"Really? Fine, thank you for your hospitality. I'll be heading back to Stormhaven now. Have a pleasant day..."

The Chieftain glares at Ben while folding his arms across his chest in reply, "Fare. Well. To you," in as controlled a tone he can manage.

The proud man has been pushed too far. First it was a seemingly innocent question about whether any liberties would be given with one of his wives, then it was the tempered slap in the face when Ben skipped out in the middle of a celebration in the heroes' honor, and finally, it was an inquiry as to whether or not more recompense would be coming in exchange for past deeds, in the form of paying Magus McGillam fees.

It was all too much for the Chieftain, though in truth, he had been terribly stressed of late.

Eagle turns up late for Ben's latest attempt at insulting the chieftain, as he too was at the Smithy, finding out whether the 72gps he holds would would have been enough to get a silver edge on his scimitar, or a silver tip on his spear.

Inas made sure to thank Ondor and his kin for their gracious hospitality. He was keen to keep the chief on side, despite Ben's best efforts.

Before they departed he visited the shrine to Melora and said a few words of prayer, leaving a single gold coin by way of an offering for their safe passage.

(Deducted 1GP from char sheet.)

Saliq looked pained and tried to take the Chieftain aside from Ben's 'diplomacy'.

"I apologise for my comrade sir he has... um... little experience of the world beyond the gutters.  I assure you we are all thankful for the aid you have given us and cannot not in justice ask for more."

Rath steers clear of the chieftain. He is agreeable and roughly gracious to the villagers -- he does appreciate the rewards that have been offered, but he knows that though Ondor ordered it, it was the labor of those of lower status, not Ondor himself, that provided it.

He approaches Ben as the party gathers to depart. "Trip to the city went well?" he asks.

"Yes, it did, but apparently we need to make another one now, to find out what your bracer and trident do. It would be a tragedy if one of died not knowing we owned something as useful as that protection from big arse statues ring."

It is cleat that the chieftain of the tribe has managed to make it to the top of Ben's short list. he might have to return one night and balance the scales, by about the weight of the fat bastard's testicles.

He smirked at the thought of Chief Chubbo Tubbo singing soprano in the temple choir. Ben wasn't a good fellow to piss off...

Having left Ondar and seeing Ben's expression Saliq hurried over and looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry my friend, I think I could have considered your feelings more. If there is a way to make up for it I will - after all we all owe you a lot."

Rath glances down at the bracer and shrugs. "Might be worth a short delay. No telling if a few days will make a difference at the Sacred Stones. Or to the eggs in the ziggurat. And when there's no telling, might as well trust to Luck."

OOC: Rath and I are fine with the idea of heading back to Stormhaven to identify the loot. It's equally acceptable to press on and reach the Demonstone ASAP.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:39, Tue 10 Sept 2013.

Inas shrugged. "I know not if time is pressing upon us, but I think being fully prepared would be preferable. If we have items with mysterious enchantments it would be a good move to know what artifacts we have at our disposal. They might make a big difference on our journey ahead."

He was happy enough to go to Stormhaven, though large cities held no appeal to him and generally made him feel claustrophobic.

Barring an opinion as yet unspoken, Ben will find his pony and be ready to move out as soon as possible. He half hoped the delay caused by the petulant chief wouldn't cost his village any lives... but he half hoped it would.

Norion adds, "I am of the mind ta' return to Stormhaven.  A deed done poorly need never be started.  We arr told undead roam these places, we should take some ov' our earnings stored in tha' city, an' fortify ourselves fer such a fight.  Holy waters, silver laces weapons, battle oils, let us go and use our earnings ta' make arr assault on the demonstone a successful one. Small treasures grow great ones..."

"Fortune favors the well-equipped," Rath agrees.

The companions arrive back in Stormhaven in the early afternoon hours, after having walked across the poor, boggy road which leads from Rush Hollow to the bustling, cramped streets of the city.

Each member has their own agenda to pursue, though there was still the sticky issue of how to divvy their accumulated treasure. Some wished to use their earnings to outfit the expedition to Demonstone, while others preferred a more conservative approach. Whatever the case may be, the group resolves their differences and settles upon an amenable decision for all.

After having reached their decision, perhaps in the comfort of the Rusty Nail, for old times sake, the members disperse individually to pursue their errands...

Inas, Norion and Rath spend their time purchasing gear for the coming expedition and perhaps getting the bracer and trident identified, to the tune of 250 gp for each! Rath runs into some old associates along the way, Monvo and Bruno, both of which seem very eager to get in on whatever action he has found himself into. Monvo and Bruno are shady, no doubt about that, but both are decent warriors...and reasonably trustworthy, so long as times are good. Monvo and Bruno offer their services...for a price. Both suggest that since they are "old pals", they will give Rath a break: 100 gp for both, and a share of treasure.

Ben spends his time trolling the Bazaar district, searching for a reputable sage who is well-versed in demonology, perhaps while also searching for potential buyers for the group's various treasure items. Ben finds a rail-thin, dark-skinned sweaty man wearing nothing but a loincloth who claims to be an expert on demons, Vizir Qatlip. He offers to answer any question Ben might have, for the low price of 25 gold. Ben is quite certain Vizir is hopelessly caught in the desperate clutches of dreamlily, though that in and of itself does not invalidate the man's claims.

Eagle returns to speak with his druidic brethren at Godswalk Park. Eagle receives a warm welcome and his sect seems quite impressed and pleased with his recent exploits. If told about the group's plans to help the lizard-men, the druids will approve of this course of action as the "right" thing to do, all things considered. The druids will also make a not-so subtle plea for any financial assistance Eagle might offer: funds which will be used to help restore clean drinking water to denizens of the Narrows and Oldhaven wards. Concerning Demonstone, one of Eagle's mentors, Windsong, mentions that there have been no true demons in those hills for many, many years. There used to be a portal located deep within a cavern there, but it was sealed a long time ago by a Paladin of Bahamut. Windsong says he would expect a far more mundane menace in those hills, dangerous nonetheless.

Saliq spends his time visiting various taverns throughout the city, learning what he might of recent gossip. No matter which form the illusionist takes, he finds no difficulty attracting folks to speak to. In fact, Saliq is the object of many amorous souls, both men and women and has ample opportunities to capitalize on either side of that equation, should (s)he so choose. With regards to news of the companions exploits, indeed, there is some talk stirring about. Especially with regards to their first foray, against the Cult of Ga. The brigands which were encountered early on were apparently connected to the local Thieves Guild and they are quite miffed on being "swindled" out of the score. A guy named Kreevey has been asking around for anyone knowing anything about who the group claiming mastery over a demon or devil might be. Word of the group's most recent exploits at the ziggurat have not yet surfaced, unless Saliq makes it a point to do so.

Rath catches sight of his old associates. His gut sinks a bit, and he closes his eyes and rubs his brow to prepare for the inevitable meeting. By the time he lowers his hand, he has put on a confident smirk. He greets Monvo with a clap on the shoulder, less enthusiastic perhaps than in the old days, and he extends a hand to Bruno and pretends to aim a punch at his gut when he reaches out to grab it.

Rath hears out their proposal. He shrugs and smirks. "Can't tell you what the action is," he says vaguely. "There's probably gold in it. But I ain't running the show -- yet -- so I'll have to check with the others."

--

And he does check, when they re-group. Rath's not smirking now, just laying it out to Saliq, Ben, Eagle, and Norion -- and Inas, if he's still hanging around. He talks quietly, firmly, as if he'd worked out the words in advance, and he looks around intently to gauge their reactions. "Won't vouch for their character," Rath explains. "But they're solid enough fighters, and they'll fight hard for their pay. Set down the rules, and they'll keep to them, I guess. I can keep them in line."

He looks around again, looking sincere. "Any one of you says no, and I'll send them away. No hard feelings."

In a variety of guises Saliq spent his time spreading a (slightly overblown) account of the group's heroism at the ziggurat, changing a few details here and there to preserve a little air of mystery.  In particular he enjoyed spreading rumours about himself, letting slip that he was an exiled prince (which was almost true) but in a few instances letting his imagination run free:

• In one tavern he claimed Saliq to really be an Electrum Dragon transformed into human shape by a jealous witch.
• In another he was the son of Sehanine and a mortal prince.
• In a third he claimed to have it on good authority that Saliq had been frozen in time for a thousand years before being rescued.
• In a fourth that 'he' was really a 'she' who travelled disguised as a man to escape a tyrannical father.

And so on...

One rumour he was careful not to spread was that Saliq was an Illusionist; even in the rumours closest to the truth he always portrayed himself as a 'Magic-User' - no sense in revealing his hand...

Ben wanders the town waiting for the information regarding the sage, and listening as Saliq's rumors are repeated and spread throughout the town.

Once the information was received, he invites the sage to visit him mothers house, where he will feed him and give him some tea (as well as a small pouch of the  Dreamlily, if he can)

While there he will ask for information regarding the strengths and weaknesses of demons, saving the questions regarding their response to illusions (if any) for the end of the day.

He also inquires if there are any bits of demons that might be worth a coin or two on the wizard market...

Finally he hints that he would like to set the sage up in a small shop of his own someday, for a small percentage of the profits of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:45, Mon 16 Sept 2013.

Vizir Qatlip devours whatever food is placed before him, but does so with reasonably good table manners. The disheveled, wiry man seems genuinely grateful to be taken into the Scristos' home-he claims that he has no family here in the city. He is from the distant shores of the Empire of Shining Sands, where he has not been in many years.

"But that was long ago, and a painful tale I would not dare thrust upon this happy home..." The man watches a young girl, one of Ben's younger siblings, races across the cramped common room carrying a soiled dolly.

Vizir eventually provides what information he has on demons, gleaned, he claims, from his service as an apprentice to a powerful conjurer many moons ago.

Demons are utterly chaotic creatures that know no fear and will fight to the death. That is most of them at least. The more powerful of demonkind will attempt to flee to their home planes of Tarterus, Hades or Pandemonium.

The lesser demons may be harmed by normal weapons; however the more powerful are only affected by magic weapons. Silver weapons have no effects against demons. Fire and cold are only marginally effective against a demon.

Demons are not native to this world, rather they are either conjured by evil wizards, whom a demon always plots to kill,or the demon finds passage to this world through an unguarded gate, of which there are supposedly few scattered across the realms.

In any event, demons are very dangerous monsters that look to visit the most cruel death imaginable on all who encounter them.

"You would do well to steer clear of any such business," Vizir offers while sipping a cup of spice tea. The man looks out an open window, onto the street below, "But, the hour grows late, Ben Scristos. Thank you for your hospitality and kindness."

OOC: Vizir's fee was 25 gp. A pouch of Dreamlily cost 1 gp.

Inas felt uncomfortable in the big city. The masses of brick and stone coupled with the smell of the unwashed masses hammered his senses and made him nauseous. He couldn't wait to leave. On the advice of the others he found a reliable smith to supply him with some silver-tipped arrows, then headed to the market to stock up on provisions.

He was horrified at the prices. Six pieces of gold for a day's trail rations! Six! For some hard cheese, trail bread, salted meat (beef he assumed but wasn't certain) and dried fruits. He could see why so many city merchants were rich and fat. Their greed meant that the poor would starve. One day he would do something about such avarice... but not today.

Grudgingly he made his purchases of trail rations and some waterskins, then headed to the tavern to meet with the others.

I'm sure you'd get a discount shopping at my mothers place... if you didn't have such a disrespectful mouth! :C)

Monvo, the negotiator for the pair, claims the 100 gp is needed to ensure he and his companion are well-equipped for whatever the group has in store. "It would not make sense to travel with such fine adventurers as yourself in naught but tunic, wielding a measly knife, would it?" the loquacious man reasons.

Bruno nods agreeably, though he adds little to the conversation.

Monvo agrees to a single share of treasure, which he and Bruno will split. He will also reluctantly agree to pay back the 100 gp retainer fee, from their treasure earnings, though this clearly is something that does not sit well with him. Bruno is seemingly less distressed over it, merely shrugging his shoulders in indifference.

Rath knows the following about both potential henchmen:

Monvo is a well-spoken young man who might come from old money. He has a bit of a temper and is known to be quite fond of fine things. He is usually clean and well-dressed. He is a very strong and healthy young man but he is not especially prone to put his neck on the line for anyone else.

Bruno is about the same age as Monvo, but nowhere near as polished. In fact, the man is downright foppish and socially awkward, but this is probably due to the fact he is mute. Bruno is very brave in combat and is known to be true to his companions.

Barring a veto from any of his company, Rath seals the deal with Bruno and Monvo. "This ain't like our other jobs," Rath tells them, cryptically, in a rough warning drawl. He feels the weight of his two pendants -- the rustic wooden sun of Pelor's and the lucky coin of Avandra. The thugs have made no mention of them, though Rath has no doubt they have noticed. Not the sort of thing he wore when he was working with this lot a year or two ago.

Bruno and Monvo happily sign on as Rath's henchmen, for the agreed price of 100 gp retainer fee and a single share of treasure.

"So, where are you putting us up? We will report there immediately and await your orders, Sir." Monvo offers Rath with a wide, toothy grin. Bruno just nods dumbly in the back as he fondles a few of his newly gained gold coins.

Monvo was of course referring to the fact that it was customary for a master to provide adequate quarters and room and board for their henchmen.

Meanwhile, elsewhere the the Witchlight Ward, Eagle is busy investigating options to procure a silver-tipped weapon. Everyone was doing it!

The rest of the group are also busy tying up loose ends all across the city, or perhaps just enjoying a little downtime before their next adventure. There was no telling what horrors might await them once they reach Demonstone...

OOC: I deducted 18 pp from the group treasury to pay for Eagle's scimitar. We still need to come up with 100 gp to pay the henchmen's fee. There are currently only 12 pp in the treasury (60 gp), so unless someone has 40 gp to put in for the henchmen fee...one of the treasure items will need to be sold. Just need you guys to tell me which one it will be.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:34, Tue 17 Sept 2013.

Ben can muster forty, twenty in coin and twenty in small gems, but when these guys repay their deposit, he wants to be paid back.

For you guys, no interest....

this time!

Eagle spends a day or so with his bretheren in Godshome park, and is happy to donate 50gp to the brotherhood to help with clean water. He also visits a smithy and has silver put on his spear, and then picks up a sling in the market place, which he spends some time practising with in the park.

When he rejoins the party he is happy to have taken on some more muscle, though is slightly wary of the company, and instead seeks out Inas to discuss woodcraft - listening with wonder as Inas describes wilderness experiences which Eagle has only ever practised in the confines of the city park. The discussion certainly whets his appetite for the visit to the Sacred Rock.

OOC: The sling is an extra weapon proficiency I picked up at some point!
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Tue 17 Sept 2013.