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Post by HorizonsDream on Apr 1, 2020 13:28:53 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
continues to wait for her stew that she ordered, and watches Conrad curiously. "With your manners, you are on your way to becoming a fine knight," she comments thoughtfully. "But what is so important about talking to..I believe you said his name was Nighthill?" she asks. "You are so eager to speak with him, in fact, that you even considered disturbing him at this time of night. It must be important." While she knew the danger that could possibly linger in this town, she was at least playing the role of the naive noble girl that doesn't know what she is getting herself into. "This isn't the first time that I've heard someone mention the Children of Takhisis. Does this mean that you are taking the omen that our draconian mentioned earlier today seriously?"
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Post by Daos on Apr 1, 2020 14:57:14 GMT -8
With the draconic outburst seemingly settled, most people go back to what they were doing. The guard, Markguth, seems satisfied and walks back to his table to rejoin Conard and Eliana. The kapak, however, still seems on edge. Grumbling to herself, she pays her tab and retires upstairs to her room. The barlad approaches Conard and Eliana with their orders, including the bottle of wine. "Please let me know if there's anything else you need," he says in an Estwilde accent. Over at the bar, Zakkoth takes a seat and the Silvanesti woman brings him a drink. "Leosin? Sounds familiar. Oh, yes...he's one of those monks. A half-elf, I think?" Her dainty nose scrunches a bit as she tries to remember. "A handful of monks of Majere arrived in town a few days ago. I'm not sure what their interest in Greenest is; something about a pilgrimage, I think they said. They come in here some nights, but not others. Not sure what they get up to. But they're just monks, so I doubt it's anything interesting." Back in the kitchen, the gangling youth nods. "Don't worry. Mum's the word." He then heads off into the common room and fetches the Silvanesti woman, whispering something into her ear. The Silvanesti woman nods and says to Zakkoth. "Ah, please excuse me for a moment." Then she and the lad head back into the kitchen to meet with Caelin. "I understand you are looking for work and shelter?" she asks, her voice quite melodious. "For how long? And what kind of skills do you have?" Meanwhile, back at the barn, Garald stows away his gear and attempts to sneak away, but accidentally stumbles in the process, tripping and bumping his shoulder against one of the horse's stalls. It only smarts a little; no serious damage. But it startles one of the horses, which whinnies loudly. As Garald tries to soothe the beast, he hears a little girl's voice ask, "Who are you, mister?" Turning, he spots a child, perhaps 7 or 8 years old, wearing a beige dress, no shoes, and holding a stuffed cat in one hand. She looks up at Garald with curiosity, not fear.
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Post by Zero Prime on Apr 1, 2020 15:14:18 GMT -8
Caelin Valaerys, pariah of TarkhisisHP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0Conditions: None.Caelin was a tad surprised by the silvestri's appearance, it was unusual for one of her kind to be proprietess of a tavern, let alone in such a reural town. He quickly played on his natural surprise, playing it with a heightened sense of nervousness, "I ... uh-yes. My name's Pip, my .. umm .. lady?" He looked to the younger kitchen scullion for support before looking back at the lovely woman, "I'm quick with my hands ma'am, a charcoal maker by birth, I can keep a fire going, gather kindling, chop wood, draw and heat water to wash your utensils. Ain't nothing beneath me ma'am, I can gather chamber pots and toss the midnight soil into the midden if it please. I'm just looking for a few coins, or a crust of bread, some dry hay and a roof, don't much care if I gotta sleep next to your pigs to keep warm."He spotted Conard in the common room as the woman had initially entered the kitchens, "I, uhh," he played up his nervousness, "the wagon of folk who just rolled in ma'am? The young one, with blade and mace, my 'pa talked to him. My pa, ya see," he nervously rubbed his ribs where he'd bruised them the previous day pulling the wagon from the mud, "my pa didn't appreciate my leaving, and paid that one coin to make sure I would return to the kiln. So if it suits any work that you need done that keeps me out of his sight, I'll do, yea?"
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Post by Kvard51 on Apr 1, 2020 16:21:30 GMT -8
Garald turns, startled by the child's unexpected appearance. He stares at her guileless face for a second, his mind a blank. But... something... speaks in his mind, reminding him to speak. "I... uh... Who am I? I might ask the same of you. Who are you?" Smiling his brightest smile, he continues, "My mother taught me not to speak to strangers, so I can't tell you my name until we are properly introduced."
Deception: qWjpe|xM1d20+61d20+6
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Post by PallentisLunam on Apr 1, 2020 18:50:31 GMT -8
Conard Marpique, 1st lvl RangerAC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege Conditions: None. "But what is so important about talking to..I believe you said his name was Nighthill?" she asks. "You are so eager to speak with him, in fact, that you even considered disturbing him at this time of night. It must be important. This isn't the first time that I've heard someone mention the Children of Takhisis. Does this mean that you are taking the omen that our draconian mentioned earlier today seriously?" Conard scoffs at the notion of heeding Zakkoth's omens. "Nay, it's not that, lady, though my business with Nighthill is of great importance. I was sent to this far corner of the empire to learn what dangers might lurk in such a place. Sir Frume, my sponsor, told me of Lord Nighthill, and it would seem that his lordship is everything a knight who survives his long years of service should aspire to be. Though his strength has waned, he now protects the weak and innocent with wisdom instead." Conard's idealism trails off as Eliana's comment brings to mind their other traveling companions, most poignantly, the absent Caelin. "I had not considered the Children of Takhisis any threat at all, until earlier today. I knew of them of course from my studies of the wars and the dragons and the gods, but it was Caelin who... advised me of their potential." Spots of color rise in Conard's cheeks that have little to do with the wine as he recalls Caelin's accusations, but he chooses his words carefully and diplomatically. "It may be nothing at all, but it may also be that Greenest has troubled days ahead." The young squire glances at Markguth, gauging the fitness of the guardsman to handle such things. A man should be allowed small comforts where possible, Conard thinks, hoping that Markguth is not given to overindulgence. Changing the subject, Conard gestures towards the bar with his cup. "Our guide and teamstress seems to have made it in from the stables, but we seem to be missing a few of our companions. I would hope they are not causing further unrest elsewhere." An accusatory gaze from the squire lands, once again, upon Zakkoth.
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Post by HorizonsDream on Apr 1, 2020 19:36:07 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
Eliana smiles sweetly to the barlad as he lays down her soup and wine. "Thank you," she says before he walks away. Her eyes linger on the barlad for a few moments as he walks away. She makes a mental note to track the barlad down after she is done conversing with Conard.
"Ah," Eliana says after eating a couple of spoonfuls of her soup. "How do you know for sure that his lordship is everything that a knight should be when you have never met him?" she asks curiously. It is clear from the way that Conard speaks about the knighthood that he looks at it from a romantic point of view. Sooner or later, she expects him to go on about saving young damsels in distress from evil villains. The naive point of view is charming to Eliana though, but she knows that one day his naivety on the matter is going to be shattered.
She takes a few moments to look around the tavern, and does indeed notice that a couple of their travel companions are missing, Caelin being one of them. "Caelin, who appears to be missing from the looks of it as you mentioned, is an interesting enigma," she says. She takes a couple of sips from her wine glass, and gently sets it on the table. "It is clear that he has knowledge about certain things, but he seems to jump back and forth from wanting to share that knowledge, and then wanting to be as cryptic as possible," she says. "What I'm curious about is what exactly the two of you spoke about that would make your cheeks flush in such a delightful color?" she asks as a tiny yet playful smile tugs at the corners of her mouth. She couldn't let that blush go, even though she knows it could possibly be because of the wine.
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Post by Daos on Apr 1, 2020 22:24:57 GMT -8
Markguth chuckles. "All this talk of doom and gloom. You are young, you should be more hopeful!" he jests. "But you are right about one thing. Lord Nighthill is a good man. Honest, fair and wise. Greenest is all the better under his rule." The old soldier finishes off his drink, then puts a few coins on the bar. "Ah, but the hour grows late, and I should get home. My little nephew and niece will be expecting me to help tuck them in." He gets to his feet and grabs his helm and pike. "Have a pleasant eve, you two." He nods to Conard and gives a slight bow to Eliana, before walking out.
Back in the kitchen, the innkeeper twitches her little nose in thought at Caelin's description of Conard. "The tall, handsome fellow? I think he's probably more distracted by the pretty blonde woman practically clutching his arm, but no matter. You needn't go out into the common room then. We are busy tonight; a big group of travelers arrived. Tell you what, you can help Joran with the cooking," she says, gesturing to the gangling young lad. "And tonight, you two can bunk together in his room. That's alright, isn't it, Joran?"
The young lad nods. "Sure, sure. I know what it's like, not having a home to go to. My parents died in the war, and Miss Aleaha was nice enough to take me in, too. So you're in good company," he says, patting Caelin on the shoulder.
Meanwhile, back in the barn, Garald is caught off guard and stumbles over his words. Fortunately, a small child isn't terribly difficult to fool. "I'm Maddy," she says. "And this is Mister Whiskers," she adds, holding up the stuffed animal. "This is my daddy's barn. Are you one of his helpers?"
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Post by Igordragonian on Apr 2, 2020 0:08:13 GMT -8
Zakkoth, Bozak, Mystic Level 1
Hp 9/9, AC 15, Passive Perception 12 ------------------------------------------------------------ Refrence
---- "Yes. He is a monk and a half human fair lady.' Zakkoth said, as he started to drink. "Where can I find those monks?' He ask rasply, and looked around grimmly.
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Post by PallentisLunam on Apr 2, 2020 0:42:39 GMT -8
Conard Marpique, 1st lvl RangerAC: 17 | HP's: 11 of 11 | Passive Perception: 10 | Natural Explorer: Grasslands | Favored Enemy: Dragons | Position of Privilege Conditions: None. Conard acknowledges Markguth's departure with a courtly nod. "And to you as well," he says. "How do you know for sure that his lordship is everything that a knight should be when you have never met him?" "I can tell from his standing in the order and the state of his lands. Cowards and miscreants do not rise to the Rose. Petty tyrants, misers, nor spendthrifts make for happy peasants. Thus I at least know his lordship lacks vices in abundance, but to not be evil is not the same as to be virtuous," Conard acknowledges. "The gods themselves prove that. Still, only a loyal master could inspire loyalty in his men. Only a just, merciful, and generous lord could foster such a homey refuge from the long road." Conard trails off realizing that he is likely becoming tedious in his ramblings. "It is clear that he has knowledge about certain things, but he seems to jump back and forth from wanting to share that knowledge, and then wanting to be as cryptic as possible," she says. "What I'm curious about is what exactly the two of you spoke about that would make your cheeks flush in such a delightful color?" Conard's jaw tightens but he attempts to cover it by sipping more wine. "Perhaps the man is a creature of extremes, possessing something of a dual nature. He seems ill at ease in the best of times, jumping at shadows and all too ready with his steel." Conard's tone is cool as he discusses Caelin, and his disapproval of the man is obvious.
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Post by HorizonsDream on Apr 2, 2020 1:11:56 GMT -8
Eliana Reyra Female Half-Elf Sorcerer 1 HP:09/09| AC:16| Spell Attack:+6| Conditions: None
"In other words, since the town seems to be happy, then the Lord of the town must be a good person overall," Eliana explains with a light smile. "I see the reasoning, so I do hope you are right." In this case, she is sure that he probably is right.
After finished off her meal, she leans back in her chair and crosses her arms lightly over her stomach as she watches Conard's jaw tighten just for a moment. Was it a bad sip of wine, or did she strike a nerve? "I doubt he possesses a dual nature, but you aren't wrong either. Are those the only reasons why he bothers you so, or is there more?"
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Post by Zero Prime on Apr 2, 2020 1:35:58 GMT -8
Caelin Valaerys, pariah of TarkhisisHP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0Conditions: None.He nodded his thanks, even as he spun, removed his leather jerkin, and folded it neatly to place it on a low stool by the rear door, as he did so he concealed his blades within it. As he did so he produced a navy kercehif and tied that over his hair, he looked back the his silvenestri patron, "Thank you ma'am, you won't be displeased." While he was still curious of the Silvenestri, he was less suspicious, having learned that she provided work and shelter for the orphan, Joran. As he patted him on the back, he turned and shot the young man a nervous smile, then quickly reached across the counter to grab a kitchen knife, rolled up his tunic sleeves, and began to quickly chopping the vegetables. "So, Joran, is it? The lady said a busy night, that happen often? Many travellers coming through these days?"
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Post by Pr0l0t0r on Apr 2, 2020 6:05:38 GMT -8
Over by the hearth, where Falconmoon and Iro sit, the cleric seems puzzled by the druid's words. "Well, that all sounds...fairly ominous, good sir," he replies after a bit of thought. "What is this danger you speak of?" Ironwood "Iro" of the Cragpine Vale -- Kagonesti Lorekeeper (Druid) 1 AC: 12 | HP's: 8/8 | Passive Perception: 13 | Conditions: None. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ironwood stretches out one leg at a time, knees popping with the relief, and takes out a pouch of herbs and a short pipe carved with an intricate vine and leaf pattern that is both organic and rigidly geometric at the same time. He sits in contented silence as Brother Falconmoon considers his words, lighting the pipe and taking an appreciative puff. The elf smiles crookedly at the priest as he finally responds. Omens abound, that they do, Phoenician. And yet, like dark clouds that portend rain, thunder, lightning, or just shade, omens are not oracles. The nature of the threat will reveal itself and when it does, I will be here to witness. Exhaling, he turns to look at Brother Falconmoon in the eyes, asking silently for sincerity in the priest's response, Does the Bird King not sing a warning to your priesthood? If not, have the mouths of Greenest men spoken of any threats?
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Post by Daos on Apr 2, 2020 13:47:33 GMT -8
Falconmoon scratches at his beard, not sure what to make of Iro's words. "I have not received any word of coming danger, from man or god," he admits. "But I would caution against starting a panic, especially an unnecessary one, by making such proclamations. Greenest is, for the most part, quite peaceful. Outside of the occasional bandit raid, there are no threats here. Even when there are raids, we have scouts that warn us of their approach, guards to protect the town, and the civilians all know the standard safety drill--to head to the keep if they hear the church bell ringing."
Back in the kitchen, Aleaha offers Caelin a smile and says, "This is just for tonight. We can discuss long term stuff in the morning, if you like. Now then, I better get back to my customers. If you have any questions, just ask Joran."
Joran joins in with Caelin in preparing the next batch of stew. "Not every night. Usually just when caravans come in. Not a lot of folk come to Greenest to stay, but lots of folk pass through it on their way to other places. Most nights, though, it's pretty slow. Just some locals that show up in the evenings for drinks and to talk. Always plenty to do, though. Miss Aleaha keeps me and Sergiu pretty busy, even when it's slow. Before tonight's group came in, the last group was a few days ago, but they were just a bunch of monks. Don't really drink much, and not very talkative."
Aleaha heads back into the common room, returning just as Zakkoth asks his question. "I believe they are staying at the temple tonight. Brother Falconmoon," she says, gesturing to the priest Ironwood is speaking to, "offered them shelter when they first arrived."
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Post by Zero Prime on Apr 2, 2020 14:42:54 GMT -8
Caelin Valaerys, pariah of TarkhisisHP: 10 of 10 | AC: 15 | Perception: 15 | Insight: 17 | Inspiration: 0Conditions: None.Caelin nodded as he continued chopping the vegetables that Aleaha had placed before them, before beginning to slice the rasher of bacon that would be served for breakfast. "Monks, eh? Saw a group of them come through the camp a month or so ago, they didn't talk much either, just made this weird hand gesture by way of greeting," he turned to Joran and extended his right hand from his heart, fingers spread in the manner of Takhisis' children, "Did you seem them do that? Maybe they are the same monks." He shrugged non-commitally as he went back to his kitchen chores. While he continued his food prep, he moved to a point where he could keep on eye on the common room but be out of sight of his companions in the event they greeted him and exposed his ruse.
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Post by Igordragonian on Apr 3, 2020 0:22:29 GMT -8
Zakkoth nodded. "I see. Then, do you have some fresh fat meat? I am exausted, and have quite the...' he croaked. "Craving."
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