Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil (IC): Thread 2

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Smiling guardedly, Meggido sizes Halgrim up and seems to like what he sees. The slender grey elf gestures towards an empty seat.

"Well, any friend of Jaroo's is welcome at this table, I'd say. Especially one with a discerning palate."

And anyone who knows us from Hommlet could completely wreck into any deception we might be undertaking here. Best to bring him up to speed as quietly as possible.

[herrhauptmann]

Halgrim,

He nods his head happily and grabs a chair, glancing at everyone seated. "A discerning palate, now that ain't needed to call the pies here tasty. Where yer needin a palate though, is in the witbiers or barley wines. I'd save the barlies for last, they're a mite bit strong tastin."

A knight with a mask painted on his chest, and a brown haired man with two owls; I don't recognize the shorty though. This has to be them. Now keep them talking until I know if they're true, or just a different sect. This guy seems smart though...

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

At first Grigor isn't so thrilled when the stranger shows up at their table. He isn't Tal and him showing up may mess with their own schedule. But then he identifies himself as a former acquaintance of the late Jaroo and Grigor relaxes somewhat.

At least he offer some good advice on food and drink. Always welcome. But for the time being, Grigor just leans back and lets Meggido do the talking. Instead he scans the room for their contact. Wouldn't do to miss that

[Swami Monsoon]

Tom fidgets in his seat.

Well, that makes it official. I have no idea what the hell is going on here. At least nobody's started a knife fight. Yet...

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Anyone who had been at Hommlet might already know their names, so using false ones seemed pointless.

"Halgrim, I am called Meggido. Well, I am called several things, often ending with exclamation marks, but my name is Meggido. This is Grigor, that's Moonshadow. We have just met Tom here, who is apparently an expert of sorts in underground exploration. If you know Jaroo, then perhaps you met our colleague Tell? How is he doing?"

Spoiler

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My understanding is that Tell was a team-mate in this group who opted to stay in Hommlet to take over in Jaroo's absence. If Halgrim has been to Hommlet since the rest of the group left, he might reasonably have learned where they were going from Tell, and could pass on a message - thereby further allaying suspicion and easing everyone hooking up. Just a thought.

[herrhauptmann]

Halgrim,

"I met Mr. Tell when I went to old Mr. Jaroos home. He's taken charge of the grove until th' Grand Druid sends someone else. Wit' m'Paw and m'uncle helping out the last two times there was a problem, he knew I was rarin to go to help y'all." Halgrim explains quietly to Megiddo. "Which was right kind of'im. Otherwise, Idda haf to ask around first, and be on the road until dinner tomorrow, or later."

He turns to look at Grigor and Moonshadow. "And he gave me 'scriptions of ya Grigor, and you too Moonshadow. If theres another pair of men walking about lookin like you two, I'll eat my boots."

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

"Okay, fine," says Grigor, deciding to trust the stranger on a hunch, "but please keep your voice down. We're trying to meet with the people who Jaroo worked with right before his demise..."

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

As if on cue, a dark-haired human man matching the description of Tal Chemish catches Moonshadow’s eye. Behind him is a rather scrawny looking orc that appears to be attempting to get Tal’s attention. However Tal seems to be doing his best to ignore the orc.

[Quakes]

Deciding to give the man an excuse to ignore the orc, Moonshadow approaches with his drink, after letting his companions know his intentions.

Well met, Sir Chemish. I bring greetings from our mutual employer. I also believe you can help us with our supplies?

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Happy to let Moonshadow take the lead, Meggido rises and stands behind him, nodding slightly. He looks this Chamish fellow over for any sign of membership in the cult, and to see how he was armed, in case things did not proceed as they hoped.

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor decided to stay seated. A good excuse not to talk to their possible contact and instead keep an eye or two on the larger picture.

For example, how do the rest of the patrons react to the guy and his orcish sidekick's appearance?

Spoiler

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Spot: (1d20+2)[7], Sense Motive: (1d20+8)[18]

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

Tal notices Moonshadow and Megiddo approaching him. He turns to the orc and says something of which the druid and crebremancer catch only the end.

“…time or place. So: later!.” He turns forward again in time for Moonshadow to extend is his greeting. He responds with a puzzled look before saying, “I’m sorry. You must have me confused with someone else. My business is my own.”

Megiddo doesn’t notice any of the obvious signs of this cult. The man has no holy symbols. No ochre robe—just a dark red tunic, brown pants and a grey cloak. As he entered, he pushed the cloak back around his shoulders, making it easy to see the knife he carries on his belt.

Grigor doesn’t notice any unusual reactions from the other patrons beyond a few folks who are obviously just the type to always eye up whoever comes in the door.

[herrhauptmann]

Halgrim,

He tries his best to avoid looking confused as his two compatriots quickly stand, and are just as quickly rebuffed. "What was that about?"

[Toliudar]

Meggido

The slender elf arcs an eyebrow precipitously.

"We were informed that your business might include the provision of supplies for certain friends. Were we misinformed?"

[Swami Monsoon]

Well at least they're not stabbing each other... yet. But this does not look promising...

[Lycar]

Grigor, human cleric

Grigor leans back in his seat, content for the word to see. But in reality he is watchful of the orc runt and the patrons still. You never know where trouble may come from after all.

Spoiler

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Bluffing to appear relaxed and not alert: (1d20+8)[16]

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

“Well, I have—” Tal begins before suddenly turning his head and glaring at the orc, who is still standing nearby. The orc sheepishly moves on towards the bar.

Tal turns back to Megiddo. “I have been known to do the occasional favor for people I know, but that’s not very different from most people.”

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Meggido smiles a smile that doesn't move north of his mouth.

"Well, I believe that we have friends in common. But perhaps -"

He glances in the direction of the orc.

"This is a conversation we could continue in private? We have taken rooms upstairs."

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

“Inviting me to your room already? Moving a little fast, aren’t we?” Tal says with a sly grin. “I think I should get fed first, at least.”

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Well, the man was willing to sit down with them, at least, and didn't seem to have anything to hide from the orcs. This was progress, perhaps.

The elf steps aside and with a small gesture invites Tal to join them at their table.

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

Tal orders the stewed pork and a mead at the bar before joining the group at the table.

“Now, you seem to know who I am. Or at least you think you do. May I have the pleasure of knowing who it is I am dining with?”

[Quakes]

I do apologize for my rudeness. I am called Tim, and Master Dunrat sent us to obtain your help transporting some of his artifacts. He said you could provide us a wagon and a map showing the easiest routes to his location?

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

“Oh, hang on to the business, Tim. I still haven’t had proper introductions to the rest of your friends.

“Food hasn’t even arrived yet, either.”

[Toliudar]

The elf nodded approvingly at Moonshadow's efforts to cut to the heart of the matter, Meggido brooks Tal's delay with stoicism. Still, the fact that he didn't seem surprised to hear the name Dunrat, or discussion of artifacts, suggested that this was in fact the right person to guide them onwards.

"Call me Khelek-Naur. Khel if you prefer."

The secret words for ice and fire would do for him well enough in this place.

[herrhauptmann]

Halgrim

"M'names Halgrim. I was just sayin that th' shepherds pie is might tasty, but I caint finish mine even after chewin on it for a half-hour. Now, I was gonna check an see if the bars got a witbier or somethin. Everyone else want one too?" After getting their orders, Halgrim stands and heads to the bar.

[Swami Monsoon]

"Tom. Tom Stone."

...and I have no idea what the hell I'm doing here.

[Toliudar]

Meggido

Meggido nods his gratitude at Halgrim's offer.

"Just tea for me, please. If they have it."

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

Tal smiles as each party member introduces themselves. He clearly takes a moment to size everyone up in turn. Then he introduces himself, “I’m Tal Chammish. I am who you are looking for, right?

“Well, how are you enjoying Rastor?”

[Quakes]

Can't say as that the people have been too friendly. Makes me glad that we're not staying long to be honest. Does everyone here distrust strangers?

[Shhalahr Windrider]

The Rusty Axe: Planting 26, Early Evening

“Well, we’re pretty much at the ass-end of everything. Folks gotta go out of their way to get here, and the land is tough. So unless you live here or are a regular merchant coming in with fresh supplies, it’s generally assumed you’re runnin’ from something or another.” He holds up a hand to emphasize his next point, “Which folks around here are fine with. But they just don’t want to get tangled up in other people’s unpleasantness if they can. But if you stick around long enough, folks’ll open up right enough.”

At that point, a server comes by with Tal’s mead and pork.