The last couple of days has given the group plenty of quiet time to ponder and discuss what has happened. The Old Man, while exceedingly knowledgeable about historic events and geography has had little more that he can add to help.

The remaining group is currently staying at a small inn near the docks, known as the Tipsy Mermaid. A quiet little place suggested by Captain Aearchanar.

It is a bright beautiful morning as the group joins for breakfast and to discuss their next course of action.

Kel'li comes down early to break the nightly fast.  She seems excited to start the day, for she has no concept of what it holds except possibilities.

While never quite bright and easily excited Cinnaber does manage to stay clean, presentable and in good spirits at all times, a trait that was no doubt annoying long before the end of the sea voyage where others were not so fortunate.  This day could be the same as any of those except the floor isn't moving, the stairs are full sized, and at least some of the faces aren't exactly the same as yesterday.  Taking a moment to pull one of the chairs aside from the table she settles down on the ground to lower her head to a point just below where a normal human would be sitting, her somewhat shorter arms easily in range of the table where she has ordered the common breakfast of the day.

”This may be a good place to make plans for how we want to travel, or if we think we even can given the disruptions we have seen recently.  Do we want to risk another ship before we determine what was plaguing the previous one?”

Kel'li and Cinnabar notice Storm and Xus as the come down the stairs. The pair are discussing something. As they make it to the ground floor the glance over toward your table as they finish their conversation.

After a short pause Storm moves over to your table. "Good morning you two. Xus and I have decided to head back north with a caravan. An old friend has asked us to help out as guards. Apparently there has been some trouble along the Trade Way in the High Moors area."

"Didn't what to just up and leave without letting you know."

Kel'li asks, "You sure you don't want us to accompany you?"

Basilisa frowned in curiosity. After a small yawn, she asked, “Who’s leaving? I should have refrained from that encore last night. Those soldiers nearly drank me under the table afterwards!”

"Surely not!?" Kel'li giggled.

“Well, I pretended they could, anyway!” Basilisa feigned a sheepish smile. “Was it bad of me to slip that Potion of Poison Resistance before the drinking challenge?” She bat her eyelashes oh-so-innocently.

However, their party was apparently splitting soon. Basilisa read the solemn expression of ner departing friends, and swiftly dispensed with the tomfoolery. “Are you both truly leaving us…?”

Storm nodded, "Yeah. If we help my friend out it should settle an old debt. With any luck maybe we will catch up with you at some point." She straightened up as she got ready to leave.

"If you see Bran relay our goodbyes." She then gestures to Xus and the two head out the door.

"Well, what now?"

“Well, what about this hidden temple or whatever? There’s a map, and a quest, and after undeniable great perils, perhaps greater treasure and fame.”

"Yes, that is a good idea.  Would be nice to have a couple more, for safety."

“We still have Bran & Cinnabar, don’t we?” Basilisa asked with a hopeful grin. Suddenly, her smile dimmed. “Don’t we?” She looked at Kel’li with a worried cast to her smile.

"I sure hope so!"

Just finishing the last of her breakfast Cinnaber pulls enough of her attention away from the first meal she has had on solid ground in quite some time to nod in response, although even that clearly took some amount of effort.  Only after she finishes her unhurried chewing of the last bite does she clear her mouth with some of the local fresh squeezed juice in order to reply.

”They must take care of their own business, we are gathered by convenience and purpose at most, no contract binds us to any particular place or role.”

“Bonds of Fellowship can be more enduring—and more valuable—than any business contract,” Basilisa said with a wistful glance toward her departing friends. She sighed. “Still, I understand that they’re answering the call of another friend in need. I also understand when the desire to wander freely strikes.

May Selune guide them on their journey.”

The morning saw Blue resting his boot on the corner of a common room table.  He was nursing a tankard as though it contained ale instead of juice, more for comfort than to slake his thirst at this point. "I dun fair'a wee better I dun.  Theninagain, I dun hornswaggle inna meh fete I dun."  He admitted in the barely comprehensible version of speech that almost sounded like he'd made a habit of following languages into dark alleys, beat them senseless, and helped himself to their loose phrases.

At his avian companion's screech, Blue let his foot slide off the edge of the table and set the tankard down in its place.  He sent an inquisitive glance at the creature, and did that thing he did.

Joser had not gone to bed right away upon getting a room at the Morninglory Inn.  Instead, being in a bustling city, he had decided to go looking for a bit of extra coin.  Any city of this size is bound to have an underground fight venue or two.  Luckily, with his knowledge of the urban underbelly, and a tiny amount of word spread by travelling spectators, he would soon find a fight club.  A bit of bare-knuckle action would be just what the apothacary ordered for him.
When he walks into the common room for breakfast in the morning, Softfeather and Blue can see that Joser has a couple of already-yellowing bruises he did not have the night before.  He sits down at the table and orders breakfast and ale as soon as a server arrives.  I at least broke even, he says to his two travelling companions.

Pjofr's snapped his head in the direction of the elf. Clacking his beak agitatedly he stared pointedly and repeated the muffled shriek.

His feathers standing off his body in some primal reaction, Softfeather turned his attention back to his food and his tankard of ale.

Blue glanced at the kenku for a moment, as though puzzling out the creature's concerns.  "'Im theren's thinkin thatn'about hauntn' scream."  Blue offered.  He glanced back at Softfeather.  "'Nuffin'at un'oly keenin'.  Suren'll do's a looksie.  We'z just looksie-loo forn' scallywag n'is trio o'lasses, onin' within locks like darkest night"

With the reminder from Softfeather, Blue scanned the tavern for the coterie he'd seen in his dreams.

Having been up late at the inn relaxing and drinking to relieve some of the stress from the eventful voyage, he was a bit late making it downstairs for breakfast. Stopping the serving girl as he came downstairs he ordered a small breakfast before joining the ladies. "Good morning ladies. I slept a bit late this morning. Have I missed anything or any news?"

Pjofr cocked his head to one side and stared at his nearly incoherent companion. Then abruptly, the Kenku's head scanned the room in a series of short, quick moments. The common room looked like any other they had been in; locals either starting or ending their day as well as obvious people from "not here" grouped together around the room. With his eye staring at one such group across the room Softfeather opened his beak and poured some more ale into it.

OOC: Yes, he's starting at your table.

Hardly one for tact, Blue jerked his thumb over his shoulder after he turned from the dark-skinned warrior back to his table.  "That'n be the scallywag'n 'is dames we be lookin for'r I'mma tailed imp's arse!"  He alerts his companions, grinning.  In moments, the pirate was on his feet with his fruit juice nearly sloshing out of his tankard.

Bold as brass, Blue strode over and simply seated himself with Bran and his crew, flashing an impressively pearly grin at the coterie.  "I dun see ye's in ma' dreams I good'n done I did.  There be's a haunt after that'n there."  He gave by way of explanation.  His accent was thick and fairly unintelligible, though his grin spoke clear enough, as did his circling finger that settled on the raven haired woman.  "This'n lass's gotten good which that howlin' soul seeks she dun'.  Bes' nottalet ole' spook sieze'r prize.  Not me onna aid'a spoom, no's I'mma not."

“Hello,” Basilisa greeted them, looking the trio over with a smirk. “I wondered when you would stop skulking over there.” Her eyebrow arched, she tried to make sense of Blue’s impenetrable accent.

The dark beauty let out a good-natured chuckle that sounded to the ear like velvet felt against skin. Basilisa looked at his companions. “Um, could one of you translate? I don’t believe I’ve any spells prepared to comprehend that accent!” She smiled playfully at Blue, not trying to be mean-spirited, just lost on half of what the man said.

Joser chuckles as he walks up.  I'm no' very goodt at it either, an' I've been travelin' wit' him a bit.  I think he jus' called ye the woman o' his dreams.  He glances at the pirate, then back at the woman.  Or, maybe, the woman from his dreams.  Either could be accurate.
I'm Joser, though, in tha fightin' circles, I am makin' a name for m'self as The Demolisher.  He indicates Blue and Softfeather each in turn.  T'is Blue Velowet, and tha's tha one we call Softfeather.  He don' speak Common, and we canna unnerstand wha' his squawks.

Setting down her now empty drink cup Cinnabar looks skeptically at the unfamiliar arrival at their table for the briefest of moments before ignoring them entirely to reply to Basilisa's question.

”I am afraid I only speak the common human language, and am unable to help you with that translation.”,
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Sat 29 Jan 2022.

"Whereas, I would be the woman of your nightmares, indeed."

In reply to Kel'li (msg # 27):

Basilisa exchanged a quick glance with Kel’li before learning toward the men. “Oh, but what nightmares,” Basilisa said with a salacious grin. “But please, Blue! Tell me more about my starring role in your dreams.”

She motioned him to sit, but then held up her hand to halt him. “Just give me some original material. The last time I heard that pickup line was from a cross-eyed Half-Orc with the worst body odor.” She wrinkled her nose at the distasteful memory.

Joser chuckles at the comments of both the drow and the human women.  Knowing he is not a handsome man, thanks to the scars, the oft broken nose, and the cauliflower ears from his many fights in and out of the arena, he decides to speak the thought that enters his head anyway.
M'lady, he says to the drow sorceroress, thanks ta yiu, I now wish I could have nightmares again.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Sat 29 Jan 2022.

"That can be arrange, good sir, but I don't really think you would like the results."  Kel'li gave an evil grin.

Joser gives a bit of a grin, hinting at the maniac smile he has used many times to unnerve his opponents in , and out, of the ring.  M'lady, I was jus' a wee orphaned gu'ersnipe tryin' ta survive on the streets o' Dockside in Wa'erdeep, he explains.  Wha' I saw an' experienced wit' me eyes open quickly put dreamin' o' me parents deaths ta shame. All me nightmares were real.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Sat 29 Jan 2022.

She sat back and said, "Then, to give you a nightmare now might be more than you deserve, so we will let the matter lie."

Blue tilted his hat to one side with his tankard and set it down, somewhat of a confused look on his face.  "Wha' be wrong wit' me' bleedin' words?"  He asked, one eyebrow creeping steadily up his brow.  His confusion seemed to grow as the assorted table seemed to discuss dreams and nightmares.

"Nay, lasses'n scallys; that'therin feckin' haunt.  Wailin' spirit.  Murderin' gheist."  The pirate tried to clarify, rephrasing the same idea a few times and hoping that it'd stick.  "Spirit be ona course set true keen wit' 'er assa guidin' star."  Once again, his thumb jammed in Basilisa's direction.

"Obviously he went to one of the finer schools to learn such eloquence.  It rolls off his tongue like sweet nectar, or maybe cold tree sap."

Not one to engage easily in idle banter Cinnabar once again skips forward to something that might be more useful.

”I doubt discussions of education or dreams will get us very far, if either of you speak the language of the others that will be helpful, otherwise we will need to count on some form of pantomime, which isn't a good way to start a conversation.  In any case it would be nice to know why these three have intruded upon our breakfast.”

To Kel'li, Joser responds, Nightmare oft' come unbidden, whether deserved or not.
He turns to Basalisa and Cinnabar.  'E's been goin' on about some vision 'e's had since Softfeather an' I met 'im.  He nods his head to indicate the Bold one.  It has somethin' ta do wit' an' a ghost or spirit usin' ya like a beacon, from what I've gathered.  It's either comin' after ya or comin' to ya. An' it the friendly type, neither, M'ladies.

Blue rolled his eyes, and muttered something out under his breath that could very well have been a curse borrowed from, say, trolls.  Gray eyes swept over Cinnabar and Kel'il and settled on Basilisa.
After a brief pause, Blue rapped his knuckles on the table and started to rise.  "Oi, Jose, Crow; clean'a sun inna clear doldrum them's such's we be lika boil onna cur's whatszit we be.  Let'em facedowna ole' haunt 'lone ifin 'ey keena.  Reckona like t'see that'n spiffy swordn' class hexer toe-off 'ona 'ungry wailin' specter."  He slowly stood, swiping his tankard from where he left it and lingering a moment to see if anyone preferred to halt him.

Kel'li says something unintelligible and it suddenly goes dark, to the point where even dark vision ceases to function.

Cast: Darkness

More words, and slight hand movements, which you can't see, but might sense, and suddenly, 4 lights come flying towards Blue's head, coalescing into a fairly humanoid shape, but dancing around him, just out of reach.

Cast: Dancing Lights

Kel'li says, "Sit down, and hold your tongue.  It isn't that you might be invited to join us, but rudeness will not be tolerated."

Just as suddenly, the lights were gone, and sight was returned, but, for a moment, a fluffy bunny floated in the air in front of Blue.

Cast: Minor Illusion
This message was last edited by the player at 05:43, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Basilisa remained oddly quiet when Blue stared into her eyes. For several heartbeats, she stared back, her eyes half-lidded. Then, she blinked, and then Kel’li wielded the innate Magic of Drow and Sorceress alike. Darkness enveloped their table like a lover’s silken embrace.

When light returned, Basilisa held up a hand at her friend’s rebuke. “Enough, my friend. You’ve made your point, and he brought valuable information about a new threat against us.” She motioned the men to sit. “Though it seems a new threat because of a burden fast growing old. I am not keen on facing a Banshee or whatever spectral wretch that Blue foresaw without an extra sword or spell at my side.”

Rather than jump at the obvious showmanship of the drow Cinnabar waits patiently for the darkness to go away, at which point she lets Basilisa finish her thought before asking for more insight into it.

”For those of us that only speak the one language, would you mind explaining how this is new information and not just an obvious reference to the thing that traveld on the ship?”

Cinnabar May well have connected the foreseen menace with the “package” in her possession. Basilisa slightly cocked her to the side as she considered what Cinnabar brought up. “Hmm. A fair point. The ‘wailing’ that Blue described invoked an image of a Banshee, but would one pursue an object with such single-mindedness? Their obsession is usually people and places.”

She gestured at Blue. “Well? Do you remember anything else about this spirit that haunts your dreams and my trail?”

Joser moves to stop Blue from going any further by placing a hand upon his shoulder, when suddenly things go dark.  Then the coalescing lights appear, and the darkness goes away to reveal a strange rabbit.  He knows enough to know when magic is in play
He turns to the three women, his eyes narrowing at the drow a moment before turning back to Blue.   Ye've come ta them wit' this tale o' dreams an' doom.  Ye canna blame 'em fer bein' a bit cautious an' concerned this might be some kind o' trap or somethin'.  Sit back down an' answer some questions.

"If you are going to bring us information, please, ensure that we understand it before you go.  We aren't dumb, but it seems your excitement makes you a bit less cogent."

Blue raised an eyebrow at the sudden absence of light.  Rather, the sudden absence of light the others experienced.  He sighed at the childish display by Kel'li.  Under the cover of darkness that he was entirely unhindered by it, Blue used his blade to deftly spear a morsel off of her own plate.  By the time the dark switched off in preference for the sorceress's balls of fire, Blue was nibbling on it, straight off the tip of his sword.  With a look of distaste, he wiped the pastry off his blade onto the surface of the table as though the sweet treat was a surprisingly rotten peice of fruit.

"'Rudeness?' I'n'a un'a magic uppa tavern cabin."  He snorted, settling back down and polishing the tip of his blade on the edge of his sash.  By the time the blade was clean, so was the garment.  Wiggling slightly, he sheathed the blade then folded his arms.

The elf let the pause grow for a moment before actually saying anything.  ""Arr, so's yer askin' me now?"  He asked the drow sardonically, before dismissing her from notice and looking over to the others.  "I dun' yet gets a looksie onna screamer; I'in on'y feela haunt such'n now.  But'a freckin' spook's mor'in alike meh'n alike 'books' hexer; I'mma lilly-livered scarmon' iffin'ot."  To demonstrate...SOME point, Blue tapped a spot in the middle of his forehead, then gave a slow nod.  He shrugged.  "Dun' no-nevermind.  Haunts'a haunt, same'ses an'uter."

Pjofr was content to be left at their table as the mammals spoke. Casually the avian grabbed morsels from his companions' plates and deftly tossed them into his beak. He made for Joser's tankard when he caught a series of gestures from the man. With a sigh Pjofr stood, grabbed the other tankard and made his way to join the others.

As he neared the table the lights went out. Casually Softfeather made his way to Joser's side and placed the tankard in front of his companion, sitting as light returned. With a kraa, the Kenku made his introductions, "Pjofr. Pjofr." Then with uncanny similarity he repeated Joser's earlier words, " He don' speak Common... canna unnerstand wha' his squawks."

Softhfeather continues, "Blue speak the language of the others. I am unable to help you with that accent" and nods his head knowingly.

(OOC) Unless Blue has Truesight, the darkness will also affect him.

OOC: I'll leave it to you to imagine how he ignores magical darkness, but he can ignore magical darkness.

Joser begins to laugh.  Ye cagey basta'd, he chuckles.  All'a' dis time ye could actually talk in Common, an ' not jus' r'peat it.  He swats the kenku playfully on the shoulder.  I knew I liked ye.
He turns to the others.  I dunno about me mates 'ere, bu' I, fer one, would'na mind expandin' me circle of acquaintences and travellin' companions.  An' it's no because I think a group o' women cain't handle theyselves, 'cause yaw rightly seem like ye can.  It's mainly 'cause I've jus' been hangin' aroun' these smelly bums.  He chuckles at Blue and Softfeather.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Tue 01 Feb 2022.

Shaking his head at the slightly taller human, "Pjofr! understand  Common  but  only speak  bleedin' words  of others"

Taking another draught of his tankard he turned to the members of the other group. With a slight rise in the tip of his beak, "this  cagey basta'd  Pjofr! Softfeather  How you doing?"

Bran sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. This day had already started out on a strange foot. He looked at the ladies and shrugged. "Apparently what ever fortune, or misfortune, favors us has decided to supply us with three new traveling companions. If that is agreeable with you ladies."

At least he could understand the human and kenku, the elf's way of talking would take some getting use to.

“They’ll provide us extra time to run,” Basilisa told Bran with a playful squeeze of his arm. “Fear not, Bran. You’re still the best-looking man here!” The saucy Bard laughed, teasing the newcomers with a wink.

Blue glanced first to the drow, and then to the priest.  "Notta slash yer sail, but mayhaps we's check the lookout when I's sent 'ole specter off'na Endless Seas."  He protested, sending a glance at each face in turn.
Eventually, Blue's gaze turned back to the bard.  "Ifin we're's ta help yeh, whatall didja plunder tha' yer haunt's got'all 'ungry fer yeh??"

Though it was still early there were several other customers at the inn for breakfast. At least up until the brief display of magic. Several of them quickly paid and left, leaving only the owner the serving girl and a group of four rather unsavory looking individuals at the far end of the room. All of which seem intensely interested in your group now.

The owner scowled in the direction of your table as the serving girl quickly made her way to the kitchen. The four at the table simply seemed to watch, waiting to see what happened next.

Joser watches as people pay and vacate the premises.  He also spies the four at the far end.  Aw, look.  Ye've gone an' scairt off ev'rybody, he says.  He then nods his head at the only others left.  'Cept them four.  Seems ta me they don' wan' us here.
He looks at them directly.  'Ave you lot somethin' ta say?

"Maybe they have taken a fancy to us?"

Pjofr's head moved this way and that. Seeming to not really focus on or see anything, but he had noticed the patrons that didn't leave as well. Keeping one eye on the far table, the kenku continued engaging with their new acquaintances, "you  taken a fancy to  Softfeather  best-looking  Pjofr  here"

Gooseflesh prickled Blue's neck, but he didn't turn his head.  He didn't have to.  This was not shaping up to be a good day.  He took a casual sip of his juice, popping a foot up on the table and casually resting the naked blade of his sword on his boot.  A finger from his loose grip drummed on the cross guard.

The drow's comment earned a long, calculating glance.  Blue was neither amused nor impressed, and his gaze betrayed even a note or two of disgust.  Based on the previous ten minutes, he more inclined to take it as a matter of conceit or delusion rather than sarcasm.  "Nah.  Yeh's jus' gota fresh haula angry folk, 'n some ready fera rough'n'tumble."  He replied finally, setting his tankard beside his boot.  With the pugilist's direct challenge it was probably best to be ready for the real threat brewing.

"Yeh yeh'ar."  Blue agreed with the kenku, mood somewhat softening.

The scowl on the bartenders face is suddenly replaced by a look of confusion. He then follows the girl into the kitchen. You can faintly hear the sound of a door closing shortly after.

The four gents at the far table just sorta look from one to the other before standing and placing a few coin on the table. The one man, the smallest of the bunch lifts his tankard toward Joser before finishing it and sitting it back on the table as the four exit the front door leaving the group alone in the tavern.

Clearly Cinnabar isn't surprised as the tavern empties out, the four men who watch them closely are offered a friendly smile from across the room and a more knowing but still polite nod as they file out.  Only after the room is completely empty does she speak again, and even then a bit more quietly.

”Even in a city as big as this one it is not surprising to find common folk afraid of magic, and probably more likely to find those who recognize Drow and presume some degree of hostility from them.”

Joser nods at the four men as they get up to leave.  You gen'lemen ' ave ye'selves a most excellent day.  It is said with genuine friendliness.
He turns back to his companions, old and new.  I was kinda hopin' fer a bit o' mornin' exercise, he says with his feral grin.  But, tha's a'right.  I'm sure I'll get some later.
He chuckles.  While I've seen a few 'round the fight clubs and fightin' pits, I ain't 'ad the opp'rtunity ta meet any o' 'em.  In or out tha' 'rena.  He shrugs.  So, no opinion one way or t' other yet.
He pauses, then continues, but a bit sheepsihly.  Though, ye are, by far, the pretties' of the drow I've seen.

Kel'li blushes a little, but that quickly fades.  "Okay, what next, friends."

Bran had mostly stayed silent since the three people had come to their table, letting the woman handle things to start with. Plus, he couldn't understand half of what at least one of the newcomers was saying. A frown set on his face as he listened. And his lips twisted a bit at the display of magic from his companion.

But his face lightened and he smiled at Basilisa when she squeezed his arm.

He cleared his throat lightly, looking at the three that had approached them. "Well. If we are to travel together going forward, and if you truly wish to be of aid against a...haunt...or whatever may be coming, then I suppose I have no objection for now. Should you prove yourselves good friends and comrades, then you'll be most welcome."

He glanced at the three wonderful women. "Seeing as how we now have privacy with everyone else leaving," He smirked slightly. "should we inform them of our intended destination and see if they are still willing to come along?"

"We can but do our best and hope for the best from others.  If you feel them worthy to accompany us, speak on.  I will finish my tea."

Look, I know that when yer face is as pretty as mine, i's intimidatin', he says in jest, knowing full well how his face appears.  A' some point, ye may need ta perpetrate some violence, or keep it from bein' perpetrated on ya.
He waves a hand to indicate himself and his two companions.  We three are pretty good a' perpetratin' violence.  An' at stoppin' said perpetration from othas.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

“After what we saw happen to that poor wretch back on the ship, I am in favor of putting as many bodies between me and that fell spectre as possible!” Basilisa agreed with welcoming the trio. “I will explain the ‘Why & Wherefore’ of the evil spirit’s pursuit when we have more privacy.” The raven-haired Bard remained all too aware of the hostile foursome who surreptitiously cleared out of the tavern.

“If that’s not an ambush in the making, I’ll eat your riding leathers,” she said to Joser with a snort. She leaned toward the group. “How shall we play this, then? Find a way out, or face the.pm head on?”

Kel'li looks towards the door for a moment, then back to the group.  "The advantage to taking them head on is not having them at our backs.  We are better off knowing where they are and being ready for them."

Softfeather's head followed the 4 patrons from the common room and into the street. The Kenku stared after them even after they dispersed, his body leaning back and head cocked forward.

Joser looks confused a moment, then what she.means dawns on him.  I don' got ridin' leathers, so ya confused me a moment there.
Oi, Softfeather, Joser queries, ya wanna slip out tha back an' see where them blokes is goin'?
If'n it looks like they might be tryin' somethin', come back an' let us know.
Don' get inna fight wit'out me.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Cinnabar doesn't seem to care much about the tavern emptying out, or she is just not paying close enough attention while still considering the events that lead here.

”While the possessing entity was clearly not a particularly healthy one what technically did in the fellow it was wearing was us, and a few pointy sticks, I would however recommend staying away from the combined form if you can, it fights quite well up close.”

Blue let out a cough, and gestured out of the tavern after the retreating forms of what would have been Joser's morning constitutional.  "Haunts's morrow's do; them's as trouble inna now." He cautioned, rolling in his chair.  It had looked like he was falling off of it, but instead of winding in an embarrassing position the elf made it to his feet and sheathed his sword in a single fluid motion.

Stopping by the rough-folks table, Blue swept up their coins with one hand, then knocked with that hand on the door the barkeep had disappeared into.  "Thems's gone.  Us's goin'."  He informed the man, handing over the coins.  "Skip onna rough play.  Safes's drydocks now."

Not one to wait patiently, Blue drew his blade again and headed for the door.  Once outside, he scanned for any of the 'friends' from before, or the kid he saw them pay off.  "Oi!"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:52, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Before Pjofr could respond to Joser's suggestion, Blue ran off at the mouth and then just ran off. The Kenku hug his head and shook it from side to side at the impulsive elf's actions.

"And they wonder why we find them tedious!"

Joser brings hjs hand up to his forehead in exxasperation, massaging his temples with thumb and forefinger as if he has a sudden headache.  After a few moments, his hand comes away and he looks at Softfeather with a shrug.  So much for the nonchalant approach, eh?
He looks to the others.  I'm a pretty straigh' ferward kinda guy, bu' 'even I know there's a time fer diplomacy an' stealt'.  No' 'im.  'E 'oists the Black Flag an' sails out full til' ev'ry time.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

As the others quibble about what comes next Cinnabar retrieves the always loaded crossbow clipped to the harness just at the edge between her humanoid upper body and the quadruped one below it and steps away from the table to walk over to a window where she can remain at least mostly concealed, but still provide some amount of cover for whatever happens outside.

Bran let out a small sigh as at least one of the new people headed out to confront the ruffians - if indeed those who already left even really had ill intentions. Looking at the amazing and strong women around him, and now the new fellows as well, he could admit that they were a very...eclectic bunch. So it could have just been too weird for others.

He stood up and shrugged, "I guess we should head after him, just to be safe." He touched the holy symbol hanging around his neck and uttered a quiet prayer to Selune to watch over them. He pulled the shield off of his back and put it in one hand. He kept his other hand free for the moment, however, as he headed for the entrance.

The street was already crowded and busy as Blue exited the inn's common room.  From Blues place at the door he barely catches a glimpse of the smaller man of the four as he turns down an alley down the streets. He thinks he sees one of the others enter a coin changers a bit up the street. As for the other two or the young boy there is no sign. Both Blue and Cinnibar do see a mounted man leading perhaps a dozen or so soldiers on foot all dressed in the colors of the city watch. They appear to be headed for the inn.

Cinnabar turns away from the window to address those still at the table almost immediately after she looks out.

”Did anyone check to see if using magic to disrupt the business at a tavern was considered illegal in this city before we started doing just that?”

Pjofr looked at he centaur and shrugged.

"Pjofr  No' using magic. no'   check.  Pjofr   think  best   slip out tha back   nonchalant  like"

"Maybe a subtle exit is called for."

“Keep up,” Basilisa said, as she crept out the back door. “Bran, the people in the street can cover us!” Basilisa motioned Bran to follow her discreetly.

Then, the streetwise Bard immediately stepped beside the largest cluster of pedestrians she could see. She intended to blend into the crowd and let them provide cover for her. Hopefully, Kel’li & Cinnabar could keep her in their sights.

OOC:

14:31, Today: Basilisa The Bold rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Stealth.

 

Kel'li attempted to follow as quickly as possible.

Somthin' tol' me I shoulda brought me stuff down wit' me this morning...., Joser muses as ge heads back to his room to grab his pack and weapons.
As soon as he shoulders one strap, he gathers the rest and heads for the exit.

Pieces started to slam together in Blue's mind.  Nefarious looking strangers.  Passing a message to a boy.  And now there were guards.  The occurrences were possibly related, though as of now there wasn't a lot to back that up.  It seemed plausible that the 'ruffians' were just concerned citizens who had looked sternly on someone tossing magic around in a potentially damaging fashion.  Or, they could have been tailing one group or the other with some dark purpose.  Blue didn't THINK they had a reason to be after him or Softfeather, which left Joser or their newer tablemates.

He casually took to the direction the others had picked, but at a distance.  The smaller knit the group looked to be, the less likely they would command the guards' attention right away.

Cinnaber speaks quietly to herself and quickly catches up with the others leaving out the back of the bar.

Kel'li comes out with the rest and says, "We need to scatter for now.  Meet back here in 2 hours."

Bran hesitated and then frowning, heading after Basilisa. She had called out to him and seemed to have an idea. He wasn't exactly as quick and stealthy as she, but he tried to emulate her a bit but he knew it would be an uphill battle. He tended to stick out like a sore thumb and his armor and holy symbol made it difficult to 'disappear' easily.

Knowing that, he quickly stopped following her so as to not lead anyone towards her. He went a separate way and....was not that hard to find if someone really was looking for him...

21:07, Today: Bran Siverlight rolled 7 using 2d20, keeping the lowest dice only with rolls of 17,7.  Stealth with disadvantage.

Kel'li heads to the right, moving fast, but slowing down to enter a shop and browse about 200 feet away.  She will take her time and keep an eye on the street.

Blue followed long enough to hear the drow's suggestion, though he didn't draw overly close.  He didn't exactly need to.  Unlike the others, he decided on a more direct approach, and headed back into the tavern to await the constabulary.

Pjofr gave a quick nod to the elf as he moved out the back with the rest of the groups' members. His head then turned to face Blue and cocked to one side. "Pjofr." and the Kenku followed his companion.

---

OOC:
09:36, Today: Softfeather rolled 19 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 9.  stealth, moving out of the bar.

Joser finally comes downstairs from his room.  Instead of grabbing all of his gear and taking off out the back, he carries only a set of high-quality bagpipes.  He returns to his original table, where he had been sitting with Blue and Softfeather.  Puting the mouthpiece of the pipes to his lips, he blows a few practice notes, making adjustments to tune it as ye does so.

Blue glanced at his loyal friends and gave a loud facepalm.  "Ye scally loonies, I'maken doa bitta hexen all meh lonely an' give'm an 'ole slip.  Get goin, an we be seein' backina roundabout."  He cried out, exasperated.