"Nope, no' a clue," Arek shrugged his response to the traveller.
"Ahm Arek Blackiron. T'is Amathaon Chalkbreaker, Bro'er Yew tha's a monk, Luthien's tha' one in tha plate wanna be a knigh', an' tha's Ronalt de Gault, ah ranger from dow' sou' ah ways."
"T'ere's more o' us scatter'd 'bout tha village too."

Max folds an arm across his waist and gives a mock bow, "Maximilian Berbatov, theurgist and general reconnoiterer at your service."

He looks over the assembled group, impressed. "I just got into town, was down in Celene for a spell, but was looking for a change of scenery. Elves, you know how they can be....Anyway, do fine folks such as yourselves stay at the Welcome Wench?  I could use a place with secure storage, getting tired of lugging around my home on my back like a turtle."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

Brother Yew is curious about the answer to that question too, as he had arrived after Ronalt's group previously left Hommlet. He turned to Ronalt and Arek to see what the answer would be.

"Yea', tha inn's tha only place in tow' ta stay, 'nless er fancy un'er a tree."

Ronalt shrugged, "There was some suggestion the folk taken by the guards had leanings to the local moat house and temple. I am sure the matter will be settled soon."

Max turns his attention to the man-at-arms in the doorway. "Were you there when those two got arrested? What did the guards say when they took them? The overly brusque manner of the guards had rubbed Max the wrong way.

Shopkeepers can be fined for using inaccurate scales or the like, but rarely were they dragged out of the store by eight heavily armed guards, at least as far as Max had seen. Something didn't seem right.

"I believe this man was the only person here at the time," Brother Yew responded, indicating the man-at-arms now manning the store.

"Can you tell us what was said when they were arrested?" Yew asked him.

"I was outside when they came and only heard something about trying to have a group of people killed in Nulb."

Brother Yew looks at the guard for a moment then turns to his companions.

"In that case there is nothing for us here, unless you simply wish to purchase goods here. The council here are good folk, fair and just, so I expect their judgement will be reflect their wisdom."

"Purchase what? My share is next to nothing after giving everything away to those ungrateful elves!"

Brother Yew keeps a straight face, as always, as he hears Rolf's outburst.

"Perhaps, Master Rolf, you could consult a lawyer on behalf of all of us? Perhaps to prepare copies of a contractual document setting out the financial terms upon which we will agree to rescue people in future? Something that you could require them to sign before we agree to rescue them, and the compensation they should be entitled to if they assist in effecting the rescue of themselves and others?"

Coming from the young monk it sounds like an awfully sincere suggestion.

Ronalt nods, following Yew lead, "Sounds reasonable option to pursue brother Yew."
"Rescuing ungrateful folk is just unacceptable."
"and Rolf, I certainly understand how only 63 gold pieces is not much when shared with so many."

Turning away, so to speak with the guard (merchant), "I need a sturdy back pack, bedroll, 4 quivers of 20 arrows, 5 flasks of oil, flint & steel, 2 candles, 5 days iron rations, a winter blanket, an oilskin canvas."

"Umm, yeah, sure. I think we've got all that..."
The man led Ronalt inside and started searching around the shelves.
"Here you are."
Laid out on the counter was everything except the canvas.
"Sorry, can't find that last item. Maybe Jakko the leatherworker can help?"
"Anyway, that will be thirty four gold, eighteen silver and three coppers all up."

A little later in the morning the elves are seen leaving Hommlet on foot, Iviana leading her laden horse.
"I'm sorry to be leaving you like this, but I don't feel I have much choice. Perhaps I'll be back in a few months to rejoin you, so until then, good luck and stay safe."
She pulled the sword from her sheath.
"Somebody please give this back to Kalador when he's awake. It's the flaming blade he was using before he, um, died."
"Oh, one more thing," she called back as she was leaving.
"The town council wants to see you in about an hour. Something to do with Gwythe I think."

Ronalt inspects the items before stowing it all in the back pack, "I see the prices are still above standard. Almost a shame to help out against the banditry in the local area." He places 35 gp on the counter awaiting the change.
'there goes half me coin.'

"You want cheaper, get it from the city where they don't have shipping costs to cover," he responded, parroting the words he'd heard his employers use countless times before.

Ronalt shook his head, "merchants all claim the same."
Pack over his shoulder he head back out the door.

"Right then, guess I'll be seeing ya' , not sure what that's about..." When it comes to killings or arrests, Max knew it was usually best to stay out of the way.

Maximilian watches the redhead elf leave (Iviana), then asks, "Who's Gwythe?" He doubted she was talking to him, but none of the others seemed to be paying attention.

"One of our companions." Ronalt replies, "I will make sure Kalador gets the blade, Iviana."
"As you are headed for Celene. Could you deliver this letter for me. Should you get an audience with Muriel, please retell what you have seen in my company."
[Private to GM: Letter for Muriel Longleaf based on the outskirt of Celene]
"Unless folk are doing some purchasing to do, we have a council audience to attend. best we wander there now."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:30, Sun 30 Aug 2015.

Yew nodded and turned to leave with Ronalt.

"Perhaps we shall at last learn a little more about the things Master Gwythe has said so little about."

This message was deleted by the player at 01:50, Mon 31 Aug 2015.

Amathaon said, "Yes Brother Yew, that would be good to know."

Kalador was grateful to Arek for raising him back from the dead. Being dead, was so...boring.

The now much smaller party arrived at the council hall a good half hour or more early. Settling in they waited while the councillors assembled and their meeting got under way.
It wasn't long until Amathaon, Arek, Brother Yew, Rolf, Luthien, Sven and Wonnilon were called in.

"Thank you for joining us. Some of you may already know that we are sending the prisoners you captured to Verbobonc for further interrogation and probable imprisonment. We simply don't have the facilities to hold so many here for more than a few days."
"Unfortunately for us, we cannot spare the men from either the militia or the Badgers to escort them, so you will have to do it for us. To that end, Brother Smythe, the blacksmith, has been fitting shackles to a wagon and a pair of horses have been loaned to the council from two of our farming citizens to pull it."
"We realise we cannot order you to do this, but we understand you will be heading that way anyway, and represent perhaps the best warriors in the area. As far as a reward for this service goes, we can offer little coin, but can provide letters of introduction for you should you wish to seek the services of the many sages, schools and temples in the city."
He paused for a moment, a troubled look coming across his face.
"In addition to those you captured in the temple, we are sending the two merchants Rannos Davl and Gremag. It has come to our attention through your companions Iviana and Gwythe that the latter was approached by them on several occasions to arrange," he hesitated briefly, struggling to find the right words, "umm, situations which would lead to your deaths. The incident at the Waterside Hostel in Nulb was just one of these situations, and it would appear that if Gwythe hadn't acted as he had, in all likelihood most of you there would have died that very night, your throats slit in your sleep."