Gierdon had been 'summoned' to Glantri City from his village life as a mason because there was a new effort to repair some of the damaged buildings. After getting to the city, however, he found the bureaucracy didn't seem to know what to do with all the masons they'd brought to the city. So, while they figured out how to get the masons to work in shifts, Gierdon was at loose ends.

Oddly, though, he was getting paid... to do nothing. At the moment, he was just going through the market square looking at the wide assortment of wares. With so many Dwarven masons in town, there were quite a few 'farm stands' that served Dwarven ale.


Rodrigo was in the market square, trying to decide if the latest fashion trend in Glantri City was something he wanted to invest in. Black was the new purple (last year's fashion color), a wide brim hat was popular, and sequins and rhinestones styled the black trousers, vests, and hats.

There were so many offerings that he was starting to get eyestrain looking at them all.

At the moment, he was looking over a few baldrics, in particular a black leather one with silver stitching.

Rodrigo had to fight to keep the smile from his face, adopting an expression of supercilious superiority as he surveyed the cutting edge of fashion laid out before him. In truth though, he was delighted.

'What would make the biggest splash at the grand ball, I wonder?' he thought to himself, feeling the weave on a silk shirt. “The spiders have been kept working overtime, I suspect,” he said as he imagined the yards and yards of fabric just in this one area alone.

It was a trial to abandon his tall boots and pipestem trousers for the wide, flaring trouser legs just coming into fashion, but he mustn't fall behind! It certainly wouldn't do for a de Çamora to be seen in last season's garb!

He mulled over the offerings as he strolled, noting the sequins. 'That's new,' he marked. 'Traditional hats are back, but sequins?' He frowned slightly, unsure as to whether the extra touch was a trifle déclassé.

Resolving to give the matter more thought, he decided to seek out a café
for one of those hot drinks from Caurenze. 'I do like that little frisson one feels while drinking it,' he thought eagerly.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Wed 08 Jan 2014.

Gierdon, initially excited about the opportunity to work with fellow dwarves, was somewhat disappointed to find that he wasn't really needed. As he ventured into the market, he enjoyed the sights and sounds and hoped maybe find something worth buying. As he roamed around, he came upon some stands tended by dwarves and approached the first looking over the various barrels, kegs, and flasks.

"Good afternoon, what have you got here?" he said to the dwarf across behind the stand. He inhaled deeply, drawing in the strong scents coming from the various containers.

Striding along briskly, sword at his side, Rodrigo spotted more of those interminable dwarves standing about. 'Just what has happened to our fair country?' he wondered. 'Dwarves in the street, instead of in the laboratory where they belong!' He decided to have some fun.

Stopping beside a dwarf fresh from the mountains, Rodrigo tapped one elegant boot-toe upon the pavement. "Excuse-moi," he said smoothly. "I couldn't help but notice that you were about to make an inquiry of this merchant. I do hope that, before you initiate a transaction, you have a current license? It certainly wouldn't do to get in trouble with the authorities, now would it?"

He stepped back a half-step and idly flicked a speck of imaginary dust from his shoulder.

As Gierdon was partaking in the aromas, he heard someone approach. As the stranger addressed him, Geirdon was slightly confused by his statement. "License? License for what? I was summoned here for mason work. I don't have any sort of license." he replied to the elf.

Delighted, Rodrigo smiles brightly. “Oh yes, we here in Glantri City certainly do have a great deal of rules and regulations! But fear not, my good fellow. As it happens, I would be happy to sponsor you. But in return, I have a favor to ask. My name, by the way, is Edward.”

Here the elf leans in and lowers his voice to share a confidence. “You see, I study at the Great School of Magic, and I've just been researching a spell. I think I've got all the kinks worked out, and with it I've been able to put some of the other students to sleep. But,” and here he looks worried, “They're quite a competitive bunch, and for all I know, they may have been 'faking it.' Then, when it's my turn to present my spell to my professor, it would fail spectacularly!” He shudders at the thought.

“Now here is where you could return my favor. Could I test my spell on you? You have no reason to pretend to be enspelled, so if you fall asleep then I'll know it works!” The elf blinks innocently.

“Would you be willing to help me?” he asks hopefully.

Gierdon eyed the elf suspiciously at hearing this. "So you want to put me to sleep in the middle of the market? Why not adorn me with meat and tell me to go pet the bears? Any thieves," eyeing Rodrigo as he emphasized the word, "will be just as vicious with my belongings. I'll have no part of your magic and if I require a license, I will go and acquire it on my own. I'm not as daft as you seemingly take me to be. I will now take my leave and wish you luck with your test." he replied to Rodrigo's request. He felt he was going to have to keep a wary eye out since his first encounter with those in Glantri City was with an elf trying to fool him.

Gierdon turned back to the dwarven stall keeper he previously addressed and gave him a nod as he began to walk away.

As the dwarf turns and walks away, Rodrigo sighs. Heading towards the cafe, he remarks to no one at all, “What an unpleasant fellow.”

"Are you sure you wouldn't like a mug of Beastie Beer?" the Dwarven stall vendor asked Gierdon as the Dwarf started to walk away.

Beastie Beer was a quality Dwarven stout ale with reputed 'hair-growing' properties.

"Don't let the Elf get to you. Ain't none of 'em worth a plug!"


Rodrigo enters the cafe... or tries to. His way is blocked by two burly... customers.

"Dis ain't a place what wants your kind in here," the red-haired one on the left grumbles at Rodrigo.

"Yeah, go suck an egg!" the other one with black hair and a single eyebrow says.

Rodrigo is shocked at the stooges' attitude. Prudently, he takes a few steps back, and prepares to cast a spell. “Pardonnez-moi, are you referring to me?! I am a de Çamora of Belcadiz, and a member of the Great School. This is a public establishment, and I go where I please! Now, stand aside, ruffians, before I call the constables!”

Changing his course back to the stall, Gierdon took in another whiff of the stout. "I would like to try some. I've ne'er had dwarven beer before but what about the license?" he replied, casting a look of contempt in the direction the elf went. He looked back at the vendor with apparent want showing in his dark brown eyes.

"The elf was just prankin' you," the merchant said to Gierdon. "You don't need any license to talk to anyone or to buy anything. Besides, if the government brought you here, that covers any license you're likely to need."

"Lotsa folks swear Beastie Beer is the best Dwarven ale ever made, and I can't say as I disagrees with them. They also claim in puts hair on your chest... and face. Don't know about that part, though."



"This ain't a public establishment today, Faerie," snarls the taller red-haired thug to Rodrigo.

"Yeah, it's a private club today, and it don't want no Elves in it!" the other one adds.

"I hope all elves aren't like him," Gierdon said nodding his head back in the elf's direction. He looked over the various kegs and tankards considering, "I think I would like to try some. And why not start with the best?" he gave the merchant dwarf a smile become eager for his first taste of dwarven ale.

Rodrigo appears to relax somewhat at the additional information from the two thugs. He begins to walk away, however still keeping his eyes on the men. “Ah, a private party today? Well, I wouldn't take offense to that. But I do wonder if Por el sol y las lunas, las mareas y las estrellas, las paredes de sueño se reducen, con ustedes tras las rejas!”

That would be a Sleep spell. He's Chaotic, and he can't let an insult pass. ;)

"Told you he was another Elven skudge!" red-haired snarled as Rodrigo cast a spell at the other one.

The spell doesn't seem to have any affect.

"This is Glantri City, skudge!" the other one says. "You think we ain't seen magic before? Ya gotta do better than that!"

"Let's teach him a lesson!"

The two move forward after Rodrigo.


Gierdon is handed his ale, takes a swig, and his eyes widen in surprise at both the bite and the smoothness as well as the flavor. He can easily see now why humans often have trouble drinking Dwarven ale.

It's amazingly refreshing, and he figures three mugs of it would be enough to get him drunk, at least until he got used to it.

He notices the Elf getting into trouble with a few other people, though he can hear the loud voices of the... thugs? Bullies? He's not quite sure what function those two serve.


Anneth Mage-Singer found herself in the great city of Glantri City, wandering the streets through the Market Square. She was mildly surprised not to find any fortune-tellers, though she suspected it was mostly done through magic spells. Still, there should be someone telling fortunes!

She'd just passed a Dwarven ale seller with what appeared to be a satisfied Dwarven customer, when she heard the loud voices. Glancing in that direction, she saw too ruffians moving towards an Elf. She didn't need her cards to predict that Elf's immediate future.

Eyes widening, Rodrigo can't believe what's happening. There was no defense against his spell; none. If the ruffians had a device that could cancel out magic, then it certainly would be illegal for a Mundaner to own one! He can't imagine what a threat that would be to a mageocracy, but the thought of the potential reward for uncovering one was dizzying! In any case, they were already guilty of insulting an Arcaner, and looking at torture as a result. Eyes scanning the marketplace for the constables of Glantri City, Rodrigo prepared to call to them for help as he drew his rapier.

Gierdon takes a long drought of the ale, some dribbling down his beard. Setting the tankard down, he hears some commotion behind him and turns. Seeing the elf with two large brutes, he takes interest. Noticing the thugs begin to approach the elf in a menacing manner, he realized that they don't seem to have noble intentions in mind. Reaching into his pocket he pulled some money out and paid for the ale. "That blasted elf," he grumbled under his breath and rushed over to thugs.

Gierdon stops between the bullies and the elf to try to block their path. "You guys don't want to do this. I'm sure the elf here said something dumb but you have to forgive him. He's not exactly the brightest though he thinks he may be. So what say we just each walk away and forget all that happened, eh?"

Anneth Mage-singer watches the spectacle that is the Elf and the two buffoons.  'That can't end well... I'd like to help him, but I'm sure he'd understand.' she thinks to herself, clicking her tongue and shaking her head.  She continues on her way, until she hears a rapier being drawn, and sees a Dwarf intervene.  'Well, now the scales are a little more even.  And it would be a shame for two bounders like them to pound somebody who would outlive their great-great grandchildren into the ground like a post... Might as well see if I can get them to back off.  There could be benefit in it, in the long run...'

Anneth comes up to the scene.  She calls out to Rodrigo in the Elven tongue,

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
"Follow my lead!"

---

Holding up a finger animatedly, she continues in the Common tongue, "Yes, I, ahh..." 'Hmm, what to say.  Well, these two seem to need to share a brain...shouldn't be too hard to get them to back down.' She cleared her throat as she thought of something convincing to say.  "I read his fortune, earlier, and he appears to have mis-interpreted it." The dabbler-in-arts put a hand on the Elf's sword-shoulder...hopefully before it fell twitching on the ground.  "I said you'd meet a tall, handsome stranger, not beat two tall, handsome strangers!" She choked back revulsion and winked at the two men.

"Follow my lead!" was in Elven; it was put in the Spoiler tags for the benefit of others whose characters speak the language.

As the two thugs advanced on Rodrigo, he glances around for the city guard, but, of course, there are none to be seen.

Then the Dwarf steps in, and tries to dissuade the two thugs. For a moment, the red-haired one smiles amusedly but then seems to realize he's facing a Dwarf. This confuses him, as Elves and Dwarves have never been known to get along. He looks at his buddy as if wanting reassurance. His buddy just shrugs, clearly as confused now as Red.

Then someone else intervenes. That someone appears to be an attractive female, and she starts talking to them.

"Huh?" Red says.

"Wha'd she say?" his buddy adds.

"We was just joshin' 'im," Red tries to explain.

"Yeah," agrees his buddy. "We weren't meanin' no harm."

"Yep. He was just dressed too fancy for this part o' town. Thought we oughta warn him afore somethin' happened to him."

"We was akchooly gonna buys him a drink, wasn't we, Buzz?"

"Um, sure," Buzz replies, clearly none too happy with his buddy's sudden generosity. "But since your friends joined ya, we'll just letcha go on about your bus'ness."

"Yeah, sure! Maybe some udder time!"

Red then turns and starts dragging his buddy away.

"I didn't know 'sinus fluid and blood' was the name of a drink around here..." Anneth says under her breath when the men leave.  Her hand slips off of the elf's shoulder.

"Perhaps they were too absent-minded to be affected by your spellcraft?" Her tone of voice is friendlier, now.

Rodrigo is furious at the lack of constables in the marketplace, but surprised and pleased at the sudden, unlooked-for assistance from of all people, the dwarf, and a young girl! He is amazed at the transformation that comes over the two ruffians, as well. Could the girl be an Arcaner? He stands his ground, rapier still in hand, as the two humans turn and walk away. Taking a deep breath, he sheaths his weapon and turns to his rescuers.

“Well, I really must thank you both!” He carefully attempts to kiss the girl's hand (OOC unless she obviously pulls away, in which case he recovers gracefully), and bows to the dwarf. “I am Rodrigo de Çamora, of Belcadiz,” he says proudly. To the dwarf, “And I apologize for not giving my real name earlier. I really meant no harm. But,” and here he seems quite puzzled, “Perhaps I don't have that spell worked out yet! Those two ruffians should've fallen asleep immediately! Unless they are very experienced fighters...” And he shakes his head in disbelief. “It seems more likely that they have some sort of anti-magic device, which I would dearly love to obtain!”

The elf looks after the men again, in front of the cafe. “In any case, I had been hoping to sit down for a drink; perhaps you two would do me the honor of joining me?”

Anneth politely pulls her hand away.  Well, if a soft jerking motion backwards would be considered polite...  It's the thought that counts, 'Nettie.

"Who knows?" Anti-magic?  On those two oafs?  Well, stranger things have happened!

"I don't see the harm in that, and drinks are a great way to collect information," Comes Anneth's reply to the Elf's offer.  'Wait, did he, an Elf, just offer a Dwarf a drink?  This is a strange thing to happen right in front of me!'

Seeing the thugs backing off, Gierdon turns the the young lady and the elf. "Yer lucky we got here when we did," he said to Rodrigo as he motions to the human. "Just like a couple bullies they were. Ready to attack only when they have the advantage; running away with their tails when stood up to."

At the suggestion of a drink, Gierdon paused to consider the offer before responding, "I suppose I could forgive you for earlier over a drink. My name's Gierdon. Gierdon Warbeard."

"Excellent! Please, this way," and Rodrigo leads the two to a little Belcadizan Tavern he's familiar with, ordering red wine with fruit in it, and a tray of little appetizers to share. "I'd love to introduce you to the food and drink of my culture, but if you prefer, please order something more to your taste."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Wed 22 Jan 2014.

Gierdon sat down, looking over the veritible food and drink Rodrigo ordered. He picked up a glass of the wine and tentatively sampled it. He had wine in the past but it held more of a kick than any flavor such as this one had. He puckered his lips and set the glass down. "It tastes good but is much too sweet for me." He takes a cursory glace around then remembers the taste of the Beastie Beer he had at the stand. "Do the have any dwarven ale here?"

Rodrigo nods. "I'm certain they have some sort of ale. Or we could get small glasses of the hard spirit of Boldavia..?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:44, Wed 22 Jan 2014.

Anneth samples her own glass of the wine.  Then, she hears mention of spirits... "I'll take the spirits."

She sets her glass down.  "So, what brings you two to this neck of the woods?  My name is Anneth, by the way.  Anneth Mage-Singer."

“Enchanté,” Rodrigo replied, signaling to the waitstaff for the drinks. “I attend the Great School, and my family is attached to the Princessa. Master Gierdon, I believe you mentioned that you had been sent here?”

"Yes. I was summoned to the city to help with some masonry. Though it seems the city has requested the help of more than they could handle so I haven't much work to do, presently. That's why you found me in the market when you tried your failed con," Gierdon replied, his eyes shot towards Rodrigo with slight suspicion at the last statement.

Rodrigo sighs, and drinks his wine. "There was no con, friend. A bit of a tease, perhaps, but that was all. Most activities here require licenses, although buying a drink does not. And I wanted to try my spell of somnambulance. I had no plan to cast it on you in the marketplace where you might be subject to thieves. You see, I was taught that dwarves are able to shrug off the effects of magic, and I wanted to test that for myself. Again, there would've been no harm done. I was trying to give you an incentive to agree to that. And in point of fact, if you do end up requiring a license for anything, you most likely will require the sponsorship of someone such as myself. And I would be glad to do so, since you have turned out to be a good friend."

He pushes the tray across the table where his new friends can reach it, as the waitress brings the Boldavian spirits. "Now, do try these tapas."

Anneth thanks the server, and nips at one or two of the tapas that the elf recommended.  She grunts in satisfaction.  "Not bad!"

"Would the telling of fortunes require a license?  Outside of my dabbling in the arcane and divine, I fancy myself a dabbler in fortune-telling and hope to dabble in its finding, sooner or later." Under her breath and drink, she says, "The two are not mutually exclusive."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:07, Sat 25 Jan 2014.

Smiling at the young girl's apprecation of his cuisine, the elf replies, "In point of fact, I'm sure you would require a license for that. It is a means of making an income, and therefore would need to be accounted for and taxed. Since we are now such good friends -- if I am not being too bold? I would be happy to sponsor your application."

Passing the small glasses of clear liquor around, Rodrigo raises his and proposes, "To making an income!" and then drinks.

Anneth nods.  "To my cards!" She, well, slams her beverage.  "It goes without saying that I would require some assistance in possibly becoming licensed, here, depending on the market for my profession.  Your odd hamlets and little villages need only a smile and a promise," Another drink, with "and there are many willing to shell out good coin for 'insights'..." hidden beneath her sip. "But this place is a touch larger than one of those."

Gierdon, taking the offered spirit, raises his glass. "To new acquaintances!" He exclaimed and drank it in one gulp. He began to relax a little after his indulgence of the various drinks today.

He turned to Anneth, "I'm from one of them odd hamlets 'n' much prefer t'live there over a larger city like this. They seem to be much quieter and yer less likely to get into trouble with some ill-tempered goons."

Rodrigo chuckles at the dwarf's comment. “Those goons, yes. Quite frankly, I was surprised that they didn't show deference to me. And they shrugged off my spell. I can't imagine they were great warriors, veterans of some sort, or why would they be simple hired muscle at a tavern? So the only other answer is that they had some sort of anti-magic effect. Perhaps it was something cast on the premises by a powerful wizard, for a secret meeting. But if they had an anti-magic item, then I'd like to acquire it!”

The elf shakes his head, bemused, and downs the rest of his Boldavian drink. “So, do either of you have any plans?”

"I've got none. Th' city has more than enough help so they're just payin' me t' roam th' streets." Gierdon shook his head, "If they don't get me t' work soon, I'm likely to just head back'ta home. There's no sense in payin' me if I ain't doin' nothin'."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:22, Mon 27 Jan 2014.

Gierdon and others were hired to repair the damage the city had sustained many years ago, but, as usual with large bureaucracies, the left hand doesn't always know what the right hand is doing.

So while there was an anticipated need for so many Dwarves for construction, the permits and funding and red tape were still being 'processed'. It could take as much as a year, perhaps longer, before Gierdon was actually assigned to a project.

On the other hand, a couple of other Dwarves that Gierdon had met had seen a building that needed repaired, and just went over to it and started working on it. After all, they were getting paid to do that... just maybe not that particularly building.

Anneth blinks at the dwarf's mention that he is from a hamlet.  Such manners the fortune teller exhibited!  'What to do, what to do, what to do...'

"And I've noticed that people odd hamlets and villages tend to be more willing to help one another, with less expectations...and, as said before, less of this 'know nobody, no business', 'no coins, no business' nonsense." The liquid inside of the drink vanishes.  Oh, boy.  "I also have no plans to speak of.  My trade is as much a means of making income as it is of funding my researches in spellcraft."

"Well," says Rodrigo, "If you've nothing to do, I'm still wondering about those ruffians. Either they're more powerful than any street thugs should be, or they have a powerful magic item, and/or there's something big going down at that tavern. Bigger than the hot drinks they serve that I was craving when I headed that way."

The elf looks speculatively at his two companions. "Would you be interested in getting a closer look at whatever's going on in there?" he asks.

"I see no problem with looking into this," Gierdon replied. "B'sides, those two who were blocking your way shouldn't be allowed to stop people from entering a public place."

"Unless there's a license required, I don't see why not!" Anneth quips after finishing a few more of the tapas.

"Great!" smiles Rodrigo. "Let's finish up and go scout the place. If we can't find an easy way to either spy on what's going on, or get inside, we can check the surrounding buildings for access."

Rodrigo makes a brave effort at finishing his wine, ready to leave when his companions are.

"Well let's not waste anymore time blabberin'," Gierdon exclaimed. He grabbed one of the tapas as he stood, preparing to leave.

Once the three are ready to go, Rodrigo leads them back to the vicinity of the cafe.

"Now, we don't want to be seen by those two thugs, but let's try to scout the exterior and note windows, doors and other potential avenues towards our goal. Then we meet back here. Ready?"

Once agreed, Rodrigo will proceed.

Anneth, too, grabs a tapa and scarfs it down.  With a polite wave, smile, and nod at the staff, she follows her new companions.

Once outside, Anneth nods in agreement: "I have some skill in light-stepping and concealment.  I'm not as good at padding about as, say, a halfling or a burglar, but let's see if I can't get some watchers in trouble for not paying attention!" Anneth puts a hand on the handle of her whip, in anticipation of needing to use it.  In a low sing-song, she adds, "I also have skill at finessing locks!  So, keep this in mind, dearies, and let Auntie Annie know if you see anything that needs her toys..."

Clearly, "fortune teller" is as much a vocation for this young human woman as it is a front for her pursuit of whatever whims strike her...

GM!  Would you like us to roll for Thief Skills, or is that your call?

((Any time you might need to roll for a skill/attack/save, you can go ahead and roll. I'll then adjust it by any modifiers that might apply.))


Give me some idea of which way you are going and what you'll do or are looking for. Naturally, this may change if you see something... 'interesting'.

Can you describe the building and its immediate surroundings? Or are the players contributing their own input?

The pub was a typical building, at least as much as any building in Glantri could be 'typical'. It was only two stories, though it had a high peaked roof that probably indicated a loft space. The second story was bigger than the first so that there was a 10-foot overhang. The door was in the east side and along the northside there was a flight of wooden stairs that led up to the second story.

The second story seemed to be symmetrical in terms of external windows and decorative architecture, but with the single flight of outside stairs, clearly the inside won't be symmetrical.

The peaked roof is oriented north-south, so the gable end isn't over the door. Both gables have tall, narrow, arched stained glass triptych style windows, with the center one being taller than the two side ones.


There is also a 10-foot wide porch that runs all the way around the first floor.


The front doors are double doors that open out, and apparently when the pub is open and the weather is fine, the doors are fastened open, because there are swinging saloon-style half-doors also in the doorway.

The first/ground floor is 50 feet square, making the second story 70 feet square.

People have been going in and out while you watch, but there is no sign of the two thugs.

Rodrigo carefully notes the positions of windows, then checks the adjacent buildings to see if there's any way to cross over onto the tavern from them. Or potentially, balconies or something that might provide a good spying/listening post.

Regardless, once he's finished scouting, he returns to the prearranged meeting spot to discuss a plan with the others.

Anneth attempts to look as inoffensive and inconspicuous as possible while also attempting to note any suspicious doors or windows that might need finessing.

:17, Mon 03 Feb 2014: Anneth Mage-Singer rolled 91 using 1d100 ((91)).

Oh, sweetie, you can only walk that clumsily and hope not to be heard in twenty-six levels!

Rodrigo makes note of the geography surrounding the pub. It stands alone; that is, there are no other buildings up against it. The north side, however, is on a sort of alley in that the street is only 10 feet wide.

Two buildings face the pub. One is three stories tall and the other is only two stories, but it does have a balcony.



Anneth spots something unusual (but it may not be all that unusual for Glantri), but it isn't necessarily suspicious. When the backdoor opens, it appears to be to the kitchen. She's trying so hard to see inside that it takes a minute for her to realize that there wasn't any backdoor there a moment ago! Or, at least, she doesn't remember seeing one.

In any case, a man steps out. He's wearing a white apron and he has a big bushy red mustache. He leans agains the outside wall next to the door, pulls out a pipe from the apron's pocket, somehow lights the pipe, and starts smoking. He's there for a little over five minutes before he walks back in and closes the door.

When he does, the door disappears! The wall looks like there was never a door there.

Anneth flexes her fingers, as if to test for sobriety.  She then mouths, "Son of a...!"

Without wasting a step as soon as this man has returned to his job, Anneth returns to her companions to make her report.

Gierdon stands away and watches as the two make their way around the building to find their points of attack. As he watches he notices the front doors are standing open and the two large men previously guarding it were not there. He waits until his newfound companions return with their findings, "Why don' we just try walkin' in the front? The doors are now unguarded and we could just walk in with a group of people entering. I mean, they didn't want you, Rodrigo, being an elf, but Anneth shouldn't have a problem entering. And me, well, I'm not sure. Unless you two have a different thought."

"Well, I hesitate to have anyone walk in alone... How about this? We walk in separately, Anneth, then Gierdon, then I. Whoever gets in, try and make a friend to talk to, and see what was up. Maybe Anneth, our human, could say she's late for a little get-together, and see what she can learn?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:52, Thu 06 Feb 2014.

Anneth is clearly excited, but calms down, saying, "Yes, that sounds like a good idea."

"But I found something of interest while I looked for possible entrances: Near the back of the tavern, there was a door that I swear wasn't there when I got there.  A man stepped out, and smoked from a pipe for a few minutes, before returning inside.  Sure enough, when he closed the door, there was just a wall!" Anneth treats this like it is quite the discovery.

"Hm, that is powerful magic!" mulls Rodrigo. "Perhaps a powerful mage owns this establishment. And yet, has designs he does not wish an elf to know about. Well, if you are still willing, I would like to learn what we can. If there is a plot, we may very well be able to warn the victims before it comes to fruition!"

"I'd make a quip about needing a license, but that would keep us from snooping about all the longer!  Let's get to changing history!"

"I'm good with that plan. Though that disappearing door makes me wonder that there might be others inside so keep a sharp eye."

Anneth is the first one to walk into the pub, which is calle The Barrel of Monkeys. Even though it has saloon doors, the inside is rather strange.

It has a high ceiling which has been painted to look like a jungle. Very high quality work. There are several cargo-type nets strung across the ceiling, with mosquito netting hung over all the windows. And there are plants all over the place, some even growing up in the nets. There is an earthy smell to the place, which draws Anneth's attention to the large pots that the plants are growing out of.

The tables and chairs are all made from bamboo. Even the bar has a bamboo front.

In the center of the room is a large wine barrel.

There are several people in the place, including several Dwarves. Two are throwing darts at a target on the wall. There appears to be two other game stations as well.

Conversation seems to be normal for a pub.


Rodrigo has learned that what he knew as a cafe in Belcadiz is called a pub in Glantri City and most other areas. Of course, there are some differences. Food and drink are common to both, but pubs are also oriented toward entertainment, which is mostly gossip, but may have other things, such as arm wrestling, darts, even musicians.

Sitting at the bar there were several patrons. However, one patron looked a bit out-of-place here. A very tall humanoid with orange-yellow skin, jet black hair and very large ears. One could tell even from the back it was almost certainly a hobgoblin. And not dressed for relaxing either, clad in chainmail and leather. The only sign that he was at all what one would call 'friendly' or even differentiate him terribly from any other of his kind was the green and white tabard the city liked to make certain marginally welcome visitors wear.

He was hunched over the bar, pouring over some papers of some sort. With the crooked way he was sitting, it was likely he was near the bottom of the third or fourth tall tankard of whatever it was he was drinking, though possibly not in this establishment, or had possibly been up much longer than was healthy. With so many Dwarfs about, it was surely something of a miracle that he'd managed to be here for any time at all without being dragged into a brawl. Or maybe he had and it had ended quickly since the other customers had given him a some distance leaving the stools on either side of him empty.

As a matter of fact, the only seats available were the two on either side of him. If the group wanted to sit down at the bar, they would have to take those seats with no more than two of them being able to sit on either side... or try asking him to move.

'Charming!' Anneth thinks to herself.  The establishment she entered was unlike any she'd ever seen before.  It had a lot of character, and she found herself mulling over themed taverns, herself...  'Perhaps one on a nice coast somewhere, with beautiful men as servants, and expensive drinks... Maybe one for practicioners of necromancy, that might be a little difficult.' Anneth would make a note of this later!  "Themed Drinking Establishments" would be the header.  At present, she was to assist her companions in assisting her in making money.  Then, when she had enough money, and hopefully a glorious reputation, she would consider making such a place.  Or pass the idea along to somebody as smart and as talented as herself.

The tavern she was in, at present, was pretty full...  The only spaces available were at the bar, and those were next to a big fellow.  A very big fellow.  'Is he a hobgoblin?  Whatever.'  In order for Anneth, Gierdon, and Rodrigo's plan to work, she would need to sit wherever she could, and she would need to think on her feet!  Besides, he might have heard something, or might be of some much-needed help to her.  And her companions, don't forget the companions.

"Where could those two be?" she says to herself, affecting a certain degree of animation.  She saunters over to a seat to the left of the tall creature, saying to herself, "They've got an hour, and then I'm leaving."

She smiles at the closest identifiable (and not busy) servant, and says, "Excuse me, have you seen some friends of mine?  One would be an elf in dark leather, and the other would be a very heavily scarred dwarf?  I was supposed to meet them for conversation and darts, but I don't see them here..." As Anneth trails off of her sentence, she leans back and looks around, as if for Gierdon and Rodrigo.  She sighs.  "In the meantime, could I get whatever specialties you might have, here?  If my friends show up, I'll treat them to their first round..."

Gierdon walked in and cocked an eyebrow at the sight of the inside. A bit much for a tavern. he thought at seeing all of the decor. Immediately he noticed the dwarves playing darts and decided to see if he could join them and see if they new anything about the establishment.

Still somewhat timid around those of his own kind, he slouched slightly as he approached the pair. "Are you here for the masonry work, too?"

Rodrigo waits outside for a few minutes, giving Anneth a chance to learn anything she can about whoever might've been meeting there before.

He doesn't want folks to clam up bad-talking elves, and perhaps mention their nefarious plans for the tree-huggers, by waltzing in right away.

He absently fixes his hair, and keeps an eye out for stalkers, while keeping an eye on the tavern from just around a corner.

It was a good sign that the dwarf hadn't been thrown out immediately. Perhaps it wasn't non-humans in general who were being plotted against. Probably just elves.

Pity he didn't have any of the Erewhon kind hanging about, or he could throw them into the pot and see what boiled over.

He sighs at the lost opportunity.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Wed 12 Feb 2014.

Placing his hands down on his paper with a slight groan as the woman takes the seat next to him, the hobgoblin shakes his head in disbelief and turns to the woman, deciding to take it upon himself to answer her questions in a direct manner.

Speaking in a grunt he tells her begrudgingly, "You can't very well swing a stick in this city right now without hitting a heavily scarred Dwarf. Look around-- there's got to be eight or so in this bar." He takes a quick glance around the room to confirm his count. He is a bit off, but not by much it would seem.

Idly running his hands over the papers he set down on the bar which, if Anneth did decide to glance over them, seemed to be reports about crimes in the city. Sort of an odd material to be pouring over in a pub.

"And last I heard, as a rule they don't even let elves into this city. No magic, you know. Never heard of an elf without magic... But I ain't exactly the one making the calls either," he seemed to have a little doubt about this part, but one might also gather from his tone that he had been around here for a while without seeing any elves.

Anneth sighs.  "That is so like Roddy, setting something up that's out of socially acceptable bounds.  I'll have to have a word with him when I see him." Her acting was a little rusty.  She once again leans out of her seat, looking around for her friends.  Spotting Gierdon, she winks in his direction, whether he sees her or not.

"Let's not be strangers while there's so little space, my name is Anneth."

Gierdon:

"Hallo," one of the dart-throwing Dwarves responds to Gierdon. "Yep. Me and my cousins were one of the first batch brought in. You care to test you aim? Gold piece a game."


Anneth:

"No, miss, I haven't seen your friends," the serving wench replies. "Perhaps he's over there with the other Dwarves. We have Drifter ale this week, and Zhar Grand wine."

Rodrigo drums his fingertips lightly while waiting. 'How much time to allow them to investigate?' he wonders, watching a pretty young lady walk by.

'Nonsense, it's only been a few minutes,' he remonstrates himself. 'Can't have even gone beyond exchanging names with a newly-met conspirator yet. I'll give them a few more minutes, then make an appearance. And see how their new friends react to the arrival of an elf.'

Gierdon looked at the dwarf and then to the board and back. "Aye! I'll give it a go! What are we playing?"

"Since you're new here, we'll keep it simple," the other Dwarf replies. "Five darts each alternating, high score wins. We've only got three sets of darts, though, so the most you can win is 2 gp. By the way, my name's Granite. This here's Rupert, Brock and Karak."

He introduced the other three Dwarves that are playing darts. Other Dwarves don't seem to be with this group.

"If that's alright with you," Granite adds, handing Gierdon the darts he's holding, "you can go first. I'll sit this one out. Besides, we need some more ale."


((OOC: If you want to roll for success, 1d20+Dex mod five times.))

Anneth hears a voice much like Gierdon's.  She smiles inwardly.  "Thank you, love.  I'll have that Zhar Grand Wine, if you don't mind...not much of one for ales.  And, hmm, I'd like to ask you about food once my friends arrive."

Less than a minute later, a goblet of the requested wine is placed on the counter in front of Anneth.

"That'll be 2 silvers, miss," the bartender tells her.

Anneth hands the young woman four silver coins.  "So," she takes a sip from the goblet, "Even if an elf were to keep their magic in check, they wouldn't be permitted here?  Apologies for being an uneducated outsider, as it were..."

The bartender gives Anneth a strange look before he responds.

"I'm not quite sure what you mean, Miss," he says. "Anyone is permitted here, even hobgoblins." He nods in the direction of the hobgoblin sitting beside her. "Even clerics, for that matter, though he'd be wise to keep it to himself."

"Why would anyone keep their magic in check? Only those without magic are unwelcome in the city. Well, not so much any more. And Dwarves are an exception."

"M'name is Gierdon." Gierdon introduced himself as he took the 5 darts from Granite. He squared hisself with the board, took aim, and let loose with each dart successively. After throwing his darts and stepping to the side for the next dwarf he asked whomever of the group would listen, "So what's up with this place? Jungle themed, thug guarded, elven prohibited tavern?"

[OOC: 08:29, Today: Gierdon Warbeard rolled 10,16,11,19,5 using d20+2 x5. darts. Total=61]
This message was last edited by the player at 13:13, Wed 19 Feb 2014.

Rukao let out a small, amused chuckle as he heard the exchange between Anneth and the waitress. Perhaps he'd just been bluffing with his earlier comments, testing the girl to see just how new and naive she was.

Still, he tucked the crime reports into a pile seeming quite disappointed with what he was finding. Hobgoblins who could cast magic were odd and even if this one could, he didn't look to be well equipped to solve or protect against crimes done using magic.

"The names Rukao, girl. Rukao Faestalker. Sounds like your in a bit of trouble. Or looking for some," it wasn't clear whether he was offering to help or threatening to turn her in.

Brock was the next to go. Although he didn't seem to be particularly skilled at the sport, he'd obviously done a lot of practicing.


22:08, Tue 18 Feb 2014: Brock rolled 14,17,12,17,8 using 1d20+1,1d20+1,1d20+1,1d20+1,1d20+1 ((13,16,11,14,7 = 61 total)).

"Thug guarded?" Granite repeated, glancing around looking for whom qualified as a 'thug'. "I don't think so; this place doesn't even have an unbrawler. Wouldn't do much good against magic anyway."

"Elf prohibited?" he repeated, sounding even more confused. "I'm not even sure how that would be possible. Why? What made you think that? I think Brumleigh and Quilliken there would be highly amused to hear that... or maybe upset." He was indicating a table where two of the other Dwarves were engaged in some sort of dice game with, apparently, two Elves.

"Definitely a jungle theme, of sorts," he agreed with Gierdon's first comment. "But this is Glantri City! There ain't no room for ordinary here! Pubs in other towns can get by on good food, gossip and camaraderie, but that won't cut it in a city where magic flows in the streets!"

Rodrigo's expression freezes as the pretty young lady turns and catches him staring. Recovering quickly, he smiles back, an admission of having been caught, a little self-deprecating perhaps -- 'boys will be boys.'

'My, she does fill out that robe nicely,' he thinks to himself, bowing.

'Can't abandon my new acquaintances, they could be held hostage even now...' The thought forces itself to the forefront of his attention.

Seeing his score already beaten Gierdon looked at Granite with confusion apparent upon his face. "Odd...I know of an elf who tried entering earlier. I was told that when he approached the door he was greeted by a couple of burly guys who denied him entry because he was an elf," he said as he cast at the two elves playing dice. "He tried to work his way through with some sleep magic but it had no effect on the two. They were about to whollop him when a lady and I stepped in to stop it. We came back shortly later and see no trace of them. Just seems kinda odd, the whole event."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 06:49, Thu 20 Feb 2014.

"Oh, that sounds like Buzz and Red," Granite replies. "Hard to believe anyone that stupid can cast magic, isn't it? They're just a couple of bullies, prone to what they think is an amusing prank."

"As for the magic, if that was out on the porch, that's because Rumguzzle paid the Guild to put an anti-magic field on it. He got tired of brawls spilling out into the street and then erupting into fireballs and lightning bolts."

"Glad they didn't keep you from coming back. It's the only pub in the city that has excellent Dwarven ale and even serves Dwarven food."

Durek walks in the inn, and finds an empty table.  Motioning for Kareth and Talis to join him he moves over to the table.  Once seated he orders an ale and takes in the scene; "What now?"

In reply to Durek (msg # 81):

A tall, muscular Elf with blonde hair and sparkling Amethyst eyes strode into the Tavern and took in the exotic sight with a smile "Now this is how you make an impression through decoration!" he exclaimed.

The Elf was wearing Plate Armor under a tasteful black robe trimmed with scarlet and
gold.  On his back is a Bow of fine Elven make and an archaic Battle Sword that few men could heft, let alone wield.

He quickly joined the Dwarf who had proceeded him into the Barrel of Moneys and ordered an Ale.  "The Dwarf-iest Ale you have!" he added as an afterthought.

He turned his attention to Durek and said "Well the easiest, most direct method would simply be to ask the Barmaid or Barkeep if they know this Manfred character.  Perhaps we should start there?"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Sat 22 Feb 2014.

"Well, thank you for the game, but I see my friend who I've been waiting for there at the bar. Here's my gold piece you've won. May we meet again." Gierdon stated as he handed the winnings to Granite.

He turned and walked to the bar to where Anneth was sitting and tapped her on the leg. "I see you've made it here. I'm gonna check to see if maybe Rodrigo is waiting for us outside. Order me a Dwarven ale for my return."

Rodrigo, spotting an elf walk in with some companions, thinks, 'Now's the time to go in! See what happens to him, and another to fight on our side if the attackers show themselves!'

He approaches the door cautiously, then enters.

His eyes cannot believe what they see.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:06, Sun 23 Feb 2014.

"Mine is Anneth Mage-Singer.  I'm looking to avoid trouble, if possible... Since the bartender said that anybody is permitted, why would there have been two large men standing outside this place giving my good friend, the aforementioned elf in black, trouble?" Anneth sips her wine.  Wow, now that was good stuff.

She lets out a cry, feigning surprise and satisfaction at the sight of Gierdon.  "Oh, Gierdon!  I was wondering where you were.  Yes, go look for Roddy, will you." She motions for the barkeep, and requests an ale for the Dwarf, handing him her coins as she does.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Sun 23 Feb 2014.

Gierdon smiled at Anneth's nickname given to the elf. As he turned to leave, he saw a couple elves walking in, one being Rodrigo. He walked over and saw Rodrigo awestruck by the sight of the decorations. "Hey Roddy! Quite a number they've done in here. Takes a bit for the eyes t' get used to. Anneth's over by the bar," he said, nodding his head back to where he just came from. "Finding a table might prove a bit difficult seeing as how busy this place is. But I believe I've gotten some info as to what happened."

Placing his hand around his tankard and stroking it lightly he gave Anneth's question a knowing smile. "Oh, come now... It should be obvious." He took a brief moment to glance over his shoulder as though to check to see if anyone was listening before looking back to Anneth and continuing in a serious tone.

"This city-- its run by wizards. Humans who spend every waking hour of their day with their noses buried in ancient books in hopes of learning the secrets of the universe. These are men who would do anything to extend their lives even a day to learn just a little bit more. Who will turn themselves into horrific creatures, make pacts with devils or bind their souls to inanimate objects thinking that just one more day of study will give them the answer they need to become a god."

He looked away from Anneth, lifted his tankard up and took a small gulp, letting that sink in-- the truth about the desperation of wizards, at least the type of wizards who would make a magic city and appoint themselves its grandmasters. As he lowered the tankard he continued, though he didn't look back at Anneth quite yet, "Now, imagine if you will how such people who feel their life draining away with every tick of the clock must feel about a group of people who have all the time in the world, who never need sleep a wink... and yet take such a relaxed approach to their studies that their fitness, their health, their beauty need not be sacrificed one bit on the altar of study."

In reply to Rukao Faestalker (msg # 87):

Talis took the Ale from the server and quaffed a large gulp.  He made a a satisfied aaahhh sound and said "That is awful, awful stuff, Durek.  How do your folk abide a drink that is almost chewable?"

With a smile Talis started to take another drink delighting in the new experience of the unpleasant hops-filled beverage when his eyes fell on Rukao.  He nearly choked.  Ale sprayed indelicately from his lips and he openly stared at the Humanoid sitting placidly amongst the bar patrons.  Talis nudged Durek "Do we...do we attack it?  Damn it! Glantri is a strange place."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Mon 24 Feb 2014.

Kareth enters the pub. It's a bit too... 'friendly' for his tastes, but then most pubs are like that. It's a community thing.

He quietly finds a table along the wall to slip into the chair as he scans for the person they are looking for.

Dwarves are plentiful, even a few Elves, and a Hobgoblin! But he doesn't see his target.

He watches to see what the others do, the door swings open again and someone else walks in. At first, he thinks it's who he's looking for, but that fades in the dimmer light of the pub.

Still, he watches the man, who joins some friend in a booth in the back corner.

Then it occurs to Kareth what he just witnessed. He saw a disguise spell momentarily fail, as if his target had stepped through an anti-magic zone.

Rodrigo carefully picks his jaw up off the floor. Squinting slightly, he brings the room into focus with a monumental effort of will. “By Rad, what madness is this..?” he says. But then he chokes at the sight of a hobgoblin warrior. “A hobgoblin, and I've already used up my spell!” Realizing that he'd spoken above a whisper, he speaks quietly to Gierdon, “Say no more, I see our quarry. What's the plan, jump him when he leaves? I know a man who knows a man, we could get... let me see, perhaps five crowns for him! And that's even without the plot against elves!”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

"What?! No!" Gierdon replied looking around confusedly. "The hobgoblin has nothing to do with it. B'sides, look around, lad. No one's paying him any mind. He's talking to Anneth and she doesn't seem concerned. The two thugs are just bullies and there's a anti-magic field around the porch. It was just normal stuff, nuthin' fancy. Now let's go talk to Anneth before you jump back into the fire."

Rodrigo looks crushed. "What? No!" And then softer again, "Really? No grand plot?" The elf looks almost wistful. He sighs.

Allowing himself to be led to the bar, it's only as he arrives that it occurs to him to ask, "Say, what were you calling me earlier..?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:24, Tue 25 Feb 2014.

Anneth processes what the hobgoblin has said, and replies with, "You ought to write books." She is very clearly inebriated, now.  Such is the price of not eating much with a drink, and not having water to sip!

Brushing off the comment with a small slightly insulted huff. Rukao paid little mind about the girl's low tolerance for the drink-- more likely he figured it was a ploy for someone to start getting drowsy halfway through their first drink.

"Point is, some people got there reasons for wanting to get at other people. I doubt there's any more to it than that."

He removed his hand from his tankard and placed his hands down on his papers. He could feel the gazes on him again, it happened every now and again. Especially with Dwarfs around. People could be so very rude. He didn't even bother to look over his shoulder towards those giving him the evil eye. It just wasn't worth it.

"So you are new to this town. What wind swept you in here? I'm guessing its got little to do with elves."

“Dearest Anneth, it is I, your very favorite elf, Rodrigo de Çamora!” says the Belcadiz elf, looking askance at the hobgoblin. “I think you have started without us, hmm?”

Rodrigo's stance is loose, and he is keenly aware of the hobgoblin.

"I'm a bit of a troubleshooter, a bit of a fortune teller... Got tired of telling fortunes in small towns, decided to see if I can't help people out somewhere a little, well, bigger." Anneth is very clearly telling the truth.  Well, at least so far as her reasons for coming to Glantri...whether or not she is being honest about her intentions in Glantri ending at "telling fortunes" is another story...

Then, Anneth hears Rodrigo's voice, and her face lights up.  She remembered that there was...oh, right, a plan!  Well, she might as well brief the elf on things.

"Ya, have a seat, Roddy!  Try some of..." Anneth picks up her wine glass, and snickers.  "More wine, please!  And some for my friend, if he wants some." She points to Rodrigo, adding the last part as an afterthought.  Then, she nods to Rukao.  "This is Rukao.  He and I were talking about a great many things."

Hrm, 13 Con... Ain't gonna be toppling over in her seat anytime soon.  I want to say that part of it's acting, and part of it's "whoops, should have had something more substantial than tapas!".

Looking a bit surprised at the girl's behavior, the elf raises an eyebrow as he sees there are no seats available. He takes a quick look at Gierdon, wondering what the dwarf's reaction will be to all of this. Then he wonders what that Alfheim elf, and those other dwarves, think of a hobgoblin in the tavern. The war wasn't so long ago, after all...

Well, it seems that the girl's elf friend made it into the tavern after all. The hobgoblin turned his head just a little, looking to the black-clad elf with only mild disdain before the disdain seems to fade a little. Apparently something about this elf seems to amuse him.

There were still three seats available at the bar, one next to Anneth and two on the other side of Rukao (as noted in previous post). Everyone else having avoided sitting next to the hobgoblin before the fortune teller decided to sit next to him meant there was plenty of space for Rodrigo to sit down.

Rukao spoke up with an amused grin in a gruff tone, "Seems you made it in here after all. Heard some locals decided to push you around a bit. You got in now, so take a seat." He had simply presumed that this was the elf the girl was talking about earlier. Just how many elves would be buzzing around a young witch after all?

Turning his attention back to Anneth. Considering her story critically his grin disappeared and he gave a slight frown. "Generally its not a bad idea to play one's craft where they are more buyers available... but I'm not sure this was the best city to pick. You know, people out in the countryside... they get tossed around by fate like dolls with little they can do about it and having forewarning to be prepared does them well. But here... well, most people here have the power to bend the rules of the world and make their own fates. You'd have been better off in just about any other city..."

Glancing down at the reports before him, his frown deepened as he tapped his fingers on them, "As would I, no doubt."

Gierdon took his ale and hopped up into the seat next to the hobgoblin. "Name's Gierdon!" he gruffly introduced himself, followed by taking a big drink from the tankard.

Rodrigo, somewhat taken aback at the hobgoblin's educated speech, shakes his head and motions to the waitress to bring him wine. He pulls a chair over on Anneth's other side, deciding to listen and learn.

Durek continues to watch the bar scene, taking in the atmosphere and looking fir any signs of the person he is looking for.

Kareth takes his drink once it has been served and gets up from his table, picking his way through the crowd with an excuse me here and a pleasant joke there.   As he goes he takes a moment to check out the ladies in the establishment - while the others are looking for the stallholder's pal, there is no harm in him having a bit of fun.

Eventually he takes up a vantage point from which he has his back to a pillar, and a good viewpoint to several tasty looking prospects.   Now he has to decide if any of them are up for it....

Anneth can only shrug.  "Well, that's what I get for throwing darts at a map." Making one last grasp at the proverbial ghost, Anneth says, "Where might you suggest going to aid others in their neverending search for prosperity?"

Talis watched as Kareth wandered off and Durek drank.  With a shrug he stood up and said "Alright, well I'll try the direct approach."

The tall Elf made his way through the tavern and up to the bar where he hailed the barkeep "Excuse me, Sir, I'm hoping you could help me find someone that frequents this place?  Manfred the Armorer by name and trade."

Talis studied the man's initial reaction before turning toward the crowd to see if the name piqued anyone's interest.

Rukao was beginning to feel his personal space a bit violated and was clearly uncomfortable by the dwarf suddenly sitting down next to him and introducing himself. He rolled his shoulders with a low sigh, perhaps thinking he was being ambushed and the Dwarfs here were going to stop simply giving dirty looks and actually attack him.

Flexing his legs to get ready to stand, he nonetheless answered Anneth's question as politely as he could in his agitated state. "Darokin. Best place to go is Darokin. A lot of people with a lot of money and uncertain futures. Just gotta head south along the river."

Figuring no good would come from ignoring the Dwarf, he turned to look at him and replied just as briefly, "The name's Rukao." His gaze lingered longer as he tried to figure out just how inebriated the Dwarf was and how soon he was intending to attack.

After Kareth turns his eye to the ladies, it finally sinks in that the 'illusionist' is actually Manfred the Armorer. He has an illusion spell on him which, in fact, did momentarily fail when he walked through the anti-magic field on the porch.

And he is sitting in the back booth with two others.


When Talis asks the bartender about Manfred, the bartender inadvertently glances at the corner booth before answering.

"He does frequent the pub, but he hasn't been in in a few days."

Talis eyed the area that the bartender glanced toward "I see.  Perhaps You could point out one or two of his friends, then?  There's a chance they would know where I could find him."

The brawny Elf smiled and added "I've been told he is a fine smith and he could help me with a kink I keep getting in my armor." to demonstrate Talis flexed his left arm causing his plate armor to shift and creak unpleasantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:55, Mon 03 Mar 2014.

Gierdon eyed the Hobgoblin wearily. "Where you from?" he asked suspiciously, taking another drink of his ale.

Rodrigo eyes the hobgoblin as he sips his drink. He gives the armored elf, now at the bar, a quick look, but the fellow appears to have his own interests. Rodrigo settles back on his stool. 'This hobgoblin is rather erudite for a beastman,' the elf thinks to himself. 'I wonder what those papers are about. Almost like...written orders from a superior! Perhaps he's a scout!' The elf tries to unobtrusively catch a glimpse when Rukao turns to address Gierdon.

Well, at least the Dwarf seemed tired-drunk rather than happy-drunk or angry-drunk. There was slightly less to worry about. He answered in a cryptic manner, "I'm much the same as the unstamped coin," he seemed quite hesitant to share much about himself.

The papers in his hand seemed to be public crime reports from around the city, telling about the various murders, robberies and various other crimes that had occurred over the last couple weeks. They were no doubt obtained from the guards, the kind of things they might give out to guards, reporters or city officials.

With a sigh, Rodrigo notes that Anneth has slumped over at the counter, and he deftly moves her goblet to one side. Then, with a frown, he sniffs at the contents, wondering if she'd been drugged. He waves at the barkeep. “What exactly have you given my friend? She's passed out!” he exclaims with indignation.

He does note that with Anneth's head down, he has a clear line of sight to the papers, which appear to be about criminal activities! He pretends not to have noticed, but his heart beats faster as he wonders if he's stumbled upon a plan for a massive crime wave!

Kareth feigns (well, it is not entirely feigned) interest in a dark-haired girl sitting at the next table to Manfred.    Taking his drink along with him he mooches up to a pillar whereby he has a clear line of sight on her, and clear space for his leg to trip Manfred should the man try to make a quick exit.

Then he catches Talis' eyes and makes a subtle nod in the direction of Manfred's booth.

The bartender looks a bit uncomfortable at Talis's questions, though Talis's demonstration seems to mollify him a bit.

"Noooo, his... um, friends haven't been around either," the bartender replies. "But... if you leave your name, I'll pass it on to him if I see him. Where are you staying?"

A moment later, he's distracted by Rodrigo.

"Just wine!" he protested. "It was strong wine... she asked for it! So perhaps she drank it too fast... on an empty stomach! With some people, it goes to their head easily."


One of those crime reports in Rukao's hand was about a burglary and a subsequent murder when the burglary went skew-whiff. It was a second story job, with the trademarks of Vengo Skurl, a minor prestidigitator who climbs up to the second story using nekode (cat's claws). The murder, by broken neck, however, was done by someone else who was bigger and stronger.

Rukao spotted Vengo sitting in the back corner booth. He was hoping Vengo would lead him to his partner in crime.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 113):

Talis waved a hand as if to dismiss the matter "I just reached the city today so I haven't settled on a place yet." he continued to watch the barkeep for a few moments as he dealt with the accusations of the city-fied Elf.  He was still getting used to the crush of races living shoulder to shoulder.  It was both thrilling and off-putting at the same time.  Hobgoblins, Elves, Humans and Dwarves living together?  He would not be surprised to see a Thoul sharing a drink with a Unicorn next.

The Elf inclined his head slightly to Kareth to acknowledge his summons.  With another head motion he tried to catch Durek's eye as well before wandering over to Kareth and mumbled in a low voice"The barkeep is nervous.  His eyes betrayed yonder table.  What have you learned?"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 19:50, Wed 05 Mar 2014.

Kareth, not keen on having his pulling style cramped by an overdressed Elf, mumbles back without turning his head to look at Talis as he passes. "That's the guy - I'm sure of it.  I'm guessing he makes more money as a fence than as a stallholder.   He knows some kind of magic so be careful.    He might have pals here if he's a regular so let's try a softly-softly approach first - how about you try make a buy?"

Seeing that Kareth was unhappy with Talis' presence the Elf turned his back to Manfred's table and looked back toward Durek doing his best to appear to ignore Kareth's existence while, at the same time, he spoke out of the side of his mouth "Since I have no idea what you're talking about perhaps it's best if you confront the man.  Durek and I will linger nearby if you need assistance."

Rodrigo's eyes widen as he catches the gist of the case on the page. A big, strong murderer who broke the victim's neck?! Rodrigo immediately assumes a studied nonchalance, hoping that the big, strong hobgoblin didn't catch him looking...

He glances at Gierdon, wondering what the dwarf was aiming for by speaking to the beastman. From all he remembered reading, they should be sworn enemies, shouldn't they?

It was a bit difficult to not to notice an elf leaning over the bar reading between his fingers. By the time Rodrigo attempted to look nonchalant, Rukao was staring right at him with mild annoyance.

"You know," he began in a cool voice, "If you want to read them, you can just ask." He saw no reason why he shouldn't share them. They weren't meant to be secret, after all. Besides, he'd got about all the use he could out of them.

He kept his ears open, listening closely to Vengo to try to hear if the man either got up or someone approached his table. It was good to be able to keep track of someone without having to stare at them openly.

Rodrigo froze at the hobgoblin's words, anticipating his next move. When none came, the elf resumed his assumed nonchalance, taking a sip from his goblet and asking, “So, do you write fiction then? Copper-dreadfuls, perhaps?” A sense of unreality came over him. Next thing he knew, he'd be discussing philosophy with a beastman!

Durek continues to drink prepared to help if needed.

Kareth nods almost imperceptibly to Talis, then wends his way to Manfred's table and sits down right at the edge of the bench - one leg under the table, the other out so he is ready to stand up again quickly.

He smacks his hand on the table and says in a loud voice "lemme buy you a drink, man.  I'm having a good day today - what is it yer tipplin' on anyway?"

Then under his breath he mutters to the man.  "I'm looking for an.... item... heard you might be selling".

Gierdon continued to drink his ale, nearly finishing the tankard. He listened to the dialogue between Rukao & Rodrigo, still somewhat uneasy with the hobgoblin.

Talis tried to be nonchalant and attempted to use his keen Elven ears to listen in on Kareth's conversation.  He was unused to such nebulous dealings and was interested in learning how to go about such things in the future.

Rukao shook his head a little, taking the moment to glance over towards his target briefly before answering with an amused chortle.

"Not at all. Just looking for a job. You know, when one of their neighbors has been robbed or murdered, there is little a person with money to burn wants more than someone big, ugly, and vicious who can follow orders, stay up all night and see in the dark to lurk around their house."

Perhaps he had let on too much, but then he wasn't really the kind that did much to mask his intentions and motivations. He preferred to wear his intentions on his sleeve. He paused only briefly before adding.

"But, now and again... other opportunities spring up."

Kareth may not be sure it's really Manfred, but Manfred clearly recognizes Kareth.

A dagger appears in Manfred's hand and he stabs at Kareth while snarling under his breath to his two cohorts, "It's him! Get him!"

One of Rodrigo's eyebrows crawls down his forehead as he processes the hobgoblin's words, then rises again as comprehension dawns. “Ah! You apply for work where there has been crime! La, that is good thinking!” And, surprising himself, he toasts the beastman, then looks over at Gierdon.

Gierdon simply grunts as Rodrigo and Rukao toast. He finishes his ale and stands up from the stool at the bar and glances around the room.

Rukao gives a quick nod to the Elf, seeming a bit put off that the Elf had to consider his words before understanding. He had thought he was making himself perfectly clear. After all, there was, after all, only one other reason he would be reading the crime report sheets.

And, deciding that this Elf so far, seemed more honest than most of his kind, he decided to let him in on his secret. Leaning into the bar, over his mug he spoke in a quiet voice-- one that in all likelihood Gierdon might still be able to hear.

"As for other opportunities..." he slid one of the papers, the one Rodrigo had caught a glance of earlier, "See the murder? The thief who was there when it happened is in the bar right now. I saw his wanted sign. Thing is, he's not the killer. I want to wait for his partner to show up, but I could use some help taking them down."

Rodgrigo, even more surprised at the latest turn of events, considers for a moment. He looks at Anneth's slumped form, then over to the dwarf. "Why not?" he answers. "Let's ask my friend Gierdon to play, too; I'm sure he'd feel left out otherwise." And the elf grins.

Talis was taken off guard.  He was unsure how the man Kareth thought was Manfred would react; negotiate? flee? bluster?  All seemed like possibilities.  Out right murder in broad daylight was not something the Elf had considered.  When his momentary shock passed he leapt to his new friend's aid.

Talis charged over and tried to plow into Manfred's friends in an attempt to delay their ability to attack Kareth.

"I'm still not sure if I trust ya but I'll help. Who's the theif?"Gierdon asked as he looked around the bar. He couldn't really see much being a dwarf, only those immediately around him.

Anneth twitches, and murmurs softly.  She'd heard something about Copper dreadfuls, and murderers and thieves, and...ugh, ye gods, where was she.

An eyelid flutters open.  She was in a tavern.  Around her was that dwarf, Gierdon; the elf, Rodrigo...and that Rukao, who had to have been a hobgoblin.

She and the dwarf intervened against some po-dunk tavern regulars that were bullying Rodrigo around; after some talking, the three decided to poke around and see what was so special about the place.
Anneth wandered into the tavern, acting like she was looking for some friends of hers, and took a seat next to Rukao, and proceeded to (very badly, given her alcohol intolerance) bluff her way around a conversation.  ...then she passed out for a few minutes.

"Nnh..." Anneth rose.  "Thief?  Play?"

Rodrigo looks at Anneth with some surprise, then smiles at her 'recovery.'

"Anneth, Rukao here says there's a thief in the tavern whose partner is wanted for murder, and asks for assistance in capturing the criminal when he shows up. We thought we'd get involved. Would you like to participate in the festivities?"

Durek continues to drink his ale, although his off hand starts to slip towards his axe.

Not surprised that Manfred produced a dagger, Kareth was surprised that Manfred chose to attack him!

He'd been half-prepared for that just the same, and leaped backwards to avoid the attack. He wasn't quite prepared for his two associates to also join the fray. Not the kind of odds he was interested in.

While Manfred struggled to extract himself from behind the table, Kareth decided to help him along. He stepped forward, grabbed the edge of the table and heaved it sideways at the two thugs, hopefully pinning them in place, at least temporarily.

Eyeballing the sudden action across the tavern, Rodrigo asks Rukao, "I don't suppose our poster-boys are a part of that group, are they? I'll need a scorecard to tell the players apart."

Rukao turned and stood up as though he were going perhaps interfere in the bout. In fact, even as he glanced down to Rodrigo and said quietly, "Just follow me." Rukao would have liked to have waited longer, but if he had managed to line up a posse behind him and the bar had already erupted into a fight, it was best to pin down and take in the wanted man rather than continue to wait in hopes of getting two.

Once he began moving, his general movement towards the back corner that Vengo was sitting in could hardly be mistaken, though he didn't make any point of speaking up to announce that he was intending to address the man. In fact, one might easily surmise that he was going over to him to talk.

Grinning, Rodrigo stood up and followed the hobgoblin.

Temporarily distracted by the ensuing scuffle, Gierdon hears Rukao suggest to follow him second-handedly. Seeing him and Rodrigo begin to move, he snaps out of the momentary diversion. "Hey! Wait for me!" he says as h quickly catches up to the pair.

"How could a hedonist and thrill-seeker like myself not like festivities?  I'm in." The Dabbler-in-Arts follows the demi-humans, her left hand ready to grab her whip at a moment's notice.

Kareth's ploy worked even better than he expected. The table slammed into the two cohorts, and knocked the wind out of at least one of them. At the same time, the lurching table caused Manfred to lose his balance and sprawl over the now-upright edge of the table.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 141):

Talis halted his headlong charge and tried to pin the two thugs with Manfred with the table.

Rodgrigo looks to the hobgoblin for a hint as to who they're trying to capture, since there are so many folks already involved in the brawl.

Moving forward to assist Talis, Durek attempts to help him hold down the two thugs.

Since it seemed as though Vengo hadn't spotted the tall goblinoid approach him, Rukao decided to take the initiative. With a strong backing and a distraction already in place in the room, he felt no need to attack first in order to put Vengo on the defensive. Surely the thief would be on the defensive once he realized he was surrounded anyway.

Instead, Rukao just took the seat across from Vengo, the seat that had been meant for whomever the thief had been waiting for.

"I'm surprised at you Vengo," spoke Rukao in a not entirely unfriendly tone, though he knew the thief only from reputation. "You botch a job, leave your calling card and with half the town watch looking to throw you in the pit, you sit out in the open of a tavern for everyone to see."

It wasn't entirely clear from his voice whether he was berating Vengo for his foolishness or admiring his boldness.

Now having some idea of the target, Rodrigo stood blocking the thief's exit, hand on his sword hilt.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Thu 27 Mar 2014.

Kareth will give the thug who was not winded, a hard punch in the kidneys to quieten him down.
[08:18, Thu 27 Mar 2014: Kareth Melphis rolled 16 using 1d20+1 ((15)).]

Recovering a bit from the shock of nearly getting stabbed, he affects a bravado "I just offered your pal a drink and this is what I get?    Not very nice eh lads?   Now Manfred, how about answering my question?    No free drink any more since you're such a rude bugger".

Anneth keeps a hand on the handle of her whip, ready to hinder any foes-to-be.

((Hahaha... I guess I was trying to be too clever... It would have been obvious with a grid.))

Vengo was sitting at the back with a buddy. They were waiting for Manfred.

Vengo and his buddy are now pinned against the bench by the table, with the wind knocked out of them.

Manfred may not have been inclined to give up fighting yet--after all, he doesn't really know who Kareth is (other than a mark), but suddenly Rodrigo is standing just behind Kareth to the left, Durek has moved up and is holding the table down against the other two, and to Durek's right, Rukao has moved up to deal with Vengo.

"Ummm... what was the question again?" Manfred tries to extemporize while he adjusts to the new situation.

Anneth finds the opportunity to use her whip rapidly disappear, at least for the expected targets, but she is joined by Talis and Gierdon to make sure no one else in the pub chooses to interfere.

Sensing the potential start of a brawl, the other Dwarves come over and stand by Gierdon.

Rukao places his foot on the table, using his weight to pin it down best he can should the three try to push it away. He didn't really think he had the strength to hold down all three should they try to fight back. But he figured they might be too scared.

Clearing his throat, he spoke again in a commanding voice, "I asked, what the hell were you thinking? It's bad enough to commit a robbery-murder, but to then to come and meet in a public pub?"

He pointed an accusatory finger at Vengo, "Really, Vengo. Who else uses a nekode? You think the guards weren't going to have you on half the wanted posters in town after they find the marks all over the wall?"

He glanced over to Manfred, sizing the man up before grunting, "And I'm guessing it was you that killed the merchant by breaking his neck?"

Reminding himself of just how the merchant was killed, it was quickly dawning on him just how unlikely it was that he was going to be able to keep them pinned down with his weight.

Gierdon walked over to join Rukao. Seeing that he was trying to keep them pinned, he  turned to the joining dwarves, "Hey guys, seems we got a criminal pinned here. Would you mind givin' a hand in seeing that they don't get out? Round of drinks on me if you help."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Tue 01 Apr 2014.

In reply to Gierdon Warbeard (msg # 151):

Thoroughly confused by a situation that had turned into two separate situations Talis stopped pushing against the table and stepped back "What in the five Spheres is going on?" he demanded of everyone in the room at once.

"Tish-tosh! It is plain, the hobgoblin says these two are wanted criminals! We need to summon the Guard!" says Rodrigo, with some excitement.

Anneth's hand wanders away from her whip, and she only watches the situation unfold with amusement.

"Heheheheheh, you don't need a crystal ball to see how screwed they are!" She taunts, not terribly keen on contributing anything meaningful to the situation now since she sees that the Hobgoblin has things under foot.  Literally.

Truly, the stuff of legends!

Kareth is as confused as everyone else but he does know one thing "fellows - let us not call the Guard just yet - I am sure that Manfred here has perfectly sensible explanation for everything that went on today - and I'm sure he'd be happy to spill the broth before he leaves here."

He turns to Manfred - "now then, it seems you got up to more mischief than just framing me, you numpty.    How about you tell us everything you did today from noon onwards?"

Raising an eyebrow, Rodrigo waits to see what else might develop. It seems there was more than one iron in the fire!

Moving up behind Talis.  "Well get the guard then!  My friend here has a question.  What is going on here?"

Rodrigo makes like he just might go get the Guards, but hesitates to see what may be forthcoming. If there is an advantage to be found in making the criminals talk, he wants to acquire it!

Gierdon simply shrugs in response to the others trying to find out what is transpiring as he continues to hold the table.

Although still looking around desperately for a way out, Manfred sees the odds are against him, and sits back down, though there's still an edge to him.

He begins answering questions, prodded by various threats.


"Hey, man, it weren't nothing personal. Someone asked me to do a favor, and I did it."


"Paid a thousand crowns, so it must have been important. Who was I to say 'no' to a friend?"


"Don't know what went wrong. You was supposed to be arrested with the loot, it would have embarrassed someone, and that'd be the end of it."


"Weren't you specifically, just the first su... customer that came by."


"Okay, okay... ya don't gotta get spastic about it! Jherek asked."


A door suddenly appears on the wall behind him and opens, and Manfred falls back through it. It starts to close...

Rukao, for his part, cared little of Manfred escaped for now. But he wasn't going to stand in the way of anyone who wished to pursue the man either. The bounty was on Vengo, and even if Manfred was the true culprit-- he had been identified and he would only be able to escape the town guard for so long.

Out of pure instinct Talis jumped forward "We can't let him get away!" the big Elf grabbed at Durek's collar and tried to pull the Dwarf through the portal with him.

Shouting, "The game's afoot!" the Belcadiz dandy leaped across to follow the others through the opening.

Kareth will try to fling himself lengthwise through the portal but hooking a foot around the table leg in the bar.   If he sees something terribly unfriendly on the other side he will try to pull himself back through.

Naturally this clever plan means he is likely to get trampled on by all the dandies rushing through ;-)

[do I need to roll against DEX or something?]

Moving forward with Talis to add his weight to try and force their way through the opening.  "Aye-after the scourge."

There was a bench against that wall, but there was no back to the bench. The owner just let the wall function as the bench back.

The few who had a clear view would swear there wasn't a door there a moment ago, but there was definitely one there now!

Manfred hadn't been expecting it either, which is why he tumbled back through it when the wall behind him suddenly vanished. Whoever had opened the door was equally not expecting any more company. Even if he had been quick enough to close the door, he never had a chance.

Kareth, Talis, and Durek kind of clambor, stumble and tumble through the opening. Kareth was trying to keep a foot hooked around the table leg, but as he saw the other side--apparently the kitchen for this pub, he didn't resist the push as much as he might have.

Rodrigo, being more a man of action, had leapt up to the edge of the table before jumping through the opening. Not inexperienced in this sort of swashbuckling, he landed on his feet and immediately dropped into a momentary three-point stance. He'd been expecting some sort of attack--after all, it seemed obvious that the door had been opened by someone. Sure enough, a rolling pin whooshed over his head. It was wielded by a burly man with a bushy mustache.

Kareth, Talis and Durek wound up on top of Manfred, mostly pinning him in position, but he's still thrashing around.


That leaves Anneth, Gierdon and Rukao in the main room still.

Vengo and his other buddy are eying the opening speculatively. They cast an eye at Rukao, then at each other and suddenly push the table away from them and try to make a mad scramble for the opening.

19:15, Sun 13 Apr 2014: Mysterion rolled 4,19 using 1d20+2,1d20+1 ((2,18)).

Strength check to move the table. If the dice had gone the other way... it would have worked. The stronger of the two went first with the other one assisting... the assist went well; the main push not so much.


((No, Kareth didn't need to make any checks. Actions and results were mostly predicated upon circumstances this time, with no opposition. If Vengo had succeeded at his Strength check, he would have been opposed by Rukao.))

Rodrigo's grin was bright enough to light the darkest kitchen as he ducked beneath the presumed chef's rolling pin, taking a quick scan of the room for other combatants. “Oh ho!” he exclaimed, “Trying to give me a powder?” He drew his rapier with a metallic 'shiinng' and leaped, intending to beat the varlet into submission.

Intent on his quarry Talis tussled with Manfred "Oh no you don't, Human!  You've caused a lot of trouble for me and my new friends and we want answers!"


"Help me!  He's more slippery than an Eel!" he barked at Kareth and Durek.

It seemed as though the thief and his companion weren't going to go down quietly. Since it seemed that without their stronger companion, the two could not free themselves-- but they had yet to give up the struggle, Rukao saw there was little else he could do.

He brought his foot up and attempted to stomp Vengo into submission rather violently. He wanted to make sure he didn't crush the man's head, but he fully intended to remind everyone just what brutality hobgoblins were capable of as well.

(OOC: Not sure what I should roll here.)

Anneth carefully watched the scene unfold.  Her whip would be too dangerous, and possibly injure others not involved.  Still, she kept it in her left hand in case it would be needed.  Her right hand reached for her mace, a device perfect for use on horseback or on foot, and great for ruffians and righteous ones alike!

So as to really dissuade this Vengo character, the Dabbler brought her mace up in a position that said "If you slip free of the Hobgoblin, there's going to be this to deal with right afterwards.".  She shifted into a position such that she would be able to get a good pommel-whack in...

Kareth will keep most of his weight on top of Manfred and give him a rabbit punch to calm him down.  He will trust the others to deal with rolling-pin-moustache-guy.

Rodrigo has no trouble hitting the cook with his pommel. It doesn't knock the cook out, but drives him back.


Rukao has no trouble stomping on Vengo, which with Anneth's threatening mace is enough to subdue him.


Talis and Kareth and Durek are able to restrain Manfred.


It was probably just a desperate effort to escape on Manfred's part that didn't quite work.

Talis hauled Manfred to his feet and dragged him back into the taproom "OK does anyone want to explain what is going on?"

His gaze fell on the Hobgoblin "How about you?  You never seem at a loss for words.  Maybe you can shed some light on things?"

Rodrigo stands triumphantly and ready for trouble, yet still managing to exude an arrogant dismissal of his opponents' efforts. "Resist, and I shall thrash you a second time!" he announces with glee.

Rukao shot a slightly annoyed look to Talis, not caring much to be seen as particularly chatty. But then, perhaps in a way it fit. In the very least, he spoke to humans a lot more than most of his kind did. before pointing down to the thief under his boot. "Well, this guy is wanted by the town guard. He's a well-known thief, likes to make a spectacle of himself. But his last job went wrong, the owner of the home got killed and now the town guard want him for questioning."

He then made a motion of his head towards the wall where the door had been, "The other guy probably worked the job with them. From the looks of him, he was the killer. But the guard don't know about him, so there's no reward for hauling him in yet."

His confident tone seemed to suggest he wasn't at all second guessing his choice to stand on his trophy rather than chase after the real killer. He drew his foot back and took a step back before adding with a suspicious grumble, "Anyway, they are wanted alive for questioning. So now the real trick is getting these guys to the guard station in one piece. I'm a little surprised they aren't fighting back more."

Talis ignored Rukao's look of annoyance.  Elves had been annoying Hobgoblins for untold generations.  The big Elf continued  "Something went wrong on his last job you say?  Who was the victim?"

"Our fellow here" he shook Manfred until the thug's teeth rattled "planted a magical necklace on my friend and tried to frame him for the theft.  I think we can link our prizes together quite nicely with that little tidbit, don't you?"

At the mention of a magical necklace, Rodrigo's eyes narrow slightly. He listens attentively, yet still remains on guard over the foe!

Durek stands behind Talis arms crossed-reinforcing the elfs position.  He is also keeping on eye on things to ensure that no one try anything.

There are enough people arrayed against the thieves that there shouldn't be any problem hauling them to the guards.

"It was Kolenko!" the so-far-silent third person at the table suddenly blurted out. "He hired us! We was to steal that necklace from Lawley Houghton, and frame Rain for it using some stray bum."

He casts a nervous glance at Kareth.

"You little rat!" Manfred snarls at his 'pal'. "I got connections, Gruffin! You'll get what's comin' to ya!"

Rukao seems, perhaps surprising to those he hadn't offered to work with before, surprisingly agreeable to the offer of the elf. "Sounds fine to me." He probably knew enough not to underestimate the slipperiness of humans-- and having more hands hauling a prisoner in was better when wanted someone captured alive. Dead? Now that was another matter.

He lifted his arm towards the bench and ordered, "Okay, lets get that off of them and get them to their feet."

With great satisfaction, Rodrigo assists in gathering and guarding the prisoners.

Given a quick moment, the elf attempts to meet Gruffin's gaze. While binding the fellow, he speaks sotto voce in his ear, "I'd like a way to contact you in future, maybe we can help each other occasionally."

Yes, every wizard needed contacts in the underworld, for 'certain types of jobs.' This would be a good start.

"Stray...?    Bum...?" Kareth is affronted.

"So this Kolenko... have you met him yet to get your pay-out?"

"Um, yeah, sure. We was paid up front... as an incentive," Gruffin replied to Kareth.

The three are pulled to their feet and hands bound behind them.

"Here let me help with that" Durek says to Rodrigo as he moves around the back to help contain the prisoners.  "What are we to do with them?"

Anneth relaxes her mace, and shakes her whip.  "If you think a leash might work, I can help with that."

"I see you've found the culprit," a voice from the door says, but his voice carries across the room, "as well as some allies."

He walks over to where the group has the prisoners. He's followed by four city guards that look suspiciously like the ones that chased Kareth earlier.

"Greetings," he says to everyone in general, and "M'lady," to Anneth. "I am Ember Rain. I have a task for you all, though you are free to refuse my request. I assure it pays well."

"The guards will take care of the prisoners, and you will all be compensated for your efforts, including the reward."

Ember stands just under 6 feet tall, has black hair, mustache and goatee, and bright blue eyes. He's dressed in a black and red outfit. He pauses then to await the reaction from the group.

Feeling quite pleased, Rodrigo gives his prisoner a little shove towards the guardsmen. “Constables, it is a pleasure,” he smiles at them as he relinquishes responsibility, and strides over to speak with their leader.

“Sir. I am Rodrigo de Çamora.” He inclines his head carefully to the man, not knowing his rank. “I would love to hear what you have to say, and I suspect my allies would be interested as well. Where shall we talk?”

Talis looked pleased "Thank the Spheres!  Master Rain, it seems that this Necklace Fiasco runs far deeper than a mere case of mistaken identity and petty theft.

The big Elf adjusted his bulky plate armor which had been fairly well tussled after the earlier donnybrook.  "Would you like for me to procure a private room here or shall we retire to your home?"

Rukao seems only half-relieved to have the guards show up in such a convenient fashion. But then, this is a magic town. As he understood it, mages could use magic to just spy on the criminals and summon them magically directly into a prison if they felt like it-- had there even been much of a point of issuing the bounties?

Rather than speak his true thoughts he simply remarked gruffly, "Disappointing. The march back to the guard post was precisely why I chose to gather allies in the first place. Guess I didn't much need them."

In reply to Rukao Faestalker (msg # 189):

Talis turned to the big Hobgoblin and flashed a grin "Ahhh, but you will, my feral friend.  The tasks given by Ember Rain can be as dangerous as they are rewarding.  Allies brave and true can be the difference between life and death on such quests."

"I'm with Talis.  Where he goes I go.  Count me in."  Durek responds after he releases the prisoners.

Anneth only nods at Ember Rain, and replaces her weaponry.  She waits patiently for things to continue, although she does seem interested in finding fortune.  Tangible, possibly clinky fortune.

"I think my own chambers will be a bit more private than any room here," he replies to the group. "Not that I cast any aspersions on this fine establishment, but the walls have ears and eyes, thanks to magic."

"Adventure I can promise you, and at least some fortune. Danger is most assured, as well."

"Now, if you are interest, please follow me to my house. All will be explained."


As the prisoners are led away, Ember leads the group out of the Barrel of Monkeys and down the city streets of Glantri to his house.


OOC: To be continued in House of Rain.