The heavy smell of various smokes, beer, and food roll out the open door of Kanti's local tavern, Faint Coyote. Inside it is dimly lit and nearly twenty patrons are dotted about, it's busy as usual, seeing how Kanti is a major rest stop in the plains and a good place to hole up for the winter.
The bartender somewhat regards you with his ashen grey gaze, more focused on loading a Minotaur barmaid's tray with frothy tankards of beer than newcomers stumbling in. Posters cling to the wall above the bar much like barnacles on a ship's hull, not that you'd find many of those on the prairie. A particularly recent advertisement stands out, ''Lifetime provision of shelter, food, mates, and riches for whom can recover our beloved God Naapi. Speak to Askook the Royal Cortesan.''
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:50, Tue 28 Sept 2021.

Oh my! exclaimed a woman standing near the large open fire. She quickly slapped at a small section, of her flowing hooded cloak, hurridly extinguishing the flames which licked at its hem. Stepping away from the fire she assessed the cloak, determining it hadn't been damaged, she wove her towards the bar. Kind sir may I ask for a platter of cheese and goblet of wine. she enquires in a clear melodic voice.

The Gtihzerai bartender looked blankly at the woman for a moment, sighed, then quickly turned and told a passing barmaid to get some cheese.
Then he flung open the door of what appeared to be a storage room, catching the door before it hit the wall, seconds later the sound of weight bouncing off stairs mumbles out of the black room.
''Here you go,'' smiles a Human woman, gently laying a carved wooden serving tray before Serendipity and bustling off to serve more drinks, directly the barman had returned with a horrendously dusty bottle of wine, towelling it off, then filling half a tankard with the rich, ruby liquid, and handing it to you.
''Not from here are you? It's fifteen copper by the way,'' he stated, recorking the bottle and looking halfway interested in the Elfess, ''considering you just cam outta my fireplace. You a mage or something?''
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Tue 28 Sept 2021.

Serendipity thanked the waitress then turned to the Barkeeper; her face's flushed slightly, as she slipped a hand into a pocked, producing a gold coin. Handing it to the Githzerai Do pardon my miscalculation. she asked politely, respectfully waiting for any reply before adding Not that I've had the pleasure. I am  she replied her brow wrinkling in puzzled thought.

The man's eyes bulged slightly at the coin, pocketing it swiftly before anyone else saw it. He waved off her apology, ''could be worse,'' he shrugged, suddenly distracted by a possible brawl starting in the corner, leaving Serendipity to her meal.
Presently the Minotaur bustled her way behind the counter, narrowly missing her Human coworker's laden tray.
''Oh god I'm tired,'' she heaved absently mindedly, wiping the sweat off her brown and white-furred neck with a towel.
Looking over at the Gray Elf on the other side of the counter she smiled softly, ''Chogan just blew off didn't he,''' she didn't wait for an answer, ''ah, that man. Welcome to Faint Coyote,'' she beamed, pushing herself off the log wall she leaned against.
''This is the best tavern in the city, unless you count all the others,'' she joked, ''need a room, food, booze, even a job, just ask me and I'll help you. You seem nice. My names Wapun by the way, what's yours?'' the chatty barmaid was now leaning on the counter and holding her large head up with her hands, radiating childlike energy of curiosity.

The door of the Faint Coyote opens at that moment. A large red bird-man walks in, surveys the area. "...Howdy."

Then he notices the posters above the bar, and wanders over and starts looking them over...

In reply to Istvan Vanoson (msg # 6):
Chogan was returning to his place behind the counter, wiping blood off his sinewy hands from the squabble he had just broken up. ''What can I get for you?'' Chogan questioned the latest visitor, tossing Wapun a quick glare for taking a break so early.

"Eh? Oh! Um... Well... maybe a drink of..." He looks around... To Serendipity. "Ah, what's the lady having?"

''Wine,'' stated the Githzerai, reaching under the stone slab bar and pulling out the bottle, a few tables over a rather ostentatious looking man seemed to be watching the newcomers over the rim of his tankard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:14, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

"Wine. Mm. All right... ah... well... How much for a... small glass... of wine...?"

In reply to Istvan Vanoson (msg # 10):

''Don't have glasses, ten copper for half a tankard. Beer is five copper a tankard,'' Chogan offered, raising a black, wiry brow.

Istvan blinks. "...I don't really get you people's coinage." He looks in a leather pouch on his belt and takes out a small silver coin. "...Is this worth anything here...?"

In reply to Istvan Vanoson (msg # 12):

''Tell you what, keep the floor clear of trouble and I'll let you have a room tonight, with some food and drink for that,'' the bartender looked at the young man questioningly, nodding towards the silver coin. The strange man who kept staring at the customer got up from his chair and leaned on the counter, looking his person of interest up and down, waiting his turn to speak.

Giving a Nod to acknowledge the introduction she was about to reply to
Chogan, who notices a trickle of blood emerge from the woman's hairline, slowly makes its way past her left eyebrow as it made its way towards her cheek. Feeling something on her face the woman reaches up and wipes at the trickle. Glancing at her hand and noticing the blood on it. Goodness how did that happen. she comments as she faints collapsing to the floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

Wapun looks stunned for a moment, then rushes from behind the counter and lifts Serendipty's head onto her lap, pressing her towel to the Elf's head. The Minotaur's dilated black eyes flitted around the room landing on the Birdman talking to Chogan, ''help me will you?''  ''Take her upstairs,'' Chogan mumbled, ''second on the left is free, take this,'' he dunked a pitcher into a barrel full of cold water and handed it to Wapun.

"Wow, things happen fast around here," said Istvan, and he did his best to get the woman upstairs. "...I hope she's all right..." he murmured...

When she was lifted she groaned in pain. Anyone who makes cursory check of her arms, finds she had substantial bruising on them as well as most of her body.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

"Hey, um, wait, is it really all right to move this woman?" Istvan asked. "She seems really kind of-- fragile?"

''Oh, I don't know,'' Wapun appeared more anxious by the second, barely managing to keep herself contained, ''Chogan?'' ''Don't look at me,'' he objected, ''I figure move her 'cause my mother used to have fainting spells. But nothing with blood though,''
 The odd man from earlier decided to join the investigation, gracefully squatting down, intently watching Serendipity, ''this looks like...'' he paused for a moment, attempting to feel for broken bones, then notices a bruise peeking out.
Soon her arms are revealed to have blackened and red marks covering them, ''by the gods, you've had a bit of trouble,'' the man commented.
He feels her stomach and ribs before standing, ''take her up, but gently! She might be bleeding inside,'' he takes a stack of towels and joins Wapun in the rear of the parade.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:58, Wed 29 Sept 2021.

Istvan resumes helping-- as gently as he can...

Upstairs Wapun shoved open the wooden door of the room when it stuck, making it bang against the wall, ''oops,'' she whimpered, already hearing Chogan's rough voice lecturing her.
 A small and comfortable bed was tucked in the corner, filled with furs and blankets.
Once Serendipity was laid out, the well-dressed man rolled up his sleeves and began removing all the clothing from her upper body in a very mechanical manner.
Her battered torso displayed a myriad of welts, scrapes and bruises, but no sign of the suspected internal bleeding.
Wapun soaked a rag in the cold water and began cleaning the blood from the woman's head, checking to see where it was from.
Meanwhile, an intense blue light glowed from the apparent healer's hand, his well-defined eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he hovered over all her organs.
''Oh, here,'' the Minotaur chirped, pulling back a section of Serendipity's hair to reveal a nasty, but not deadly gash on the side of the woman's head, proceeding to clean the area.
''I don't know what happened to this girl but she's damn lucky,'' stated the elegant Human, feeling her limbs for breaks one last time, then inspecting her head.
''Get me a clean needle and sinew...and hot water. I'll stitch her head and the spot on her arm, you clean her up,'' he directed Wapun, she turned and trotted back carefully as she could.
The man sighed happily, sitting on the bed and laying the Elfess' head on his lap so it was easier to fix the gash once the barmaid came back.
It was suddenly quiet, the Human looked up at the brightly coloured Birdman and smiled disarmingly, ''I'm Askook, you are?''
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:01, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

"Mm? Oh, Istvan. Istvan Vanoson. Swift tribe. So, uh, is she gonna be all right, d'you think...?"

''Pleased to meet,'' he replied bowing as well as one can when sitting.
''She'll be fine, need to rest a few days, but she'll be good. Funny girl, came outta the fireplace just before you came in,'' commented Askook.
Wapun came bounding back in at that moment, nearly dropping the steaming water on Istvan when she tripped on air, then the pair set into a flurry of work and before long, the Elf was redressed and nearly smothered with all the blankets Wapun was putting on her.
As the healer was drying his lithe hands he turned to Istvan, ''I noticed you eyeing that poster. Let me buy your supper, and we can discuss things, Eh?''
Before the Aarakocra could answer a noise coming from next door startled the trio, well quad, but the fourth member wasn't exactly all there.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

Istvan looks as if this may be some sort of joke he isn't getting. "The... fireplace. The... hearth. She's... dressed kinda funny for a chimneysweep, isn't she?"



(...What did the noise sound like...?)

Askook laughed, ''that's 'cause she's no sweep. I mean she came right out of the fire itself. Must be a sorcerer. ''The grating screech of rusty hinges next room over pierced the air with a comforting sound of nails on a chalkboard, effectively halting the conversation, ''gotta fix that,'' Wapun grimaced, pulling her long ears down to block the noise atrocity.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:10, Thu 30 Sept 2021.

"Ohh. Magic. Sure, right."



"...You... must not use that door often," said Istvan.

Wapun nodded, ''yeah, nobody from here will rent it 'cause that's where old man Kemi beat his wife to death. He never was right after his horse kicked him in the face,'' the Minotaur seemed lost in thought for a moment, her tail idly swishing, ''plus we got a bunch of damp, it doesn't help. I better get back to work, I'll have supper for you boys in a minute,'' she smiled at the two men,  waving at the very short Tiefling who had caused the screeching and scurrying to the stairs.

  "Hey what's all the ruckus. Can't a guy get a bath without all this noise." Standing in the door way is a wet short man. A sword about the size of him is in one hand and the other is holding a towel around his waist. He's well build and the water on his skin adds to the bronze sheen of his skin. His feet have tufts of hair on them and he has slightly pointed ears that should reveal him a halfling but though short he stands a head taller than most halflings. The fact that you can see a tail sticking out the towel and he has a ebony colored four inch long horns protruding form his forehead add to the mystery of his ancestry.
 The odd looking halfling walks towards the bed eyeing the woman as he does. He doesn't really wait for the birdman or human to speak as he lays his sword down on the bed and tucks the towel in. "The lady elf looks like she's been through it and back. I can help some with that gash." He raises his hands to the wound and bows his head and a light green glow emits from his hands. The wound starts to close, the glow fades and a slight sigh emits from the halfling as he steps back and shakes his head. "That's all I got for now. 'Fraid i'm not as good at that as my Mam was."

Istvan blinked. Well that seems useful, I guess, he thought.

Serendipity felt a warmth course through her person, followed by voices. Opening her eyes she looked about. She had been moved to a bed and covered with upwards of 10 blankets. Thankest Thee for Thy kindness.

''Pleased to make your acquaintance, I'm Askook and this is Istvan,'' Askook bowed with a flourish and gestured to his companion.
''Thank you for helping my friend, that'll hold much better than my stitches. Come down and eat with us...ah, what is your name?''
Before the Teifling answered the talkative man a small stirring and whisper came from the blanket heap.
''Oh your awake,'' Askook knelt at Serendipity's side and cleared the hair out of her face, ''I'll get Wapun to bring you some stew. Istvan, can you bring him down once he's dressed? Thanks,'' he glanced at the odd trio before taking the steps two at a time and abandoning them without allowing for a simple yeah or neigh.

Downstairs the high energy man was filling his plate with a couple steaks, brightly coloured squash, and thick bread, other kinds of food also occupied the table. The pair barely sat down when Askook launched into what he had been itching to speak of between mouthfuls of supper.
''As I'm sure you've heard Naapi, bless his name, has been stolen by filthy Koutous! Sweet Queen Hurit did her best to fend them off, but they used their dirty tricks as usual, knocked her out with fumes.
Another thing I'm sure you've heard is that we Peta may be going to war with the Koutou. It's a wonder it hasn't broken out with the kidnapping of Naapi, but how do you think the Koutou will feel if a Peta army one day marches into that damned desert of theirs, searching everywhere? Not happy right?
That's why my Queen entrusted me with the affair, she knows where I like to relax and figured I would know someone who can do the job quietly. Who are the Peta without Naapi? Dead that's what. But all regular guys won't touch it, they are either afraid of the war or they don't want to work in the winter. So, this is where you guys come in. You've already read the poster Istvan, ''Lifetime provision of shelter, food, mates, and riches for whom can recover our beloved God Naapi. Speak to Askook the Royal Cortesan.'' Well here I am and I'm offering you a job, maybe that Elf could be useful too. What do you boys say?'' Askook finally paused for breath, his black eyes darting between either face, did the man even need air?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:32, Sat 02 Oct 2021.

"Huh? Oh, the big halfling? Uh, yeah, sure." ...Why does he need me to bring him down? Istvan wondered, but maybe it was a social custom he wasn't aware of.




Istvan blinked. "All right, here's what I got out of that: Naapi has been Naapi-napped by Koutous. Queen Hurit tried to stop it, but Koutous fight dirty. And... you guys, the Peta, may be going to war with the Koutous. In the desert. So... to avoid that... You guys want us to rescue Naapi. I... didn't actually get a chance to read that poster... But... Naapi... is a god?"

Wapun snirked in the background at 'Naapi-napped' while Askook looked shocked.
''You've never heard of the great Naapi? You really are from away, but yes, he is our head God, provider and sustainer of all Peta lives. And we want him back because, first of all, he is our God, and because we need him to defeat the Koutou! I hate to say it but we aren't strong enough on our own, but with Naapi! Oh ho! Those Koutou would turn into puddles of rotten flesh just looking at him,'' Askook's eyes glimmer at the thought.
''Plus he might curse us if we don't'' added Wapun, earning a dirty look from Askook, ''oh! And Serendipity is doing much better. You can go talk to her if you want,'' the barmaid chirped, ''such a pretty name,'' she contemplated out loud, now it was Chogan's turn to give her a look.

"But... but... if he's a god... how'd they steal 'im, exactly? And why can't he get away?" I need to understand what our rescue-ee is capable of... thought Istvan. "...Oh, also-- is Naapi the god of anything in particular? Or just of the, uh, Peta people in general?"

''He is the creator, provider, and protector of our people, he likes to play tricks occasionally but there is low mortality rates when he does, so we can't complain. He used to be all around,'' Askook waved his spoon around for emphasise, ''but twenty years ago was bound into his totem by his wife, so he couldn't sleep around with the other Goddess' anymore.
She's still mad at him and we've trying to free him so he can help us, but it hasn't worked so far, poor Hurit has worked her ass off for fifteen of 'em.
And now, to make matters worse he's been stolen leaving us wide open to Thunder Bird attacks!
His powers are limited with him being entrapped but Naapi likes to drink, and uh...the helper boy forgot to bring his beer the night he was stolen. And there was no puddles of rotten meat to show he put up a fight, we think the Koutou bribed him. Cheating bastards, but we got rid of that kid so he'll be happy again when you get him back,'' Askook appealed, open his long hands.

"I... see." Oh dear, thought Istvan.




"And... what might Thunder Birds be?" Istvan said (a little defensively, perhaps)...





Note to self: don't let the trickster god out of his totem if you can possibly avoid it, thought Istvan.



Istvan looked (imploringly?) at the big halfling, to see what he thought about all this...

''Thunder Birds have got these big leather wings that are twenty feet in span, and this big ugly faces with a giant horn on the top! They eat our kids and animals mostly but occasionally an elder. Not to mention they wreck our house when they land on them, their screeches are horrible! Your lucky not to have met one.''

Serendipity afforded the pretty man an appreciative smile and again thanked him for his kindness. As the group slipped from the room she snuggled into the warm bundle of blankets, and tried to recall what happened, what was she doing, where she was, if she wasn't this Serendipity then who she really was if or anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Sun 03 Oct 2021.

Istvan nods, his countenance solemn. "Leather wings..." he muses... "...So... you're saying... they don't have feathers. Sound a little more like bats. Or dragons maybe."

In reply to Istvan Vanoson (msg # 39):
''Kind of but much more ugly,'' Askook shivered.

"...Did the what's-their-names steal Naapi so he would protect them from these Thunder Bats?"

Lulled by the sounds, emanating from the various occupants of the Tavern, Serendipity drifted off to sleep.

In reply to Istvan Vanoson (msg # 41):
''Yes, but it's more as shown he is easily bribed so if Naapi will easily switch sides, and it weakens us. Perfect for takeover,'' Askook grumbled.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Mon 04 Oct 2021.

Downstairs there was a dull murmur and the crackle of the fire, much quieter than before. Wapun was scrubbing the bar down, ''Oh, Seren! Can I call you that? you look better, hope the bed was warm enough. Do you need anything? Breakfast?'' How the barmaid is still able to ask so many questions despite the black bags under her eyes and obvious exhaustion, only Naapi knows.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:34, Fri 08 Oct 2021.

It was well after sunset when Serendipity woke. She peered about attempting to determine where she was. Frustration was beginning to bother her; perhaps asking someone she'd be able to work out what to do. Rising she swept out of the room, making her way to the common area. Pleased to see the Tavern Waitress Wapun was present. Affording the Chatty Minotaur an appreciatively grateful smile. Thank you yes, Provided you join me and partake of a momentary repose and refreshments. Serendipity offered
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Fri 08 Oct 2021.

Wapun squinted hard at the Elf, processing what she said, the broke into a smile.
''Sure! That sounds good,'' she filled a tray with biscuits and pieces of bread, then ladled some stew into a pair of bowels. Skillfully balancing the food while grabbing the wine and clomping over to the boys' table, as she had been listening in on the conversation the whole evening and was dying to be involved.
''Here,'' she said pulling a chair out for Serendipity, turning her full attention and big ears to the discussion.

In reply to Vociferation (msg # 46):

Thankee gentlelady. commented Serendipity slipping onto the offered seat. Giving the other occupants of the table a polite nod, hopeful of an introduction.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:53, Sat 09 Oct 2021.

Serendipity quickly ate her stew, bread and biscuits, slipped a gp into Wapun's hand and thanking her for her company. Rising she returned to her cabin leaving the impolite birdman and halfing to their scheming.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:40, Sun 10 Oct 2021.

Wapun smiled brightly and tucked the coin into her blouse, watching Serendipity climb the stairs. The minotaur's brows furrowed then she loudly interrupted the conversation, ''you guys didn't even say hi to her!'' Wapun folded her arms and pouted, you could practically hear Chogan's eyes rolling.

''We were kinda busy sparrow,'' Askook chuckled, finishing the last of his beer and pushing his chair out.
''But Wapun is right. I wanted to talk to the Elf, it would be handy for a spellcaster to go along. She must be having come out of the fire like that.''
The fit man stood and began up the stairs, glancing over his shoulder expectantly at Istvan and MitMit, then proceeded up.
Once he reached it, Askook knocked lazily on the wooden door, ''hey miss, I was hope'in I could speak with you a moment...perhaps you are interested in the job I was talking about earlier?''

Serendipity considered the situation for a short time, nodding to herself. Yes I'm here. Who's there? she replied a touch of mischief dancing across her fasc
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

Askook smirked, ''the good looking man at your table who wouldn't shut up. I pay very well if you join the search party. Granted you have the skills.''
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:14, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

In reply to Vociferation (msg # 52):
Serendipity opened the door a crack and peeked out at the trio then quickly shut it I wouldn't classify any of you, as being good looking. Unless you're comparing yourself to that of a
.. she paused and peeked out again a flibbertigibbet ...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

Askook looked momentarily surprised, not being at all used to woman responding like that, but recovering instantly, ''then would you be willing to allow us poor ''flibbertigibbets'' to offer you a deal. An honourable one at that, a great amount of money could come your way,'' his smile got broader as he waited.

In reply to Askook (msg # 54):

Serendipity opened the door to further assess the professed kindred flibbertigibbets.What do you classify as a great amount of money?

After 10 monutes of silence Serendipity tired of waiting for either the Elf or Halfling to answer. Giving a shrug she closed and bolted her door.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:19, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

Askook sighed, ''I really would like to speak with you miss, you seem like someone who'd be just right for the job,'' even though in reality, Istvan, MitMit, and possibly Serendipity, were the only ones who would even consider his offer.
The handsome man waited a moment then turned to the Birdman, ''maybe you can get her to open? You seem like a reasonable guy,'' he nodded his head at the bolted door.

Istvan moves to the door. "Uh, miss? Yeah, Istvan Vanoson here? I'm the guy who kinda mostly carried you upstairs because you fainted? As gently as possible? The carrying, I mean? So, like... does there... Is there a problem?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:39, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

A series of thumps and bangs issued from the room. This was quickly followed by the doorbolt being drawn as Serendipity stepped from the room. Surprised by Istvan's closeness to the door Serendipity afforded him an apologetic smile. Prey disregard my rashness, as I appear to have left my room in slight disarray. she confided a slight flush to her stunning face. Well met Master Istvan Vanoson;  and thank Thee for Thy kindness. Pray tell One about this task Thee are considering
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

"...Askook here would be better suited for telling you... Unless perhaps Askook would like to give the lady and myself a few moments to speak privately...?"

The tag team routine, elicited a momentarily slight scowl to sweep across Serendipity's ethereal countenance. Offering these members a quarter smile as she looked between them expectantly.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:19, Mon 11 Oct 2021.

Askook quietly thanked Istvan for getting her to open the door then cleared his throat and stepped forward, ''I am Askook as you might have heard, royal courtesan to queen Hurit.
As I'm sure you overheard at the table, Naapi, bless him, has been kidnapped, and must be retrieved immediately as the situation between us and the Koutou is fragile.
If you are successful in retrieving Naapi I will see to it that you are provided with lifetime provision of shelter, food, mates, and riches. What do you say?''
Askook stared inquisitively at the Elf, waiting for her response to his pitch.

In reply to Askook (msg # 62):

That sounds a most Noble undertaking. Is it possible to have an alternative for the provision of mates?

Askook squinted at Serendipity, ''I suppose so. What did you have in mind?''

In reply to Askook (msg # 64):

Serendipity gave a shrug Land, or Shares, or Commercial Ventures or Such.

''Reasonable enough, it's a deal then. You best get going soon, winter is coming fast, should leave in two days. I'll send a friend of mine to guide you to Sinopa, Hassun, he's a bit uh...musical. But he knows the way well.''
Askook smiled brightly and clapped all three of the group's hands, suddenly in a hurry, ''I'll send him round tomorrow with some supplies so you can prepare. Good night,'' and with that, the courtesan ran down the stairs, abandoning the trio on the spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Tue 12 Oct 2021.

Serendipity watched after the Courtesan rush off then eyed the two others. Wouldn't say he's much to fuss about; either of you have an inkling why anyone as high placed as a Queen would grive him the time of day...?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:23, Tue 12 Oct 2021.

 Taking a sip of water.

In reply to Serendipity (msg # 68):
Raising an eyebrow at how Askook snogged Wapun on the way out.

What felt like half a day dragged by Serendipity decided to leave the pair, to themselves. Heading off to get something to eat elsewhere, after which she return to the Faint Coyote and retired for the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Wed 13 Oct 2021.