Back to Basics (Group 2)

[Navian]

Eirien was not easily coaxed to sit down or relax. She raised her eyebrow in response to Roland's question, then answered tersely. "She's suspected of knowing something. I'd prefer not to specify what it is, but it concerns Father Quintus enough to be worth something to me, so I think it ought to be worth something to you, as well."

[TwentyFold]

If we are to tell you our right business, you are to keep your word that you will not reveal our mission, as it involves the lives of many.
Sar'tul speaks to both father and son equally, keeping a business like standing, and then waits for what their response is.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sorry if my posts are low on detail and content, i get plenty of short periods of time to post, but not really any lengthy times to post.

[Prince Zahn]

"Why thank you kindly, don't mind if I do!" Clauss accepts a mug of ale and sits down. He was invited - it would practically impose more to reject hospitality than accept it.
He eyes the sheer size of the mug, it always surprised him how much bigger people could drink. "You know, Roland, though I couldn't speak for a dwarf or halfling to save my skin, a gnome could suffice with a flagon one-fourth this size. Which is why the big boys like to dub us half-pints." he smiled with unpolished charm at his humorous saying, quite sure of himself and of his words as his good teeth shimmer from the fire - thank Garl heb at least cleaned his teeth since this morning!

Spoiler: OOC

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It's been a rough week. Don't wanna talk about it... I can't think of much to add at this time so at least I can RP a little small talk, I guess?

[Mardoc]

Eirien's comment seemed to make an impression on the father, but Roland seemed unimpressed. At least, he didn't bother responding. Fortunately the others spoke up quickly enough to prevent his silence from being too awkward.

Oh, of course, Master Gnome. I didn't want to assume anything and risk neglecting you, that's all.


When Sar'tul makes his request, Roland nods.
Yes, I'll keep your words in confidence.

His father also nods, but confines himself to a grunt.

[TwentyFold]

Recently, there have been several kidnappings. This occurence has been linked to a cult of a more low hearted god, and Hilda has been linked by a trusted source of Father Quintus', we wish to ask her, in the hopes of saving lives. Such a deed must be carried out soon, or else By Cuthberts Blood Soaked Boot, we might be finding corpses decrepit.

Sar'tul bears a grim expression, and then stands perfectly still as he awaits the father or the son to speak.

Spoiler: OOC

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Hope i did not mess up too badly.

[Mardoc]

Kidnappings! And a cult. That...that can't be, this is civilized territory. You're having me on!

Roland's father shakes his head.

Son, you've got a lot to learn about the world. Only reason you haven't heard of these things around here is that Fr. Quintus jumps on them hard before they get too serious...usually.

You've had your fun, and your innocent childhood, but it's time to grow up! Stop spending all your skills on that happy-go-lucky travelling. You can handle yourself; it's time to give back. Help these folks.


Roland gulps.
Yes, ok.
He looks back at Sar'tul
Did...did you want to go find Hilda tonight? It'll take me a few minutes to get ready.

[UristMcRandom]

Jamros spoke up again, "That seems to be the best plan to me," he turned to Sar'tul, "unless our fearless leader has any other ideas."

[Navian]

Eirien speaks very quietly, mostly because her commentary doesn't seem important. "It can wait until tomorrow, if she'll still be here. I'd like to get this over with as soon as possible, but if it's better not to rush, we can rest and prepare."

[TwentyFold]

Sar'tul's features change, as his features contort into some kind of forced composure as he looks back at Jamros. He mutters something darkly, then turns back to the two hosts.

We would be happy to borrow your son on our mission, we just need name and his help in all this, which i would hope is not just words.

[Mardoc]

Roland stops talking for a moment to think.

We probably do need to go now, actually. A merchant who's not moving is a merchant going broke, and Hilda's been here a full day already. She's probably spending the night in town, but if I were her, I'd be on the road tomorrow morning.

I'll just go get ready

When he returns, Roland is dressed in stylish traveler's clothes - a dark green cloak over well polished leather armor. He wears a matching green cloth hat at a jaunty angle, and a rapier at his belt.

His father gives him a nod, and says 'you'll do fine.'

Let's go check the inns.

Spoiler: OOC

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I'm not quite sure what you meant by "we just need name and his help in all this", Twentyfold.

[TwentyFold]

Spoiler: OOC

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Your name, and what you will contribute, aka record all that stuff since you are joining us. Sorry if it is worded a little weird, just on the spout.

[Navian]

Eirien led the way, partially due to impatience, partially because it meant she wouldn't either be surrounded by the party or trailing behind them. She kept a close watch on the darkening surroundings and lengthening shadows, as the sun was setting, and took them to the nearest place on the itinerary.

[Amanil]

A quick skim of The Jovial Jester turns up nothing except some rather cringeworthy comedy being performed on stage. The Honest Haggler seemed like a likely spot, given the clientele there was better dressed and had a few obvious merchants in their number, but though the innkeep knows Hilda he says she is not staying there tonight.

Next up was The Iron Flagon, just as the sun sets. Before you turn the corner to even see the establishment there's obviously some sort of commotion - loud shouts from what must be a goodly number of people, generally sounding angry, reach your ears. One of the patrons exits rather hastily as he is defenestrated - though fortunately the windows are only shuttered, not glassed.

Spoiler: OOC

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Did I concoct this whole scenario just to use the word "defenestrated"? Maybe. Is it plot relevant or just for flavour? Who knows?

[Navian]

Eirien was definitely on edge, but she was definitely on the 'run away' side of that edge, observing the commotion."Hm. I doubt this has much to do with Hilda, or that she would want much to do with it. Perhaps we should keep moving."

[Mardoc]

Roland responds:

You said there was a cult involved too. Maybe it's their doing!

He loosens his rapier in his scabbard, but doesn't draw. He's clearly excited by the action.

[UristMcRandom]

Jamros paused and closed his eyes as if deeply focused on something, then raised his hand and cupped his ear.

Spoiler: DM (OOC)

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Listen check for any clues about what's going on inside. Are you rolling this or should I?

[TwentyFold]

Sar'tul looks exhaustadly at the drawing of the rapier.

Seems that ye be ready to moreover start the fight than see if it is one. Lets keep a little bit of a low profile till we can figure out what is goin on.

[Amanil]

Spoiler: Jamros

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Listening a little closer, you think you can make out a couple cries that sounds more like screams as well as the shouts.

Spoiler: OOC

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You can announce your intent to listen, I'll roll the results. Please note that if you roll especially low on an "active" listen I may add some false information. Don't assume this result is false, but don't assume it isn't either.

Spoiler: Sar'tul, OOC

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Note that Roland hasn't drawn his rapier, just made sure it's easily available.

[TwentyFold]

Spoiler: OOC, DM

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Still...don't want to be prepared to cause trouble as much as to stop it (or prevent it)

[Mardoc]

Roland blushes. And then deliberately flexes his hands and leaves them by his side.

Yes, of course. Let's go see, then!

He bounces on the balls of his feet, but waits for the rest of the party to start moving.

[Navian]

Eirien doesn't go first. She's not being paid to go first. That being said, she will pay very careful attention from behind whoever does go first, and if no one else wants to go first, she'll give Roland a nudge in the right direction.

She doesn't mind being the first to peer cautiously around the corner, though.

Spoiler: DM

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Spot check on the fight, listen check on the voices, sense motive check to get a hunch about why this is happening, maybe... That ought to be more than enough for now.

[UristMcRandom]

Jamros, still near the back of the group, spoke up in a hushed voice, "It sounds almost like someone's screaming in there. I would advise caution if we were to enter."

[Prince Zahn]

Feeling the slight tension in the air, Clauss lets out a laugh."you call that a low profile? If anything, you'll be even more noticeable with those looks on your faces!"
Clauss steps forward, not for one minute expecting the worst that could happen.
"I hope to see you fellows inside before the stars come up." he says before walking first through the door.

Spoiler: OOC, DM

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Remember what I wrote on my sheet about Clauss and fortune? Here's hoping that comes into play. #FamousLastWords

[Mardoc]

Roland follows Clauss, just a couple paces behind.

[UristMcRandom]

Jamros remains still and on alert for a few seconds more, then he sighs and mutters what is presumably a curse in Elven. He straps his spear to his back again and enters the tavern, though his hand lingers near his club in case of trouble.

Spoiler: DM (OOC)

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Spot check, plus another Listen check.

[TwentyFold]

Does know when to get things along don't he?

Muttering to himself he proceeds, throwing caution to the possibly non-existent wind.

[Amanil]

Clauss is greeted by a bottle smashing against the doorframe to his side. The scene is one of a barfight well out of control. The room has probably thirty brawlers. Hunkered down behind the bar an occasional scream of distress can be heard, and a scared face of one of a number of serving wenches peeks up. Crouched next to them, club in hand, a half-orc growls at anyone who gets too close, obviously ready to strike.

For the most part the fight is with fists and feet only, though a fair have taken to using broken bottles or chair legs as improvised weapons. The odd glint of steel hints that some may be using something more lethal. There seem to be equal numbers humans and elves in the mix, but given the chaos of the encounter you won't be able to differentiate unless you look for it. On occasion, one is armoured in light armour, but again - given the fluidity - you may not be able to tell unless you're close.

Spoiler: OOC

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Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Let's see how this goes. Initiatives were determined by the order I deemed you to be going in. I'll allow very short conversations outside of your initiative order (e.g. warnings, suggestions), but keep it in check.

If an action warrants a response from me that doesn't affect the next person's action, feel free to post without waiting for me. If you think it might need a response, you're welcome to wait. I'm pretty good at keeping up with combat (and will update the map regularly), so make sure to check the map (on the correct turn) when working out what you're doing.

Map

Initiative order:

1. Clauss
2. Roland
3. Jamros
4. Sar'tul
5. Eirien
6. Brawlers
7. Other

[Prince Zahn]

To say that the broken bottle shocked Clauss quite a bit would be an understatement. Why would somebody do that? It could have ki— Why are all these people fighting? There are so many of them - gotta keep my eyes peeled, but which way to face?! The sudden rush overcame Clauss for a few, precious moments.

Spoiler: OOC

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I never liked going first Clauss subconsciously delays his action for later this round.

Spoiler: DM

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and might I add, I really like the map - almost makes up for the wait.

[Amanil]

Spoiler: OOC, Clauss

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Take 50 electric damage from a lightning bolt. Never mind how that physically works.

Also, as you're delaying, feel free to interject whenever. Make sure to keep an eye on the thread, as I won't wait for you between posts (unless it gets to your go again next turn).

[Mardoc]

Roland looks around quickly, to see if he recognizes any of the brawlers. He'd love to get a clue as to what the sides are or if it's a free for all.

He reaches for his rapier, pauses, and then grabs his sap instead. There is no way that he wants to join the minority and spill blood just yet.

Then, he opens his mouth and begins to sing a satirical song about a young boy pretending to be a hero, slaying imaginary foes and real insects. Despite the subject matter, the song manages to boost the party's spirits.

Spoiler: ooc

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Bardic inspire courage effect +1 to attacks, damage, and saves against fear