The Wild Wild West

[dramatic flare]

White Rapids is a town built on eccentricity.

The rail station is just across the river, at the base of the cliff. A wide switch back, just enough for two horse drawn carts to pass side by side, rises up to the plateau upon which the town proper is built. On the edge of the town, fresh machines are hard at work building what a new inventor is calling, "the mechanical elevation ascender," with all the seriousness of youth. The dwarf is only sixty, after all.

No less than four bridges lead across the river to White Rapids, two train bridges and two road bridges. None of them are the same elevation over the Undine River. Only the two train bridges, built at the same time, are even of the same material and same aesthetic.

Upon reaching the top of the cliff, three things stick out to a newcomer.

First is the space. The main road from the switch back is paved with cobblestone (A departure from the mostly dirt and gravel road upward) and the road itself is twice as wide as the road coming up; enough for a cart to turn around without bumping any of the horses tied up on either side of road. A massive barn, the second largest building in town, services all the horse traffic coming into town. Most of the buildings on the main road are well maintained, masonry or brick, and possess large signs declaring their names. There are even gaslights lining the sidewalks.

Which can't be said of the rest of the town, which is a hectic, tight knit assortment of various claustrophobic buildings and alleys. It's clear that beyond the main road everything else operates on a principal of, "Where it fits, its built." Sometimes not even this principal is followed. The outer cliff wall is often built past, and sometimes its a mystery how the building hasn't fallen down the cliff. Some large buildings, nearly towering at four stories of narrowness, have advertisements for their function too. It's almost always of a seedier nature.

The final thing a newcomer notices is the end of the road. Built up in the hills above the rest of the town in a scintillating white sits what nearly looks like an old world castle. It's clear from this massive mansion who paid for the town to be built. Money reeks from the building, even over the ever present horse feces you're used to smelling from towns like this.

Nobody takes notice of your presence, just another eccentric visitor in a town built on eccentricity.

[Bhaakon]

Lucius Pitt

A man in a ratty charcoal duster and planter's hat pauses as he crests the final switchback and reaches White Rapids proper. He digs a plug of tobacco and a folded sheet of paper from a pocket in his coat, masticating the former while he mulls the later.

The paper is thick and creamy, not some cheap foolscap from a common scrap book, or the onionskin used to save weight on express posting. That and the gold embossing were enough to get Pitt out here. Anonymous clients were an annoyance, but alchemy was an expensive habit, and this "G. B." clearly had coin to burn.

He shakes his head, not sure why he expected to find some extra clue on this reading that he missed on the dozen previous. "Guess I'll have to ask around," he mutters out loud, punctuating the utterance with a jet of brown saliva.

He stuffs the paper back in its pocket, adjusts the shoulder strap on his rifle case, and walks towards the most expensive-looking drinking establishment on the paved portion of the main street. Once inside, he takes a seat at the bar and signals the tap man. "Two fingers of whisky," he asks.

Should I roll a diplomacy to gather information to find "G.B., or would you prefer to RP it? Given Pitt's negative diplomacy mod, I know which I'd prefer...

[Lost Demiurge]

Desdemona Jezebel Luciphera Scourge-of-the-Earth Soulscraper III

And the saloon doors are pushed open wide, as an odd figure comes through. She's a red-skinned, grinning, and fanged woman wearing a duster too large for her, a bowler hat, and a mismatch of clothes that looks like several clotheslines were raided.

(Spoilers: They totally, totally were.)

Two tiny horns poke out from her forehead, through holes cut into the hat to house them. She moves a little awkwardly, as if there were hooves in her boots, rather than feet.

(Spoilers: There are. There totally, totally are.)

She ignores everyone, as her nose twitches and she chortles, actually chortles as she crosses the room at a jogging rate and takes a running hop onto the barstool, spinning it as she sits.

On every revolution, as she faces the bar, she grins at the bartender.

"Whisky!"

Turn...

"Best you've got!"

Turn...

"And maybe somma them pickled-"

Turn...

"-Egg thingies!"

Turn...

Behind her, a small, harried man in a white suit with a black vest underneath peers in cautiously, then slinks in while all eyes are on the woman.

"Manitou" Jack Madrigal

"Hey." He says to the bartender, sitting down at the far end from the woman, who starts chucking handfuls of barsnacks at him.

"Um... Ah, sorry for mah cousin. Tiefling, you know? Can't help it."

That gets the bowl itself chucked at him, which is narrowly fended off with a frantic parry.

"So. Nice place, this town! That mansion up there... Would the owner's initials happen to be G.B...?"

[Jesse Drake]

Darius Heck

Darius steps into town, Daken following behind him with his tiny legs. He looks around- the place seemed calm enough. Now, to find G.B.- actually, Heck was parched. He wanted something to drink, and his dog could use a rest before he begins his next task. Heck located a saloon- which was never that hard, judging by the amount of horses hastily tied out front- not to mention a couple of bumbling drunks laying just outside the door.

The doors swung open- and there stood Heck- long, perfectly black leather trencher on, swaying in the wind, his wide brimmed cowboy hat covering most of his face, save for one perfectly trimmed goatee. He looked up, revealing a very normal face- he was luckily passable, save for his eery silver eyes... and his tail which occasionally poked out from his long coat. He had the sheriff's star pinned to his shirt, which appeared to be made out of some wild beasty, and a large rifle strapped to his back, and a very short dog trailing behind him. Heck gave the people a moment to take it in- he wanted them to know the law was here- then he stepped up to the bar, and with a gruff voice, placed his order. "A pint of ale- and if you have any meat bones, my dog will take one." He placed five gold coins on the counter, and then looked around- he noticed a devilish girl not too far from him, causing a bit of a raucous. Then he hears the man she's victimizing mention G.B., and scoots closer. "Ahem- evening sir." He tips his hat a bit, and then sits patiently waiting for his order.

[RandomWombat]

Honovi

The sound of clanking wood was heard as a figure- two figures, to be more accurate, a mount and a rider- crossed over one of the bridges onto the main street. The first thing noticeable about them was that the mount was not a horse. It was the size of one, certainly, but its beady black reptilian eyes and the green hide hinted otherwise. The green of the riding gecko's hide was mostly dark, though diamond and circle patterns along its back were a lighter shade. Leading down from between the eyes on its head were also strips of lighter green, stopping at the nape of the neck, around where a horse's mane would end. The horse-sized lizard licked its own nose as it was directed into town, which would have been cute if not for the rows of razor sharp teeth it revealed. Being smaller would also help. The clanking came from its wooden barding against the wooden armor on its rider's legs.

Speaking of, the rider sat atop the lizard in an exotic saddle that seemed custom-made. While also remarkable, the rider was not entirely out of place in a town of eccentrics with a call out to adventurers. Dressed in light armor made of hardened wood, some light clothes, and a hooded cloak, he seemed a fairly typical wanderer. Muscular, athletic arms extended from the ends of his sleeves to grip the front of the saddle, and he guided the reptile mostly with his knees. Hiding his face along with the hood, however, was a painted wooden mask in the likeness of a giant wasp. Against one of his hips bounced a signal horn attached to his belt. Looked like a tribal, but that mount was from nowhere near those lands.

The man directed his lizard up near the bar, some of the horses giving it wide-eyed looks. The lizard gave them hungry looks in return. Dismounting, the man- who now looked much shorter in comparison to the beast- gave it a pat on the side. He spoke in a deep, calm voice, "Wait here. Be patient, and leave them be." The lizard lay down in the sun to enjoy the warmth and waited. Its rider entered the building and removed his mask, attaching it to his belt opposite the signal horn. He had a slight underbite, and prominent canines, with several scars adorning the dark skin. Despite his neutral expression and the rest of his appearance, the half-orc had a friendly, genial look in his eyes. Walking up to the bar, he sat down next to the cowboy in black. He overheard them discussing something, but minded his own business. Addressing the barman, the tribal spoke, "Got any tepache?"

[Starbin]

The lone figure wandered into town, much like the many other strange and wondrous travelers finding themselves in White Rapids this afternoon. He walked with a certain surety, a spring in his step that suggested he was very confident ... also like the others who had found their way here. He paused to take in the grandeur and hot mess the town was, his gaze settling on the veritable castle up in the hills for a few long moments. As he continued his trek inwards, looking for the nearest inn, his eyes were drawn to a bizarre steed outside the local tavern - an enormous lizard that sat quietly sizing up the horses around it and occassionally licking its own eyeballs. Nonplussed, the wanderer turned towards the bar, for if ever there was a steed that screamed eccentic, this was one. Perhaps here he would find the elusive 'G.B.'

Slipping through the door, the man was all but invisible to the locals, used to the comings and goings of outsiders on a regular basis. the newcomers, however, took note of the short and stout figure. He wore a long tailored coat, buttoned to the neck, a wide-brimmed hat pulled down over his brow, and a scarf wrapped around his face. Two glittering eyes peered out from beneath the brim and past the mask, sweeping across the bar to study those already gathered. Anyone paying more than cursory could see two hilts poking up through slits in the coat, next to a small pack. Like any wanderer worth his salt, there was a fine looking revolver on his hip, as well.

Stepping to the bar, he beckoned the bartender over. "White tea, with lemon, if you please.". His spoke in a low voice like tinkling glass, that rose and fell in a unique tempo.

[dramatic flare]

I was originally going to wait for North_Ranger to post before continuing, but he's messaged me and it seems continuing now would be wiser. He suspects he'll be posting in a few days.

You've all managed to find the first saloon on the road, a place by the name of, "McTavish's." You aren't quite certain how to pronounce it, but its raucous clientele and quality furniture go a decent distance to proving its popularity. Most of the clientele are dressed as laborers, though a few well-dressed patrons enjoy the bar or tables that up on a balcony and out of the way.

A human and a dwarf man the bar, the dwarf kicking around a stool to stand on when serving customers. On the floor proper, a few ladies of various statures (including a gnome, of all things) carry out the booze and flirt for their tips. Having arrived late in the afternoon, you find yourself in the bar just in time for the post work revelry to just be getting started.

A slight, incomplete hush fell over the main floor as the attractive, young filly of a demon stalked in to bar, then exuberantly jumped upon the stool and began making it move in ways it wasn't designed to. Third party examination would likely rule levitation, but immediate perception is of the girl somehow managing to not break the stool when it really, really should be. Slowly, conversation climbs back to the previous level, ignoring the strange sight of a semi-accompanied young woman in a saloon.

The dwarf served the bounty hunter two fingers of well whisky (some unlabeled, cheap local corn swill) while the human, a slightly portly fellow with impressive sideburns, who exudes a wave of friendliness, reached up and grabbed a bottle off the top shelf. The bottle gave a crystalline ring as the cork is popped that continued for the short period of the pour. Without a word, the bartender capped the bottle and returned it whilst shuffling the drink in front of the pretty demon.
After a moment's consideration, the bartender stepped over to Mantiou, and held up a hand.
"Five gold, sir."
Under his shoulder, the dwarf commented, "G.B.? Aye, lad, it would be. Gilbert Barret, that one is. Built this town."
A drunk man from the bar slurred, "Not that he pays like it," To which the dwarf responded, "And yet ye have a job, don't ya, ya sorry excuse for a horse's arse?"
Several of the regulars nearby chuckled.

The human, who served "Manitou" Jack, slung a pint of light ale to the lawman. "four coppers, and I ain't got no bones I'm afraid. Cooky mostly does stew, maybe a game hen if ya bring one in. Might want to check the butcher," He extended his other hand to Darius.

The dwarf gave the tribal a hard look. "tepac-what now? Lad, you want firewater, I'll give you firewater so long as ya don't start no fights. But I ain't got no tehrpacher."
Then, without a second look, called back to the Oread, "No sir. Only have black tea, or coffee if'n you prefer."

[Lost Demiurge]

Jack about jumps out of his seat as the rough figure with the dog adresses him.

In a heartbeat he's pegged him as a bounty hunter, and he blinks a few times to get the raw terror out of his eyes.

"Ev-evening..."


Did that sherriff ever get around to posting a bounty on me? Was it just threats to get me out of town? Pretty sure I can outrun this feller, but can I outrun his dog? Oh lord...

The bartender's interruption is welcome, and he smiles his biggest crap eating grin as he slides over six gold. Tosses back a drink and smiles at the bounty hunter, and the other strangers moseying up to the bar. "Oh! Uh, howdy. What brings y'all to town?"

"Me, it was a train." He laughs a little too loudly for the joke, coughs when no one else joins in immediately, and turns back to his drink.

A devil-flung pretzel rebounds from his nose. He absent-mindedly picks it up off the bar and eats it.

[RandomWombat]

The half-orc laughed a light, jovial laugh that didn't seem to match his appearance, "A drink from further down south. Friend of mine brewed some once." Honovi's expression grew a bit less jovial for a moment, but he shook it off. "Some of da usual firewater is fine."

Turning to the apparent bounty hunter next to him, and the man further down, Honovi asked, "Ya get sent for too, by G.B.?" They stuck out like a sore thumb, albeit less than Honovi himself did. This kind of town seemed to draw in strange characters. Honovi still wondered how this G.B. knew about what happened to Winston. Could he have known Winston from back in the east?

[Jesse Drake]

Heck's smile widened, watching the man squirm a bit. But, as far as he could tell, he was no criminal, so Heck just let the man speak- then after the native spoke up, Heck nodded. Finally, he spoke up. "I just strode into town looking for Mr. G.B.- seems there's some criminal scum loose and he needs my help roundin' them up." He looked down at Daken, and shook his head. "Sorry boy, nothin' here for ya."

Heck stares at the demon-girl for a moment. "Uh, do ya know her?" He asks Jack. "And I don't suppose she's a Hellion, is she?"

[Starbin]

The stranger nodded once, implying a slight bow. "Black tea will suffice. Many honors upon your house." Short and stocky, he slid on to one of the stools, waiting patiently for his drink. the talk from the others, and the raucous sounds from the strange, red-skinned girl at one end of the bar made for an interesting assortment of characters (OOC-no pun intended :smallredface:), and provided an opportunity to gauge the clientele. At the moment, it was simply being perceptive and aware of his surroundings ... only if he engaged on what he heard spoken privately would he be eavesdropping.

Perception: [roll0] to notice anyone listening/watching that might be 'GB'
KS (Nobility): [roll1] after hearing the name Gilbert Barrett, any connection to known nobility?

[Lost Demiurge]

"Know her? Haha... She... Uh... It's a long story." Says Jack. He takes a drink, and steadfastly ignores the sound of breaking glass from down the bar.

"Let's just say there are some card games where winning's about as bad as losing and leave it at that. A hellion? Well, there's folks who call her the Devil's own Daughter so I'd say yeah." He kills his glass, and smiles at the rough man.

"Oh hey, you got called in by G.B too? Figure we should probably go meet him at his mansion."

"HAHA, WATCH THIS!"

CRASH!

"Um. Soon. Like now. Very definitely now." Jack's face crumples, as he starts pulling out coins to cover the damage...

[North_Ranger]

Reverend Creedy

"If you've trouble reining in your... associate", a new voice broke in, sharp and stern as obsidian. "I can lend assistance." The owner of said voice had walked inside unnoticed, while everyone's attentions were turned at the antics of the hellish girl-thing. A tall, lean figure, the man wore the garb of a traveling preacher: black jacket over a dim steel breastplate, black trousers, black boots, a wide-rimmed hat and an Erastili holy symbol, wrought in iron. Despite the grey in his beard and the silver in his hair, the old man stood straight and without a sign of age-born fatigue, as evidenced by the fact that he was packing heat. A many-barreled rifle on his back, a pistol on one hip and a morning star on the other. In his hand, he held a jangling pair of manacles.

"Do I need to restrain her - or will you make sure she behaves?" the newcomer asked without a hint of humor in his voice.

[Bhaakon]

Lucius Pitt

A hint of a frown sours Pitt's countenance as he sips the local swill. Sprouted maize and wild yeast; iron contamination in the water; mash burnt in the still; moderately diluted; he rattles off internally. Once he's sure that the stuff won't blind him, he downs the rest of the glass in a single, blistering gulp.

His frown grows as he hears the man in the white suit asking after G. B.

It turns into a full on scowl when the well-dressed man's mention of the initials start drawing a crowd, in spite of the antics of the dancing tiefling.

Competition or collaborators? He wonders, ordering and downing a second shot of the local rotgut. Doesn't matter. Best to feel them out in either case.

His mind made up, Pitt screws his face into something approaching a grin and walks over the coalescing group. "Ah, another batch of fresh meat for G.B. What project has he called you lot in on? Something interesting, I hope."

[RandomWombat]

"It seems White Rapids draws folk in from all the four winds," Honovi commented as more of an aside than anything directed at the gathering in the tavern. Turning on his seat to a more favorable position in case a fight broke out between the priest and the demon-girl, the half-orc looked up at Pitt. "Dunno. Da letter summoning me here said only dat he had info I need. Work for him and he tells me, yeah?"

The tribal tapped one of his claws on the side of the barstool. Their presence, which hadn't been noticed before, now became apparent. His nails were thick and dark, like an orc's, and filed to sharp points resembling the claws of an animal. He also seemed to lack any sort of man-made weapon.

[Lost Demiurge]

"Huh? Oh, uh!" Jack stammers at the preacher, while simultaneously grabbing hs hat and pushing it lower on his head. It's a nice stetson, somewhat crumpled...

"No, no need sir, she's just a bit wild at times, can't help it, you know how it is, come along Des we were just leaving-"

CRASH!

Dripping with whisky, Desdemona strides over to Jack's side as he tosses twenty gold on the bar. "Hey, those bottles aren't nearly as sturdy as- Oooh! A priest! You're in the wrong place padre, there's no choir boys here!"

"oh god." Jack whimpers, eyeing the distance to the door...

[Jesse Drake]

Heck approached 'Des', and spoke in a stern voice. "Apparently I have some cousins who go by Hellion. I ain't accusin, yer... friend there seemed a bit confused on the subject.". Despite the fact two armed men now surrounded her, Heck actually meant no trouble. Hopefully she realized this.

[dramatic flare]

The dwarf, after of pouring another shot of well whisky for the native, gives the bounty hunter a quizzical look for the, "fresh meat" coment. "Four coppers, each of ya," he says after a moment and a shrug, nodding to the bounty hunter and the native.
The human pokes his head through a door behind the bar, turning his back on you, and talks to someone for a second. He pushes his hand in and comes back with a small pot of hot water. He unceremoniously puts some tea in, then sets it in front of the Oread.
"Two silver," he says, setting a cup down beside it.

without a word the dwarf swipes the twenty gold off the bar and looks at "Manitou" Jack. "You should get yer cousin outta here." He looks the the lawman expectantly.

Starbin:
You notice a few interested bar patrons but nothing beyond what should be expected given the current medley who walked in. You have no method of identifying anyone who would be G.B.
You seem to recall having heard the name before, but can't remember where or why.

[Lost Demiurge]

"Yes! Yes I absolutely should! Come along Des!"

"But it's a priest! I wanna play with-WHOOP!" Jack grabbed her by the coat's neck, and was bodily hauling her out the swinging doors. "Come on now, let's go meet this nice GB fellow! Big mansion! Lots of rich stuff!

"No guards?"

"Only two! They're blind as bats now come on!"

He called back to the folks inside. "Sorry for the trouble gents... Got a game to get to! If y'all are looking to see GB, you'd be welcome to come along."


WHAM!

He didn't look at the loud noise. Rivulets of sweat ran down his face. "Please." He half-whispered, half-croaked...

[Jesse Drake]

"Hmm... oh, yeah." Realizing he had a debt to settle up, Heck reaches for two gold coins, and drops them in the dwarf's hand. Then as Jack leaves hastily, Darius follows swiftly behind. Daken follows right behind him, panting as he moves. As he makes his way after Jack and hopefully toward G.B.'s mansion, he keeps his eye out for the butcher, having a feeling he'll be doing business with him in the future.

[Starbin]

The stranger placed two silver pieces on the counter, pushing them towards the bartender. He listened to the exchanges between the other newcomers, which seemed to be bordering on violence. The nervous man and his devil-spawned cousin left for the mansion, with the native and his dog in tow. The holy man and the lawman seemed content to remain his far, but perhaps that would change if hey decided the red skinned woman required further investigation.

The stranger sat quietly, slowly inhaling the aroma of his brewing tea. It lacked the strength of a similar leaf from his homeland, but it was probably as good as any he would find in these uncivilized lands. The mansion, and the mystery if 'GB' and his offer would simply wait a few more minutes.

[North_Ranger]

"GB?" the preacher asked and then grumbled. "Hrm. Seems our interests are, for the time being, aligned", he said, putting the manacles back on his belt and following along.

"But keep your... cousin... on a leash, pilgrim. I'm a patient man, but even my patience has limits. And she is not too old to be put on my knee and spanked like an ill-behaved child", the greybearded clergyman warned, clearly meaning every word. And not as a joke, either.

[Lost Demiurge]

Desdemona grins widely.

"Spanking? That's your bent! Easy enough!"

She grabs Jack. "You! Jackyboy! I'll need a bullwhip, a bathtub full of mayonnaise, five red candles, one of those new-fangled phonograph devices, and six ravens."

She eyes the preacher for a moment, then turns back. "Better make it seven. He's a geezer."

Jack shakes off her grasp, shakes his head, and keeps walking. "What? C'mon!"

He flips his hands up in a "whatever" gesture, and she snorts, and flips him off. Then growls as he gets about a hundred feet away, and hurries to keep up. "Stupid rassafracking muttermuttermutter..."

[Bhaakon]

Pitt drops a few coins on the bar and slips out as the tiefling makes a scene with the preacher. He falls in wordlessly with the others headed for the mansion. Damned if I'm going to let them meet our prospective employer without me.

[North_Ranger]

The preacher merely shook his head at the demon girl's bravado, not deigning to comment on her list of paraphernalia.

[RandomWombat]

Placing four copper on the counter, Honovi watched the group's antics. Mainly the antics of the strange devil-girl, apparently a Tiefling. Her wild rampage seemed more akin to a demon, in the native's opinion, but then he did not deal with such forces. Quickly downing the burning whiskey, he set the glass back on the counter. "Lawmen and mercenaries, hm? Such little patience among soldiers. Suppose I ought to join them; blessings of the wind." With a short nod to the bartender and his human assistant, Honovi stood and followed the others out. He lifted himself back into his saddle and directed the riding lizard towards the large building at the heart of the town.

[Starbin]

Suddenly the stranger sat alone, while the strange group headed for the mansion of Gilbert Barret. He stared for long moments at the soaking tea before he finally raised the cup to his lips a drank carefully. Given the effort made to contact him, the stranger assessed the request for aid would remain valid until they met.

[dramatic flare]

Haku finds himself at the bar which was deserted by the random assortment of individuals. Slowly, their stools are taken by more homely folk of the rustic sort. A mage, obvious from his robes and magic implements walks into the bar without much fanfare. He orders a drink and sits next to Haku.
For some reason the mage's hood is up, and it seems extraordinarily difficult to get a good look at his face.

The majority of the group moved onto the cobblestone road and made a heading for the mansion on the hill. The group quickly passed by the town center and found themselves on a narrower winding road up to the mansion. The road was not quite a switch back though it could seem that way at times. Eventually, the group arrived in front of the gate to the mansion. The two massive wrought gates have a large G.B. emblazoned on plaques machined onto them. There are four guards in front of the gate, and from their manner they neither trust you nor expect anything pleasant.

[Lost Demiurge]

Jack smiles, walks up to the gate, shedding all nervousness and fear. Desdemona chortles, but watches, silent and smug.

"Well howdy there, pardner. Name's Jack, Manitou Jack. Got an invite here..."

He pulls out the embossed letter.

"Seems like your boss wants a palaver with me, and some of the folks back here too..."

Diplomacy!

[roll0]

[Jesse Drake]

"Let yer boss know Deputy Darius Heck is here." Heck states after Jack indicates his presence. G.B. went through a lot of trouble sending a boy to find him- he'd surely know what the hell Heck looked like. His gruff tone hides the fact he's a bit embarrassed he... forgot his letter.

[Starbin]

The stranger appeared content to sit and drink for a moment. In a profession of violence, one had to take advantage of these quiet times. Glancing around the bar, he noticed the hooded man next to him, a wizard by all appearances. After another sip, he motioned to one of the bartenders.

"Competent barkeep, I wish to ask a question. What might you be able to tell me about Mr. Barret, that I will not make a social misstep, or offer unintended offense?

Haku will not stare or peer into the man's hood, but he is perceptive: [roll0] .. Maybe he'll see something by chance.

PS - get better!

[North_Ranger]

"As well as Reverend Jeroboam Creedy", the rarely-speaking cleric spoke up, not letting go of his stern stance. If the goddamn hellspawn couldn't make him flinch, what chance did some hired goons have?

[RandomWombat]

Dismounting as the group approached the gate, Honovi introduced himself as well, "I am Honovi of Cheveyo-Malarrak. As with these travelers, I was led to White Rapids with an offer of employment." Searching in his pack, the half-orc showed the guards his letter, "Is this the home of GB?"

[Bhaakon]

A jet of tobacco juice splatters on the cobbles before the gate as Pitt fishes out his own letter and holds it out non-nonchalantly for the guard.

"Pitt. Open up."

[dramatic flare]

After the medley of wayfarers made their introductions, two of the guards looked to each other in disbelief.
"Twern't told to us to expect any visiters," One drawled slowly.
"Aye, but 'tis the boss' letterhead," another spoke questioningly.
"Ya can't even read, dullsword."
A third guard, sharp-eyed though somewhat more visibly grizzled than the rest, steps up to your group. "A deputy and his dog, a reverend not killing the demon-woman, and a half-orc on a damned lizard? What kind of fools do you take us for, thinking a respectable dwarf would ever invite you to 'is house? I'd run ya through here just for insulting my intelligence if I didn't hate having to explain blood on the road to my boss. Even if it his letterhead and not just a forgery, there's more chance an illiterate servant sent this as a prank than Gilbert Barrett h'ms'lf!" the grizzled guard finished with a humph. he crossed his arms, then finished, "just leave the way you came, lads. We don't need your trouble here."
The rest of the guards tensed up, their nervousness at the armed group palpable. However, no guns or swords are drawn by their group.


The dwarf looked at the Oread with some interest. He only answered after a short examination. "If you're looking to make an introduction, you should know Barrett is something of a recluse and does most of his business by mail these days. Don't know 'im myself, or his temper too much. 'Cept he's good at making gold and he owns this saloon, technically, much like he owns all the buildings in town. Aye?"
The mage received his drink and, even tilting his head back, it remained nearly impossible to make out his face underneath the linen hood.

Haku is aware that something is manifestly trying to prevent him from seeing the mage's face, but can not explain how, or why, or what.

[Jesse Drake]

"Your intelligence, huh? Hmm, you forgot to count our other two companions," He nods towards the gambler and the bounty hunter. "But that's not important. Your boss went through a lot of trouble getting a hold of us, gathering our help no doubt from all corners of the west, and I'm sure he'll be glad to hear that his esteemed guests were turned around by his illiterate doorman." Darius looks at the priest. "As for the priest not killing the demon girl, she's given no reason to have herself executed, and not all of us resort to killing first. And believe me, if you were to 'run us through', you'd have a hell of a lot more to explain than blood on the road. But it's a shame you'd rather lose your job for sending off such important guests such as us than send someone to confirm his expectation of our arrival."

[RandomWombat]

At Darius' speech, Honovi gave a jovial laugh and gave the deputy a pat on the back, "Well said." With a more serious look, the half-orc turned to face the older guard again, "Dutiful guardsman, the letter contains knowledge no mere servant would possess, and that is not all. Show me an illiterate servant who can paint the words of the orcish language as though they were poetry, and I will believe this a prank. It is not a task so easily accomplished."

[Lost Demiurge]

Jack shrugs, leans against the gate, and pulls out a pipe. He tamps some tobacco in, and lights it.

"Well, friend..." He says to the head guard.

"Here's the thing of it. I was the one asked HERE. Same thing with the rest of these gents. And lady."

Des flips him off. He ignores her.

"So if I turn around and leave right now, it's no skin off of my nose."

"But... Here's the way I see it. If we WERE asked here, and this IS on the level, then when your boss finds out we had come and were turned away at the gate..."

"Well."

"It ain't US he's gonna be unhappy with, is all I'm saying."

"Converselywise, sending a feller up to the main house to check with Mister GB? While all of us wait here a spell, and jaw about the weather? Well, it wouldn't take long atall, and it just might save yourselves a lick of hurt, to check and see if by some chance he HAS called for us. Here."

Jack proffers the letter. "Might just save your job, old son. Unless there's a flaw in my logic I ain't ciphered out just yet..."

He's smiling, absently. He truly doesn't give a damn one way or t'other. Now that he's away from the last town's troubles, it'd be no difficulty atall to move to another.

[North_Ranger]

The preacher had been content to let others do the talking for now, simply standing behind with a brooding expression as the dwarven gatekeeper was told in excruciating detail why he should just shut up and announce their presence.

"Best you get on with it, gatekeeper", he spoke up after Jack. "As for the hellspawn... she ain't done nothin' yet to warrant me puttin' a lawful hurt on her. All she done is annoy the hell out of me. And I don't kill people for annoyin' me", he said, looking at the dwarf menacingly. "For which you oughta be right grateful right now."

[Starbin]

The stranger nodded again, taking a sip of his tea as he waited. The letter had requested he find 'one' in White Rapids, an odd request given the man's stature and importance. 'Report to me' or 'meet me at the Golden Dragon' seemed more likely. Of course, the man was a recluse and perhaps given to a bit of a flair for the dramatic (:smallbiggrin:).

No matter, the stranger knew that finding Mr. Barret was his first step in solving this puzzle, and the better informed he was, the better chance he had of finding the man.

"Apologies, most honorable barkeep, but I have been rude. My name is Haku, and I am a simple wanderer from the east. My pardon, but I do have more questions, if you have time. How might one recognize Mr. Barret? Is his reclusiveness restained to his domicile, or are there other places that he might frequent within or around the town?"

The mage next to him had apparently used sorcery of some sort to mask his features ... but Haku had no reason to question the man on his attempt at anonymity. Instead, he focused on the barkeep for now.

[dramatic flare]

The dwarven guard spat some juice off the side of the road and grunted in amusement.
"Orcish as poetry? Now i know you ain't come to the right place. Barrett couldn't read or write orcish if ya held a gun to his head. And besides all of yer yammering on about sending one on to check for expected guests? See, we got orders to do just the opposite. And we're well paid to carry those orders out. Hell, I can read just plain enough from here that none of your letters in common have a signature at the bottom." The dwarf shoved his thumb over his shoulder, pointing behind him at one of the other guards. "He's the illiterate one, lawman, and I'll thank you to keep yerself free from assumin' things about me and mine again."
As if dismissing your party, the dwarf turned around and walked back to his line of men. One of the guards moved to beside the gate and put his hand on a brass bell knocker there.
"I don't know what you all hoped to accomplish by insultin' me, but it won't get you inside, not with that crap story of yours. Invited by the biggest recluse this side of a mage's flesh wand?" The guards chuckled slightly, nervously, as if the uncouth joke would startle the travellers away.



Now, inexplicably, the mage spoke up before the bartender had a chance to speak up. The mage's voice was cracked though still quite strong, like it had spent too much time breathing poisonous air.
"Barrett never leaves his house," and with that the mage downed his drink.
"Though, in perhaps what you would consider rudeness I see myself finding the need to ask; why do you care?" The hooded head swung vaguely towards Haku now, though even the new angle did not cure the original and disquieting inability to see the mage's face.

[Lost Demiurge]

Jack looks the guards up and down.

Sense Motive!
Are they hiding something, here? [roll0]


Assuming he finds nothing hinky, he shrugs.

"Well, probably a mistake then. Sorry t'trouble ya."

"C'mon Des, back to the saloon, then we'll be outta here in the morning, less something fun comes up."

Des snorts. "You're gonna let these chicken****s keep you from a mystery, here?"

"What? These guys are just doing their jobs."

"They insulted you. They're ugly. This whole thing is a waste of time. And they need a whoopin'."

"Hey now. No need to get-"

"I mean seriously. THAT guy? He looks like he fell off the ugly treant, and failed his reflex save for every branch!"

"What in tarnation are you talkin' about-"

"OH JUST BEAT THEM INTO A PULP SO WE CAN GO INSIDE!"

Jack holds up his hands, placatingly, and starts backing away from the gate.

"Sorry, sorry, she gets these spells sometimes..."

[RandomWombat]

Scowling now, his jovial attitude fading, Honovi glared at the guard. "If he did not write these letters, there is someone very well informed and well connected who wishes us to be here in this place. Someone who wishes to soften or distract the guard with angry complaints, and perhaps incite violence?" The dark-skinned man scanned his unlikely companions here in White Rapids, resting on the furious devil girl. "Is it simply a harmless joke? A thief, perhaps? Or a killer?" Turning back to the guard, he added, "Were I you, I would not dismiss this possibility." With that, he turned around and began leading his lizard back down the trail towards the town.

[Starbin]

Haku turned to face the mage directly, raising one eyebrow at the man's shadowy face. Of course, Haku wore a scarf across his face with his hat pulled low, so perhaps it was a matter of quid pro quo. After assessing the man for a moment, he spoke quietly. "I received a letter, one that suggested the author knew a great deal about me, and I wished to find out more."

Haku pause for a moment, then dropped his scarf, revealing a dark skin that seemed to glitter in the tavern light. He inclined his head to the side, almost apologetically as he considered another alternative.

"Perhaps I have jumped to conclusions, given the address was White Rapids and the signator was 'G.B.' I now realize the question asked of the gentlemen earlier was if the mansion belonged to a GB. However, perhaps there is another GB in town, in which case that is the person I should be seeking."

He divided his glance between the bartender and the hooded mage, wondering if he had made a significant social misstep.

[Jesse Drake]

"Ha, mage's fleshwand- good one. Perhaps yer right. I probably shouldn't have gone insultin' ya like that. I've come a long way, and I hate having my time wasted- someone called me here, stamping his letter with a golden G.B.. If it's not yer boss, then that's fine, I gotta find the person who called me here. But I'd like to be sure, see. I can pay one of ya to check. If yer right, I'll leave... unless ya know someone else who G.B. could be. Either way, it'd be worth about... 50 gold coins to me."

[dramatic flare]

The guard's leader paused and considered the fresh batch of action in front of him. He kept a wary eye on the demoness but otherwise was nonplussed.
He cocked his head sideways after hearing the deputy's bribe offer. he glanced back at the rest of the guards in turn, his mouth moving silently. The dwarf faced the deputy again. "Twelve gold apiece isn't worth our jobs, mate."



The mage beside Haku was silent for a moment, then responded, "No. You have the correct location. Though, if it's whom I suspect it is, you do not have the right person. Hmm.... I can't say too much, but I think I can say getting inside the mansion might be part of the," the mage hesitated, "no. I can't ruin it. It wouldn't be fitting."
The bartender suddenly started as if he too had realized something from the conversation. He quickly went back to cleaning glasses. The mage turned and stared at him for a moment.

[Starbin]

Haku appraised the two men for a moment, sipping his tea as he pondered this little mystery. The mage seemed to indicate that while the address was correct, the person might be wrong. The bartender looked like he knew something as well, but both people were reluctant to speak further ... almost intimating that finding the right person was part and parcel with his task.

Setting his cup down, he cleared his throat politely as a thought occurred to him. "Does Mr. Gilbert Barret have a relative with the same initials? Perhaps a significant other, sibling, or offspring?"

[North_Ranger]

"You must be very poor at math, friend dwarf", Creedy remarked as he slowly and steadily removed his wallet from his pocket, leafing through some crisp notes of currency. "A hundred gold divided by four is twenty-five, not twelve. If you don't believe me, perhaps you should run to the school house and check with the local school master", he continued, picking out ten folded five-piece notes.

Diplomacy! [roll0]

[Jesse Drake]

"Ah, very good padre." Heck chuckles, as the good father reaches through his billfold and removes some crisp bank notes. "This G.B. better be worth our time." He comments under his breath. "If I didn't get the impression he was loaded, I wouldn't be doing this." He pulls out some more small gold bullion. "Actually, it'd be about 50 apiece."

[dramatic flare]

The guards turn towards one another, suddenly interested with the increased payment. Other than the lead guard, they could be seen leaning in towards one another and muttering. The lead guard glowered at the ground for a split second before barking behind him, "Don't you all lose yer heads now before you even spent the money on drinks like I know you all will!"
The guards quieted down.
The lead guard, after a moment of quiet, spoke, "If I do this for ye, you tell no one else that it happened. And if I do this and you do not have any business with Mister Barret, you will leave without putting up a ruckus. Am I clear?"



The bartender ducked his head closer to his glasses under the scrutiny of the mage. As if some unspoken words passed between them, the mage abruptly pulled his attention off the subdued barkeep.
"Not that I am aware of," he says slowly.

[Lost Demiurge]

WOMP!

Jack's hand whips around Des' mouth, and he nods, all smiles. "I swear."
She frowns at him, and smoke slowly starts to rise from under his hand... And he glares back. Long moments pass...

Finally, she rolls her eyes, and shrugs. He nods, and retrieves his hand, shoving it into his pocket with a grimace.

[Starbin]

Haku glanced back and forth between the two men for long moments, wondering what was going on. Then shrugging it away, he took another sip of his tea, finishing the rest of it. Setting down the cup, he turned to face the mage. In a low tone of voice, he asked, "Pardon my rudeness, but since we have been speaking for a moment, I feel obliged to introduce myself. I am Haku. What is your name, gentle person?"

[North_Ranger]

The old reverend looked the dwarf right in the eye, trying to get a read on the man. It would be so easy for him simply to step inside, wait for a moment and then come out saying Mr Barrett had no business with them. Could he trust this stern gatekeeper to introduce them plainly and honestly, or would he just try to con them out of their hard-earned cash?

The minister whispered a small prayer to his god, to guide him in gauging the dwarf's trustworthiness.

Casting guidance to bolster his Sense Motive check: [roll0]

[Jesse Drake]

"I'm a man of my word, if you send the message we're here, then I'll leave." Heck looks at the dwarf with a look in his eye of a man w who doesn't mess around.

[dramatic flare]

Reverend Creedy felt his mind race about with indecision. The dwarf was hard to judge and Creedy had good reason to be cautious. Duplicity was common out here in the wild lands. On the other hand, the dwarf had already mentioned, before cash was even a question, that talking to Mr. Barrett as the group was asking could very easily cost him his job. Introductions, then, could probably be kept out of the question.
But would the dwarf treat them fairly?
Reverend's god was unfortunately silent on the issue.
The dwarf looks at the bounty hunter and the reverend. "I have your other friend's words on this. What about you two?"

About halfway down the hill to town, a gnome quietly waved Honovi down. He was dressed in workman's clothing, overalls and heavy boots, and covered in soot. The gnome's eyes gleamed through the dirt.
"I heard your conversation with the guards up there. You want to meet Barrett? I might be able to organize... a something. I just need you to do something for me. Well, test something for me. Well, no, mostly just ride it and hope it doesn't explode."


The mage nodded to Haku. "A pleasure. My name.... you may call me Guile for now. It is my working name. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't you an oread? It is uncommon to see your people in this part of the world."

[North_Ranger]

"The Father teaches us to treat those fairly who treat us fairly", Creedy nodded, staring at the dwarf. He was uncertain as to what extent this member of the Bearded Race could be counted upon, but he had no choice at this point. Still, he would keep his eyes open and his ears sharp if the man came back with half-hearted apologies.

[Starbin]

Haku bowed his head. "It is my honor to make your acquaintance, Guile-san. Yes, I am an oread, son of the mountain, born of the earth. You have a sharp eye. I apologize that my own sight is not sufficient to pierce the shadows of your hood; therefore I know very little of you, save your voice, form and mannerisms seem to mark you as a male of a humanoid species."

He paused for a long moment, politely giving the mage time to answer before speaking again. In a lower tone, he asked, "I am curious, did something between our exchange offend the barkeep? He seems to have found important business at the unoccupied end of the bar very quickly, yes?"

[Bhaakon]

Pitt cracks a wide grin, showing a bit too much of his tobacco-stained teeth to be taken as exactly genuine. "Discretion, in my experience, is the better part of a man's value," he answers, "and I've never in my life started a ruckus."

"Though treachery might induce me to break that policy, if you take my meaning." Pitt adds as he reluctantly reaches for his gold. Bribery isn't exactly his preferred method for gaining entry, but he's not going to risk searching for an alternate approach while the others get in first.

[dramatic flare]

"There is no treacherous here," the dwarf said to Pitt, "but I suspect yer all intelligent enough here to know what could happen to me job if'n word got around we accepted this here bribe."
The dwarf thought for a moment.
"Is one a ya'll willin' hand o'er yer letter? I'd appreciate one in th' common tongue. An example would help yer chances, and if nothin' else keep me from trouble with the boss," the dwarf emphasized with a shrug.


"Ignore the barkeep," Guile said quickly, "He's merely realized that what is going on no longer concerns him. As for my face, well, it's a magic built into the hood of my robe. No apologies are needed, and I thin-" at this point the mage tilted his head sideways in an odd manner, as if listening to something far away. Guile stood quickly. "If you'll excuse me, I've been called for, finally, to make my report," and he walked to a slightly unoccupied part of the floor, mumbled something incomprehensible and BANG!
Guile disappeared in an arcane flash of light. Conversation stopped, and a faint scent of ozone filtered through the room. People looked about them uneasily to figure out what had just happened.

[Lost Demiurge]

Manitou Jack smiles, and hands over his letter, as requested.

[Starbin]

Haku watched as 'Guile' stood abruptly and headed towards an unoccupied portion of the room. He thought for a moment, going over what the man had said. "I can't say too much, but I think I can say getting inside the mansion might be part of the ... no. I can't ruin it. It wouldn't be fitting." Could it be this mage was associated with 'G.B.'? Was that where he had been called to? What if ... what if this was a part of the test? What if the mage was GB himself?

Seeing Guile start to move his hands in an arcane fashion, Haku decided on a course of action. Moving swiftly across the floor, he reached out to place a hand on the back of the mage ... if the man was going to the mansion, perhaps this was the best way in!

Haku is trying to 'hitch a ride' not stop the spell. So, tell me what you need for that.
Acrobatics check? That'll be [roll0].
Need an initiative? [roll1].
Grapple check or touch attack? [roll2]

What else should I be doing? What are my chances of success? What happens when he strikes me down with his Prismatic Middle Finger?

EDIT: Well, darn ... that 'grapple' check wouldn't win a pinkie war!

[Jesse Drake]

Heck looked at the dwarves sternly, then stated "So we're settled up then men? Now, we'll wait here for ya to come back to get us- out leave quietly if that's the case. And my word is add good as the law."

[dramatic flare]

The dwarf took the letter from Manitou Jack and put it in his light coat. He turned about a put a key into the gate and unlocked it while one of the guards worked a winch to pull the crossbar out of the way. With stiff-backed resolution, the guard captain strode to the mansion.
The gate was closed and barred again, and the guards at the gate looked alert but not as tense as before.
The youngest looking one tried to perk up with conversation.
"traveled far to git 'ere, aye par'ners?"

With an alacrity belied by his stony appearance, Haku jumped from his stool and charged at the teleporting magician. Haku nimbly ducked around a waitress and over a chair that was just unoccupied by a patron stepping towards the bar. Surprised by the sudden stomps from the barroom floor, Guile turned about to see the Oread, but a few feet from him, trip over a loose floorboard and spill across the bar. The last thing Haku saw of Guile's indiscernible face was a smirk above a narrow, dark-skinned chin

The confused patrons, unable to find the true source of the noise, settle on the Oread on the ground where the noise came from. Numerous stares level at him.

Technically Starbin I should've forced your character to make a knowledge arcana check to see if they could even identify the spell before allowing you to act on that information, however I decided context clues from the conversation and, well, the fact I want to get this game moving towards the next challenge made me decide to allow it.
But yeah that was a terrible grapple check and there was no way that was going to grab the magician.

[Jesse Drake]

"I have. Which is why it's important for me to find out who called me here. If by chance yer employer is not the one who summoned us here, is there someone else in town who could be G.B.? Or does your employer have any children possibly that might bear his initials?" Heck cracked a bit of a smile, trying to be friendly. He figured it a better tactic.

[dramatic flare]

As i said, pushing quickly here for the moment.

The young one opened his mouth to answer when a startlingly loud crack caused the guards to abruptly turn and stare behind them. In the center of the path, standing over a fading blue-green circle of fire stood someone in an odd robe. His back was towards the gate, and after a moment one of the guards mentioned, "It's alrigh'. Lo'ks like Guile."

The guards ceased to pay attention to the magician, whom passed the dwarven guard captain with mutual curt nods. The dwarf bellowed as he approached, "Open the gates! Stand aside. Mr. Barrett's guest would like to speak to these people."

an invisible chill ran through the guards at the emphasised word, "guest."

[Starbin]

Haku rolled to his feet effortlessly, having missed his attempt to grab onto the mage prior to his departure. With a sigh, he glanced around at the assembled stares, to which he bowed low in apology, before returning to the bar. Motioning to the dwarf, he inclined his head to the barkeep.

"My apologies, barkeep. I disturbed your customers with my ill-advised antics. Here is a small amount of payment for your troubles. Could you tell me who this Master Guile is, and what tie he has with GB?" Haku handed the man five gold, while waiting for his answer.

No worries on the situation - the mechanics were completely against me, but I was happy you gave me a shot at it! I just couldn't seal the deal :smallsmile:

[North_Ranger]

Creedy frowned deeply when he noticed the way the guards behaved at the mention of Mr Barrett's guest. Clearly someone who had put the fear of the gods in these men, even though they otherwise treated a man of the cloth poorly. This might actually prove interesting...

[Lost Demiurge]

Manitou Jack hitches his thumbs in his belt.

He's feelin' rather annoyed at the second. Feels like he's been waiting at this gate forever, gettin' nowhere.

"Alright. Let's have a palaver with this guest feller."

[dramatic flare]

The guards efficiently opened the gate for the second time, and removed themselves from the main path. The road turned from cobblestone to a smooth, even masonry road, crowned to allow water to drain off the center and even curbed to demark the boundary to the lush lawn. A few groundskeepers earn their wage right now, trimming decorate hedges into one of several creatures. There's a swan, a cat, and even what looks like a gnoll carved into the hedges lining the road, and other hedges dot the side paths and yard. All of it looks very opulent.
The mansion itself is three stories tall and a brilliant white. It is clean, much cleaner than the rest of the town. In fact, your dusty little traveling party is easily the dirtiest thing in sight.
Ahead of your party, a butler opened one of the two double doors to the foyer, a two story affair with an observation platform, or perhaps speaking platform, running across the inside wall of the foyer. And absolutely everything is made of mahogany, marble, or other rich material. It's probably mostly imported. The seats and couches are covered with black leather.
The butler bowed to the party, but a grimace is clearly being suppressed. He made a polite noise about waiting here, and disappeared through one of the side doors.

The bartender's mouth opened and closed mechanically a few times, then without taking the money he said, "I can't talk. Not my business, mister Guile's work is. Just go to the mansion, yeah? Just... go." He intently polished a glass.

[Starbin]

Haku bowed at the waist, keeping his voice low. "My apologies - I have offended you. Keep the money; it is recompense for my disturbance of your business, not a bribe."

Standing straight, he spoke a little louder, for the benefit of anyone listening. "You are right to keep your own counsel. I will seek my answers elsewhere ... perhaps at the mansion. Good day."

With that, Haku exited the bar, heading towards the large building he saw when he first arrived. It seemed he would be following the other seekers of GB afterall ...

[Bhaakon]

Not at all caring about the dirt and grime billowing off his travel clothes, Pitt sink into the nearest leather chair and prepares for a long wait. "Take a seat," he mutters to no one in particular. "Folks that live in places like this, they like to keep you waiting just to remind you that they can."

[North_Ranger]

Reverend Creedy

"I will stand", the grey-bearded preacher merely answered to Pitt's "invitation". It was improper to take a seat in someone else's house without the master of the house offering such a seat. Instead, Creedy chose to let his eyes wander, looking for any hints as to what kind of a man it was that lived here. The natives had taught him much in such ways, to study a man's tracks as one studied the tracks of a hunted beast. The level of brandy in the bottle, the wear of fine rugs, the amount of soot tarnishing in the lanterns, the ashes of tobacco or cigars in an ashtray or on the floor... all these things spoke volumes about the residents if one had the wisdom to listen.

Perception [roll0]

[dramatic flare]

"A long wait is not on the list," came a voice from the mezzanine. Those who look up to investigate find a half-elf, finely dressed and quite good-looking, leaning on the bannister. Much as you examine him, he is examining you. After a moment, he seemed to reach some mental conclusion and turned to the stairs.
As he moved down them, he continued, "I must congratulate you all on finding a method on entry into the mansion. Clearly you are not foolish enough to just try roughing up the guards. I need people like you, people to help me find things, do things, occasionally even kill things." Here he stopped and looked about as if expecting dissent, but he didn't leave enough time for someone to actually speak.
"Hence the letter. You see, I consider myself something of a... facilitator. I help others achieve the goals they aren't capable of achieving themselves. Each of you, through various conversations and actions you've undertaken so far, have made known goals you have. It could justice," he said while looking at Darius, "or perhaps information, or even just a high stakes game of cards," he grinned and looked at "Manitou" Jack and his escort in particular.
He stood at the bottom of the stairs for a second, then turned and moved to a small table near the center of the room with a vase of beautiful purple flowers. He examined one as he went on.
"A pity we haven't seen the half-orc since he left. I'm assured by an associate that the oread is on his way though. Hmm, ah yes. Pardon my rudeness, my name is Samuel Caruthers, wizard if you must know."

North, your attention is diverted to the new comer rather than the room, as the room is almost septically clean. You think it is mostly unlived in. No wear, no tear. This half-elf, however, moves with a practiced ease that denotes years of physical training. This man moves like a warrior, and claims to be a wizard. He also obviously pays good detail to his physical appearance. His suit has no stains either. But unlike the room around him, the suit has seen use. There is a bit of fray, a crease that doesn't hold completely perfect anymore.
As much as he matches, the half-elf doesn't fit here.

The bartender nods mechanically without words.

Haku approached the gate and the guards who all seem relatively relaxed. They straightened up at sight of his and one hailed him as he approached.
"What be your business this day?"

[North_Ranger]

Reverend Creedy

Something in the half-elven man's words and behaviour didn't match as Creedy eyed him. The room was immaculate, in fact it looked like it had not even been lived in - but the halfbreed's clothes bore signs of use; a strange mark on someone who otherwise appeared to keep up his physique in both ability and appearance. Significant ability for one who claimed to be of that bookish profession, Creedy noted to himself, frowning deeply.

"I see. And your relationship to the man who sent us our summons? Are you perhaps his house magician, then?" the reverend asked after he had seemingly absent-mindedly caressed his holy symbol, whispering a small prayer of guidance to his stern god. Something in the man Caruthers's tale didn't sit right with him.

Sense Motive, with guidance: [roll0]