"Unclear business terms are against mine." Moira tapped the holy symbol set at her throat with the flat of her thumb.  Of course, it wasn't her place to make the decision unilaterally.  Thente seemed of the same mind as herself, though she looked back to the others with an inquisitive tilt of her head to each in turn.  "How d'th'rest of y'cast y'vote?  Gold?"  Even if it hadn't been U'lin and Zaiya's task in the first place, they had still helped along the way and thus were deserving of equal credit and say in the matter.

"I wasn't there with you at the finding of Ms. Stoor's body, so it's not to my advantage on whatever you choose." U'lin spoke thoughtfully, weighing his words.

"I'd have to agree with Moira.  I wouldn't want to pay for bad ore thinking it was good.  The coin you know can help people, or help you with equipping to better help other people down the road - both good approaches, or a mix of them.

"The unknown... well, it's either better, worse, or no benefit in risking.  That doesn't seem much motivation to try the 'mystery' when you face two loads in three of bad ore, and then even if the third ore is good, it might not be useful to whatever project you're wanting to do.

"If they were offering between coin and more of a specialized goods, like life diamonds, for instance, alternative to coin, then that would be an actual decision, but the pig in poke seems... foolish, at the best.  It might be a different thing at fair games, where nothing was a matter of importance - though my fine cloak was won at such a game, so we've had our blessing that way as well!

"No offence meant to the Lady, of course.  Trying new things is fun, and something Gond encourages... but I'm sure he'd be happier with more crafting over gambling.  Knowing my good-hearted companions, they'd rather see more folk helped or more resources to help along our path than 'maybe's or 'possibly's."

Claire clasped her hands together, waiting for an opportune moment to interject. "I don't mean any offense to the Lady of course, and I'm sure no one means to give any,"Claire began on a diplomatic note. "I'm of a little more of a cautious gambler - unless I've had some drink beforehand - so if we're not allowed to know what the third option is, I'm inclined to go with gold."

"I wouldn't want anyone back home to suffer more because I made a bad bet. The money could do a lot of good."

"We'd be grateful for the letter or any assistance you could provide, Sister. My thanks."

Moira gave a glance back over to the Sister and idly scratched side of her cheek.  "Not tellin's one thing, but y'couldn't at least give a hint?  A riddle, even?  Make a proper gamble of it before we decide?" she suggested with a shrug.

"m'afraid I can't dear," the priestess shrugs, tapping the tip of the casket lightly, "patients orders. There's are more transparent such games of chance and at the fair though. Daily lotteries and such, prizes and probabilities written out for those that think it matters. But I think for Veradda, that daft ol'fruitcake, mystery is part of the allure."

One of the acolytes giggles, even as she hands Vynne a piece of parchment and some ink.

OOC: as I mentioned to Moira in a PM, there's a daily raffle conducted by the temple. Details are available on posters all around the Happy Hall, and are as below:

Blue Raffle (prizes change every night!) - costs 10gp per ticket:
-1st place: Luckstone
-2nd place: Elvish Livewood Longbow and Quiver
-3rd place: Siren's Driftglobe (stores up to three songs!)

Other notable prizes:
- Tickets to the local Theater of Ceniri'del [Language unknown: Plhatoun Bleoreers]
- Tickets to the Golden Goose Casino Cruise
- Potions (healing and otherwise, up to rare)
- Unusual trinkets and other common magic items (mostly water-themed)

Silver Raffle (prizes change every night, though top three remain the same) - costs 1sp per ticket:
- 1st place: High-Quality custom toolset + lifetime maintenance worth 200gp from The Father's Forge
- 2nd place: A box of rare Chultan spices worth 100gp
- 3rd place: 6 months supply of Saltcoral Ale

Other prizes mostly consist of coupons and discounts for food, games and other local stores/stalls.

If you guys have no further questions for the Sisters, I will move us to the temple and resolve the ticket buying OOC.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:06, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

Thente will hand over coins for a few of the raffle tickets and then nod to the others as they took care of their own raffle tickets.

He handed his batch to Moira, "you can hand mine out with yours if you're going to do that." He leaned in close as he did so and quietly whispered to the halfling woman,

Whispering past, Thente stood up and said more normally, "Anyway, it's time to sleep. Come on, let's get to wherever we're going and sleep. I can hardly keep my eyes open at this point."

OOC: Skipping ahead.

After a few more minutes of idle chatter, Sister Vynne hands Moira a sealed and signed letter from the temple, to be handed to the proprietor of the Great Hall Tavern & Inn. Another blue-robed acolyte sees the five of you out, where Ethgar has been waiting grumpily with the rest of the cart. Most of the playing children have left, save one - the eldest, who seems to alternate between staring at the Uthgardt and asking him a range of questions both innocent and strange.

Despite the night being late, the streets of Yartar are still a bustle of activity - likely due to the festival itself. While not as grand as Waterdeep, its clear that the port city has come far in the last decade, with a rapidly growing population and increasingly expanding walls.

The Great Hall is, as one might expect, quite large. The central hall itself resembles an enormous domed feasting hall shaped like an octagon, built of sturdy lumber and stone. Connected to each side are various tall towers constructed of a variety of materials ranging from brick to clay to marble. At the main entrance, massive oaken doors welcome a medley of travelers and adventurers alike, a number whom shoot curious glances at the party and their oddly decorated wagon. The moment you arrive, a harried-looking human man with a shock of red hair directs you to the rear, where an array of stables and parking spaces await. Another employee, a cheery half-elven woman in a rather risque barmaid's outfit, welcomes the six of you into the Great Hall itself.

"Hello travelers and welcome to the Great Hall of Adventure! Finest establishment in Yartar for travelers, mercenaries and adventurers alike. Whether it be a single nights rest by the fire or a comfortable stay in our top-class lounges, the Great Hall can provide! We have all manner of amneties and services depending on your choice of package, amortized by the number of days, including a special festival-only deal with the temple of Tymora itself! Any resident of our inn participating in the raffle each night may also enter themselves for a chance at a free upgrade to one of our luxury suites!"

The Great Hall of Adventure has a massive range of options. Their facilities include everything from fine meals to massages to luxury scented baths. There is also an underground training facility and sparring ring. It seems that the place aims to cater to all sorts of adventurers, from those just starting out to those who have struck it rich. The prices for some of the luxury accommodation packages easily ranges into tens or even hundreds of gold per night, though judging from the sounds and smells coming from inside, it is likely worth the quality.

The saleswoman in front of you does not have a fixed list - and is more than willing to haggle to "create" a package that best suits your needs. That said, its Moira (and the party's) choice if you want to ask more about the facilities, or just show the letter from the temple right off the bat.

It felt strange to be without Stoor's coffin.  The wagon maneuvered just a little easier without the weight, which struck Moira as strange to even realize.  Tending to their oh-so-precious cargo had become rote by that point and to finally leave it behind... it felt strange somehow.  Still, all the better to have Stoor back on her feet again in a matter of hours.  Moira didn't think she'd be able to rest as easily as she hoped to until things were finally handled for certain though.  Perhaps a bit of trekking around the immediate area wouldn't go amiss... at least until she felt like she could find some sleep.

Finally having a bit of home and hearth, such as it was, in the Great Hall was a relief though.  The din of revelry even at that late hour was reassuring to her soul.  When prompted by an employee for their lodging style, Moira simply produced the letter that had been supplied back at the temple.  "Might fuss over that a bit later, but for th'moment we've a missive from Sister Vynne at th'Happy Hall for th'proprietor here.  If y'please?" Whether the maid would simply take the letter off for a quick delivery or call over the head of the hall didn't matter much to the Hin.

"Well, that would be me - at least, one of six," she grins, "my sisters and I have run the Great Hall for the last ten years. Hanna Hexagrimm, the youngest, at your service."

Taking the letter from Moira, she glances through the contents for a few seconds, eyes widening before her smile grows even wider.

"Oh my! Seems like you got lucky  - or know the right people at least," the woman bows, "the Happy Hall has requested the elite suite package for the six of you at our special rate - two gold a night total for two rooms of three. This package includes our premium breakfast menu, bathing facility access, stables and complimentary basic cleaning services for non-combat equipment. May I ask for how many days you would like to stay? You may renew or extend your stay at anytime at the front desk or with myself or one of my sisters."

Another bow, as she gestures to one of the towers surrounding the main hall;

"Our stables are the finest in all of Yartar, and will be sure to take care of your animals for you. Security for any wagons or carriages is guaranteed by both the local Watch and the private mercenary guild, the Steeljaws. Extra grooming services are available, if you would like to see them, the stablehands will be more than happy to discuss prices. Please follow me."

Having said that, Hanna leads the group to a slightly roundabout route off the main street that takes you to a large brickhouse building behind the Great Hall itself. The smell alone is enough to tell you this is where the coaches and horses are kept. A tiled brick path leads from the front of the stables to the main hall itself. As the carriage rattles in, the more perceptive members of the party see the barmaid signaling at the other employees in the area;

[Language unknown: "romst a fovir thad at illineeve olnain, olevee noacin."]

Two sturdy looking porters wearing neat green tunics and wide smiles approach the wagon, offering to help unload your baggages and bring them to you room. A third lady in a maidservant's attire carries a tray of warm towels as she makes to lead you inside, where Hanna quickly rejoins you, a pair of soft leather pouches in her hands.

"These keys are for your rooms. Breakfast begins at second bell, and lasts until the forth. The bathing facilities open at the third bell - access requires use of these redwood tokens," she pulls one out of the pouch, "three each, you may request additional ones from the front desk. Complimentary cleaning services may be requested at the same."

"We hope you have a pleasant stay!"

I made the assumption that 2gp per night is fine with the group. The party may rest for the night. Before reaching the rooms, if anyone has any inquires for the proprietess, the staff or has requests for the front desk, do post here. Claire - if you want extra services for Glory, special grooming is an additional 2 silver pieces.

I will update with descriptions of the rooms themselves next, once all questions at this juncture have been addressed or in 24ish hours or so, whichever is quicker. Don't want tod rag this any longer than it needs to :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:21, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Though the journey certainly came with its hardships, there were moments every now and then where Claire could appreciate the perks of being a (relatively well-to-do) traveler. "Fancy! This package sounds just fine with me."

"And grooming services? I think our hardworking horses could use a bit of pampering, don'tcha think?" Fetching her coin purse from her belt, she counts out 7 silver coins, enough for special grooming for all three of the party's horses, and a small tip for the stablehands. "Please take good care of them, alright?"

Tired as he was, Thente's eyes widened when the woman read what the letter said they were going to get as their stay.

"It's been a long road... I think we'll be here for a few days at least. Maybe three or four?" he said in reply to the woman.

He smiled at Claire's concern for Glory.

"Now, I'm going to get a bath and then I'm going to sleep until lunch tomorrow."

"We ain't quite certain how long we'll be stayin', one way or another.  Best overshoot; set us for a tenday and we can sort later if that changes."  Though she genuinely wasn't sure how long they'd be in Yartar, they were unlikely to get such a good spot of housing with the Highharvestide festivities lingering in the area.  Best to capitalize on it while they had the opportunity.

The Hin sorted out twenty crowns in two tidy stacks to hand over to the matron; if the others wanted to split the fee later, she wouldn't argue, but neither was she bothered about footing the bill herself up front.  With the coins swapped for the bags of keys and tokens, she distributed them out; bathing tokens for everyone and a room key for Thente, while she held onto the other.  "There we go.  Gents in one, ladies in th'other." she rolled a bathing token back and forth over her knuckles, then cast the matron a glance.  "Oi, is it communal or private bathin'?  Don't matter either way t'me, but it's good t'know what t'expect when y'walk waist-high t'most folk."

20 GP for the rooms from Moira
This message was last edited by the player at 08:10, Tue 14 Dec 2021.

"Ah, communal - though private rooms may be available if reserved in advance. Speaking of which, the attached outhouse on this floor is just down the corridor," the woman giggles, then bows again as she accepts Moira's coin.  Having said that, she swiftly leaves, letting the six of you enjoy your rooms.

A warm rug of elvish design welcomes the party into pair of large, well-furnished rooms. Wall-mounted lamps fitted with scented candles provide a comfortable light and pleasant, floral scent in each of the grand suites. Indeed, the first noticeable thing in each room would be the large mattress beds, two of them in fact, with thick downy mattresses and three pillows each. A bowl of dried nuts and dates rest atop a small mahogany table, around which sit a trio of comfortable-looking chairs. Two wardrobes (also of elvish design) and a heavy iron chest rest in the western corner - the former containing several loose bedrobes and spare towels, the latter a high-quality lock and key. To the east, a pair of rosey curtains and heavy shutters help dampen the sound and smells of the streets outside.

One room has a small carving of an octopus adorning the northern wall; the other room, a wooden seagull clutching a spiny-fined fish. Both the walls and floors here have been varnished, the wooden panels cleaned and polished to a smooth shine. Between the two beds is a tiny reading desk fitted with a long brass bell labelled "room service".

I'll give folks some time (lets say 36 hours IRL) to chat and rp IC as the group winds down for the night before skipping forward to the festival itself the next morning.

At the point, I would like to check what the party intends to do the next day. Feel free to discuss your plans IC or in the OOC.

Thente took one of the chits for the bath and trudged to the room he'd been assigned with U'lin and Ethgar.

He set down his bag and peeled off his cloak and other outer traveling gear. "Bath first for me and then I'm going to crash for who knows how long he said off-hand to U'lin and Ethgar."

That said, he walked to the communal bath and peeled off his sweaty clothing and climbed into the bath to soak in the hot water and relaxed for the first time all day.

U'lin eyed the bed for size, and, while not pleasantly pleased, was at least not worried about  space in the room.  He shifted a pair of the chairs over along the window, and slid the stout chest in between the pair of chairs facing each other.  Setting his bedroll across the improvised bed, he stretched out to test it, and nodded that it would suffice for his size.

"You two enjoy the beds - they appear sized for your folk," he offered to his companions. "The bath sounds very fine.  Did they mention a cleaning service, or were we to take our clothes to a common washing area as well?  I'm afraid I was slightly distracted at all the comings and goings here - it's very busy and crowded a city.

"If we are going to be within cities more, I might be wise to craft a bed that can fold up.  It shouldn't be too difficult, even allow for extra support of the legs and cross-beams.  It could hang along one side of the wagon, or be stored beneath.  Although, if we can find good supplies here, I might be able to extend the Dream to make more room within it - there are helpful reasons of stabilizing it amongst other things, but the extra room would be pleasant.  Easy enough to make wider storage to double up as bedding bases - good for the back, as well."

Morning comes after a restful night - the first in a long while it feels. Those of you that are early risers are awoken by the faint caress of the sun's light peeking in through the eastern windows. Outside, the bustle of activity seeps in through the curtains, men and women going about their trade or preparing for the Harvest Festival itself.

Downstairs, one can find a large Feasting Hall with a dozen long tables in the center, along with a few other smaller benches littered around the edges. At the far corner of the Feasting Hall are a series of open counters that appear to connect to the kitchens themselves (or their front section at least). Interspaced between these counters are several smaller high tables, and piled upon their surfaces is a veritable smorgasbord of breakfast foods - hams, breads, cheeses, roasts, soups, fruit, nuts, porridge, eggs (in six ways), jams and sweetbreads. It seems that anyone who is allowed entry into the Feasting Hall can simply...go up, take a plate, and help themselves.

OOC: This section is vaguely OOT, feel free to chat casually here and discuss plans IC. Since the party as a whole is going to the Temple to chat with Stoor in the afternoon, I have setup a few posts/locations first. You may move there whenever it feels appropriate :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:41, Sun 19 Dec 2021.

Much like Thente, Moira's first priority that evening was to boil herself in as long a bath as she could endure until the weariness of the road and combat had finally seeped from her bones.  It had been some time since she'd actually been able to enjoy a genuine bath without simply relying on that handy cleaning wand she'd purchased for the sake of laundering herself.  How long, she wondered as she sat chin-deep in the steaming waters, was it?  Not since Amphail?  Despite her own weariness and the odd looks some gave her for still wearing her choker into the bath, she had a nice time of being able to chat with others who came to relax as well.  As much as she loved the lot she'd fallen in with since Nightstone it was still a boon to have some new faces around.

Rest hadn't come to Moira so easily though.  Whether it was some temperment of her own or simply anxiousness at being in a proper city after so long, the Hin didn't head straight to bed or even linger in the dining hall for late-night drinks.  She gave a passing word that she'd be back soon and traipsed out into the evening on some task of her own.  Not seen again for at least another two hours; at some point well after Claire and Zaiya had surely tucked into bed themselves, Moira returned without remark to grab some sleep as well.  Yet when they woke up the next morning they'd find that she'd gone again, out and about well before sunrise; set on her bed was a quickly scrawled note.

~~Out on an errand, will be back for breakfast.  M~~ it read in Moira's familiar, tidy handwriting.

Claire came up into the baths a little late, having seen to the horses in the meantime. Stretching out her aching thighs in the hot water, kneading out the knots in her shoulders - the feeling was heavenly. And the prospect of sleep in a comfortable bed all the more appealing.

When Moira made mention of late-night business, she'd find the priestess, hair wrapped up in a towel, polishing off her armour in their room. "Oh? Do take care then." What could she be up to at this hour? She thought, watching as the halfling left. Not that it was any of her business. Moira was well and able to take care of herself.

Waking up earlier than usual, Claire rolled over to notice the note Moira had left on her bed - it had clearly been slept in. Running a hand through messy bed hair, she squinted through groggy eyes to read the note. Well, at least she got back safe. Maybe they'd run into her in the day. She got herself washed up, heading down for breakfast in a casual dress, leaving her armour and travel garb aside for today.

Thente's eyes fluttered open a little later in the morning. He groaned as he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed as he rubbed his eyes. A massive stretch took his body and Thente rubbed and cycled his upper body. "Man I'm sore from all that digging and fighting yesterday," he said to U'lin or the empty room if U'lin was gone already.

Opening his pack, Thente pulled out his fancy clothes that they'd gotten in Amphail and thought it might be fun to wear them again. Thankfully they had their own set of nice tall boots since the clothes themselves were a little short now that he'd grown after the potion from the cloud giant. Still, they fit well enough.

Not sure what the day held for the group, Thente gathered his pack back up, and grabbed his javelin to head down to the breakfast.

Though he hadn't known what to expect in the breakfast room, the massive piles of food just sitting out made him stop and stare for a second, somewhat in disbelief. Then he caught sight of Claire in her casual clothing rather than armor, her hair still holding some remnants of the bed head she'd clearly tried to comb out of it and a smile spread on his face as he stared at her instead of the food.

He headed over and set down his pack and javelin, small arcs of lightning playing along it as he leaned it against the table as he sat down and smiled at Claire. "Morning gorgeous," he said quietly to Claire as he sat. He tried to hide a blush at his own audacity by looking down quickly and brushing at the table.

Claire had already seated down with a hearty plate of scrambled eggs, bread, cheese and fruit when Thente came by for breakfast. She pushed a stray strand of hair away from her face as he approached the table, looking him up and down. A passing heat caught on her cheeks at his compliment, and her bashful gaze flicked reflexively to any others within earshot.

"Morning Thente. I see someone's dressing snappily today," she replied with a silly smile on her lips, "I'm guessing you're rearing to go about the festival after this? I'll be wanting to stop by on the way to the temple." Finding a spare set of cutlery at the empty spot beside her, she passed it across the table to him.

Thente grinned and held out his arms and looked at them. "What? This old thing..." he added with a chuckle as he reached and took the proffered cutlery. He'd seen the flash of a blush on Claire's face and it made him feel good to make her feel good.

"I need to get my clothes mended. They don't fit quite right after... I woke up. This set fits the best though, so I thought it might be fun to be fancy for a change around town." he added a shrug and set to eating the piled plate he'd gathered on his way to the table.

"There's a bit of shopping I'm interested in doing, but other than that I don't have any specific interest in the festival. It could be fun to play some games and just try different foods though. I hope you're not going to offer to work at the temple are you? We traveled all this way and there's a festival..." Thente said as he looked at Claire. "I just don't want you to sacrifice all the fun you could have to get set scrubbing floors so a local acolyte can go have fun in your place."

He took a few more bites and after chewing through them he added quietly, "if you do get set with floors, I'll gladly change and scrub along with you."

With a look around Thente raised his eyebrow, "Where's Moira and the others? I figured I'd be the last to food as usual. Did they already come through and go out?"

"Careful that you don't draw the attention of every pickpocket in the streets," Claire warned good-naturedly. And anyone else who might want to get a good look at a handsome young man - Thente did clean up well. "Why don't we ask the sisters where we could find a good tailor's? I'm sure they'll be able to point us in the right way."

"Oh if Sister Glywitch is in charge, I think we can rest assured that no local acolyte is going to be having fun at the festival while there's still work to do, I bet. Still, I ought to help out. Least I could do to honour the Great Mother for her generosity to us." That said, the fastidious priestess' presence in town was perhaps good reason for them to take their time going through the stalls on the way to the temple. "We can have a go at the stalls by the by - no one's going to blame a couple of newcomers for dallying a little."

Chewing on a piece of bread, Claire held out Moira's note for Thente. "Out on an errand, she says. I ain't worried about her though, I'm sure she can take care of herself. Not seen U'lin yet. Miss Zaiya's still asleep, I think."

Polishing off her plate, she waited patiently for Thente to finish his breakfast, lifting a finger to the symbol of Chauntea around her neck just to check that she'd brought it along.

"They best not sleep th'whole mornin' away.  Goodness knows they deserve it, but th'festivities are already underway out there."  Claire's theorizing on the rest of the party was given some confirmation by the return of the absent Hin herself.  Moira was, as always, extremely good at slipping around unnoticed... even when laden, as the case presently was.  Armed and armored as usual, but with a stout canvas satchel hoisted across her shoulders that was filled with carefully stacked parcels in tow.  Whatever she'd been up to throughout the evening prior and that morning had apparently been very much on the busy side.

"G'mornin' t'y'both, loves!  Happy Highharvestide--" she grunted a bit as she gave a short hop to land herself seated on the edge of the dining table with a dull thump of her odd luggage nearly upsetting some stray dishes "--and Happy Birthday!"

Thente chuckled and smiled at Claire's warning about pickpockets. having a hard time taking his eyes off her as usual, though he did look away to eat as necessary.

When she passed the note over he read it and nodded. "U'lin wasn't in the room, so I was suprised he wasn't here eating. Guess he got an early start on the Festival. I'm more worried about him falling into trouble than Moira honestly."

"Taking our time and then getting a tailor recommendation from the sisters seems like as good an idea as any. It'll be nice to be able to relax again for the first time in a long while. Relax and walk together, see the sights of the festival and such," he said almost timidly, but looking in Claire's eyes as he said it, unable to draw himself away from them...

Until Moira returned in a clamor that was, and Thente's gaze was drawn to the boisterous halfling woman and her stuff she'd brought. "Morning Moira. Uhh... Birthday?"

This time his look to Claire was in confusion with a slight 'what' on his lips.

While Moira busied herself with untying the pack she toted, she bounced a look back and forth between the two Humans.  She had the distinct feeling she'd just interrupted something brewing between the two of them.  Though, rather than fuss over it, she just offered a chuckle.  Oh, youth...



"Mine, yea.  Fifty-six down, 'nother two-hundred t'go, if I'm lucky." she beamed a toothy grin as she shuffled about in her heavy satchel and withdrew two parcels.  "Normally it's a day where a Hin spends their time gettin' pampered and heaped with presents from their family, but I've always liked t'do it th'other way 'round.  So it's prezzies for th'lot of ya', from m'heart t'your hands."

The two gifts were each wrapped in simple brown paper but with colorful ribbons to bind them shut, which she promptly offered over to each of her companions.  "Spent some time talkin' with local folk as well, gettin' a feel for th'state of th'city.  There's plenty t'keep abreast of while we're stayin' here worth discussin'.  Nothin' too dangerous if we're smart 'bout it, but there's opportunities worth lookin' into as well that ain't gonna come 'round again so easy."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:54, Fri 24 Dec 2021.