Return of the Runelords, Book 1: Secrets of Roderic's Cove [IC]

“Thank you! I will do my best.” Alandra says cheerfully.
She thinks for a few seconds, tapping her chin thoughtfully.
“Do you recommend a tavern for food and lodging?”

"I'm sorry, as a representative of the town of Roderic's Cove, I feel it would be unethical for me to make any recommendations concerning private businesses."

“Oh! Okay then. Good bye!”
Alandra will pass the time people watching until her time slot.

The best place to do that, of course is by Coots' Cart, though it is a painful act of self-denial on the warm day not to have another cup.

No sooner does she take her spot there, than a very colorful, fancifully-dressed man in an outrageous costume takes the performer's stand. It seems to be a foreign-born man of swarthy skin and extremely well-groomed, close cut beard, practically stubble-length but with meticulous design. The an himself is 6'4", but his performance hat adds a few inches to that, and has the most outrageous width to the brim. A trim man with dark eyes and black hair, he doesn't appear to be one of the "motley" types of bards so much that his very colorful outfit is just that ... some specific type of outfit. The most noticeable of which are these skull-faced pauldrons. At his side, he has a weird device on a fanciful belt that Alandra has never seen before.

He steps up on the dais and begins his set with voice and some type of mandolin she has never seen before. He even adds all manner of dancing flourishes into his performance. As she watches, she realizes he minimizes his singing .... he isn't very good. That doesn't matter, though, as that is more decoration. His dancing is great, but his mandolin(?)-playing is incredible, and he gathers an enviable crowd listening to a type of music she has never heard before and that is very lively. Even when he switches to a slower love song (or at least it seems like a love song), the string playing is liquid and deft.

As the afternoon winds down and gets closer to Alandra's time slot (half past, so fifteen minutes before she has to report in for her slot), a group of five men and women converge on Possum's stand near where Alandra is standing, and they drink and talk to each other. Alandra can even overhear part of their conversation - they're commiserating over the loss of several friends who perished in "the slaughter" the previous week) - and Alandra notices at least one crude patch on a bit of clothing bearing what appears to be a mouth with jagged fangs descending from it. Alandra easily recognizes the motif as the sign of the Horned Fangs gang.

Looking at what they look at, and trying to make sense of what they are there to do - the whole point of people-watching - Alandra notices a group of five other shady types winding their way through the crowd toward Possum’s cart, their expressions intent. None of them appear to be armed, but they certainly don’t look friendly.

As far as "the slaughter" ... Alandra heard that there was a row between rival gangs last week that left several people dead. It was no minor fracas but something that was definitely alarming to the sleepy town of Roderic's Cove, and now it seems that there might be some confrontation brewing again in the crowded Circle Market on a busy Oathday with lots of innocents about.

Alandra, what do you do?

Concerned with the potential fracas hurting innocent bystanders (and audience members), Alandra rises unsteadily and weaves drunkenly through the crowd towards the newcomers. When she is about 20 ft from the group, she picks the most likely looking male candidate for leader and calls out to him.
“William! Will! There you are! I have missed you so terribly bad!”
With a tear full sob, she staggers forward and attempts to throw herself into his arms, bosom heaving.

Spoiler: crunch

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bluff being intoxicated
Alandra has two objectives:
1) alert the horned fangs of the approaching danger. She has no particular allegiance to either group but if the horned fangs are out numbered or unprepared for a scrap, they might flee instead of fight.
2) to get close to the leader of the new group and whisper some disinformation if she gets a chance regarding a horned fang “trap” with foreign mercenaries.

"William" is completely surprised, and has a big, dumb grin.

It seems there were others who recognized that something was amiss. Ambling forward on all fours, but then tripping up on her own tail and rolling forth like a wagon wheel until she lands unceremoniously on her belly spread-limbed in the space equidistant to the two groups, is that little dragon. She stands and despite her tiny size calls out, "Hey, buth-terth! You better'n't thtart no twubble and get gud people hurt or my momma' will kick all your buttth!"

It is a valiant effort, and completely adorable and not intimidating in the least. But she stands there, looking at each group in turn and says "Grr. Grr." [NOTE: She says "Grr," as compared to actually growling.]

While most of the crowd of onlookers coo and ahh, not realizing there was anything, but completely taken in by the tiny terror, Alandra sees that both of the gangs and all members therein - including "William" are looking on at the dragon and practically wetting themselves. That is when Alandra sees that the reaction is not actually for the dragon, but for what just walked up behind the dragon in obvious sign of show of support for the dragon. It is a walking wall of metal some 7' high, and something about the helm of this armored figure is scary as can be. the armor also appears to be a custom job of banded mail, as it had to be made to support a wearer of significantly larger proportions. It plants a guisarme's butt into the ground as if daring somebody to do something stupid.

The little dragon doesn't realize the massive man behind her backing her up. She only sees the two groups quailing at her dramatic might, and though she is an "alien" in that Alandra doesn't know from dragon expressions, she can't help but think that the little dragon looks pleased with herself while still trying to look scary.

One of "William's" people shout at the Horned Fangs and Alandra, little dragon, and big armored man alike, but with obvious worry and anxiety in their voice now, instead of a forceful challenge, “Us
Roadkeepers were here first, and we’ll be here last!”

Just then, the temperature of the summer day plummets and there is a darkening of the area despite no clouds in the sky. Indistinct and hazy, a glowing and transparent humanoid form appears as if viewed through a haze of murky water, In a booming voice that sounds like it’s gurgling out of the throat of a drowning man, the ghost cries out,

“NO! MY COVE! NO!”

Alandra, roll a Will save.

Spoiler: will save

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spend IA to perform martial counter Inner Sense for +2 Will save ( not included)
[roll0]

Alandra has spent her life studying the nature of fear. And while she does have to steel herself and grit her teeth, she resists the urge to bolt in terror.

Meanwhile, all of both gang members - and most of the nearby bystanders as well - flee screaming from the Circle. The guitar music suddenly stops and even that colorfully-dressed musician has skedaddled.

Meanwhile, the visage of the watery spirit drowns from view. Still standing in that area of the Circle Market are Alandra, the armored man, the little dragon followed quickly by the "momma," the white-haired witch, and even her unflappable fox. A minute later, an abashed, colorful musician returns to find out what happened, apologizing profusely for having run, as doing so was so "unmanly."

Representatives of the town guard arrive on scene within a few minutes to try to sort things out. Rather than accosting the colorful bunch, the guards on scene thank the heroes - and not knowing better they include the musician amongst those thanked, which he does not try to correct - as it seems the heroes managed to stop any escalation.

At the same time the guards arrive, the motley bunch are approached by a morose elf. Alandra recognizes the unusually dour-looking elf as Audrahni, Roderic's Cove's cemetery groundskeeper.

Audrahni was on her way to the Circle Market when the adventure begins, and she’s startled but not surprised to hear of Sir Roderic’s appearance. She approaches the armored man, who seems to know her, and he recounts to her what happened. To everyone else, including Alandra since they haven't really crossed paths, Audrahni introduces herself. She offers to buy the group dinner at the nearby Creekside Tavern and Inn.

Alandra, do you accept?

Almost penniless, Alandra gratefully accepts the offer.
She is on the lookout for adventurous persons to join her in forming a group to seek fame and fortune through the discovery and preservation of beautiful artifacts.

Once dinner is done and the group is relaxing with post-meal drinks, Audrahni broaches the subject of Roderic’s Cove’s recent troubles.

“Thank you again for taking the time to chat with me. You seem like capable sorts—certainly not the type who’d be content to live out lives of comfort in a small town like Roderic’s Cove. I don’t mean that as an insult—far from it. I’ve been in town for several years and I think the Cove needs people like you: heroes. The stink of violence is in the air. The near confrontation you were just involved in isn’t the first we’ve had recently... surely you’ve heard of the slaughter that took place last week? Something strange is going on here in Roderic’s Cove, and someone needs to do some investigating to figure out what that is. I’m hoping you’ll be up to that challenge.”

For those that are unaware of current events, Audrahni gives a recap. Audrahni knows that there was a big fight between two groups in town that left six people dead from mysterious and supernatural causes. Audrahni’s main concern, however, is the appearance of Sir Roderic himself. She recalls that the last time Sir Roderic’s ghost made appearances in the Cove was during events 10 years ago that culminated in a minor uprising. Roderic’s Cove’s previous port-Governor, Jess Gildersleeves, was run out of town after she was found to be undermining Roderic’s Cove by diverting funds meant for the small town to shady interests in Riddleport.

Audrahni believes that Sir Roderic grows restless when his beloved cove is in danger, not that he is the cause of those dangers himself. She now suspects that, in order to give the town’s founder the rest he finally deserves, Roderic’s Cove must be made safe for its citizens, but that requires first determining what sort of peril is building in the town’s shadows. She’s done a little bit of work looking around town for clues, but she’s the first to admit that she’s not the best at getting people to talk or noticing subtleties, and suggests perhaps the PCs will have better luck than she did in finding out more.

As for Roderic’s ghost, Audrahni mentions that an investigation of his old home, an abandoned building outside of town called Roderic’s Wreck, would be a logical step, but she warns that the old building is dangerous and that the PCs should be careful and deliberate in their investigation of the building.

When the conversation’s winding down, Audrahni reiterates her hope that the PCs will become heroes for Roderic’s Cove. She’s certain that something dire, in need of a group of heroes’ attention, is building within the town, and also that the ghost can be put to rest if the town is saved.

Alandra is eager to form a new adventuring group and this colorful cast of characters is as likely a collection as she has yet to find. However, she doesn’t want to overplay her hand, so she asks a question of Audrani to allow the others to commit or no.
“Audrani, I am considerate of the town’s problems and I am interested in helping, but I have a few questions.”
She pauses and focuses on the Elf woman.
”Isn’t the local constabulary looking into the gang warfare?”
”What can you tell us about the two gangs and why there is escalating violence recently.”

"From what I've seen, the local constabulary have their hands full with other issues. Dwarven merchants waylaid on the way to town, goblins in the woods, and so on. I would check with the town's leadership, mainly Port-Governor Larenza Thort, to see what they know," answers Audrahni. "As far as the gangs themselves, that's why I am asking you to investigate, to get more information about who they are."

Alandra smiles at Audrani as she responds.
“Oh, I do love a mystery! I am in!”

As it is late today ... too late to likely get people at their work or offices (and not knowing where they live if you were rude enough to entertain that line of thought) ... do you make a plan to reconvene on the morrow? If so, what time/where?

Alandra winces a little as she remembers how light her purse is.
“I suggest that we reconvene here at the inn tomorrow morning 8 am to plan our next moves.”
After the group disperses, she will see if she can barter a reduced rate to stay at the inn in exchange for some songs to entertain the dinner crowd.

She cannot. It is too late in the evening.

What does she do?

She will inquire as to the availability of sleeping in the common room.

It would cost her a silver piece, and the Creekside Inn & Tavern is not responsible for your items or your health.

She will pay the silver and take her chances.

As it is, she finds that Feiya (with Daji) and Rodrigo are both going to be in the common room with her that night.

Is Alandra going to go right to bed or chatter with them?

Spoiler: OOC

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If conversing with them, open up a new conversation in the RP channel. Otherwise, let me know she simply goes to bed here in the IC and I'll move forward regardless.

Alandra is quite the chatterbox so she will stay up chatting.

Fireday, 7 Rova 4718 AR (Waning Crescent)
Weather: 70/ 50 F.

Morning in the common room, and you are all awoken by the proprietor who chases everyone out so he can have the place cleaned. No, you may not convince them to stay through breakfast ... you have to go.

With the four of you outside the inn and rubbing your eyes. You begin your various morning routines, including Alandra, who meditates for an hour.

Spoiler: Alandra

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Do you change anything about your setup? Not on your sheet, so I forget if there is anything you can change daily, like mesmerist tricks or not.

Ranghen meditates, prays, and otherwise goes through taking care of her weapons and armor for an hour. Rodrigo does a lot of various physical exercises, limbering up, and quick draw of both blade and funny-looking Alkenstar device. Ziggy just runs around, playing and stalking butterflies.

Afterwards (and answer the above), what do you do/ suggest doing?

Alandra will clean up after her meditation as much as possible, even if it is only brushing her hair to a lustrous sheen and using prestidigitation.
She will approach each of the group in turn (even Ziggy) and ask if she can provide them a small psychic protection from harm. She will not give herself the same unless someone refuses.
once everyone is ready, she smiles and speaks to the group.
“Let’s go inside and get a table so we can decide our course of action for today.”

Spoiler: crunch

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Use cult trick Psychosomatic Surge on up to six

All three, curious, take the "protection." The remainder of the group shows as well. Do you offer the same to Bořek and Feiya (and, for that matter, to her fox)?

Alandra offers the same protection to the others including companions.

Feiya takes it, allowing it to be used on Daji. but Bořek politely declines, giving Alandra the ability to see to her own protection as well.

The group goes inside and gets a table for breakfast...

What does Alandra recommend for a plan?

Smiling warmly, Alandra addresses the group.
“Welcome! I hope you all slept well.”
She grimaces ruefully and rubs her neck.
“Please feel free to offer any ideas or additional information you may have. As for me, I suggest we explore the old home of the former mayor, Rodrick’s Wreck. It sounds like it will be interesting to explore if nothing else.”

Everyone is just fine with that for a place to begin.

“Anyone know how to get there?” Alandra asks?

"I do," says Bořivoj. "It is sort of the local 'daring place' where as kids we would dare someone to try to enter the place, let alone stay all night. To a young boy, it is a very spooky place. As an adult, it is a derelict cabin soon to be reclaimed by the swamp."