Simon shrugs, "I don't have any weapons, just a hunting bow. And I certainly didn't come to a tavern to HUNT dinner." Simon blinks when the soldier seems unconvinced by simple logic and sighs, handling over his bow. "At least you've protected the squirrels and rabbits that patronize the establishment."

Simon heads for the bar and orders a chunk of bread, a chunk cheese and a chunk of whatever domestic fauna is on the spit, then finds a place to sit, pulls out his dagger and proceeds to eat.

OOC: Daggers are tools...and dinner cutlery.

Today's menu consist of:

Boiled Eggs and Cashew Bread, Tankard of Cider (7 cp)
Braised Goose and Soft Cheese, Glass of Rum (2 sp)
Smoked Pork and Dried Turnip, Tankard of Stout (10 cp)
Dried Whitefish and Carrot, Tankard of Beer (11 cp)
Braised Pheasant with Garlic and Millet Bread, Glass of Brandy (1 sp)

==============================================================================================
@Simon
The rosey cheeked gnome behind the bar waves at one of the soldiers at points at Simon. The soldier approaches the warlock, "Sir, when we requested for you to hand all of the weapons, we really meant all of them. Master Bentley, requesting for you to hand over your...cuttrely, the innkeeper will provide our own for you. I appreciate your cooperation".. He looks back and nodes at what looks like 5 additional soldiers dressed in uniform of Flaming Fist. "I also was notified that whoever you are looking for is at the table by the fireplace"., the soldier motions at a man sitting by the fire dressed in a ornate half-plate armor, with a shield strapped to his back. The man's skin looks tanned, he is picking nervously at his bread, while picking up a tankard of cider from time to time. He looks around the inn, meeting your gaze he nods.
===========================================================================================
@Sundos

"Don't worry sir, this inn and hamlet is well protected by the Flaming Fist. Me and twenty of my friends will take a good care of your items".

You make your way to the table and eat. As you are taken in by people and the inn, the sounds of commotion bring you back to reality. There is no fighting, just some soldier attempting to reinforce the rules of the inn. The same soldier turns around and approaches you. "I believe this man over there has been asking for you", he points at the
man by the fireplace, same man which was pointed out to Simon.


============================================================================================

@All

Everyone else will be directed to Khalid's table, stating that he had been there for awhile waiting for person or group to arrive.

Einar let out a weary sigh as he entered the inn and saw the many people inside. He briefly considered simply turning about and leaving, preferring another night in the open to this mire of... people. But he had agreed to meet whoever this khalid was, and his ma hadn't raised him to break agreements. More importantly, Einar was hungry, his stomach growling something fierce at the smell of cooked food. He licked his lips and tusks at the thought, before noticing a soldier saying something about weapons?
It took him a a moment before he understood. He was still more used to thinking of his axes as tools than weapons. He did hand over his large, reinforced woodsman's axe with an affirmative grunt. and his smaller pair of axes, and his hunting javelins.
With the soldier seemingly satisfied and gesturing towards a table already occupied by a few people, Einar's brow furrowed for a moment, before he took a deep resigned sigh and trudged over, rolling his shoulders to loosen up as he mentally prepared for his worst enemy. Conversation.
"Seat taken?" he rumbled at the humans at the table, in what despite being little more than a mutter from him was easily audible to those at the table.

As Ruby entered the bar she was wearing a pleasant smile as she took a deep breathe, and thought to herself, "I love seeing interesting places, interesting people and stealing from them." Her smile disappears as soon as the whiff hits her nose.

As the soldier asks for her weapons she continues looking around handing him her weapons. As she hands her rapier to the soldier she says in a serious tone "Hey I only have one of those unless you have a trade up back there? Just kidding" as she walks past the soldier she mumbles to herself "unless I can get in there."

As Ruby walks further into the inn she looks around at the people, food and liveliness of the inn as she sits at a table. She holds her hand up attempting to get a hold of a maid to get a drink for a lightweight as she is not a heavy drinker.

In reply to Ruby Rose (msg # 7):

The red headed maid with face kissed by the sun gives you a huge smile, nodded her head. Momentarily she appears with a tankard of foaming beer.

@All who is sitting down next to Khalid
Tanned man continues to nervously pick at the bread, nodding at each approaching new member, “Mmmmmy c c c contact said to expect 5 of you. W w w w we shall wait. Order for for yourself, it is on me”, the man stutters as he struggles to complete the sentence. A well travelled person may identify his accent of that from Calimshan. And someone with keen eye would identify him as a half elf.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:20, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

Moonsong avoided the main roads, choosing instead a journey through the woodlands covering the Sword Coast. The Druid enjoyed the earthy smells of the forest, from the heady sharpness of the sharp pines to the softer aromas of the wildflowers. The soil underfoot reassured Moonsong. She preferred the pastoral comforts of the Wild to the constraints and stench of the City.

Left to her own will, Moonsong would never would have left her grove  further up the Coast. It was true that she would not have left but for the desperation she sensed in the message. A trustworthy member of the Circle that conveyed the message from the Harpers vouched for the authenticity of he who wrote it. They also claimed that the contact that Moonsong would meet could very well have tenure of worth with a reputable Druid adventurer. Moonsong could not refuse a plea for help from the Circle.

Therefore, she traveled for a week and a day through the wooded Coast until she rescued the city. Senses honed by years of living in the wilderness of Faerun helped Moonsong avoid the demihuman marauders and fearsome beasts that roamed the untamed parts. Still, Moonsong felt a little trepidation about the perils she would face in so-called “civilization”. Dangers more abundant lurked within the walls, streets, and sewers of cities.

Moonsong closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She centered herself and silently prayed for the serenity of Selune to grace her. When Moonsong opened her eyes, she ascended the long steps toward The Friendly Arms Inn. Whatever else she thought of cities, she couldn’t deny the pleasing smell of baking bread that wafted on the breeze. She couldn’t deny that, despite her ambivalence, that she would enjoy resting her weary feet.

Perhaps she might even enjoy the company of people again.

When the Iron Fists demanded her weapons, Moonsong nodded with a half-smile, “Of course. This is a place for laying down arms.” When she saw the petite raven-haired beauty stop the barmaid, she promptly added her own order. “If you could...may I have the quail and bread? And a drink, of course. My thanks, Goodwoman.”

If her words sounded stifled, it was because she felt a little out of practice in lengthy conversation. Especially in crowded places like the Inn. Moonsong followed the guard’s instructions to the table, where she would meet the other travelers and Khalid. “That is quite gracious of you,” she said, remembering the genteel manners her mother had attempted to impart so long ago in what surely felt like another life altogether. The softer aspect of Khalid’s face and the slight pointing of his eyes marked him as Elvenkind.

That actually made Moonsong feel a little more at ease, given her past dealings with the Woodland Elves.

Einar visibly bringthened at Khalid's mention of buying them food, and immediately flagged down the serving girl and ordering the pork and turnip. He needed something filling.

He did look slightly uncomfortable when even more people joined the table. There were to be five of them?
Einar silently admonished himself. He'd have to get used to people if he was gonna live outside a forest for a long period. If nothing else the latest woman to join the table had the feel of another nature dweller. and the others didn't seem unpleasant, at least. He could do this. He could probably hold a nice conversation with them, too. Eventually. When he felt like it. Or they talked to him. Any time he wanted to, in fact.
Yes, he could do it any time he wanted. Just not yet.

Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVOQXw1q58
==============================================================================================

With a grimace, the half-elf nods a greeting to you. His furrowed brow is slick with sweat, and his sun-tanned skin has blanched to a sickly pallor. “Th-thank you for joining me! M-my name is Khalid,” he stutters. “I wish to hire a group of f-formidable adventurers to aid in the rescue of my wife. She was carried off by gibberlings after our c-camp was overrun less than a tenday ago. It seemed like their horde was traveling towards the Cloakwood—not far from here.”

He takes a long pause to collect himself, taking a deep breath and wiping away the sweat.
"Gibberlings are a t-type of vicious, feral humanoid. Nobody knows where they come from, but the creatures have plagued the Sword Coast for the last 10 years or so. They hibernate like bears over the winter, only to return the next year, stronger in the summer’s heat.”

At that moment the food ordered by the group arrives, two maidens put the dishes piled with food on the table and refresh any of the drinks.

“Gibberlings usually eat their victims, but for some reason, they’ve kept my Jaheira alive. Our wedding bands share a magical bond, you see. This will be a dangerous t-task—but I have gold! Will you help me?”

@Einar Forester

Ruby looks to the maid and says quietly, "bring me something small, please." as she pinches her fingers together. As she tries to avoid staring at the half orc's muscle, "I find the best way to keep a friend is by being a friend." she says with an intimated voice as she pushes over her beer to him.

As there host begins speaking Ruby listens to his story, but looks to the others of the group. As she looks at Moonsong she saw peaceful and tranquility, and someone that knows the forest like she knows the streets. Sundos his holy symbol around his neck gave him away, but a man of the temple was always a blessing. Simon to her was a mystery she couldn't determine was he like her or as unique as her compatriots. None the less they all looked friendly enough, but she needed to double down on being friendly to the half orc.

Sundos nodded and smiled politely when he joined the others at the table. He listened to Khalid's tale with interest.

Sundos answered quickly, "I cannot speak for the others, but I will help you. I'm sorry for your troubles."

Sundos looked around at the others around the table. They were all unique and different from each other. He guessed he would have the most in common with the male hunter. He couldn't help noticing the woman in the leather armor. She looked dangerous in more than one way. Sundos has fought along side and against half orcs before. He hoped the warrior would join their team. He has never seen hair like the Druid's before. She was beautiful but somehow didn't look of this world.

He smiled and nodded. They could do this. Turning back to Khalid, Sundos said, "We will rescue her."

In reply to Sundos Brightblood (msg # 13):

"It won't be for free of course, I am willing to pay 50 gold pieces per person, the only rule is that I will be coming with you", his back straightens and he seems for a moment more sure of himself. The light in his eyes however is gone as quickly as it appeared, "I-i-i know I am not in the best shape at this time, b-b-been feeling under the weather".


OOC: Anyone with medicine skill, background can roll for medicine to attempt to diagnose Khalid. You can also additionally attempt to recall what you know about those Gibberlings, Cloakwood forest, or area around it. Those most likely would be: Medicine, History, Nature or default to Abilities.

Einar's brows rose in surprise when the leatherclad woman suddenly started talking to him, and pushing a drink towards him. What's more, she acted... pleasantly? That was definitely not something he was used to from women, much less pretty ones.
He eyed the beer and the petite woman in turn, trying to figure out if she was up to something. But she seemed genuine, far as he could tell. So with some confusion he grasped the beer. ".... Thank you." He rumbled with a grateful nod, not sure what else to say, before taking a swig and looking back at Khalid as he explained the task at hand.

"Dun think I've heard o Gibberlings before, but sounds like goblins. Like dangerous pests." He said after some thought. He then sat up straight, making uo his mind."Hate pests. I'll help."

"No, wait, Gibberlings... Ma called 'em Gibbers. Think she told me somethin' about 'em..." He then added, trying to recall what he'd been taught.

OOC:
18:20, Today: Einar Forester rolled 15 using 1d20.  Gibberling knowledge, straight Int check.

“Together, we will rescue your wife from the Gibberlings.” Moonsong frowned in concern at Khalid’s visible shivers. She waved at the barmaid. “Bring some broth for this man! Please,” she added as almost an afterthought, her concern for their host foremost.

Gently, Moonsong touched Khalid’s forehead and cheek. “I am certain that she will forgive my familiarity with you now.” She checked him for fever and worse. “You sound ill, but I brought a few herbs with which I can make an ointment to aid you.” Luckily, the guards said nothing about confiscating Herbalism kits.

“If your wedding band is indeed so enchanted with knowledge, then your wife is truly lucky to remain alive. Gibberlings are ravenous, and not known for taking hostages.”

OOC:

13:26, Today: Moonsong rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Nature: Do I know about Gibberlings?
13:22, Today: Moonsong rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Medicine: Diagnose Khalid.

 

@Einar Forester

You know that that gibberlings a bad news. They know that they travel in packs, actually more like hordes. If there are 10, that means there can be 100 of them just right around the corner. They are night creatures, sleeping during the day in their burrows.


@Moonsong

You are gibberling scholar. You know all the information mentioned above. You also know that the summers is when they are most active, this seasons particularly been brutal for the Sword Coast. There are infestations of them popping both North and South of Friendly Arms Inn. Multiple caravans were destroyed by these creatures with no survivors or anything else except for bleached bones and cart.

Gibberlings require huge amounts of food, they cannot sustain themselves. As such they travel from place to place devouring anything on their way to the bone. There researchers out there attempting to find where these creatures came from, as there are rumors that they are not of this plane.

Gibberlings as mentioned above tend to eat their pray, there are cases when they abduct them. Few of those who were able to escape were found to have been impregnanted by the gibberling larva. Hatching period for larva is approximately 30 days, with month host is killed and young gibberlings come out.


Regarding Khalid.

Without even doing full physical exam you see that there is something wrong with him. His body is fighting some sort of infection. Sweating, pale color of the skin, overall malaise.

Moonsong paled, but not from illness like Khalid. She realized her profound luck in her travels to the Inn. “Truly, Selûne’s favor shined upon me, that I could avoid mobs of Gibberlings on my journey here!” She slowly shook her head and whispered a quick prayer of thanks to the beloved Goddess of The Moon.

“Know that the Gibberlings are Chaos given form in fur, claw, and ravenous tooth. They are appetite unrestrained and destruction unleashed. They devour everything  in their path, including their own dead. That your wife still lives is miracle enough, given their wanton gluttony.” Moonsong gently clasped Khalid’s hands. “I fear for her continued safety, though, for if they have not devoured her...then they may intend to...forgive me, but to breed with her.

We must not allow that dire fate to come to pass, as she would not survive giving birth to their monstrous brood.” Moonsong’s blue eyes flashed like winter steel. “Gibberlings are not part of the natural order. They defile Nature with their rapacious gorging on animals and men alike. I am sworn to protect Nature, therefore I am further obligated to aid you.”

In that moment, though, she released the half-elf’s hands, “However, Khalid, you are suffering from an infection. We must treat that before you can even travel, much less fight.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

In reply to Moonsong (msg # 18):

Khalidn nods his head while listening to Moonsong. However, when druids mentions any delays in rescuing his wife he starts shaking his head. "Jaheira is important, she M-m-m-MUST be rescued as soon as possible. She is my wife, she is love of my life, but we were also on our way for some very important business.

He lowers his face and looks around suspiciously, "You were recommended by her contacts, not mine. I-i-i-it was her idea to hire you. Not for her rescue, b-b-but for something larger. We need to get her as soon as possible. If it means my life, so b-b-be it!"

"we should do it in daylight, whatever we do. Gibbers sleep during the Day." Einar chimed in.
He had some thoughts on how they could deal with the creatures. But none og it would work before knowing the area around the burrow, or while the wife was still in their clutches.

“And I will honor your wife’s request,” Moonsong said solemnly. “First, though, you must at least let me treat your infection.” Reaching into her Herbalist kit, she brought out an ointment and several herbs.

Then, Moonsong beckoned the barmaid. “When you bring me that broth, I also need hot water for tea, some honey, and a garlic clove.” She turned back to Khalid. “I can help make you roadworthy for our trials ahead. As our Orcish friend said, we need daylight hours to best foil the Gibberlings. Were you wounded when they took your wife? If so, please show me where.”

Glancing at Sundos, she remembered seeing the symbol of what she thought was Lathander, a known ally of Selûne. “If you possess any knowledge of the Healing arts, I would welcome your aid, O’ Priest.”

OOC:

15:22, Today: Moonsong rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Medicine: Treat Khalid’s infection .


 

With a slight jump, Sundos replied to Moonson. "Of course, I will be glad to help.  It looked like you had everything well in hand, I didn't want to get into your way or step on your toes as they say. You are doing an excellent job. Did you gather those herbs yourself?"

He didn't have anything herbs that Moonsong was already using. He could offer little little help that way. However, he did to the one thing he knew could help some.

Sundos placed his hand on Khalid and quietly said, "Khalid, in the name of Lathander, I place my hands on you to heal your body."


OOC
13:38, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Medicine check to heal Khalid.
13:43, Today: Sundos Brightblood rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  Cure Wounds on Khalid.
The dice hate me today

This message was last edited by the player at 20:48, Tue 24 Nov 2020.

@Moonsong and Sundos

You fail to heal Khalid. The disease may be more serious than you initially thought.
Khalid blinks and looks around, "I appreciate your attempts at helping me, but please save these for a possible fight in the future".

Regardless of their faith and skill, Moonsong & Sundos couldn’t heal Khalid. The Druid’s face fell in disappointment. However, she composed herself with an accepting nod. “Very well. Your healing may occur in another season, but your beloved cannot afford further delay. When do we leave?”

Ruby watched the displays of magic and healing arts in front of her silently as that was out of her depth. She didn't want to step into the conversation, because at best she was a delivery girl over a healer. "I am sorry to disturb the healing, but do we know where these gibs. are hiding your wife, because I am ready to go when you all are?"

In reply to Ruby Rose (msg # 25):

"I am not much of a t-t-tracker and was hoping one of you will good at such a task. Perhaps, I can take you t-t-to a spot where we were attacked. It is about a half a day away, so if we g-g-g-get out now we should arrive there at the early noon", Khalid looks around the table. "As discussed, I am willing to p-p-p-pay 50 gold pieces each. If I or my wife not make it, the of-f-f-fer still stands. You will be p-p-p-aid either way". His little speech finished, he takes his tankard and downs it quickly, then returns his attention back to the group awaiting for their decision.

Dominic looks up from where he's stabbing little bits of meat with the tip of an arrow, "I can track." He tries slicing his bread, then shrugs and just takes a big bite.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:55, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

“I can also help track them. I know the wilderness.” Moonsong smiled at Einar. “A knowledge I believe that you also share.”

She watched the black-haired woman with a bemused curiosity. “Yes. If we start where they attacked Khalid’s party, they will have surely left us a trail we can follow.” After two bites of her pheasant, she took a dainty sip of brandy. The blonde woman set down her cup and looked around the table at her new companions.

“If we undertake such a perilous journey, we should at least know each other’s names. I am Moonsong of the Northern Isles.”