DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3X-Leaving Calling Horns

Zhu

Not hearing any objection to her idea she leads the way in an exploration of the town looking for possible people to converse with.

Sindar

"We could certainly sightsee and try to strike up a conversation here or there. I suspect most people will keep to themselves, but we can be friendly and see what we can learn." He has made his living by turning an unfriendly crowd into a more amiable one.

ooc: Sorry for the absence. We got back home a few days ago and it's been chaos since. All good stuff, I went to watch my grandson while mom and dad were busy delivering his baby sister. Next week (Sept 3-9) we're headed to California for my nephew's wedding so expect that to interfere with my posting again. Today's the first quiet day I've had in almost a month! Anyhow, let's see what we can do to keep things rolling...

DM

They decided to mill about town to talk to people. First they need to decide what to do with Boris, the wagon and Conundrum, Aubric's horse. Then they have choices of where to go and what to do.

It is still morning and the sun is already peaking through the clouds and trees. Unlike at dusk, there are a few people milling about. Many shutters on windows are open, the scent of pine in the fresh air wafts through the breeze, mingling with the crispness of morning dew, carrying a quiet calm that lingers long after each breath.

A few merchant stalls have been set up near the road. Folks were selling all sorts of things. The doors to the Inn swung open every so often as people came and went. Nobody climbed up towards the Hunt Lord's keep.

Aubric

"Before we wander too far," Aubric, "we should decide about lodging for another night. The inn seems our best source of information, especially when those hunting parties return. Plus, we need somewhere secure for Conundrum, Boris, and the wagon... and we're here at the stables."

He gestures toward the merchant stalls. "I suspect any of those merchants selling travel supplies or hunting gear might know something useful, as they'd deal with both the hunting teams and possibly supply the keep? And the healer or herbalist if they have one, might know things."

He pauses, frowning slightly. "I'm not fond of how expensive the prices here are, but information doesn't come cheap, let's factor it in. Including bigger tips for the inn staff and perhaps buying a round for those who may be more forthcoming with a pint."

Kriv

The Dragonborn’s expression darkened, he was clearly no fan of unearned coin or charity.

“We have suitable supplies to make camp, and those prices were exorbitant. I’d rather not give incentive for our further fleecing. There are other people we can ask, rather than those already found wanting.”

Aubric

The cleric nods to Kriv, but does comment, "We were specifically warned against being outside after dark. But I suppose if we plan on doing something in the darkness, we may not need a camp. And we should consider the threat to our horses and supplies if we aren't going to travel away from here."

Sindar

"If our intention is to make ourselves a target, so that we can confront the problems of the area directly, being out at night might be just the right choice, even if it is likely the riskier one." He shrugs. He grew up on the streets of Neverwinter taking chances every moment of his young life, so every day is a gift.

Kriv

He nodded assent. "Sindar makes a good point. If we seek a direct encounter, then reclaiming the night would seem a more clear-cut way than hoping they walk the streets in civilized hours to be impeded. If we are to be attacked, then let us be ready to repel it."

Aubric

"No objection for myself," he nods, "but let's do consider our animals and wagon. If we're not going to protect them as well we should sell them or stable them."

Kriv

"Not a debate I have a stake in. My horse is gone, I'm on foot." Kriv commented, ducking out of that decision-making.

Zhu

"I am fine with camping nearby, even if it means being a target. In fact, might be better to be a target. As for the horses, that's up to you. With most of us afoot, and not needing the wagon any longer, we can sell the cart and then either purchase mounts so all can ride or sell the horses we have left and we all walk."

Sindar

"As long as time isn't an issue, walking is fine. Note if we have to chase our foes down, they may be supernaturally fast, so without some form of movement to intercept, they may make their tower and protection before we can put an end to this problem should things go according to plan but not quite to fruition."

Zhu

"Trade the cart for a few horses then?"

(OOC - Nep - Yes, but a cart is not any faster than walking and is more restrictive. Horse would allow faster movement and more flexibility for off-roading. What is the current situation with horses among this group? I know you posted it somewhere but can't find it.)

Zhu

"I suppose we should leave the cart and our horses in the stable while we explore the town. When we go to camp outside and tempt an attack, we shouldn't need them. They could even get in the way. We should probably camp a short distance into the woods, maybe even in a high spot where we can see the tower. When we leave, Kriv can ride in the cart with Sindar or we can trade Boris and the cart for two horses for Kriv and Sindar."

Aubric

Aubric nods in agreement with Zhu.

DM
The party return to the stables and finds Ralphie sweeping the empty stables. He's obviously conscientious and takes his job seriously. As you pull closer he looks up at you. "Ho there. Where's the rest of your group. I thought that you were leaving today?"


See my availabiliy post

Zhu

"Some of us have. We'll need to keep our wagon and horses in the stable for another day or two, alright?"

Ralphie

"Sure thing miss," he replies. "I recon you're staying here? If so, I suggest you tell Filroy that ya need yer rooms."

He proceeds to do his job, unhitching Boris and leading him into the stables as the party dismounts.

Zhu

Not seeing the need to get into a discussion about their staying in the woods outside being a bad idea she just lets the boy do his job, then turns to the others and starts walking around the town looking for folk to chat with.

Kriv

That question resolved for now, it was time to seek out other answers. Onward to the town.

DM

The four make their way towards the merchants. There were a number of stalls and a surprising number of patrons.

A few townsfolk were shopping at a produce stand. A middle aged human couple worked it. They didn't have a large or wide selection but the quality of the fruit and vegetables was excellent. An older girl, in her mid teens sat by a cart that that displayed breads and pastries. That cart was outside a home and looking there a burly man wearing an apron brought out a pan stuffed with muffins so fresh out of the oven that aromatic steam still wafted from it. A few paces further down was a leather worker's tanning stall. Various leather products lay on a table and behind it hides were stretched on Wooden racks. A tall bald man is soaking skins in vats filled with liquids. There were even more stalls further up the road and other types of operations in this now seemingly busy town.

Zhu

Shrugging mentally she randomly chooses the fruit vendor and approaches the table. "Good morning fair folk. What is it you have for sale today?"