[RoS] Soldiers of Fortune (IC)

[Cavir]

"Good point, just don't want to have our supplies disappear if the Watch thought we abandoned it."

"The merchant is a walking dead man but we need information from him first, remember. If his warehouse is big enough, maybe we just move in there, with or without him. Then we can prepare and ambush the dark one."

[Anyr]

After a brief spell in the warm and dry, Kate found herself once again in the cold and damp. But that was fine. There was so much more freedom out here. Case in point: The disagreements had started up again.

"Let's divide our attention. Nazir and Ruark: Stake out the warehouse. Make certain that you're not seen. The rest of us will take the wagon to that 'Good End' tavern that Dreiana recommended. When morning comes, we'll all meet up near the warehouse."

She felt a little guilty about sending two of the group to a rainy stakeout; While she and the others sought lodging in a comfy tavern. Nonetheless, Gerric was right. They needed eyes on the merchant's lair. Kate would have gone herself, had she not been wearing a noisy suit of full plate. And of course, she certainly wouldn't be sending Gerric to do it. If she did, then 'eyes on' would likely become 'sword in'...

[Mathis]

"Alright, how long do you want us to keep an eye on it for? Until morning? We'll be knackered for sleep if it's just the two of us. Oh and don't forget about this " Ruark tosses the pouch with Mad Dog's bounty to Kate. "You can decide if we take our shares now or later, it matters little."

"Do you have any ideas on how to manage a stake out Nazir? It's not really what I do the most, hang out and watch things I mean."

[Anyr]

"Only one of you needs to be watching at any given moment. You'll still be able to get some rest."

Kate caught the thrown pouch. It was a nice little bonus to their existing spoils. All she had for Ruark in return was an apologetic look.

"I know this won't be the most comfortable night for you; But we can't risk letting that merchant slip away."

[Dienekes]

"If the merchant does try to leave how're we goin' to get ahold of each other?

[Anyr]

"Unless the man is surrounded by guards, I imagine that Ruark and Nazir would have no trouble handling him. And if they do turn out to need our help, it shouldn't take long to reach us at the inn."

[Cavir]

"Scouting was my job in the army. That was out in the woods, but the ideas are the same. We can discuss the details on the way."

Nazir thinks while Kate answers the questions from the others.

"I suggest we get some coin to have on us, food and such. That letter might be best for us to take in case of trouble with the Watch. After you secure a room and our goods I suggest you come meet us near the warehouse. Come within a block or two and send one person to come get Ruark or myself while the other stays behind. This way you know what is going on, we can act as a group if time becomes a factor, and perhaps we'll find a room within sight of the warehouse we can set up in. Might even find it best to move in on the merchant right away."

"Once it gets dark my fey sight will be a huge advantage. The problem is the area is dangerous then.

"Let's see what the letter says?"

[Anyr]

Kate deferred to Nazir's expertise in this field.

"Then that's what we'll do. All right, everyone: Let's begin. Night is fast approaching."

As requested, she handed Nazir the letter, and some spending money. Then (unless anyone else had something to say), she'd set off to secure the wagon.

[Mathis]

"Don't worry about the local riff-raff Nazir, we're dangerous too. Let's get ourselves some bread and cheese so we won't starve through the night and then find a place to keep watch from. Someplace we won't be visible from the street perhaps? A roof? Would that be too complicated if we needed to leave in a hurry? I can climb ropes, not walls after all so I'm not sure I could do it in a hurry."

This seemed like the perfect moment to part ways as they had agreed upon the essentials. Ruark's priorities were to get some food and water so they wouldn't starve and listen carefully to Nazir's suggestions. Nazir was certainly capable, even if he was only half a man and a worse hunter than him and Ruark suspected that he was better at skulking around cities than himself as well.

[Cavir]

Nazir takes the letter, opens it, and reads it. "Let's see what it actually says."

[XIII]

"Horse-brothers need restings and care, where we staying?" Between the smell, confined spaces, and his legitimate worry for the horses, Urukubarr was rubbing his nostrils and fidgeting constantly. "Spirits guide you both," Urukubarr waved goodbye to Ruark and Nazir.

[Lacco]

Nazir and Ruark

When Kate handed Nazir the scroll, he opened it and slowly read it. Ruark stood beside him, but to him, the words were just scribbles on parchment.

"Bearer of this document and his companions is in service of Commander of Zhengar City Watch and are granted full rights of passage inside Zhengar for purposes of their mission. Any who dare interfere with their actions may suffer consequences.
Bearer of this document is thereby granted full rights of marque. All property confiscated from illegal activities are their by right of conquest.
Signed: Sir Maerel Windsteel, Commander of Zhengar City Watch

Both the signet and writ looked authentic.

Moving away from under the roof, Nazir looked up, to the sky as he rolled the scroll back and handed it to Kate. He accompanied Ruark, who walked down the street, towards the sounds of the market. He also sensed he was hungry - and the evening has not begun yet...

The market was still quite loud, even during the rain. People just passed from stall to stall and only the small sellers packed their wares and left for a tavern or inn of their choice. City servants already started to oil lamps to provide some light after sunset.

Altogether there were still lots of stalls. Nazir noticed even two or three bowyers, and saw an elderly man offer few bear traps. Ruark more smelled than saw a tent serving mead...

There were tanners, blacksmiths, potters, jewellers, glove-makers, tailors... there were people offering lizards-on-a-stick, small sweetcakes, roasted vegetables, caramelized nuts...

The sights and smells mixed pleasantly as they walked through the stalls. The dock ward was in front of them - to the west - and it looked rather dark, its narrow and crooked streets looking like a labyrinth, and they could only imagine what beasts lurked inside...

Spoiler: OOC

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Nazir's weather sense: (7d10)[8][1][5][9][10][4][1](38) TN 8

I assume that you buy something on your way to docks.

Also, let me know what they are taking with them.

---

Kate, Gerric and Urukubarr

Leaving Ruark and Nazir to their devices, the trio walked to the front side of the city hall. Their wagon was there - including their wares - guarded by the city watch member Dreiana appointed there.

Looking around, they saw Dreiana's cloak in the distance, as she strode towards the east gate. They also saw Nazir and Ruark walking through the market.

Gerric assumed command of the wagon - and Urukubarr led the horses. The New Market looked interesting even during the rainy evening, and city servants already started lighting oil streetlamps. But they had to rest - their work wasn't done and the night was still young.

They rode the wagon down the same street they entered - the only difference was that they were free to do so by themselves now, and needed no escort. They entered the sidestreet near the city walls, that Dreiana described and found the tavern.

On the outside, it was an unassuming three-story building, wood and stone, with only an inconspicuous sign that gave away its purpose. The street was narrow and the shadows grew longer when they approached it - it seemed that inside, someone was already lighting the candles.

There were stables outside, and a young, tired stableboy approached them.

When they entered the tavern, around a dozen of eyes watched them from over their drinks for a moment - and then everyone returned to their cups and pints. They noticed Dreiana in the back of the inn, talking to a obese man, who looked like a priest of some sorts.

Spoiler: OOC

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Stabling horses will cost them a copper per horse for the night, and two for the wagon.
I assumed most direct way to the tavern. If anyone wants to explore the city, no problem - let me know

[Mathis]

Spoiler: OOC

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These are things Ruark brings with him, all other belongings are left on the wagon for the others to bring to the tavern.
Clothes, Armor, Nordic Sword, Heater Shield. Broad Dagger. Crossbow and bolts. Pouch with money and a carved bone whistle. Leather satchel with rag and oil for weapon.

"I'm just getting some food and then I'll be ready," Ruark said to Nazir. "Isn't there a simple baker around here? Or a fish monger? It's all lizards and weird nuts here it seems. Give a simple bass grilled over some good and hot embers any day over these lizards Nazir, makes my skin crawl is what it does. Who would eat a lizard if he wasn't starved half to death?" Ruark continued his search for boring and traditional food until he came across something that would keep through out the night, preferably a loaf of bread, cheese wasn't important anymore, he just needed something to remind him of home. He imagined he could find an interesting meal the morning after.

Unless Nazir decided to do something crazy Ruark would suggest heading straight over to the warehouse to find a good spot to keep watch from.

[XIII]

Urukubarr broke off from the group when they reached the stables, "I help here," The smell of the stables was ironically better than the awful stench of the city, but there was still an unnatural feel to it. "Hail, horse-keeper. I am Urukubarr," he said to the stable-boy, taking him by the forearm in a friendly grasp, then leading the horses inside. He would tend to them lovingly, giving them food and water, brushing them, and checking their overall health; giving attention where needed. Humming a tune all the while, making conversation with the stable boy, if he was of a mind.

After that, he would find his companions to see what they were up to.

[Cavir]

"The docks are used for transport and fishing so their bounty is sold somewhere, probably closer to the dock area. More importantly, we need some kind of disguise. The merchant will be looking for fresh meat and displaying our weapons will catch his attention. Looking sickly and poor will keep people from bothering us during the day at least." Nazir buys a couple of cheap oversized, non-matching cloaks with hoods, one for each of them. With the rain, muddying up the outside of them is trivial. "Yes, the lizards are nothing fancy, but plentiful." He smiles and buys a lizard on a stick (fresh off the grill), a sweetcake, a couple of apples, and although it takes some looking, some fruit with blood colored juice. He eyes the bowyer booths and takes note where they are. He would love to explore them but now wasn't the time.

Near the dock ward Nazir has Ruark and himself use the cloaks to cover up their gear, trying to hide the bulges from weapons, then use the blood fruit to make their faces and hands look bloodied. "We should keep our heads down and blend in in case we come across the merchant before the warehouse. Once we find the warehouse one of us can circle it to find any other exits. If the merchant is going to leave town he wouldn't leave empty handed so that will be a tip-off. If he and any guards he has are all inside, I can use my sight after dark to see into the windows and hopefully see that he went to bed. We should see about getting a room across the street once we know the layout. At least during the day the roof would make us stand out."

Nazir wraps his cloak around himself and uses his fur wrapped bow as a fake walking stick. He shakes his head then confides in Ruark. "Oh, so that you know- my old army unit was taken over by scum that wants to see me rot away in prison if not worse. It's doubtful we'll come across them in this area, but you should know about it anyway. They are trained better than the local riff-raff. In terms of swordsmanship, your skill is far greater than mine. I could use a lot more practice."

As the pair enter the dock area, Nazir walks with a slight limp. His hood overhangs his head, keeping his bloodied face shadowed as he keeps an eye out for the merchant.

Spoiler: OOC

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Taking:
Quiver with arrows
Bow (covered in fur wrap), string
Satchel: Bandage kit, coin, horn, Letter, flute, arrow shaft, food
Dagger
Oversized Cloak
Armor
Bastard Sword

Looking for the merchant, anyone that was with him, and the warehouse
Perception [rollv[7d10[/rollv]
[rollv[7d10[/rollv]
[rollv[7d10[/rollv]
[rollv[7d10[/rollv]
[rollv[7d10[/rollv]

EDIT, from OOC:
Argh
Perception (7d10)[6][6][6][6][4][9][7](44)
(7d10)[10][4][1][1][5][5][5](31)
(7d10)[6][3][7][7][5][1][9](38)
(7d10)[10][3][3][8][10][10][7](51)
(7d10)[1][10][1][6][5][7][2](32)

[Lacco]

Ruark

The bread was still warm when he bought it. He gave the old lady a copper she asked for - and from the wonderful smell the loaf was well worth more.

He catched up with Nazir, who handed him a pack of clothes. Listening to his plan, he took a bite of the bread - and it tasted as well as it smelled. It was getting dark quite fast - when they left the market, the sun was already hidden behind the Fortress and the city slowly drowned in its own shadows.

Ruark walked on the cobblestones, watching the sidestreets. Long ago, he learned firsthand how fast an ambush can happen in a city like this. However, no-one approached them - maybe thanks to the disguises Nazir provided. As they walked through the docks, he noticed the pub they were drinking when they met - and from there, it was only a short walk towards the warehouse the merchant lived - as Rulg described it.

Ruark looked up and down the street and his nose was assaulted by strange smells. The warehouse was stuck between a tannery and a brewery - both buildings sent forth smells better undescribed. Opposite the warehouse stood another warehouse. A quick peek inside through side window showed it was abandoned - and it looked like only rats and drunkards have been spending their time there.

A small light was on in the warehouse they watched - but he could see no movement. However, the smell of sea - stifled by the smells of the neighbors, as well as pylons under the building and the sounds of water told him that the merchant's warehouse had access to the sea.

Spoiler: OOC

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I assumed Ruark will not haggle.

---

Nazir

The lizard tasted good, but it was a bit chewy. He spent 3 coppers on the food - and the redberries - but the cloaks were pricy. He had to spend a silver to get them - and while he tried to haggle the price down from the 10 coppers per piece, the merchant made a show of his attempts - and he soon found himself in the center of attention. Unaccustomed to dealing with loud and brash people in other ways than the ones of bow and sword, he just muttered something, surrendered a silver, grabbed the cloaks and quickly left the market.

His calm quickly returned when they entered the docks. He watched the street, trying to discern through the cloak where the merchant is, but decided to start where they found him first. Locating the pub they all met in for the first time was easy - and the warehouse was just stone-throw distance away - Rulg's description helped.

When he approached the building, he almost vomited - the smells coming from the neighbor buildings were terrible. One of these had to be tannery, but he was unsure about the other one at first. According to the sign it was a brewery - and he couldn't believe the smell that came from that one.

Amidst the smells, his nose caught a small tang of sweetly-metallic smell... of blood. He watched the warehouse in front of him - it was a two-story building, wider than taller and they had to be close to the sea - the building stood on pylons and he could hear the tide.

Only few people passed him. The street looked rather deserted now, as opposed to how he remember it before.

Behind him, opposite the warehouse, stood another building - seemingly abandoned. A glance inside through one of the windows told him it was another warehouse - abandoned. There was some movement inside, but he couldn't see anyone - only few auras of rats.

He looked up. The rain was stopping. It seemed the weather was changing once again - a slight breeze started blowing from the west, bringing with it the salty smell of sea...and something else. He looked to the west and saw that there was a fog cloud on the horizon...

Spoiler: OOC

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Let's see the haggling: SOC/10: (3d10)[9][2][10](21)
Also, let's see how the disguise works: WIT/10: (5d10)[5][5][1][1][2](14) ... ouch, a fumble. Let's see... the oversized cloaks and redberry juice make you stand in the crowd. However, there is no crowd in the docks.
Also, put a mark to weather sense

---

Urukubarr

The stables were warm, and smelled of horses. Urukubarr thoroughly enjoyed the change of scenery - cities held no allure for him, but the proximity of horses made him calmer.

The boy at first watched him warily - and when Urukubarr tried to grab his arm in the gesture of welcoming, he jerked it back, his eyes full of distrust and fear. But as soon as he saw how gently the half-orc handled the animals, he joined him and even attempted to converse.

The horses were in good health - though one of them - the one acquired from the merchant - would soon need a replacement for one of his horseshoes.

When he was satisfied with the state of the horses, he walked to the front door of the tavern. The rain was slowly stopping, but nevertheless, it obscured his vision. He looked up and down the street, but he noticed only few beggars that moved around, their figures obscured in rags. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. Long ago he discovered that smell coming from the beggars was even worse than the smell of city...

With the unpleasant thought he entered the tavern.

Spoiler: OOC

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We'll have to wait for the others to post a bit.

[Anyr]

Kate set about the mundane task of securing lodgings. Provided the price was reasonably fair, she'd pay without fuss. Dreiana received barely a glance from Kate. The Watch clearly wanted to keep their association with mercenaries discreet. It wouldn't do to be seen chatting with them in taverns. And besides, there was no time to linger here. Once her business was completed, Kate would head straight out the door again. There was work to be done.

[Dienekes]

Gerric let's Uruk handle the horses and headed inside. This was wasting time, he only hoped Nazir and Ruark could handle sneaking and scouting. They'd be better at it than him at any rate, still didn't mean he liked it any more. While Kate went about her business securing lodgings he walked up to the cook to see what was being offered. Buying some of whatever of this barbaric food seemed the most normal to him, he walked back to his compatriots as Kate was finishing her bargaining and Uruk was walking through the door. Tearing the food he bought up he handed his companions a portion.

"Here. We ready?" he asked Kate as he chewed.

[Cavir]

Nazir half stifles a cough, trying to use it to add to his disguise. He takes notice of the target building on the left and the abandoned one to the right as he continues past them heading to the docks. At the docks he turns right, away from their quarry. Not too far away he stops and starts studying the area from that angle. He takes notice of the warehouse's connection to the sea, under the warehouse where the pylons are, and out to sea. He studies the sky for a couple of minutes.

"It was said ships come in with the fog during the night right? In that case I don't think we'll have to watch all night. There's a fog coming in. Seems we arrived just in time."

Spoiler: OOC

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Holding off here to to learn what we see from this side.

[Mathis]

"Exactly. If the fog lasts all night it could let us get closer to the warehouse too, maybe we'll be able to get a peek inside at what they're up to. Want to see if we can into that abandoned warehouse first though? We're going to be here a while and I don't want to get wetter than I have to if there's going to be damp fog, the rain is bad enough.

Ships arriving with the fog though? That's bad news...Fogs are dangerous things, evil creatures like to hide in it I tell you, they're bad omens Nazir. Bad for us, or for the merchant I can't tell but they're bad for someone."

Ruark tried to find the main door that would give them a way to enter the abandoned warehouse. If he found it he would try to simply open it normally, or force it open if it proved difficult. If that didn't work and Nazir couldn't find a cleverer way of getting inside than Ruark is willing to break a window and climb inside that way.

Spoiler: OOC: Folk Lore roll

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(4d10)[9][9][9][2](29) Folk Lore TN6, trying to remember any myths about creatures that like to use or hide in fog.

[Cavir]

"An evil creature is what we are looking for. If the dark one comes once a month and mysterious ships come in fogs, then the dark one may be coming tonight. If we just watch from afar we may have to wait another month. I'm thinking for now we grab this building and scout out the warehouse for any other exits. Once the others get here, we make a final plan to move in, capture the merchant to make him talk, wait in there for his expected guests, and give them a blood-warm welcome. "

Nazir enters the abandoned building with Ruark. He helps with a quick sweep to make sure they were alone in there. He looks out the window trying to see any auras through windows across the street.

Spoiler: OOC

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Plan is to use the darkness to scout around the warehouse and check on auras through the windows. Then one of us goes to bring the rest of the group into our building.

[Lacco]

Kate

The innkeeper was a pale, tall fellow. When Kate approached him, he looked up from his work - cleaning mugs. He looked at her with the bored stare of a man who has seen it all - and nothing can surprise him.

"A room you say? For how many people? We offer stay in common room, at 5 copper per night or a private rooms. These are at 10 coppers per night - including breakfast."

As she looked around, she saw several guardsmen - they wore similar uniforms as Dreiana - some were worn, some not. The other patrons mostly looked like soldiers or guardsmen - they had the look and she immediately recognized it.

Gerric, food in his hands, came and addressed her.

---

Gerric

The tavern made him feel uneasy. He glanced around and noticed that most people sitting there were guardsmen. He could feel their eyes on him.

He measured the distance to nearest exit and then decided to just go eat something.

There was a venison on a spit in the fireplace - and a porridge with some meat in bowls in the kitchen. The venison was at 2 coppers. The porridge at 2 bits - so he took a loaf of bread and a bowl of porridge and returned to Kate.

The porridge was thick - and mostly bland. And the bread was not the freshest one, but it was filling for the price.

---

Nazir

As Nazir coughed, several people on the street turned his way. From the other side of the street he could see that the warehouse was connected to water - there was an opening, enough for a large boat to pass inside. Or couple of swimmers...

The sky was overcast, but the moon peeked out from behind the clouds, its cold rays reflected in the water.

There were no windows on this side.

As he moved to the abandoned building with Ruark, he heard loud footsteps. The street was mostly empty, but someone was coming near. He wanted to tell it to Ruark, but he already started prying a window - and with a jarring screeching sound it came open.

They hurried in. Nazir's elven sight showed him the rats scurrying into different corners. He turned to the window and looked outside. The footsteps were coming near and he could identify sounds of armour and weapons. A pair of city watch members came around the corner...

---

Ruark

Creatures in fog. Creatures in darkness... he was sure there were several of those. He was sure vampires could turn into fog. The really large trolls breathed acid fog... and he remembered the saga, where the phantoms...the ghosts...came always with a fog. Or was it frost?

It was there, right on his mind. The more he thought the more he was sure there was a danger connected with fog. It was both so close and so far - his mind seemed to dodge the thought for some reason.

He shook his head - maybe he would remember later. They approached the abandoned warehouse - and Ruark tried the door. It was locked, so he looked around - there was a sound of approaching footsteps heard down the street, ut he was almost sure they could make it in time...

He pulled out a dagger and tried to force one of the windows. With a loud jarring screech it opened and he jumped inside, followed by Nazir.

Looking around, he saw only debris and rats scurrying into corners. The moon peeked over the clouds and a ray of light lit the street. The footsteps were now louder and closer - and he could hear clanging of armour and weapons.

Couple of city watch members came around the corner.

[XIII]

Urukubarr makes his way inside, searching for his companions and ignoring the few stares and mixed expressions on his way. After finding them, he simply awaits instructions from Kate, trying to peek into the kitchen, wherever it was.

[Mathis]

As the window popped open Ruark grinned widely as he climbed inside in a hurry. The guards were close and Nazir had the right idea when he immediately tried to camouflage himself from prying eyes. Ruark did the same, though found it difficult in such a foreign environment. He simply pressed himself against a dark corner and hoped that nobody would peer too far inside if the guards decided to look for anyone in this abandoned warehouse.

Ruark wondered for a moment if the guards could be looking for someone else, or were simply in a hurry to get home for the night.

Camouflage attempt, unskilled TN 10. (7d10)[5][4][2][4][9][3][8](35)

[Cavir]

Nazir barely whispered "No weapons" and tapped his finger on his satchel. He then quickly used his muddied cloak to help blend into the shadows. He hoped the guards were just passing by and would assumed the open window, if they even noticed it, was not a concern.

Spoiler: OOC

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From OOC:
Camouflage (8d10)[4][6][4][9][3][8][2][4](40) TN 8

[Dienekes]

"Here," Gerric says as he notices Uruk snoop around the kitchens. Taking his bread he ripped it into pieces and handed a piece to Uruk and another to Kate. "We ready?"

[Anyr]

"There'll be five of us, for the common room. We'll be checking in once our business in town is finished. I'm just here to check whether the inn has room; And to stable our horses."

Kate didn't linger to chat with the innkeeper. Gerric was already getting impatient. She took the bread he offered, and made a placating gesture.

"Almost. I just need to change into some more appropriate attire."

Attempting stealth while clad in full plate was an exercise in futility. Much as it pained her, Kate would have to leave it behind. She walked to the stables, and stowed her armour in the cart. As usual, the prospect of fighting in just her aketon made her nervous. How did the others manage it so casually? Ah well, hopefully there'd be no bloodshed tonight. This was just a scouting mission. With her mind a little more at ease, Kate returned to her comrades.

"All right. Let's be off."

Spoiler: OOC

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Can I make an Appraisal check to judge whether the price is fair?

[Lacco]

Nazir & Ruark

The footsteps stopped right in front of the building they were hiding in.

A voice, sly, could be heard. "I was sure I saw him going here. Really."
Another one, a bit coarse. "And I'm sure you are as stupid as you are blind. It wasn't him - the halfling **** must have fled when the girl bought him off.
"Ok. So I saw someone who looked like him at the marketplace. But I was sure. Go to hell with your lazyness - if there is any chance to collect the money Sinkrin offers, I'm going for it."
"Yeah, yeah. That's sweet, but you still owe me since you dragged me... wait. Did you hear that?"

There was a rasp of sword agains scabbard. And a loud coarse laugh.

"You crazy. Just a cat. And the rain's stoppin. Let's stay here until it passes and then go to tavern. Your treat."

The sword went back to the scabbard - according to the sound - followed by several muttered curses.

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception: (4d10)[4][1][9][7](21) TN10

---

Kate

The price was a bit higher, but she was almost certain they weren't ripped off.

When Kate returned, Gerric and Urukubarr were impatiently waiting for her at one of the tables - Gerric looked almost unnaturally calm, and Urukubarr was the one who sat there looking uncomfortable.

Dreiana was still sitting at the table in the back, looking uneasy. She shot her an obviously fearful look as she continued her conversation with the obese man. The more she looked at the man, the more she was sure it was no priest. He seemed vaguely familiar.

As she entered the room, a drunkard approached her with a clear intent.

"Hey, missy." his breath smelled worse than the underground in the inn. "Y'look like you could use a drink... and he stumbled forward, spilling some of the drink on her boots...

Spoiler: OOC

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Appraisal: (5d10)[6][7][9][2][1](25) TN 8

---

Gerric and Urukubarr

Gerric let Kate leave - she went straight outside. He looked at Urukubarr, who was chewing loudly and happily and they both just walked towards nearest free table.

When they sat down, the serving maid came, bringing them beer. She looked fearfully at Urukubarr, and then leaned over to Gerric. It was a bit corpulent, freckled young girl and Gerric was quite sure that she had already lived for over 20 winters. She didn't smile, nor look into his eyes, just delivered a message in hurried whisper.

"Lady in d'back sez you shouldn't get opset. Dere are few new gests, bad onez. Zey'll try to make fight - get you's in prizzon. " She stands up. "You's beer. Let me know if you need anyfing elze."

Gerric felt right at home - he was sure this would lead to a good tavern brawl and that was something he looked forward to. He longed for some entertainment.

Urukubarr, on the other hand, wasn't so pleased by the news. The city was not so straightforward in its dangers as nature - and he preferred direct threats.

[Anyr]

Dreiana's obvious fear made Kate hesitate. The guard seemed scared for both herself and Kate's group. Was it wise to interrupt? Perhaps not. But she couldn't just abandon a good soldier in trouble. She took a step forward...

...Only to get her boots doused in alcohol. Kate winced. Those were custom tailored! And to add insult to injury, some inebriated lout had decided to inflict himself on her. It was hard to decide whether his breath or his leering took the prize for unpleasantness. Flashbacks to several uncomfortable parties went through Kate's mind. She'd been in this predicament far too often. With as much politeness as she could muster, Kate moved to step around him.

"I've already had one, thank you. Good evening."

[Cavir]

The mention of a name snaps Nazir's eyes open. He looks toward Ruark and holds a finger to his lips. Focusing back on the guards, he very slowly and carefully rises enough to see out the window, making use of the darkness behind him and the oversized hood to keep his pale skin in shadows, as spying on prey during a hunt. He studies them using both his human and elven eyesight, to be sure he can recognize them again, and listening for anymore of their banter.

Spoiler: OOC

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Sneak (8d10)[7][10][6][5][6][4][6][10](54) TN 8
Camouflage (8d10)[2][7][6][5][7][4][4][7](42) TN 8
Perception (7d10)[4][6][3][9][2][7][3](34) TN? (observing them)
Body Language (7d10)[4][10][4][2][8][7][3](38) TN9
I know Body Language is normally a combat roll, but in case this can apply I'm also trying to get a sense of how competent the guards are.