erevan's nod.
He quickly leaves a message with the innkeeper, advising Taro to look for him at the big tent (where the free food is served) at highsun, should they not run across one another sooner.
He goes off to explore the Pudding Faire, eyes peeled for any red-headed Halfling women.
Outside there’s a palpable feeling of bustle and excitement. Halflings and gnomes throng the streets, heading towards the faire. Everywhere you look, something interesting is happening. A group of children startle a goose, which flutters and honks, causing a nearby gnome to jump and drop a pile of cakes on the ground. You see a passing jackdaw poop on the bald pate of an aged halfling. Further up the street, a barking dog chases a cat through the legs of the crowd, tripping up the town crier (the fellow who had been bellowing this morning) and he falls into a mud puddle. These events are met with laughs and helping hands from other passersby. You see that most of the halflings here have dark brown or even black hair and earthy complexions; your Elsie’s fair appearance may stand out among these folk, but you see no sign of her yet.
Moving forward with the flow in the street, you see ahead of you the Faire. A large tent stands in the distance, with a large thoroughfair leading up to it, lined with carts and smaller tents.
Olwer peers a moment at the map and then hands it to Erevan.
"Where to first?"
Erevan is surprised at how much he enjoys seeing the silly antics of the halflings, gnomes and associated livestock. Though he's tempted to roll his eyes at such things, he has to admire their innocent joy.
At Olwer's question, he takes the map in hand for a moment. "Well, much as I am tempted by the oiled boar and eel eating contests, it appears the Great Pudding Tent is the heart of this event, and we'll get a look at plenty of folks along the path to it. What say you?"
Olwer nods.
''Yes, that seems good to me.''
He whistles a merry tune as he strolls along.
On the way to the central pavilion, Olwer looks about at the fair-goers, the tents and stalls, and any food or wares on display. If he spots a red-headed or very fair Halfling, he will shift his attention to the nearest fairground attraction and head that way, keeping track of the one he spotted while doing his best to seem more interested in whatever event or shop stands close to the target of his suspicion.
perception16
deception23
If he sees nobody who fits the suspect's description, he keeps on until he reaches the big tent.
Olwer, your relative height in comparison to the halflings and gnomes gives you a great vantage point to spy out many of them. It's the perfect early summer day, everyone's wearing light, summer clothing, and features such as complexion and hair color are readily visible. You're confident that you could spot your quarry, if she were anywhere nearby, but she does not appear to be.
The first sight, right at the faire entrance, is a strange one. An ancient-looking halfling woman, bent over with age, yet with a youthful happy spark in her eyes, is enthusiastically greeting many faire-goers, and many of the faire-goers seem to want to stop and talk to her, as well. What really catches your eye, though, are her "pet" companions. Harnessed to her cart are two kittens of enormous size. The kittens appear completely normal in every way, except that they are each as large as a horse. They sit calmly, cleaning themselves and watching the faire-goers with mild curiosity.
Just inside the faire ahead on the right, you can also see what appears to be an herbalist's wagon with their wares set out on display, and on the left is a livestock pen.