Save the Princess

[Visturon]

The three of you have been gathered together in a dark and run down castle outside a village in the nation of Korlon. The castle seems to be extensively haunted but not dangerous, furniture and other things that shouldn't be able to move are constantly in different places whenever you look away and there are always whisperings of voices but never a person speaking.

There are two other Princes from powerful nations as well as a man who appears to be a half-elven nobleman and a hulking man who keeps himself in the shadows and has not removed his cloak or its hood.

The hulking man is the one who met you all at the door, simply introducing himself as Adam. Now you all stand around a large table in a very impressive library sipping wine that you didn't see anyone bring in.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming, ran a hand through his hair as he approached the castle, and grimaced when a few strands of his golden hair came with it. He knew he was anxious, and had been so almost non-stop since Cinderella was taken from him. They had met and bonded that night, but now he hunted for the woman who had stolen her and kept her captive even now. His scrying had revealed that much, but further attempts had been foiled, and he had been forced to leave his mountain home to come in search of others who could help him.

He refused to be daunted by the huge cloaked man who loomed over the dwarf, and he effortlessly adopted the persona which had earned him his name. He glided across the room, his mail clattering and he took a seat at the table. He had only a little facial hair, an oddity for a dwarf, but one which Charming knew was required when dealing with outlanders. It was kept short on his chin, a fuzzy golden glow, and his hair itself was not even shoulder length, and silkier than silk.

"Greetings men. I am, as you are almost certainly aware, Prince Kurthgurn the Charming, son of High Thane Druthgurt VII, lord of Thormakk and Thane of the Mountain Home. I recognise some amongst you, but perhaps we can learn more of each other?"

[Aard_Rinn]

Erika leans back in the chair. It took nearly three weeks, but she has finally reached Korlon - the seas, no longer held back by Triton, were whipped into a froth by storms and gales.

She gazes around the room, put somewhat on edge by the unknown magic that is moving things around, but not frightened; she has encountered many such magics in her travels. She is uncertain as to who their host was, but, seeing as he was accompanied by several other nobles, she decided to go with him to begin her search for help.

She watches the rest of the group, observing carefully the hooded figure. She recognizes the Princes, but this "Adam" is unknown to her.

"I am Erika, crown regal of Orrel. We have met before, briefly, once when I was younger; I was acting as ambassador to Thormakk. What business has called you from the mountains? Korlon is no small journey.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming frowned trying to recall such a girl, almost certain he would have: even the big folk women often found themselves drawn to his smile or by word of his deeds.
"It must have been a long time then, for I am sure I would remember a face like yours," he replied almost instinctively, "But I am drawn because the woman that I love, my betrothed, is captured by another woman, one of dark talents for certain. The armies of Thormakk are often busy, and besides this is no task for those without brains. I come seeking the aid of others with certain talents and associations, that might help me locate and reclaim my bride to be." There. It was spoken and could not be taken back. He may have lost honour, and as his father had said, brought shame on his kin, but he had done what needed to be done, and his soul was laid bare before these strangers.

[Aard_Rinn]

A long time ago, yes. I was but a young girl, then. I too am on a quest to save my beloved; the mermaid princess, Ariel of Atlantea, and her kingdom, are held hostage by a great Kraken. I have traveled here to seek aid amongst the mainland nations in her rescue. And you? The last question is directed towards the others in the group.

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Al had debated how genuine he was going to be with the other princes. While in the last years he had grown more comfortable as Prince Ali, when push came to shove he still saw himself as Aladdin the street rat. He had met most of the others in his travels, but the only one who knew even part of the truth was Erika, as Jasmine had been uncomfortable lying to her old friend. Still all she knew was that he wasn't a natural born prince, since they had told her nothing more, and he assumed she believed him to be from a minor noble family or a rich merchant one (I'll let Eirika's player decide how perceptive she was regarding that). In the end he decided to act like Aladdin but keep the identity. He was wearing a eastern style travelling outfit hiding his light coat of mail, his normal clothes being rather impractical in the colder weather. He did put on the ridiculous huge feathered hat as a concession to style. At first glance, he did not look all that impressive beyond rather handsome features, but he moved with the grace of an acrobat, and his dark eyes seemed to see everything.

Assorted Highnesses, for those who do not know me I'm known as Prince Ali Ababwa, my friends call me Al, I'll let you decide weather to do it or not. I understand that, by design or coincidence, all of us have been robbed of our beloved. My fiance, the crown Princess Jasmine of Agrabah, has been abducted by the warlock Jafar, and old enemy of ours we made the mistake of lettign walk away 2 years ago. He has taken control of the city, and I fear for my beloved and our people.

[Visturon]

The others present listen intently to the tales told and then the Gnome Prince steps forth and does a very flourished low bow as he introduces himself, "I am Prince Giznob of Gnomadrell Isle and I to have a love that has been taken from me." His voice is strangely musical and he seems to be weaving a song together with his words. "The beauty Snow White was driven from the castle and fled into the woods where I am sure she still lives because of a vicious plot by the Grand Cogweld's new wife."

The Elf introduces himself as Prince Phillip of Alcontalopa then speaks of how his love and her sister were taken and are trapped in castles in far off forests, the unknown half elf keeps quite but it is clear this tale is dear to his heart as well.

Finally the hulking fellow steps out, removing his hood you see a monster. Though hunched he stands upright like a human but has the face and fangs of a wolf, the horns of a ram, and claws like some monstrous beast and he is covered in a dark fur. "I was Prince Adam of Korlon, now I am just this beast... There is a girl who dared to love me though and while I cannot leave this place, I would ask of you that she be saved. I will provide whatever aid I can to get her out of the clutches of the vile Lord Gaston who has forced her to marry him."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"It seems like we have fallen afoul of women then. It seems they are made to cause us trouble," Charming laughed "present company excluded of course." He added for Erika's benefit.

"So where does that leave us?"

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

There's something fishy going on, and I don't mean Erika's girlfriend. I know princesses being kidnapped is a longstanding tradition among noblemen, but this is just ridiculous. There's more love related drama in this room then in all of Scheherazade's tales, and I'm fresh out of genie magic to fix it. I think you all should write home, and instruct your forces to be on high alert. This goes doubly for your royal guards, this could be part of a plan to destabilize this whole region, and the next step would logically be to remove the rulers while the heirs are going to their deaths in the name of love, quite brilliant actually if I'm right, and not something that could have been countered had we all gone half cocked to rescue our dear ones.


Al then lets out a self deprecating laugh, slightly deflating the gloom his words had cast

Of course, I might be paranoid and this is all a coincidence, it's not like all cases fit my theory. In any case, thank you for bringing us here Adam. I suggest we split into two groups and rescue the damsels

[Aard_Rinn]

Erika seems unnerved by the massive Beast, and refuses to look at him straight on. Her hand falls to the hilt of her sword, and she tenses, but she makes no move to attack him.

With some hesitance, she replies. "I am a fighter, and I have traveled the seas since I was young, but I fear I cannot fight this beast without magical aid. I would lend my sword to your mission, if one of you would aid me in rescuing my beloved."

I rolled for how perceptive E. was about A. because I didn't have any good RP ideas either way, and got a 18. So, she knows, but she'll be discreet, I guess.

[Visturon]

In reply to Aladdin the Beast says "I understand your fears but I have reason to believe these events are unrelated. Belle was a commoner not a princess and the man who took her from me does not know who I once was. The elven princesses Aurora and Rapunzel were both taken over a hundred years ago by a hag with a grudge against the royal family of Alcontalopa."

Turning to Erika he adds "I am glad to know you will help, if you and the others will promise to save Belle as well I have much I can offer to assist you in your own rescues." Suddenly a display case full of unique looking items hobbles over from the wall, opening its glass doors next to the Beast. He pulls out a wooden box and hands it to Erika, "These scales will allow you to breathe and swim as fish do but only last a few days after being adhered to your skin."

[Aard_Rinn]

Erika accepts the box of scales, and tries to identify what creature they came from.

If I can roll for this

Roll(1d20)+0:
13,+6 (Maritime Lore)
Total:19

If not, nevermind.


She then replies: "Much as I hate to say it, let's start with one of your princesses. Ariel is safe enough; to my knowlage, she is only trapped within Atlantea, and she is guarded by her father and the Atlantean guard. Likewise, Aurora and Rapunzel will be no worse off for another few months in captivity; they have already been imprisoned for a century. I would suggest we rescue Jasmine, first. Agrahbah is not so far, and I am well acquainted with the Capitol. Or we could rescue Belle, since she is so nearby...." The second option seems more reluctant, and it's clear that Erika would prefer to go to Agrahbah.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

The others were being so... so... selfless. It was infuriating, but when i such company, the only way to also look as good was to out-self-sacrifice the others.

"Princess Erika, you speak candid words that do you great honour."

"Prince Ali, I offer you my sword and my mind in the task of returning your lady Jasmine to you, and freeing the city from the fell clutches of those who hold it." He needed to charm them, and if this was the way of insuring their aid he would agree to it. Then he could save Cinderella.

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Al's eyebrows raise a bit at Charming's proclamation

Wow, formal guy, last man I met that polite was trying to sell me snake oil

He takes off his hat and bows low

Gentlemen, Erika, I propose a pact. First, let's go rescue Adam's love, Belle wasn't it? It is very close and I believe we owe him, then, we take care of the rest.

[Aard_Rinn]

Erika nods curtly. Yes: To the salvation of all our princesses, I pledge my blade. She looks at the princes expectantly.

[Visturon]

The Beast steps up, "I pledge you my resources."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Well that was easy enough," Charming adds jovially, "Lord Adam, would you be so kind as to point us towards your wife Belle's current location? As far as you know it. The faster we start getting these things done, the quicker we can finish. Good luck to all."

[Visturon]

"If you are to save Belle you will have to get her out of Lord Gaston's manor. It is located just outside the village two days ride southeast of here. As I am stuck in this place, I have never been there." Beast sighs and instinctively moves a little back into the shadows. "Gaston himself is a formidable man but his weakness is his arrogance."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming shook his head; arrogance wasn't a weakness, just a confidence booster, though by the look of that hulking great fellow he probably didn't have much in the way of confidence, or awareness of social niceties if those nails were anything to go by.
"Well then, we should get on: we can plan as we ride, though of course there is no point setting out tonight. Let's wait till morning and head out early. Adam, could you make sure to alert us to any potential tricks or traps that Gaston might regularly employ, and whether he has any friends with magical capabilities."

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

If he's arrogant as you say, I think a visit by a 3 powerful princes travelling with servants might be in order. "Oh Lord Gaston, we have heard how you rescued your lady love from a vile beast, do you have any advice for our quest", something like that. Stroke the man's ego and get him drunk if at all possible while the "servants" scout out the place. Then, we act in the dead of night. I'd like to have a look at his treasury as well, a man who would kidnap innocent women does not deserve riches. Did he do anything that deserves running him through Adam, or are you satisfied with simply getting Belle back? I don't like killing, but some people deserve it

[Visturon]

The Beast thinks for a bit after what you have to say. "Gaston is to arrogant to employ traps, he thinks he can best any man who would do him harm. His manor still has guards and no doubt they have orders to use force if Belle tries to leave." Turning to Aladdin, "The man is not cruel except for ignoring the plight of others for his own gain, and he scarcely cares for wealth. While I'm sure he would receive you as you say, I doubt any mortal could drink that man under the able."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"I can give it a go," Charming adds conversationally: "Back in Thormakk we drink mead that would pound a human like half a brick."

"But I like your plan, Ali, perhaps him inviting us in would be the best wa to gain entry."

[Aard_Rinn]

"I agree that subterfuge seems the safest course," Erika repies. "But I fear he may be more cautious than that. However, he seems a bit of a chauvenist; perhaps I can use that to get close to Belle - as a fellow woman, to comfort her and sing Gaston's praises, of course. Then, you men could make a distraction, maybe set the manor ablaze, and I could escort the lady to safety; a horse concealed in the woods, perhaps. I doubt the guards have orders to keep her trapped in a burning building, and if Charming here can get Gaston drunk, he shouldn't be much of a threat." She grins. "Once the two of us are far enough away, we could wait, regroup, and escort her back here. She can ride, can't she?" Erika looks up at Adam with a bit of a grin.

[Visturon]

"Yes, she can ride."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Well then we are decided, let us get a proper night's sleep and then we can be on our way tomorrow." Charming was tough, he coudl survive sleepless nights but meeting with these foreign powers was nerve racking enough, and he wanted to find some place where he needn't perform his standard show: Cinderella's loss had cut him too deeply, and the subterfuge required to hide that wound was hard to keep up.

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Aladdin seems skeptical of Erika's plan, and after mulling it over proposes a few amendments.

If you're certain, but we'll have to review our stories, you don't seem much for subterfuge Erika, and frankly I'll like to avoid having the plan rely on your lies, while I myself have actually sold sand to desert nomads, and I have little doubt Kurtgurn could replicate the feat. You're a very honest and forthright person, very admirable qualities but not very useful for an enterprise such as ours. Now, if I assume the silent gentlemen will not be joining us there are 3 of us. This is what I propose:
Kurtgurn is travelling the lands looking for information on the whereabouts of his lady friend. You yourself were on one of your diplomatic missions, ran into him and offered to help him meet a few mighty champions to help in his quest. I would avoid mentioning Ariel, a man such as Gaston probably has some absurd objections to what he would deem unnatural relationships, and even if he doesn't he would only be less likely to let you see Belle. I am your faithful manservant Aladdin. You bought my indentured servitude contract from a cruel master in Agrabah few years ago, and now I travel with you everywhere. While you and Kurtgurn are being entertained by Gaston I find out where Belle is and what condition she's being kept in. If possible I will slip her a message from Adam saying we are here to help her. Then, we decide if we can sneak her out of have to cut her free via code, for example discussing going east the next day means sneak her out, west means we'll have to fight. In either case, we go back to the stable, set them on fire, panic the horses and flee the scene.

Very few have ever accused Al of lacking confidence.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming raises an eyebrow: "We are the ones unpractised at deception, and yet you would place us before Gaston for the whole night? Well I suppose we shall just have to prove you wrong then, Prince Ali. I will enjoy this." Charming's winning grin takes the edge from his words, making it more of a challenge in friendly competition: no one had ever accused Charming of taking things too seriously.

[Aard_Rinn]

While I agree that I am no great liar, I doubt that Gaston would seek or expect guile from me; I am but a fragile maiden, while he is the great Gaston! However, you are perhaps right that I can be more useful around him..."

Erika looks around contemplativly.

"Let's make him rescue me."/COLOR]

She continues

[COLOR="sienna"]"If we combine our plans, we might have more luck. We travel to his castle and arrange to spend a night or two. The first night, I'll sit next to the princess, and find out from her where she's kept and how she's guarded. If Gaston asks what we're talking about: "Oh, just maidenly things." If I can, after dinner I'll express a desire to sit with her and chat, with you there to attend us. We can discuss further details then. While we do, Charming can get the measure of Gaston, and find out his plans. Once he has a few beers in him, braggado will make sure that Charming doesn't need to lie, Gaston'll be happy to brag about his conquests to a powerful prince. The next day, Charming and Gaston could go out for a ride, and you remain with me at the manor. You can spend the day exploring the castle, and I'll cover for you if you get spotted wandering around; say that I sent you for water, or something. Then, one of you can light the manor on fire the next night, and I'll intercept him in the halls while you guys rescue Belle and take her to a meeting place in the woods. "Oh, Gaston, help, the manor's on fire, and I don't know how to get out!""

She puts on an exagerated innocent, scared expression.

"When he heads back into the house to 'rescue' Belle, I'll get on a horse and ride out to meet up with you guys. What do you think?"

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

You misunderstand me Kurtgurn, I said that I believe you to be at least my equal in... creative diplomacy shall we say.

He looks aghast at Erika's plan

I don't see why we should set fire to the whole place, people live there you know, regular people not undead or monsters, seems excessive to burn their home down for something that is no fault of their own, not to mention some might die. A stable fire, on the other hand, destroys property but is unlikely to cause anything more then that. I like my plan better.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Well they say that no plan survives contact with the enemy. We are at least agreed that we need to know more, and once we're there we can learn about Gaston and Belle's imprisonment."

"And please, Prince Ali, call me Charming."

I meant to put this in the first post, can't believe I forgot...

[Aard_Rinn]

"But a stable fire leaves the horses trapped - men can run, but horses are caged. Not to mention that our horses being missing will clue them in to our disapearence much faster. A scullery fire, on the other hand, would force Gaston to attend it without causing much alarm... perhaps that would be best. Either way, I think we should head out soon. We can discuss it on the road further."

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

We could cut the horses loose beforehand, or steal them, I've never stolen horse before, could be fun. Anyway, we should probably get to our rooms. Before we go, I have to ask, Adam, what's with the moving furniture?

[Visturon]

The Beast looks around at the furniture with a sad expression, "It is part of the curse on this place, not only was I made into a beast and trapped here but the staff who worked here became a part of the place as well." He caresses the cup he is holding, "I believe Belle is the only one who can break my curse and free my people."

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Really? Even more reason to get her back then, that's terrible. Are the beds beds? Because I'd rather get my bedroll and sleep on the floor then on someone.

[Visturon]

"I honestly couldn't tell you. I haven't used much of the furniture since the curse began."

You all find acceptable sleeping places, be it a bedroll on the floor or a bed with pillows that periodically refluff themselves. The following morning is foggy, overcast, and chill.

[thorgrim29]

Al is creeped out by the beds, so he sleeps on his bedroll

[Aard_Rinn]

Erika sleeps under the table, on the floor.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming finds the thinnest bed and puts the whitest sheets on them: if they were a member of a staff, then hopefully he'd be sleeping on the most slender, graceful maiden.

In the morning he rises keenly, and finds the others. "Are we ready to depart then? I would like to meet this Gaston, and free Belle."

[Visturon]

You depart the castle still in the early morning and find ourselves traveling along a rode of well packed dirt that winds out of the denser forest and into a light forest with farms every hour or two. As the sun starts to set you face the choice of requesting shelter in the next farm or setting up camp along the road somewhere.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

As a prince who is rarely refused anything, Charming has no qualms about requesting (read: demanding) a room from the locals.

He leads their small party towards the farm house and dismounting, knocks on the door.

[thorgrim29]

Before leaving, Aladdin asks Adam for a small message they could give to Belle, something along the line of: These people are here on my behalf, trust them, Adam.

On the road, he stays mostly silent unless spoken to, and practices coin tricks and other minor illusions. As they approach the next farm, he stops the others.

Alright, how do you want to play this? I say we leave titles out of the equation, I'd rather we be wealthy travellers then royalty, you'd be surprised at how fast gossip travels. No need for a great deception, just don't mention your titles, ask for hospitality, offer to pay a few silver, and settle for 3 or 4 gold coins for the night.

[Aard_Rinn]

"Why hide?" Erika asks, urgeing her horse foward a little. "Remember, Ababwa, we cannot be thieves here, come to steal his treasures - we must be his honored noble guests, and so should we appear. To hide our approach is more suspicious than to let word of our coming be known - it is common courtesy, and were we to abandon it, we would bring distrust upon ourselves."

[Visturon]

The farm is moderately sized with four large fields full of fresh sprouts you can't identify and a barn built a ways off from the house.

Upon knocking on the door, a teenage half-elven maiden wearing a simple country style dress answers and seems a bit surprised to see you all standing outside. "Umm... Hello?"

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Greetings" Charming adds a wicked grin, "I am Duke Charming, and these are my noble friends, Lord Ali and the Lady Erika." Hopefully that woul serve as a compromise. "We are traversingyour lands in a great deal of haste, and would request your aid in sheltering our small party for this evening."

[Visturon]

"Oh, ok... uh, my lords..." She seems completely at a loss and looks around frantically as though someone will come to her aid. "I better get my Pa." Suddenly she hurries back into the house leaving the door wide open and you hear voices but can't make out what they are saying near the back of the house.

A powerfully built half elf with white streaks at his temples and a noble bearing appears in the doorway wearing a white shirt rolled to the elbows and brown farm pants with heavy boots. "Come in, come in. I don't have any food to offer, me'lords, but ya'll can shelter under me roof and warm yourself by me fire. Can't say as we've ever had visitors such as yourselves around here me'lords."

[thorgrim29]

In answer to Erika

Fair points, but still I don't think you realize just how intimidating nobles, especially royals, are to common folk... Besides, deceptions have gotten me out of more trouble then my swords over the years...

At the farmhouse proper he greets the farmers jovially.

Salam aleykun, peace be unto you and yours

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"You needn't fear my friend," Charming speaks calmly, "We were not expecting comfort on these roads, anything you can offer will be appreciated." (Though not overly...)

Charming calmly strides through the peasants' house and finds a seat in the living room where he crashes down, idly scratching his beard.

[Visturon]

The main room of the house contains a large hearth with a small fire burning, two solidly crafted wooden armchairs sit at each side of it. Along the walls there are two benches, on one sits the teenage girl trying very hard to focus on a book rather than ogle the strangers.

The farmer follows you all in to the main room, "I can have Ilyena make you some tea or I can fetch a barrel of cider from the cellar if you like. I have some good tobacco in that jar by the mantel."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"The cider would be much appreciated, and I haven't had any good tobacco in a while," Charming accepts bluffly, ensconced in one of the arm chairs.

"Would you happen to have heard of a man named Gaston? We are planning on stopping with him soon, but I would like to gauge him first, if you know what I mean, sound him out, so to speak."

[Visturon]

"Aye, Gaston is a name I know, me'lords. He is the lord of the town about a day up the road. Mountain of a man and a great hunter, there is a festival for the harvest every year and he always wins nearly every event." He turns to his daughter. "Fetch some mugs Ilyena, I'm going to grab some cider for our guests." The man and his daughter both leave the room out the back door.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Well size is rarely everything," Charming says bluffly once the man has left. "Have any of you got anything you want to know or shall we chat like simple folk to pass the time?"

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

I doubt they know much, but information about the layout of his manor, number of guards, that sort of thing would be nice

[Visturon]

The farmer returns with a decent sized cask over his should and plants himself in the open chair where he starts hammering a tap into the keg. Ilyena returns with 4 mugs and places them on the side table near her father and sits back down to continue reading.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming happily takes a mug and toasts their host's generosity, though that is before he samples the stuff. After taking a hearty swig, he turns to the man and asks: "You wouldn't have been to Gaston's castle? Or heard any more rumours of him?"

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Yes, the man has quite the reputation, we're trying to separate the facts and the fiction. Very good cider by the way

[Visturon]

The cider is quite delicious but has a fairly low level of alcohol, especially compared to dwarven drinks.

The farmer takes a drink and then answers, "Well it be more of a large manor house than a castle. I've seen it plenty times but I've never been inside." He takes another drink and stretches his legs to lounge back casually. "As for the man, he is a bit of a legend in these parts and lives up to nearly all the tales. Some folks even claim that he is descended from giants 'cause he stands over 7 feet and is muscled to boot but there ain't been a giant in these parts in hundreds of years. A few years back a massive bear did kill Old Man Tarfon and his two eldest sons, Lord Gaston took it upon himself to hunt it down and left the village with just a knife and a hatchet and three days later came back with the fur."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming applauded quietly, saying "A remarkable feat, we shall have to congratulate this lord when we see him."

I don't have anything else I want to ask this man, fast forward to the morning? Unless he tries to poison/kill us :smallbiggrin:

[Visturon]

You all sleep in the farm's main room with the fire keeping you warm. The morning comes without incident.

Its a dreary day with a heavy cloud cover and looks like it will rain before midday.

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

Al wakes up from a comfortable night, he always slept better on hard beds. He almost offers to help with the morning preparations, but realizes that's not something peasants expect of nobles and so he instead asks politely for what he needs. When all 3 seem ready to move

Well then, let's make the best of an ugly day and get moving before it rains, I never got used to that stuff... Thank you for your hospitality "farmer's name". Tell me honestly, how much do room and board at an inn go for in these parts?

(I'm assuming the guy mentioned his name at some point in the evening)

[Visturon]

The farmer, named Thad, answers "The town has two inns, the rooms I get when I take the harvest to town cost 2 silver, me'lords. I do believe they have better rooms that cost more but I couldn't say as to those prices, me'lords."

[Aard_Rinn]

'Then please, accept these as our thanks for your hospitality," Erika replies, handing him a small handful of silver.

4 of them, to be exact.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming nodded and strode out of the house, dismissing the peasants from his mind to focus on other things.

He found the tethered horses and mounted, waiting for the others to join him.

"Pleasant as our stay was, I would like to continue to Gaston's quickly: each day we waste in search of Adam's fiancee is another day that 'Ella remains captive and lost from me."

[thorgrim29]

Aladdin

After the others left the house, Aladdin makes for the place where he slept, as if he had forgotten something. He bumps into Thad and puts 3 gold coins in his pocket.

sleight of hand dc 20 and Thad has an opposed spot check

[roll0]



Well crap, so he bumps into Thad, misses the pocket and 3 gold coins fall on the ground.

I was trying to be more discreet, but these are for your trouble. Buy your daughter some more books

He then rushes out

[Visturon]

The farmer graciously accepts Erika's silver and then is overwhelmed by Aladdin's kindness, offering praise and thanks all the way to the door. You spot the farmers daughter watching you all go from a window, staring with wide eyed wonder.

A light rain starts a little after midday and falls steadily all afternoon. A few hours before dark you crest a ridge and come into sight of a small town with high steep sided roofs and surrounded by numerous farms that keep the forest back maybe a mile from the town itself. The town is built so that all the shops and businesses are built along a main street, it appears prosperous but if it were much smaller it would be just a village.

On the hill beyond the town is a large mansion, around it is a stone wall maybe 10 feet tall with no battlements.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Charming haughtily reins in his steed and turns to the others, pitching his voice low despite the sound of the rain. "Is there anything either of you plan to do before we go in? We could make sure of our plans here, or gather any supplies, but I am ready to meet this man."

[thorgrim29]

aladdin

like I said earlier, I'll be Erika's servant, let me just take off a couple of things

Al takes off his amulet and armor, puts them into his backpack, the rest of his gear can very well pass for that of a servant to royalty

that way, I'll be able to move around more easily

[Aard_Rinn]

"Of course, Ali. And I will be the ambassador from Errol, heading to the dwarven lands on a mission from my father." Erika runs a hand through her hair to neaten it, and tugs self consciously at the collar of her shirt. "The crown princess, Erika da Athiel, as is proper. And you two?

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"Why, myself of course!" Charming exclaims, "It has been a long time since my father toured the realms of men; I shall have to rectify his isolationist mentality."

[Aard_Rinn]

Excellent. Then we are all prepared?