Heroes guilds group A [IC]

[Holy-hunter]

It's a normal leisurely day in bogton, in the distance the wood cutters axes can be heard as the guards guild worked hard clearing away the trees from around the bog in preparation for the coming colder months.

Meanwhile birds sing joyfully as they soar through the clear blue sky's overhead, enjoying the the glowing warmth of a bright sun. A gentle breeze runs across the luscious green fields on the stretching green hillside, the trees gently dance and whisper in the breeze as if playing with the children that ran around them care free, giggling and chasing each other about.

All seemed right, all seemed safe.
All the townsfolk seemed uplifted and caught by the blessed day they were experiencing. It was a positivity that was contagious.

As you two walk through the town for the first time you are warmly greeted with welcoming nods.

Noticing the large shield the children soon circle you in the streets tugging on your clothes, asking many of questions.

"Are you in a guild?"
"Where's your sword?"
"Where are you from?"
"Is that your boyfriend?"
"Why are you here?"
"Do you want to play?"

[OOC:Spot checks please]
there are 4 children in total, 3M 1F aged between 8-12. Wearing simple dirty garments

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried noticing there rags hands a silver piece to each of them (-4sp) and says, "We are not in a guild but we are looking for one. Would you be able to tell us where they are?

[Princess]

This rather short young woman with black hair and brown eyes prefers snug, revealing clothing. Her trousers hug her hips and she wears a short vest, baring her shoulders, cleavage, and soft belly. It's become all the more revealing of late since her petite frame has started to fatten up a little. She does not appear athletic in the slightest.

She eyes the beggar children with some suspicion, but is distracted by the sounds of her stomach grumbling. Her hands moving to rest on her tummy, she says to Gaefried, "We should get something to eat. Ask them where the nearest tavern or inn is."

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried nods "Would you tell us where the nearest tavern is? looking at the children. His body covered in armor as his large shield and spear strapped to his back makes him seem hugs especially standing next to onata and the small children.

[Holy-hunter]

The children happily and excitedly lead you to the only tavern in town. Singing and nagging along the way.

While most houses are spread out, the other buildings are clustered together in the town centre, encircling the market area.

The sweet song of a colourful bard fills the air. Two guards dressed in leathers patrol the area watching over the gentle hustle of a few traders.

The tavern is a big building with fancy trimmings, lush curtains adorn the windows. The young girl spits on the floor infront of the building.
"Never go there!" She says.

Instead she leads them all out of the main circle to an old small wooden building. The roof bares the marks of an old 'tavern' sign once being there.

The kids leave you at the door and race off, excited to spend their silver piece.


Inside is dimly lit, dusty and barren except for two people sitting in near silence drinking at the bar.

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried looks around the tavern that he was lead to. He goes to a table in the corner waiting for onata to sit down before he does. When he does he places his massive shield next to the table within easy reach. Onata what should we go do after you get something to eat?

[Princess]

Onata plumps down into whichever seat looks more comfortable, peering about the room to take in the place. Looking up at Gaefried, she says, "Well we should probably ask around about guilds and such, don't you think? No sense laying about town doing nothing until after we've made some money."

[Holy-hunter]

"Bwhaha" the laughter comes from an old drunk halfling.
"Hear that Reshy?" he calls to his half elven friend, too drunk to acknowlaged him in return.
The halfling stumbles about as he drops from his stool to the floor. Regaining his composure (somewhat) he stumbles towards your table.

He giggles as he pauses to lean on a table. With a big grin on his little face he asks with amusement.
"Ahhhh, so ya 'ere to join ada guild, to makesh som money, to join d guilds, to makes da money...." he slaps his knee as he laughs a short chuckle.
"See de problem?" he pauses for a moment looking you both over. Something clicks and he gathers his composure and asks as soberly as possible.
"Sorry anyway. Sho whatt can I get for ya's?"

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried becomes silent as th others talk. He might look intimated but in actuality he is just shy. Onata is the only one that knows that.

[Princess]

Onata looks at the laughing man, not sure what he means with his colorful ramblings, and states simply, "I'd like something to eat, please, and a drink. What sorts of things do you have along those lines?"

[Holy-hunter]

"Coming right up!" he says loudly, ignoring the question as he spins on the spot and hurries out the back, swaying as he walks.

Curses and crashing can be heard from the kitchen as he prepares something.

All the commotion has stirred the half elf who seemed asleep against the bar. Eyes bloodshot and bearing heavy dark bags, 'she' looks even more drunk then the halfling.
It's not until she begins calmly approaching you do you realise it's a woman. Dressed in a males simple clothing and with a completely shaved head.

With a mug if ale still in hand she gracefully slides over to you and takes a seat.

"Sorry, you will have to forgive him, he isn't too fond of guilds lately. He had an 'unfortunate' experience with them. But that was the past, recently they took his tavern, clients and worst of all...his ale supply.
Surely there were guilds in your own town you could join?
Why travel all this way, risking so much money to join one of ours?
Oh sorry, where are my maners. My name is Renae, pleasure to meet you.
"

Refusing to release her ale she holds out her left hand in greeting.

[Princess]

Onata accepts the half-elf's offered hand, and replies, "I'm Onata, and this is Gaefried. I suppose we were just looking for a change of scenery, and seeking opportunity here seemed like a good idea. Are you from around here?"

[Holy-hunter]

Onata accepts the half-elf's offered hand, and replies, "I'm Onata, and this is Gaefried. I suppose we were just looking for a change of scenery, and seeking opportunity here seemed like a good idea. Are you from around here?"

"born and raised my dear" Renae says with a smile and a nod.
"While we are a small and peaceful, lawful town, we are not without our own problems..."
She pauses.
"If there's anything you wish to know about this town just ask, why back in the day this place was the information hub of the whole town." a small smile clings to her lips and a sadness in her eye as she ponders on the past.

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried looks to onata and nods once. Onata knows that it means "we should hurry. It might not be safe for long. "

[Princess]

Onata's stomach grumbled again while she listened to the drunk half-elf offer information.

"What can you tell me about the guilds and other groups around town, if you know anything about them?"

[Holy-hunter]

Guards guild.
Exactly that, the towns guards.
Small branch of a large wide guild.
Head guild is run by a dwarven family in the Capitol.

Messengers guild
Actually does a lot more then their name implies.
Unlike the guards guild, each messengers outlet is an individual guild, run separately. They do however work closely together.

Deliver messages, packages.
Retrieve lost items.
Hire out bards.
Artistic requests (songs & paintings)

Messenger guilds come and go almost as frequently as their owners.
Someone somewhere must be keeping track of them.

Craftsman guild.
This is the biggest/ most powerful guild in this town. They run the economics and have a good hold over the towns trade.
Slowly with their trading advantages they are taking over new establishments. Their last victory was over the tavern.


Eventually after a lengthy discussion with the depressive half elf, the halfling comes stumbling out balancing two plates and two mugs.

He looks as though he has almost been crying. As he lays the plates out before you, you notice the food is just barely better than rations and the mugs are barely wet with only a small splash of ale in the bottom.

"Were all outta booze!" He cries out in shock.

"Well these kids are looking for adventure" Renae replies.

"Ah yes of course! The barrels in the bog!"

Both of them set their eyes on you two, staring intently. They then ask in unison. "Will you fetch the ale hidden in the bog?"

[Princess]

Digging in despite the only passable nature of the food, Onata takes a few bites before asking, "How far away is it? Is it dangerous?"

[Holy-hunter]

"Oh it's not that far at all, a few hours walk down hill" he says encouragingly.

"It can be quite dangerous though, never do know what lurking in the bog, oh and avoid the guards , they will chase you right outta there but also help you if you get desperate."

Yea but just don't let no one see my barrels!"

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried listens thinking about the situation looking at Onata he says "I think we should go sooner then later. I don't think it would be a good idea staying in the bogs for long or coming back into from them. We would cause a large misunderstanding. Gaefried stands up and grabs his large shield like it wasn't a problem. He strapped it onto his back and stayed next to Onata waiting on her.

[Princess]

Onata scarfs down both plates of food and downs both mugs when Gaefried shows no interest in food or drink, seeming to quite enjoy any improvement over the boring rations they had to eat while travelling. Rising to her feet slowly, she nods to Gaefried and says to the other pair, "We'll need as specific of directions as you can offer us to go get this for you, obviously."

[Holy-hunter]

You manage to get some vague directions, you have a feeling he was drunk (or worse) when hiding it from his rivals.
Secondly, with the guards guild clearing things away, it may have change a little.
Nonetheless you have a general idea and know that the two barrels are submerged under water in a hollow fallen log.

He gives you some subtle marking and clues to go by.
(I'll just name them clue 1 to 4 for now. Sorry)

And they wish you the best of luck with safe returns.

Please make a spot check on your way out. Also I'm jumping to the next part but feel free to post any actions or questions you may have had before leaving.:smallsmile:

-------------------------


The road twists and turns between farmlands as you travel downhill. The dark thick forested bog is easily noticeable in the far distance as it's size starts to make you nervous about your mission. (If you choose to cut through some fields you can reduce your travel time)

As you descend, the chopping of axes can be heard from your destination. A single road leads right into the jaw of the bog, a small shack sits to one side some distance from the trees, two heavy horses are hitched to a large cart nearby and you see the movement of people.

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried stops seeing the shack. Nervous with the people around he looks to Onata then the path lading into the swamp looking more reassured about that path then the one with the men. Either way he pulls down his shield and straps it to his arm. Preparing for anything at this point.

(I don't have a knife only a spear can't really do much cutting with that. :/)

[Princess]

Walking along beside Gaefried, Onata spots the open fields between them and the bogs and suggests, "Let's just walk straight there. The road will only slow us down; even more so with all of these others in the way."

[Royal Guardian]

Walking along beside Gaefried, Onata spots the open fields between them and the bogs and suggests, "Let's just walk straight there. The road will only slow us down; even more so with all of these others in the way."

Gaefried nods relieved he steps ahead Onata and starts walking towards the field.

[Holy-hunter]

Gaefried as you were leaving the decrepit bar you noticed an old pin up board on the far wall. It's dirty, dusty and half concealed by stacked chairs. But defiantly there. It is large with a fine ornate border. You may have heard about such boards in passing stories but never seen one before, a guilds job board.
Gaefried leads as you make your way through a field and enter the swamp tree lines away from the cutters and gatherers.
The soil is wet and muddy, many old half dead trees reach out with claw-like branches and the whole place has that darker eerie feeling.

(Spot check:15)
A tiny spider sits on a branch overhead.
If no one notices it, it will drop down onto (1)Gaefried, (2)Onata [roll0] and try to bite them.
[roll1] 1dmg + DC 10 fort.

If noticed you can attack it or avoid. AC 15

[Princess]

As the spider falls upon her and bites into her skin, Onata shrieks. Batting the creature away, she draws her dagger and tries to provide Gaefried an easier opportunity to fell the creature.

[roll0]

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried quickly turns spear drawn he launches a quick strike at the spider trying to protect Onata.

[roll0]
[roll1]

(Don't know where to put bonus from aid at. :/)

[Holy-hunter]

(Granted you a flanking bonus.)

And the tiny monsterous spider is dead.

In the distance you can see a tall tree with a branch that corkscrews above most others. That is the location of your first clue. It looks to be 20 minutes of travel away.

As you start making your way there you come across a wide dark puddle, 10 ft across and over double that in width. While most the ground is wet with little puddles everywhere this one looks suspicious.

There is an old branch running over it. (Balance DC 10)
Or you can go back and around, pushing through the dense trees off of the track and likely run onto more spiders.

(If you try for balance can I also get a reflex just in case.)

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried tosses in a silver piece for luck as he waits for Onata to make a decision.

[Princess]

Onata turns to Gaefried to explain, "I'm lighter so I should go first. Keep an eye out for trouble."

Onata slowly and carefully crosses the log.

Take 10 for a total of *drumroll* 11.

[Royal Guardian]

Gaefried nods and readies his spear and shield.

[Holy-hunter]

The log shifts under Gaefried's weight, with the imposition to balance that his shield holds, he falls into the muck.
Quicksand!

At the same time [roll0]angry feral rats shoots out of the log end near Onata, violently hissing at her.
The splashing of a further [roll1] can be heard and seen as they frantically swim to shore from their broken sunken home.

Rats Init =[roll2]

Quicksand swim dc 10 to tread water, 15 to move towards land. Must elect if treading or moving before roll (+2 for Using broken log)
Shield has a massive - to check penalty so I will let you forgo your first swim attempt and instead place your shield securely on the log to retrieve latter, however this means no bonus to swim check from the broken log.

[Princess]

Seeing both feral creatures and noting her companion's fall into the water, Onata decides it's time for something more dramatic. Focusing her will, she creates an astral construct, a pale and crystalline thing the size of a muscular halfling, in between herself and the nearest threat.

[Holy-hunter]

The angry rat attacks the newly formed construct.
[roll0], 1damage (if it hits)

The other rat makes it to land and pulls up behind his friend.

[Holy-hunter]

Wrap up and new opening

(Onata)
Onata battles off the feral rats with the aid of her summon, but Gaefried was not doing so well in the quicksand, his mighty shield weighing him down.

Despite Onata's best efforts there was nothing she could do but watch on, the thrashing and soft ripples soon came to an eerie silent calm. Abruptly the surface returned perfectly flat, still and deceiving.
Just like that Gaefried was gone without a trace, like he never existed.

The commotion had alerted some tree loppers from not too far away forcing Onata to have to move quick.
Following the vague clues which were now clear she retrieves the heavy barrel and struggles under its weight taking it out.

Along the way, at her deepest depth of the journey, Onata fell into a hidden grove while struggling with the big sloshing barrel. There she found a strange dark alter splattered with dry blood. With the cutters close on her trails there was no time to investigate and the young girl marches on through the dense marsh.

Onata finally bursts out of the bogs tree line, tattered, scratched and exhausted with a heavy barrel in hand and a long steep journey ahead. Just then at the perfect timing to aid a damsel in distress two new characters happen on by.

[Hamste]

What seems to be the problem miss? Pyrom says in his usual high pitched voice as he moves towards her. As always he is wearing his patchwork clothes with a club he uses like a walking stick. He was quite curious about what possible thing led to this scenario of a woman going through the forest clutching a barrel while being so exhausted. Before asking questions though he had to make sure she was ok.

[Princess]

Setting the barrel down a moment and catching her breath, Onata looks to the newcomers and explains, "This thing is just heavy, is all, but I lost a companion to quicksand back there and there seem to be a number of rather vicious beasts around. Mind helping me get this thing back to town?"

Between the sweat on her brow and her soft, petite frame, it seems all the more absurd for her to be carrying something heavy through the countryside by herself.

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

The other young man quickly pulls his eyes away from the woman's revealing outfit, blushing slightly. "Oh, well, we can help with that," he says. He slings his own walking stick on a rope across his back, as he moves to lift the barrel. It is heavy and awkward, and strength is clearly not his . . . strength, but he does seem to manage it slightly better.

"Where are we going?"

[Princess]

Onata breathes an audible sigh of relief when the stronger man takes the barrel, replying, "Thank you so much. I was just headed back to the town nearby, so follow me."

She then proceeds to lead the way, and not having to haul that barrel any longer puts a bit of spring in her step (and the tiniest bit of a jiggle in her bare flesh).

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Walking behind the woman is definitely easier, Cheshire thinks. He need not worry about where his eyes might wander, much less being seen looking. He feels easily flustered.

This way, he can leave the chatting to Pyrom and the woman. That almost makes the burden of the cask worthwhile.

Well, perhaps not: it is quite heavy. How did she manage to carry it from . . . wherever she came from? he wonders to himself. At least she seemed to be leading them to the nearby town, so it's not like she was some vampire luring them back to its lair, at least, he hoped not.

[Hamste]

Pyrom walks beside Onata. He seems to hardly notice the bare flesh at all. So are you caravaneers? Also you mentioned a companion? I take it, that was too long ago for us to help with him? Pyrom asks as he continues walking. He probably couldn't have carried the barrel much better than he could.

[Princess]

"No, not really. I've been wondering around looking for opportunities, actually. I have unusual talents."

[Hamste]

So how does the barrel fit into that? ...what is in it is legal around here right? Pyrom says. Thinking about it the scenario sounded a bit off. Not caravaneers with particular unusual talents carrying around a heavy barrel around a swamp of all places. What if they were smugglers? It would explain the odd location they came from and why they were carrying the barrel by hand and not going over land roads.

[Princess]

"Oh, someone asked me to retrieve that for them," she explained, as they approached the town.

[Hamste]

Retrieve a barrel from the swamp? Or was the swamp just a short cut? Pyrom asks curiously.

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

"*Huff* *Puff*"

I really never imagined myself as the "muscle," Cheshire thinks, though he admires Pyrom's ability to probe the woman for information. Could he be carrying contraband?

He thinks of asking her name, but maybe that would only lead to complications. Best leave it up to Pyrom. He knows these things better. Cheshire decides to content himself with being the not-really-very-strong-but-still-silent type.

Coming into a new town with two others would be a fine cover, anyway. Indeed, this could work out well. Attach himself as a servant or follower of someone powerful, and most folks won't spare him a second glance. Very good, indeed.

[Holy-hunter]

The chit-chatter is suddenly cut short...

As the group nears the town, walking along the dirt ridden path from one destination to the next. Traveling between various cattle fields, they are suddenly approached by two men.
A stout dwarf and a shady looking human. They wear no armour, instead adorned in what looks like a fine quality smith's or carpenters outfit.
A symbol of a hammer silhouette against a tree can be found about on their attire. The dwarf also carries a hammer and the human a club.

"Hi there little girl, what brings you here?" The dwarf asks.

"Say, whadda ya got in dat der barrel? Mind if I take a look?"
The human speaks after the dwarf and holds out his hands, gesturing for them to place the barrel before him.

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

It's almost a relief to have an excuse to put the barrel down, and Cheshire does so, but behind the woman and Pyrom. He then unslings his walking stick and moves protectively in front of his traveling companions. "We don't want any trouble," he says.

[Princess]

"Oh, it's just some drink we were fetching for someone," Onata explains, purposefully ignoring the Dwarf's 'little girl' comment.

[Hamste]

Do I recognize the symbol they are wearing? Knowledge local or Knowledge religion if not immediately obvious?

Also for reference do I know the craftsman guild bought out that fancy tavern recently?

[Holy-hunter]

"Hahaha, well that someone just became us!"
The dwarf sneers with a horrible smile in reply to Onata.

"We dun want any trouble either" says the human while staring at Cheshire and patting the club at his waist.


The dwarf begins speaking.
"You see, we practically run this town, and we defiantly own the only tavern in it. So if you are smuggling in booze and trying to nest in on our turf, well that just ain't no good."

"Yea, ha, ain't no good" the human adds in.

"But!" And the dwarf continues, "if you have brought us a gift, there may be some way we can repay you."
He ends his sentence with what he obviously thinks is a charming smile but truthfully it is anything but that.

((OOC: Can roll a knowlage to see what you know of this guild.))

[Stegyre]

Cheshire says, "I do not see that we are in any town, and I do not see any Guards Guild mark." But he glances back at the woman behind him. It is, after all, her cask, and distasteful as he finds these two bullies, it is not for him to pick her battles.

Or maybe Pyrom will talk their way out of this.

[Princess]

Onata pauses for a moment to think, before asking, "Is there any chance this repayment might take the form of a room and free food and drink?"

[Holy-hunter]

Cheshire gets a reply in the form of a dismissive snort.

"Well liddle lady, that all depends on what is in the barrel, could even be some silver in it for ya" says the dwarf.

[Hamste]

Pyrom looks a bit disgusted in how quickly she seems to have flipped on her employers. Sure it was probably illegal but handing it over to the first people who asked who definitely were not the guards seemed even worse.

Hmmm, may I suggest an alternative solution. While in town I was planning on volunteering some free healing. Not only am I master healer, I am also a cleric of Pelor you see. Now I don't know what is in that barrel but considering where we found her I can almost guarantee that it is not particularly high quality. The amount of healing I can offer is almost certainly worth more than the barrel so lets make a deal.

I don't want to have to waste healing on ourselves on a totally preventable fight and you probably wouldn't be able to use what ever is in this barrel. If the tavern owned by the craftsman guild was found serving something not made by a craftsman they would be a laughingstock and I'm sure the guild would't be happy if one of their members drank something not from the tavern. So they couldn't sell it or give it to their members to drink. It would probably just be dumped out. You may get some praise for bringing it back. However, what if when I was looking to give out free healing I went to you guild and I said you sent me. Instead of bringing back a useless barrel you brought back some one willing to give away hundreds of gold pieces worth of healing for free. I imagine that would be a lot more valuable particularly with how dangerous the roads have been recently then what ever is in this barrel. If you want, one of you two could even accompany me while I went there to insure you get your recognition. The other one would have to make sure none of your other guild mates hassle them while they deliver this barrel.
Pyrom suggests. He holds up his symbol of Pelor when he mentioned that he is a cleric of Pelor.


Diplomacy (Do I get any bonuses for offering something quite valuable? A trained healer with the ability to cast healing spells is definitely not cheap.)

[roll0]

[Holy-hunter]

Pyrom's words momentarily had the men stunned, it seemed for some time that they hadn't followed what he had said.

Suddenly that confused look vanished, replaced by cheerful chummy smile and buddying guestures and nods.

It seems Pyrom had made some friends, a few short complements thrown his way attempt to wash away all previous hostilities.

Agruhm the dwarf and Verin the human.
They offer to escort you all to your destination and even offer to carry the barrel.

Once they learn the destination of the barrel one sentence is said about it then left avoided.
"Agh, might as well give that old stubborn dog a last bone, can't do us no harm now."

[Stegyre]

Cheshire is as stunned as the two bullies first looked, and duly impressed with Pyrom's way with words. Made a good choice in a traveling companion with that one, he thinks, though now he will probably forever wonder whether he could have taken the two men in a fight.

Still, he is happy to have avoided unnecessary violence, and even better: he now has help lugging the heavy cask to their destination. Beyond that, he thinks it best that he keep his mouth shut. Anything I might say could only make matters worse: don't argue when you are already winning.

[Princess]

Onata leads her impromptu band to the unofficial tavern that had sent her to retrieve the barrel in the first place, quite pleased to have a posse now.

[Hamste]

Glad to see we could see eye to eye. So why don't you tell us a bit about yourself? What type of work do you two usually do? Pyrom says happily walking beside them trying to break the ice.

[Holy-hunter]

The ice broke easy and general chatting ensued, the conversation remained light with some odd humour, they didn't pry and answered vaguely in their replies. You get the feeling they are some sort of low, general odd job runners.

The sun is setting as you finally arrive at the run down tavern.
It is not much of a sight to behold and the inside is even worse.
Agruhm and Verin, your new companions, signal their intention to remain outside and wait for Pyrom.
Their guild symbol, while usually bringing them a sense of confidence and pride, instead instilled a slight awkward unease around this particular establishment.

The fading sun fell through the open doorway, chasing away the shadows of the dimly lit tavern.
Sitting some distance away but directly in front of the door sat a lone halfling on the bar!

"Took you long enough!" He instantly yells. "Well com'on bring it over here!"

He is either ignorant to or just ignoring the fact that he is in different company than before.

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Left to lug the cask the last few feet by himself, Cheshire wrestles it into the decidedly-less-than-prosperous-looking-tavern, and presuming that the Halfling is their new companion's patron, follows his instructions by taking it over to his feet, before finally putting it down. He gives a sigh of relief and looks around the establishment, waiting for Pyrom or the woman to make their introductions.
Just going off the up-thread information to see if I notice the jobs board or anything else of note: [roll0]

EDIT: Wow, what is it with this campaign and all the natural 20s? So, how many cockroaches are there?

[Hamste]

Pyrom waits for their new companion to introduce them. After all it wasn't for him to butt in on her dealings. Well, unless it was to help.

[Princess]

Onata waves to the halfling and nods towards the barrel and her new associates. "Here's the barrel you asked for, and these are my new associates."

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Realizing they have not yet even exchanged names, he pipes up, "You can call me Cheshire." He gives what he hopes is a cheerful smile.
[roll0]

[Hamste]

I'm Pyrom. Pyrom says. He still wasn't quite sure on the barrels but it seemed that the other two were at least ok with it. Admittedly they might have been viewing his offer as a bribe and were just turning a blind eye to the laws.

[Holy-hunter]

"Yes, yes." Says the halfling dismissively as he hops down from the bar. A crowbar in hand almost appearing magically.
In no time the barrel was popped open and the halflings upper torso disappears with a splash as he dives in head first leaving his little legs kicking about while the ale bubbles.

"Damnit!" He shouts as he comes bursting out the barrel gasping for air! "Wrong barrel, go back and try again!"

Snatching a mug from a nearby table he swipes it through the barrel and storms off out the back with his drink.


A soft grumble echoes out as his movements are met by an elven voice. After a bit of back and for the conversation ends and a half elven woman enters, leaning behind the bar.
She holds her head, rubbing her temples as if trying to cure an ache. "You shouldn't go back in the dark, please, shelter here for the night."

Besides noticing the old unused guild board you notice, upon a clean patch where a single job once must have sat for quite some time in a prominent proud central location, a small corner of that ancient job remains stuck to a pin. 'tar Iiright' is the reminants of a signature.
The paper crumbles if touched again.

[Hamste]

I will be back in a bit to take you up on that offer most likely. Could always use a place to sleep. See you later. Pyrom says before going out to the two craftsman to have them introduce him to whoever they had to brag to and so he could start healing. That was quite odd...maybe it wasn't just the alcohol but something stored in the alcohol. Or the innkeep was just insane. Either way he noted to flip the other barrel and see if they felt anything shift when they got the barrel.

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Cheshire makes note of the Guild Board - something to ask about later, perhaps, when the Halfling wasn't so grumpy.

"Thanks," he says, in response to the woman's offer of lodging. Looking around, he assumes she means for them to bed down on the floor, but it is a roof overhead, and doubtless safer than sleeping in the wilds, not that Cheshire actually sleeps much, these days.

"I'd better go with him," he says, as he sees Pyrom start to leave. "I'm his bodyguard." It was a self-appointed position, that Pyrom perhaps hadn't yet heard of, but Cheshire figured he should stay close to the young man. Besides, this way, I can see more of the town and its people, he thought to himself.

[Princess]

"Well if that's all you need from me for today, how about dinner and some drinks before I go to bed a little early?"

[Holy-hunter]

"Of course dear" Renae replies finally looking up and placing her hands down on the table. She flashes Onata a quick smile but it's clearly a strenuous task.

She soon disappears out the back and begins rummaging through the kitchen. She will return with a passable meal and some water.


Meanwhile
Agruhm and Verin were impatiently waiting for their new friend.

While leading the way to the lavish town tavern they make it clear that the barrels are not to be mentioned to anyone.

The interior of the tavern is by far more luxurious then could be expected, beautiful bards sing complex songs and their sweet harmonious music never escapes the door.

It's bustling and busy, little groups invested in their own interests. You are led to a booth where you seem to be waiting for someone.

More chit chat fills the time.

Cheshire is treated very much as the help, a servant almost. Subtle jokes made at his expense while being given direct orders hidden as requests.

Pyrom's new friends attempted to flatter him with little compliments as they agreed with all his opinions. [roll0] ((bluff)) ((sense motive DC))

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Cheshire grimaces at the passive abuse. This is all in Pyrom's hands, and that's probably for the best. Besides,, he thinks, no one pays a servant much mind, which is just the way he likes it.

He tries to keep his eyes and ears open, hoping to identify who is who, particularly, those who might matter (those in charge).
FWIW:
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Edit: On the whole, it looks like the run him a bit to ragged to notice much of anything. :smallredface:

[Holy-hunter]

luxury tavern
A signal goes by unnoticed and suddenly the idle chit-chat comes to an end as you are lead through a side door.
You stand in a lavish small hallway adorned with art and expensive decor, as soon as the door closes behind you the hallway way is swept up in an eerie silence as no sounds seem to pass through the walls or many doors that line the walls.

"Wait here" the duo say in unison before slipping through the door at the far end of the hallway. With a brief glimpse of the room they vanished into, it looked very much like an extension of the hallway.

Silence sets in as time begins to pass.
Minutes will eventually lead into what seems to be an hour without a single trace of their return.

old tavern

The half elf brings out two plates of food, one for Onata and one for herself. Dining together she enquiries about Onata's history, mostly family related such as if she has any siblings and what her parents do/ did.

Her last question, one that she had been deliberating over, she politely asks "Would you call yourself a gambler?"

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

After fifteen minutes:

At least they could have left us something to read.

After thirty minutes:

You think they forgot about you?

After forty-five minutes:

Want to explore?

[Hamste]

Do you have a means to leave a note? It would be rude to just leave. Then again, something might be wrong with how long it is taking...or our contacts are just really low on the totem pole, decided to try and brag to someone too above them resulting in them being put off. Pyrom says.

[Princess]

Onata digs in to the adequate meal and participates with some interest in small talk with the half-elf. When the clearly pointed question about gambling shows up, she replies simply, "No, not really."

[Stegyre]

Cheshire

Do you have a means to leave a note? It would be rude to just leave. Then again, something might be wrong with how long it is taking...or our contacts are just really low on the totem pole, decided to try and brag to someone too above them resulting in them being put off. Pyrom says.
Digging into his shoulder bag, Cheshire says, "I have my journal. I suppose we could tear out a page." He is not at all enthused about that option. "And I have pen – but no ink.

"I ran out of money," he says, by way of explanation for this nonfunctional combination of items.

"I guess the answer is, 'No, I do not have a means to leave a note.'"

Figuring that if anything goes wrong, Pyrom-of-the-silver-tongue can lay off the blame on his ignorant servant, Cheshire tries the nearest doorknob . . .

[Hamste]

So when you were deciding what to buy you bought a journal but didn't buy a way to actually use the journal? Oh well, unless we wanted to use blood we don't have any thing to write with.

I mildly need to go to the bathroom anyways. To be clear, we are not "exploring", we are searching for a bathroom and we didn't want to ask the barkeep seeing we are not paying customers but here on other business. Pyrom says following his comrade.

[Holy-hunter]

Old tavern
"Shame" says Renae with a sigh as her head slumps into her hand and her idle fingers tap along the table top.

The young girl that led you to the tavern the first time can be seen peeking through the doorway from out the back but as soon as you look at her she blushes and vanishes behind the wall.

Fancy tavern
The door opens.
There is a dimly lit room, smoke fills the air and concentrates in circles around the centre.
As your eyes adjust from the bright hallway you were once in to the dull small flickering flame trapped by the whispy curtain of smoke, which you are pretty sure by the smell isn't of the regular variety, you notice the still silhouette of large chairs positioned around a circular table in the middle of the room.

((OOC: please consider the family history and background you would like and share with me at some point))

[Stegyre]

OOC: please consider the family history and background you would like and share with me at some point.
First question: It may help to know about how much you'd like. For example, one paragraph on family, one or two paragraphs on any additional background not already shared (i.e., on the sheet or in the application).

Second question: do you (and/or the other players) want that public (posted) or private (PM to H-H)?
Well, there might be a chamberpot somewhere in here, Cheshire rationalizes to himself as he tiptoes into the room.

Mindful of Pyrom's cover story, he is careful not to touch anything, but he looks around carefully as he enters the room, checking the table and chairs.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
(He's not really trying to hide, as that would not fit well with Pyrom's story of looking for a place to relief himself.)

Note: if he hears anyone in the chairs, he either tries to withdraw without being noticed or, if plainly noticed, makes his apology and explains that he was just looking for the toilet.

[Hamste]

Pyrom just follows behind. Mostly to keep his friend from getting into too much trouble.