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DM

Three of their companions just departed. Apparently the Pearl-handled Pipe intimidated them. After the sudden departure, the receptionist clerk says, "My! What did I say? Have I offended them in any manner? I feel so bad!"


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Arus

The paladin shrugs casually and leans in.

"I'm afraid folk with their level of wealth can be hard to please. They were adamant that the Pearl is not up to their standard." He says, before placing a hand on his chest.

"Personally," Arus continues, "and as I tell everyone, I think this is a first-rate establishment without peer."

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Kriv

The Dragonborn noble drily stated,

"Humans. Their motivations and strange behaviour tend towards the perplexing. Such a vexing species on so many levels."

Indeed, species seemed to be the one unifying factor uniting those who had gone, compared to those who remained.

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Zhu

She has tried to be 'race-blind' ever since she came here from the Faewild. Her own race showed far too much of a superiority complex for her taste. One of the things that drove her to leave in the first place. So Kriv's comment is as jarring to her as it seems to be accurate. She thinks it is just a coincidence, and that it had more to do with the lifestyle choices of those who left than it did of race. After all Bern and Davroar were more comfortable in the forest than the city, and Jaliera, well she seems enamored of Davroar. Still........

She quirks an eyebrow at Kriv but doesn't argue the point.

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OOC: It is curious that an Eladrin, a Dragonborn, a Triton and a half-elf are the ones that are staying at the Pearl-handled Pipe and that the humans went wandering off!

DM
The clerk, visibly upset, is calmed somewhat by Arus's words but only slightly. "Indeed, we try to be the best and work very hard to keep up our standards! Well, I hope that you enjoy your stay and spread the word about us. Your rooms are ready. It will cost four gold pieces per room - they are all singles."

He raises a bell that was on his desk and rings it. A young woman, dressed in the standard uniform of the inn hustles over.

"Please show these fine people to their rooms," he says as he hands the keys to her. "And have their bath's drawn, they've just come into town." Turning to the foursome he adds, "The bath and three meals are included, of course. Eveningfeast will be served for the next few hours in the dining hall on he first level below."

The four gold pieces is expensive, but there are other inns that are more than twice that cost in other cities.


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Arus

Arus smiles politely to the clerk.

"Single rooms are fine." He says, admiring the young maid when she steps up before adding, "As long as the beds can take the weight of two."

A hot bath and a filling meal. Arus intends to indulge and enjoy, though it may take some persuasion to get him out of the bath once in.

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Zhu

In addition to the coin she came with, the added coin for their current investigation makes the price of the room easy enough to bear. Now, were they to end up staying here for a month she'd need to re-evaluate. But the thought of a hot bath is enticing enough to focus her immediate attention.

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DM
After the coin is paid, the young lady starts to lead the four non-humans. She takes them to the corner of the lobby and asks them to follow. When the four are all together around a column situated in the corner. There's a mosaic circle around the pillar on the floor and she organizes everyone inside the perimeter of the mosaic. "Huddle together near the column please. "Most folk get scared the first time. Don't be," she says. As the last person complies, presses a spot on the column and after a minor jerk, the mosaic floor separates itself from the rest of the floor and begins to rise slowly.

The magical lift rises above the lobby and for those who've never been levitated, it would surely be an unsettling experience. As they reach their floor, she once again touches the column, in a different spot, and it comes to a gradual stop. "Here we are. This way please." She proceeds to lead them around the walkways and then turned inward. They passed several doors, all labeled with room numbers. It was easy to imagine there being close to 100 rooms on every floor. They reached the end of the corridor she stopped at four adjacent rooms and opened each door with a separate key which she left in the keyhole for the guest to take.

The rooms were luxurious, unique and furnished differently. They shared some common traits. The bed, which was called a single, could likely sleep a small family. The mattresses were covered by beautiful bedspreads and big, fluffy pillows. When someone finally would looked under the bedspread, they would see that the linens were freshly washed and clean. Flanking the bed on one side was a tall bookcase filled with all manner of books. On the other side was a desk with blank parchment and a quill in an inkwell. A vase with flowers and a candelabra sat on a dresser opposite the bed and an area of the room is curtained. She leads you towards it and pulls back the curtain revealing the bathroom area which featured a ceramic tub and a bucket-flushed
garderobe. "I will draw your baths shortly. There are soaps, towels and perfumes in the top dresser drawer. My name is Helene. If there is anything that you need, please ask for me," she says as she departs letting each of the guests select their own room.

Last edited by Neptune; Mon 09/11/20 20:16 UTC.

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Sindar

He eyes the opulence as they rise above the lobby floor. It was tastefully done and did offer comfort in its own way.

Once on the chosen floor, he picked a room that the others didn't seem interested in. Any of them would be fine for him.

Taking Key for door #3, he followed the attendant in to see what was offered for his four gold pieces. "Do you have clothing cleaning services? If so how are they priced?" He asked her, before letting her return to help the others.

Once sorted he set down his clothing, and returned to the balcony to say "I will be ready in about half an hour."

Assuming that worked for them, he closed and locked the door. A hot bath sounded like something he wanted to enjoy right at the moment. Road grime was think on him.

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Arus

Dry land! It never ceases to amaze him. So much craftsmanship and magical energy put into going up and down in space. Underwater that's not such a problem.

Arus smiles charmingly at Helene and is quite sure he'll be calling on her services again.

To his comrades, he says, "Perhaps we might dine together? At eight, shall we say?"

He would like the opportunity to get to know Kriv, Sindar and Zhu better.

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Kriv

The opulence neither fazed nor awed the Dragonborn noble. As a student of the Art, having it put to practical usage seemed reasonable, and the room certainly seemed par for the course given the price. His eyes lit up with draconic avarice at the bookshelves, hungrily looking for tomes he was not familiar with, be they histories, treatises or fantastic tales built around kernels of truth. He laid claim to room #2.

At Arus' suggestion,

"Dining at eight sounds a good arrangement."

Now, the matter of the baths. He'd have to make inquiries as to a scale polishing, at their full golden lustre they could certainly help with making a substantial impression...

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Zhu

She notes the command words for the levitating platform when it is used so they can return below without needing to wait for Helene, then asking for hot water for the bath she glances in the unchosen rooms and chooses one of the two remaining ones. She is glad that one of the unchosen ones had a woodland theme, paneled in aged yellow pine with furniture of a dark red mahogany. There were a pair of dwarf trees in large pots in two of the room's corners as well as several ferns and other flowering plants on the floor, tables, and shelves. Large glass windows let in lots of sunlight and after taking the key from the lock she nods to the others and enters, closing the door behind her.

Immediately she opens the windows to let in some fresh air and disrobes. Eladrin have no nudity taboo so she is completely comfortable walking around the room naked. After removing her clothing she points at them and speaks a short word, and all of the trail dust and dirt vanish, leaving them clean and fresh. She'd have done the same for Sindar, had he wished, but he seemed to prefer the more traditional means of cleaning.

Moving to the bookshelves, she peruses the titles while she waits for hot water to be brought.

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ooc: Zeim, There's no command words for the lift. Zhu, who was paying attention and certainly understands these things, noted that if facing out from the the corner of the lift towards the center of the lobby (like Helene was), touching the column with the right hand made it go up. Touching it with the left made it go down. Touching it in the center controls the speed and makes it stop or go. It's easy for anyone that's not a moron to figure out quickly. I'll let you take liberty with the windows and flowers smile

DM

Helene returns to each of the rooms, one by one, with a barrel of hot water that she moves around on a levitating platform. At each door she knocks and waits for them to be opened.

For Kriv, even without asking, she delivers instead exactly what he had wanted and needed. Dragonborn did bathe to get the grit out from between their scales, but they did polish their scales and were fastidious about that.

"Most people was their own clothing in the bath. There is a twine roll hanging on a hook over the tub. We do have a service," Helene says to Sindar, then continues in a whisper after she glances over her shoulder to make sure nobody from the inn can hear her. "It's expensive and I do not recommend it."

There were all sorts of books on the shelves. Some were tales of wonder, prayer books for various religions, there were history books and several that discussed some military strategies employed during various wars, biographies of important people of the realms, others about magic and mythical creatures.


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Sindar

He nodded in appreciation for the tip about the cleaning services. "I will make other arrangements," he admitted. He didn't know what that would be, but his nice clothing was at least not covered in road grime.

He selected a book of songs to take with him to the hot bath. He wanted to soak the dirt away rather than scrub, at least at first.

He would have to ask the others about what cleaning services they had employed.

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Zhu

She answers the knock in her natural state, smiling slightly at Helene and her tub of hot water. "Please." She says, opening the door wider and gesturing for the woman to enter.

While she'd waited she'd looked at the book titles. She'd already read the books on magic before and she is well versed in lore of mythical creatures. In fact she knows several that are not as mythical as some believe. She takes down a book containing a collection of biographies. In her role among the Guard and her Faction she has need to meet with people of import in the realms fairly often so finding a tidbit of interesting information in the book could be helpful.

Tucking the book under her arm she waits for the tub to be filled.

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Arus

Hot water. It reminded him of the undersea volcanic vents back home. Good for the complexion.

Arus was walking about in towel by the time Helene arrived, showing off the gills in the crook of his neck and his fighting man's physique.

As his tub is filled he says to the maid, "Wouldst thou mind? My shoulders could do with a more tender caress than mine armour's."

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Kriv

Ahh, the pleasures of life away from the demands of the road. Kriv was not one to idly indulge: The pathetic wretch that was technically his peer in human form whom they had rescued was testament to that particular pitfall. But a moment to soak in the comforting warmth to rinse the dust of the road from his scales, before getting them polished to just the right amount of shine, that was a moment worthy of the coin spent for it. Ever a voracious reader, Kriv delighted in the array of tomes available, and might well have been late for delving deep into unknown pages had a lifetime of study not prepared him to keep an eye on the time, or an ear out as tended to match the custom of large human settlements.

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DM

None of the four who decided to stay at the Pearl-handled Pipe regretted the indulgence of a hot bath. They each found reading material that interested them, Kriv found a books about tactical warfare and one that caught his attention, it was tome written by a Cormyrian war mage about spellcasting in battles from small skirmishes to massive war battles.

Zhu's nakedness startled Helene at first when she returned but she did not make mention of it. She filled the bath and left with hardly a word, just a polite curtsey on her way out. There were several biographies for Zhu to peruse. The one that she settled on was a former Waterbaron of Yartar, Alahar Khaumfros and she found some interesting historical tidbits inside.

Sindar looked for a book of songs and found one with dozens of them! Some of the songs he knew, others were new to him like "Snuffed The Magic Dragon", "What’s In A Bottle Of Elfish Wine?" and "You Can Just Call Me The Gnome". As he soaked in the hot bath he soaked in some of the lyrics and wondered what the traditional tunes for them was.

Arus did not get the answer he desired when he requested a massage. Helene curtseyed and said, on her way out, "I will send our masseur". She closed the door behind her, but Arus understood why. Guilds controlled a lot in the city and it was likely that she was not permitted to give massages or any special services. Shortly after the door closed there was a knock on it, "Hello, I was told you sought a massage?"

ooc: Let's fast forward to dinner with your next post.

Last edited by Neptune; Tue 17/11/20 21:16 UTC. Reason: No, you didn't regret it :)

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(OOC - Did you mean to say we "regretted" taking a bath?)

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[[ Ohhh ... what?? Do like .... you never made a typo <gd&r lmao> ]]


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Zhu

She enjoys the hot water, letting it soak into her skin. As she soaks she reads the book, finding a few items of interest that she memorizes for possible later use.

Once the water becomes lukewarm, she rises, towels herself dry and changes clothes to a set that is more appropriate for the establishment. A sky blue dress that matches her hair and highlights her otherworldly silver eyes. Not having the time to do much with her hair once it is dry, she twists it into a long, 3 strand braid, and then wraps the braid into a tight bun atop her head, holding it in place with some hair pins.

She then steps out into the hallway to see if the others are ready.

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Sindar

He enjoys his time in the tub. The book was a nice diversion, and he memorizes the lyrics so that when he does determine the melodies, he is able to sing them.

He leaves the water and the road grime behind. He selects his best clothes, which in this place might be sub-standard. It should do though.

He exits his room with plenty of time to make it to dinner. For a moment he just observes the balconies and the lobby from above.

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Zhu

Seeing Sindar exit from his room she moves in his direction (not far, since their rooms are near each other). "Enjoy your bath?" She asks as they wait for Arus and Kriv.

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Sindar

"Yes, it was very nice. Most road baths are in cold rivers. This was much better.

"How was yours?"

When she finishes he asks "you mentioned some way to clean our traveling clothes." He wanted to pass on that the cleaning services were not very good, but he didn't want to do that in public.

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Zhu

"Indeed. I enjoy river and pond baths in nature, but the occasional chance for a steaming hot bath is a nice change."

She listens and nods, gesturing to the door to his room since Kriv and Arus are still not present. "If you don't mind?"

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Sindar

He nodded and returned to his room. He waved her permission to enter.

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Zhu

Entering the room she pauses in the living area. "If you would take the clothes you'd like cleaned and put them together in a pile?"

She waits for Sindar to do so, then she waves her hand and speaks a short word. "There you are." She says.

When he looks, all of the dirt and dust of the road have vanished from the clothing. They are as clean as they would be taken in off a washing line.

"It's a small magic. One of the first ones I ever learned. But it comes in handy."

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Sindar

"Very handy," he admits. "I know that we look at magic in different ways, but I would like to learn something like that. I am sure you can imagine how often I am dirty and need to appear at my best for a performance."

He then puts the clothing back away and says a sincere "thank you," to her.

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Kriv

At about this time, the Dragonborn emerged, practically gleaming, bedecked in his finery. Usually much more comfortable when more practically equipped, this was a rare occasion where the more social side of his heritage could come to the fore. He stood outside his door and took stock.

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Zhu

"Certainly. When we have some time I'd be happy to show you. It actually has several other handy uses besides cleaning (presuming a Sorceror can teach a Bard?)" She opens her hand and floating on her open palm is a small, 3 dimensional image of the face of the Lordling they rescued.

At the sound of heavy footsteps in the hallway she looks up and smiles. She closes her palm, dismissing the image, and snaps her fingers and the candles on the mantle in the room go out. "I think that must be Kriv. Shall we join him?"

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Arus

Arus leaves his room roughly on time, his joints throughly cracked and loosened by a dwarf masseur. Not exactly the service he'd asked for, but at the same time if one is in need of theraputic massage, there's little point in seeking a soft-limbed honey.

He wears his shearling vest and rugged trousers, clean lines and practical, but these are offset by his fine undersea jewelry of hard pearlescent nacre.

In the hallway, Arus hears a door shut and turns to see Kriv. The dragonborn's scales are finery enough. Arus thinks they'll both fit in nicely.

"Looking good, Kriv. Maybe I should try some of that polish on my suit of armour."

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Kriv

The Dragonborn noble acknowledged the Triton with a nod in the human manner, answering laconically,

"Shining armour can be a liability sometimes, down in the depths, but it certainly leaves a good impression on parade."

A change in the quality of light as Sindar's room darkened drew the eye to that doorway.

"I suspect our companions of Elven heritage will be ready shortly, though I do wonder how our human contingent is getting along. I have no idea why this place spooked them like that, from what I've seen of them I can't imagine they'd have found this arduous, and they're reasonably adept at bathing regularly, which is sadly not a universal trait among humanity."

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Sindar

He nodded and said "I would appreciate that.

When the light went out, he followed her from the room. He hesitated a moment to shut and lock his door. He hadn't left much of value in there, but one should take advantage of what was offered.

Smiling at the other two on the balcony he says "good to see you." His clothing might not be up to the finery they were sporting, but it was much better than his traveling garb.

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Zhu

She heads out into the hallway, greeting the others. "Arus, Kriv, shall we head downstairs?" Her already somewhat ethereal look is only enhanced by the dress she wears.

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Kriv

"By all means." The scholar responded, going in that direction after a brief check for dissent.

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Arus

He greets Sindar and Zhu with a bow of his head, and admires Zhu's turnout.

"A charming dress but a spellbinding model." He says as a compliment.

Either way, Arus certainly has an appetite now and falling in step with his companions makes his way to the dining hall.

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DM

The four meet in the hallway outside their rooms after their baths and all look and smell remarkably cleaner and fresher than before. They cleaned up really well. So they make their way to the lift platform and after a fumbling a bit, and with help from some others that joined them there, they made their way down to the main floor walk down another set of steps to the lower level where they were told they would find the dining hall.

The dining hall was not the only room on the lower level but it was the first thing that they saw when they got there. It was a sprawling room, much like the lobby above. There were scores of tables of various sizes that surrounded an elegant center spread buffet of food. The spread was arranged around a circular path that had a singular entrance facing the the stairs that led folks down. Plates and silverware were handed to guests as they entered and they were urged to turn to their right and walk around.

Food was laid out both to their right (the outside) and left. On the outside there were various side dishes and vegatble dishes laid out for self service. The inside included numerous carving stations that offered servings of different meats and seafood. The assortment of meats included both standard fare like beef, pork and chicken and also an assortment of game meat such as venison, boar and elk. Seafood however dominated the offering. Various fishes were served spiced and whole or stewed in various sauces. Crabs, shrimp, oysters, clams and octopus sat on large trays of ice, ready to serve raw or to be sauted or steamed right there on request. The centerpiece was a giant lobster claw, at least six feet long, which was being carved on request and served with a topping of a creamy butter sauce. In the center of all that was a large oven that was tended to by two grill masters.

In one corner of the room a bard filled the room with calming music as he plucked away at a large black harp. Another corner served cheeses, sausages and breads. The third served deserts and hot drinks. The fourth was a large bar. The bar had a long line.


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(OOC - It's a Bar Mitzvah!)

Zhu

Stepping off the platform once it reaches the bottom, she smiles slightly, always amazed at how much food humans tend to consume. For herself, some wild fruits and vegetables would be a normal days meal, but in this setting perhaps she can indulge a bit?

Moving along with the others she wanders towards where the plates were being handed out.

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Sindar

He watched as they rode down and to the level with the dining halls. The smells were amazing long before they even saw the buffet. His mouth started watering.

He accepted the tools for the evening and followed the line. He hadn't had a good variety as he traveled but he knew how good food could taste. So many choices did present a problem. There was no way he could eat a little bit of everything.

He selected a bit of venison and a bit of the huge lobster claw. He couldn't resist. The vegetables and fruits that filled out his plate would help balance things and make the feast a little less heavy.

The pleased look on his face couldn't be mistaken though as he gathered his choices.

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[Mazel tov!! jk ]

Arus

He decides to save his reserve his appetite for flesh, and instead considers the vegetarian options.

To a triton, vegetables are something of a delicacy. Fish and meat can be found in the ocean, fruit is often grown along coastlines in warmer climes.

But vegatables tend to be cultivated more inland. (When he'd first tried beans Arus had been entirely perplexed by the flavour and texture.)

He finds slices of some strange, exotic dish. Crisp leavened flatbread---no baking under the sea---spread with pureed tomatos and melted cheese, neither of those found under the sea either.

He loads his plate with a slice and takes a bite, chewing throughtfully.

"Hmm, delectable."

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Kriv

The Dragonborn was fastidious in his consumption, and sparing in his selection, judging a quantity of viands that would satisfy his substantial appetite without being overindulgent. As ever, he favoured his meats rare, and ate that which ended up before him in a genteel manner which was a degree less out of place in these environs than it may have seemed to travelling companions on prior occasions.

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Zhu

Moving along the line, she takes only small bite size samples, focusing mostly on the lobster and fish platters as she doesn't get to each much from the sea very often.

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Arus

He walks passed Zhu at the buffet on his way to their table, noting that they seem to be heading in opposite culinary directions. Opposite starting points, presumably.

Arus smiles and nods to the eladrin, then takes his seat next to Sindar and Kriv.

"So, tell me, Sindar, dost thou play venues like this? Wouldst thou tonight?"

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Sindar

"It is a sound question," he admits between mouthfuls. "I suspect that they have a long list of potential players available. I certainly have played places like this in the past, though not here, as of yet. The last big place I played was Waterdeep."

"As you can imagine most of the places I play are much smaller, more intimate."

"I will likely try to make acquaintance with those who are playing though. One never knows who you might run across." He smiled.

"What plans might you make in a place such as this?" He inquired with a slightly raised eyebrow.

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Arus

He listens as he eats, ordering wine from a waitress when the opportunity presents.

"We'll have a Westgate Ruby and a Goldenfields White, my thanks."

Once Zhu has joined them, he talks more about plans.

"I will enjoy this food and a goblet or two, Sindar, then perhaps find a game."

The triton looks around at inn's clientele, intrigued.

"I'll speak to Aldis and Scimitar Sally first thing on the morrow. But I wonder about tonight...

"There is gold being spent aplenty here at the inn. Will all these wealthy travellers seek their beds after light's out?

"I suspect there will be a hardcore crowd seeking late night entertainment elsewhere. Much like Lord Artan.

"We need not make our move tonight but we might learn something from this crowd that can be applied tomorrow night."

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OOC: there are many places to have fun and gather information. Arus knows a few. If you finish dinner and go out, we'll do some rolling for that information gathering and roll some dice to see what you learn.


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Sindar

"I completely agree with you," he said around mouthfuls. The plan of feeling out the crowd and learning who was who was a sound one. He also had his own reasons to discover what might be discussed at a place like this inn.

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Zhu

Sitting with the others she delicately picks up small slivers of seafood from her plate, using the utensils to slice them into fine, almost hair thin pieces. She savors each tiny piece, placing her silverware on her plate in between bites and chewing almost imperceptibly.

She nods at the conversation. "I am sure there are many places in this city to gather information of use. In my experience people love to talk, especially when they are relaxed and have been drinking."

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Kriv

As inscrutable as the Dragonborn could be, it was safe to say he did not radiate being too thrilled at the possibility of necessary close contact with a bunch of inebriated humans.

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Arus

The triton watches Sindar and Zhu eat with a slight smirk.

"You know where I'm from, they see lobsters as rather like badgers."

Still, tradition dictates he make a toast. He raises his goblet to his companions, Kriv included.

"To the bounty of the sea."

Arus sits back, taking in the crowd as he reflects, reminded of his homeland.

Homeland but not home. No, Arus is certain that the day he finds a place to call home it will be on land. A sea-shore. Somewhere with plenty of bird-life, where the sun shines and local women aren't overly burdened with clothing.

He looks back to his companions.

"I take it you've all seen the sea? I'm curious, what was your first experience of it?"

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Sindar

He looks at his Triton companion when the question is asked. "I was quite young. I thought of rivers as a place to send your offal down. When I followed the banks and saw the vastness of a sea, I was quite stunned.

"For hours I walked along the shore, breathing in the fresh sea air. It was enchanting. To this day the seashore is one of my most favorite places to go. I imagine that is why I enjoy a 'badger' of the sea. Though if I were to be completely honest, it might just be a way to sample more butter." He smiled at the others still enjoying his seafood delicacies.

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Kriv

The scholar mused the Triton's question thoughtfully, dabbing at his outer fangs with a napkin, and responded,

"The Waterdhavian waterfront. I was but a boy amongst my mother's entourage, as she represented the Keep in some matter of import whose significance did not register with me at the time. It took my breath away, the constant susurration of its motion, the vastness of it to the horizon, the sheer scale of the ships plying trade and yet how tiny and alone they were away from the confines of the harbour. It is but a few generations since my people made the voyage from Laerakond, though given our current geographical situation, there are few sailors among us these days."

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OOC: In the spirit of not railroading you but trying to keep you moving forward in the plot, I am OK letting you continue to explore each other's characters together over dinner a bit. At some point, however, you should turn to what you will do next. How do you spend the rest of your evening? Arus, who has spent some time in this city, can take you places, etc. But as you've determined, a lot of what you will do will start in the morning. Tonight might be as simple as hanging out together and spending time trying to overhear some rumors. In the morning you'll probably need to find a way to find the other three members of the party. I am fine running in parallel though until such a point where you've found leads that will reunite you.


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Zhu

Finishing a bite she places her plate down on a nearby table and dabs delicately at her lips with a napkin then answers Arus.

"As you know I am from the Feywild, Sildëyuir specifically. Growing up there is....., well different. Things. Places and such, are not the same as here. They move from time to time and change frequently. In any case, one morning I rose from reverie and stepped outside only to find a vast ocean whose waves lapped at the door of my home had appeared. I stood entrances, mesmerized by the rhythm of the waves. The sounds of the water approaching and retreating."

She has a distant look in her eyes as she calls forth the memory.

"I was surprised by a splashing a few hundred yards offshore and saw creatures swimming in the waters. I later found out they were Sea Elves, cousins of mine. I had some pleasant journeys into the sea with their guidance."

She pauses a moment then asks, in turn, "So, if you don't mind my asking, what brings you onto the land?"


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[I'm happy for Arus to lead onto the next venue. I'd need some pointers though; The only info I have covers pretty pedestrian inns and taverns.]

Arus

To Arus it's interesting to hear of other people's memories of the seeing the sea for the first time.

"Until I was 10 years old, I lived in the Sea of Fallen Stars. The inland sea." He answers Zhu, "My father had a diplomatic role, so I saw much of Myth Nantar, the Shallows and the 'Unfallen Stars', the islands.

"Things changed and I was sent to the ocean deep to live with an aunt. Tritons make extensive use of magical canopies to create dry land underwater but it isn't the same. I think the first time I climbed a hill, looked back and realised I could see the whole town, the whole bay, out to sea, I must've fallen in love with the surface world.

"My return was inevitable."

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DM
Dinner was the best that they have had in a long time. The enticing aromas, exotic tastes and the overall ambiance made it a special experience. As they sat there, it was easy to see that after folks finished their dinners, some would climb back up the steps to the lobby. Those folks typically were wearing outer cloaks. But others strolled through one set of double doors that was on the wall opposite the steps. There were also doors in the center of of the other two walls. Those seemed to be mostly for inn staff. The one to the left of the steps appeared to be a kitchen and the one to the right looked like administrative offices, storage areas and restrooms. It wasn't clear what was through the doors that the patrons were going through.


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Arus

After they've eaten their fill, Arus nods in the direction of the lobby.

"Looks like there might be a late-night lounge." He says, wiping his hands on the napkin and putting it beside his plate.

"Shall we investigate?"

Arus stands, already knowing his own mind.

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Kriv

"An unpleasant but necessary duty is an excellent follow-up to a surfeit of luxury. Let's go see what we can glean from those who have... overindulged." Conceded the scholar. A moment to check that everything was in order before rising to go alongside the Triton.

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Zhu

Rising she nods. "Seems like a place to begin."

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DM
The four sharply dressed adventurers finish up the best meal they have had in a long while and make their way together towards the doors opposite the staircase. The left of the pair of double doors swung open as they approached, a middle aged couple was leaving whatever was on the the other side. The foursome pushed through the door on the right which led them to a long hall that went left and right, but facing them was another set of double doors from which they heard music. At the moment they were deciding where to go, that set of doors opened and the music poured into the hallway as well as the view of the lounge beyond.

The room was large but intimate, dim candle-lit booths lined the perimeter of the lounge around tables that surrounded a small dance and stage. A single glow globe, dimmed by a metal latice outer shell sprayed light onto the dance floor which was unoccupied as the foursome peered in. The room was had the same elegance as the rest of the inn. A crowd of people were behind the stage at a long bar on the far side of the room, opposite the entrance. A four person band was playing a traditional dance tune on a small stage. An forest elf was playing a lute, a thin man with a long beard was fiddling, a dark haired woman was prancing about the stage with a tambourine and she backed up the lead singer, a clean shaven, brown-haired half elf who with a golden voice. A half dozen couples were dancing together to the rhythm of the music.

In all, there were probably about two dozen people in the venue. Some were in the candle-lit booths, others were seated at tables surrounding the dance floor. They were all dressed in fine, clean clothing. It was nice place and it while most of the patrons were clearly guests of the inn, it was likely that locals came here too, to enjoy the drink, music and other entertainment. There are both booths and tables available.


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Sindar

Looking about he says "we can enjoy the music, but this seems like a place that doesn't support our goals at the moment."

He eyed the band admiring their style, and each individual's skills.

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Arus

He admires the lounge for what it is; a more refined late-night venue. But it would likely have customers drifting in and out all night.

"Oh, I don't know. I think it could lead places." Arus replies.

He looks to the long bar and nods to Zhu.

"Zhu, try talking to the barman. Ask him where someone new in town might find high-stakes tables and party-girls."

"Sindar, take some drinks over to the band and strike up a conversation after their next set. Thou art looking for high-paid gigs, late night.

"Kriv and I will circulate, see what we can pick up."

The triton has no better ideas than that. Simple and to the point.

"Does that work for you?" He asks his companions.

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Zhu

One eyebrow lifts and a hint of a smile plays at her lips. "And party boys", she adds. But she nods and moves off to talk to the barman.

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Kriv

The noble scion inclined his head at the eminently sensible suggestion, and began scanning the clientele for any with whom there might be common ground to exploit, perhaps others of his kind given this establishment was no stranger to catering to them. Otherwise, the trappings of ennoblement, signet rings and the like, peers and social equivalents.

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Sindar

"That seems quite reasonable to me." Though he has no idea what the band would like to drink, he tries to guess from looking at the stage and places he might put a drink during an act.

Once he has a couple of ideas, he looks for a waitress to start his process of setting things up.

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OOC: Let me get an Investigation check. DC is variable. Just an FYI your mods are: Arus -1, Zhu 0, Kriv +3, Sindar +3. So 1d20+mod (or minus).


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Zhu Investigation
Zeim rolled d20 and got 16

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Kriv investigation
AJ rolled 1d20+3 and got 10

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[Arus rolled a 15 total]

Arus

He inclines his head at Zhu. Quite so and just what he'd hope to hear.

Meanwhile Arus leans against the bar and scans the opposite direction to Kriv.

He's looking for an attractive female to catch his eye.

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Sindar

22
Sindar Investigation Check
Pandemonium rolled 1d20+3 and got 22

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DM

Several hours of mingling and talking to others in the night club provide rumors and information. By the time the quartet is ready to settle in for the night, they have each learned different things from their detective work. At the end of the night they found themselves back at the same table, about a gold piece less affluent, but with information to share.
OOC: See PMs.


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Zhu

Once they have all regathered, she nods to each and since none other have started, she begins relating what she's learned.

"First, watch your coin. Apparently there is an all-female Thief's guild here called the 'Hand of Yartar' and they are well known pickpockets."

She pauses, then continues. "In any case, it seems word of our own events has reached here. I overheard tales about the Fire Giant attack on Triboar as well as the Hill Giant attack on our caravan."

"It also seems there's a place we might find the others. They say adventurers and frontier folk love the atmosphere of Belabar's Rest, although apparently it's not easy to find."

She doesn't bother relating the comment she heard about how to win a free drink as it doesn't seem important at the moment.

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Kriv

Once Zhu has finished, the Dragonborn begins going through his findings.

"Aside from those extolling the virtues of Yartar's fish sandwiches and the bread of the Gateway Bakery, there's a fair bit that may be relevant, if nothing else confirming what we heard earlier."

He raised a talon and began, "There's definitely something odd going on politically. Even though Nestra Ruthiol's term as Water Baron is a lifelong appointment, she's having problems. There might be a way in there. This tallies with what our sponsor shared earlier."

A second talon, "There is trouble afoot in Everlund. Caravans headed east face unspecified dangers. I'm aware that Everlund abruptly left the Lords Alliance recently, it seems logical the two are related."

A third, "It is said that Hasklar's arms and armor is guarded by ghosts. Having negotiated with a Banshee at considerable cost I'm willing to lend credence to the possibility, but as a student of the Art, it could be that their stock is being animated as an efficient night watch. Either way, something to bear in mind, given the potential risks of active undead in an urban centre."

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Arus

The triton gathers with the others at a low table in the lobby, with comfy leatherbound seats. At this time of night it's quiet.

He nods at Zhu's mention of the Hand of Yartar.

"Aye, tis true and on the morrow I shall quiz Scimitar Sally about it. She is one of the Hand's number and it's rumoured they carried out the hit on the Waterbaron's lover."

He leans forward in his chair, raising an eyebrow as he asks Zhu, Sindar and Kriv:

"The Hand of Yartar might just be hired hands though. Did you hear aught about a 'Kraken Society', operating here in town?"

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Zhu

She shakes her head simply. "Nothing on that subject crossed my path."

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Sindar

"In my discussions, I learned that both news of the doppleganger in a caravan and the giant attack on Triboar have made it into the information flow here.

"I also heard a bit of talk about a dilapidated villa in the northwest part of town. People tend to stay away from it for all kinds of different story reasons. Might be worth learning more."

He shook his head at the Triton's question. He hadn't heard anything about either the thieves guild nor The Kraken Society.

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Kriv

"Unless 'Fish Sandwiches' was code and the 'Gateway Bakery' leads to their hideout, then no, nothing on the Kraken Society." Replied the Dragonborn.

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Arus

"Some of the locals believe this Kraken Society are trying to take over the town."

In undersea tradition, the Kraken is opposed by the Leviathan. Arus works for the Order of the Leviathan; so this interests him more than anything else he'd heard.

"So we know that the Waterbaron is under clandestine attack. Her supporters disappearing, her consort murdered. Likely this is how Lord Artan became involved.

"The local thieves guild, the all-female Hand of Yartar, are being used for this work. They might feel they're having a good year but we need to find out who's spending so much with them. My money's on the Kraken Society."

The triton has already mentioned going to speak to Scimitar Sally tomorrow at the Lionshield Coster. They might learn more from her.

"The Hand might think they still control Yartar's underworld but the bigger a customer is the more vital they become, until they're the ones calling the shots."

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Zhu

She simply nods. Talking to the Waterbaron and the Lionshield Coster was already the tentative plans for tomorrow. "We also might want to ask for directions to Belabar's Rest. Seems like a place our companions might find to stay at."

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Kriv

"Not a priority. They know where we are, we don't know for certain where they are, they can apprise us of that on the morrow when we meet up, which should probably be at the one place everyone knows half the group to be." The Noble commented dismissively.

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Zhu

"So seems like we have three things to check on tomorrow. Talk to the Waterbaron, get directions to Belabar's Rest, and take a look at this dilapidated Villa."

She looks at the others to see if she missed anything, or if they are ready to turn in.

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ooc: Arus was also going to find Scimitar Sally. I'm sure I can find more stuff for you guys to get in trouble with smile But going to bed is not a mistake. I just want to get the other thread done. It might be a few posts but I'll get you started early in a bit and let everyone decide if there's something loose thread that needs to be tied.


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(OOC - No problem. I was mostly just taking a shot at wrapping things up for the night since there weren't any posts coming from the other players.)

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Zhu

She turns to Arus as if just remembering something. "There were some references to this 'Kraken Society' in a book of local history I found in my room. Not sure if it is pertinent but I'm happy to give it to you when we go upstairs for bedtime reading."

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Arus

The thought of bedtime reading with Zhu is most intriguing, so Arus nods amicably in response.

"Well, they do say that a good book should leave you with many experiences and slightly exhausted at the end."

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Zhu

She raises an eyebrow, not certain if he is implying what she thinks he may be implying. "I have no need for sleep, so feel free to stay and read as long as you like, or take it back to your room."

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DM

Eventually the four returned to their rooms, their bellies full as was their agenda for the morning.
OOC: Now's a good time to tell me if there's anything specific that you are doing before you leave your rooms in the morning.


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(OOC - Neal - Sent you a PM)

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Arus

He's happy to hear that Zhu needs no sleep but unless 'bedtime reading' is code for some other bedroom activity, Arus might be disappointed.

Still, he takes the eladrin up on her offer and regardless of anything else that might happen in those chambers that night, Arus learns a great deal about the Kraken Society.

Mulling it over afterwards, it seems possible that a century old enemy has dripped and twisted its way back into Yartar. Arus has some pointed questions for Scimitar Sally come their morning meet.

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OOC: Please include me in PMs. Otherwise I will think there's a coup attempt! I hope it's not just porn LOL!

I want to get threads merged quickly so your next posts should be about waking up and what you do in the morning.


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I don't see a way to add you after the fact. All it was was posting the contents of the Biography info you gave Zhu earlier about the Kraken Society Member. I'll close that one and start a new one that includes you for anything else.

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[ooc: OK]


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[Plus one hardcore triton-eladrin smooshing booty scene. smooch OK, that's a lie.]

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(OOC - Yeah, she turns him down, politely but firmly.)

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Kriv

The scholar, prior and subsequent to sleep, armed with knowledge of potential subject matter from the rendezvous, turned his studious habits back to the available literature, making a beeline for anything that seemed it might be relevant in the resources available in his chamber.

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DM

It is morning. You had the best night of sleep that you've had in a long time. Now on to the next day!


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Sindar

He rose feeling more refreshed than he had in months. It was earlier than he had intended to get up, so he took a bit more time to indulge in the benefits of the hotel. He took another hot bath.

Clean again, he dressed, this time slightly less ornate, more normal, and travel oriented. He gathered his gear packing everything up so that when he did choose to leave their lodgings, he would be able to take it with him.

Once it was all ready, he stepped out to see about breaking his fast.

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Zhu

Entering her room with Arus, she hands him the book and after brushing off some light flirtations she finds a comfortable location on the rug and sits cross-legged, arms resting on her thighs. Her eyes are open, but she is motionless, not reacting to any sounds or movements in the room.

At first light, with no warning, she rises gracefully to her feet and dresses in her travel gear, sliding on her weapons, and exits the room for a light breakfast. Passing the front desk she pauses and inquires for directions to Belabar's Rest.

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Kriv

Time to arise, ablute, accessorise and accrete with associates.

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DM

The four who stayed at the Pearl Handled Pipe find each other at the breakfast buffet. It is markedly more casual in the morning. People are more in a hurry, considering that many of the folks staying at the inn are merchants who have a long day of work ahead of them. The breakfast offered, mostly self-served, is as enticing as the dinner served the night before was delicious. There were separate spreads of cheeses and cured meats, dried and smoked fish, egg dishes prepared to order, assorted roasted root vegetables, piles of fresh fruits and a huge assortment of breakfast pastries and breads to chose from.

They brought their plates of food and cups of their warm and cold beverages to a table to discuss plans for the day. Finding the others was a priority. But how?


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(OOC - Any reply to her query about directions?)

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Kriv

Over a steaming beverage and a plate of breakfast viands, the Dragonborn mused,

"My suspicion is they are as eager to meet with us as we are with them, and they know we are here. So, two options: Either we wait here for them, or we leave one of us here to see if they return with the rest proactive but arranging a rendezvous back here at a given time."

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Arus

"Aye," he says in agreement with Kriv, "if they have noses, they'll seek us out."

With the breakfast aromas escaping from the inn's impressive kitchens, the triton is confident his outdoorsy companions will find their way back.

He's glad they chose to stay here. There are many long, dirty and perilous miles ahead of them. A night of comfort and luxury at the Pearl-Handled Pipe will last in his memory.

Arus didn't have his way with Zhu, no, but their time together stoked his imagination. He'd enjoyed her polite hospitality and now has something of a challenge set for the journey ahead.

He crunches his toast and marmalade, grins at his table-mates and keeps an eye on the doorway.

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(OOC - Neal - Note that if Arus did choose to read the book in Zhu's room, and stayed there quietly for a few hours, that she has no nudity taboo and would likely have entered reverie au natural)

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DM

"Why would you need to find that place? Have our accommodations not been acceptable?" the man at the front desk asks. Then he waves his hand and says "None the less, Look though windows of gatehouses in the town square. Look for the one which is lit inside by a large ornate lamp that holds seven thick candles arranged in a circle. Go inside the gatehouse and down the stairs."

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Zhu

"We have friends who may be staying there." She replies to the first question, adding "Thank you" for the final information. She then joins the others at breakfast.

"Well, I agree since they know where we are I expect they would come find us. But if they do not put in an appearance by a reasonable hour we can see if they found their way to Belabar's Rest." She provides the information she received on how to find it to the others.

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Zhu

Once they've finished eating; which for herself was little more than some herbal tea and a few slices of fruit and cheese she says, "Well, seems as if our friends had themselves a late night. Or, perhaps they are waiting for us. Either way, shall we stroll about the city and see if we can find them? It will give us a chance to take in more of the setting in any case."

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[Sooo... not sure how closely Arus read that book after all!! Image]

Arus

He chases the toast with a plate of scambled eggs, well salted, but is ready to get going when Zhu stands.

"Let's go."

Out on the street Arus looks around, hoping to see the humans already afoot.

He ponders where they might have stayed but knowing Bern and Davroar it might just be a bush.

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Zhu

Based on the description from the front desk, she heads towards the Town Square. Once there, in addition to glancing into the windows, she looks for the symbol she mentioned to Jaliera.

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Kriv

"I'll wait for them here. Try and check in on the hour, that should minimise our delays, or collect me once you make contact."

offered the Dragonborn, making sure there wasn't a comedy of errors across the town.

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[ooc: So now we're in 3 groups? No prob. I need to let Sindar chime in before moving on.]


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Zhu

"Could we not just leave word with the front desk that if they arrive and ask after us they should wait here and if we don't find them we will return by mid-day?"

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Kriv

“You’re presuming that a bunch of humans who, when confronted with this place in the first place decided to hare off into an unknown city, would make enquiries of the selfsame place they found so not to their liking. I don’t trust them to ask, given their past conduct. Bear in mind also they made no plans to rendezvous with us today when they went on their spur-of-the-moment escapade. We need to plan around their lack of planning and impulsiveness, and I’m willing to be patient here in order to bring us together in short order and consolidate our group at the earliest opportunity.”

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Arus

He doesn't disagree with Kriv and there's also an appeal to sitting in the lobby, ordering coffee and tidbits and enjoying a good book.

So even if it means the Dragonborn doesn't have an exciting morning, hanging around shouldn't be too onerous.

"Either way," Arus says, "I shall leave a note with reception, in case thou art called away."

Bern, Davroar, Jaleira,
Making enquiries with K, S, and Z. Damned doppelgangers. Be back at lunch. Meet you here. -Ahlorsath A (Date and time)


He uses the inn's stationary and uses his Order of the Leviathan medallion on the wax-seal.

Then with Zhu and Sindar onto their first enquiry.

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Zhu

She nods, not able to disagree and noting the inter-party dynamics for reference. She also muses about spells she has heard about that could deliver messages remotely. She has one, but it is mostly only usable in closer quarters.


"Fair enough." She replies to Kriv. "Keep your ears open. Maybe there will be some talk that we can use."

Leaving with Arus and Sindar she says, "Lets head to the Town Square."

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ooc: I did not see a post by Sindar stating where he's headed.


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Sindar

He is happy to go to the town square with Zhu and companion. Though part of what he wants to do is get a better look around so that he might be able to locate the villa and learn more.

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