You have all been called to protect the kingdom. Though the princess wants this meeting to be away from the capitol. So she has sent letters for you to meet her at Alendar's Fire Whiskey Pub in Restov.
You have all heard the stories she has told you that she is a Rogarvia, the family that disappeared nearly a decade ago that should be ruling Brevoy. She has found several things that might lead her finding her true past and ways of showing her lineage.
Luckily or unluckily Restov is also where Sable, D, and Brother Henric have turned to, to find that criminal gang the Foxtails. A message arrives for at least Sable for the meeting with the princess and he suggests they all go to have a small distraction since no trace of the Foxtails has shown up in the past three days of them being in Restov.
Alendar's Fire Whiskey Pub is a well used establishment. The roof is slumping and there is fresh sawdust on the floor. There are many different weapon marks around on the furniture and walls to show that there have been many barfights within the hall. A portly fellow of Shoanti decent is behind the bar as three well covered girls serve the tables.
His former charge had sent for him, the message had seemed important and thus the reason for his haste. Koldur had moved as far and long as he could until had reached Restov. He had made the journey in less time then most making it in a few days when most would have taken at least a week. A day before he had taken a good rest to ensure that he would be in his best condition should anything unforseen happen and at least the stream nearby was fresh and cold.
Making his way to Alendar's Fire Whiskey Pub, with his trained eyes, Koldur noticed the marks of weapons and appreciated that despite the signs of many a barfight, the pub is still standing. A testament to its owner.
As he continues his way in, he spies the what seems to be the owner and gestures towards him as he places himself at one of the tables, sitting himself such that he can view everything in front of him as much as possible as he rests his axes on the table.
With a low gravelly voice:
"I would appreciate a tankard to wash away the day's thirst, owner."
The portly fellow waves at you and prepares a tankard. One of the girls picks up the tankard over to Koldur. "Welcome to Alendar's Fire Whiskey Pub, is there anything else that you would like, we have a fresh boar in this morning and the eggs are excellent." She says in a kind but slightly scared voice. Now that she is closer you can tell that she is likely to be no more than 10 winters old.
Once she has your order she stops and turns around, "Sir, are you Koldur?" She asks quietly, almost a whisper, in that skittish voice.
Koldur smiles as gently as he can, remembering as if it was yesterday, when a royal brat took a look at him and started bawling her eyes out.
"Yes, child I would like both a serving of boar and eggs if you please."
As he takes a sip from his tankard, on hearing the child's question, he nods.
"That is my name, lass."
She scurries off then. She goes to the back and you can hear your order being placed. She brings you a fork, a knife, a plate with a heaping helping of boar, and a small bottle with some white liquid in it.
She then quickly departs heading to the back door. You can hear it open and shut loudly.
Indeed, He does ask about the bottle and the answer seems satisfactory.
Koldur applies a little to a slice of boar and chews on it slowly to see what's the taste like.
Keeping his eyes on his surroundings, he chews.
The front door opens, and a woman of exotic (though you're not sure of where) beauty steps in. Very well dressed, both in cloth and jewels, she appears high-born, and she grimaces at the state of this lowly establishment. She registers shock at the sight of the serving girls, nodding approvingly at the high necklines and low hemlines of their dresses. It's evident, however, that the woman has been in such places before, or at least, knows all the proper protocols, warily eyeing the weapon marks and weapon-carriers, especially the rugged dwarf who looks like he can't remember how to chew. The only thing ruining her act are the burnished armour and the longspear she rests against the wall next to her.
She sits at another table, and orders eggs, and a small cut of boat ("Not too gristly, dear,") and she pulls out some needlepoint while she waits.
Henric tends his animals in the stable before stepping into the tavern where he was suppose to meet up with Sable and D this morning. Another fruitless day of searching for the Foxtail's had passed. When he enters he scans the common room noting his traveling companions have yet to arrive. He is a short stocky young man of mixed heritage with straight black hair just past his shoulders. He has the appearance of a huntsman, and moves like one used to the forest. A symbol of Erastil hangs from his neck. His eyes light up when he sees Koldur. Master Koldur! The young man strides across the room. It has been some time. He smiles at the weapon-master.What brings you here?Henric asks as he recalls who is coming to join him. Um, Master Koldur just to let you know Lord Sable is suppose to be here shortly. We have been hunting a group of bandits know as the Foxtail's and his man D sent word for me to meet them here this morning.
A young man comes through the door, he looks tired from the day activity. An old but well made armor can be seen under his traveling cloak. His presence radiates into the room and can be felt by everyone.
He heads for the counter in order to ask for a room for the evening as well as food.
"Evening innkeeper, i would like to enquire about room and board for the night," as he drops his backpack on the ground before him under the bar.
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Almost as if on cue the backdoor slams open. D opening it quickly and allowing Sable to walk into the bar unaccosted by the door. Sable in his gleaming mithril chain shirt attire comes to stand in the middle of the room. He smiles and it seems like a light spell and prestidigitation has been summoned upon him, making his stance seem all the more flashy. "Greetings my dear rival! The days have treated you well!"
D walks to the right and slightly behind Sable. A tall man with a shaved head, at first glance his appearance appears completely out of place for a frontier tavern for he's dressed in an impossibly clean and perfect upper class servant's uniform! Yet only a moment's observation of his careful measured steps, his precise movements and hand gestures and the way his eyes sweep the room taking in everything and one comes to believe that it is the tavern and the world around it that is out of place.
D's appearance would not be entirely out of place due to still being in civilization you are in Restov, one of the major cities of Brevoy. Though even here keeping clean can be hard to do.
The portly barkeep points Oscar to a book that is open on the bar.
Gorbin Stalemer - Green room - 3 gp a night
Sallen Forsend - Orange room - 5 gp a night
_______________ - Silver room - 7 gp a night
_______________ - Gold room - 50 gp a night
Meals are included with the renting of a room in moderation.
Tankard of Ale - 3 cp
Tankard of Mead - 4 cp
Glass of wine - 1 sp
Shot of Fire Whiskey - 3 sp
Tankard of Fire Whiskey - challenge keep it down and don't drink anything else for 5 minutes, first one is free. Otherwise 5 gp.
Meals range in variety based on selection of food in the market, 2 sp for a hearty plate.
May you have a full belly, a warm place to lay your head, and safe travels where ever your feet take you.
At the appearance of the silver-haired noble, the silver-haired woman lowers her needlepoint and watches the elf down the length of her nose.
Morning Lord Sable. Brother Henric smiles at the elf. Hoping things remain civil between the noble and his mentor's old friend he kindly asks the young waitressMay I have a serving of the special with a tankard of cider young miss. He helps himself to a seat at Koldur's table leaning his longbow against the wall behind his chair. I had no luck attempting to follow up on our last lead Lord Sable, did D and yourself fair any better?
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"Stop with the Lord, and yr' lordship such. You know I don't care to have my station be in the way of adventuring, now stop it."
He looks at D, "It would do well that you stop cleaning seats for me as well, I know we are both so used to it. But I will not have any more of it." He sits down where D was likely mostly done cleaning the seat. Then he waits for Koldur's response.
"No, no luck, but I did put a reward on your head, alive of course with the Bloodvale Bandits, specifically for the foxtails to collect on. So if we are lucky they will find us. Since this is our normal pub for the past few days." Sable says with some interest, waiting for Henric's expression.
The serving girl comes around and takes Henric's order, quickly leaving the group of well armed individuals. Soon later bringing a plate of meat, a mug with likely cider in it, and more utensils for the group.
Sorry Sable Henric grins It's just being in the city and all. I figured you may prefer a bit more protocol. He nods to the girl when she returns Thank you young lady.Henric takes a drink of the cool cider and gives a glance around the taproom noting the other patrons this morning. If any make eye contact with Henric he gives a friendly smile and politely lets his gaze move on.
I will need a green room if you please. he says putting the 3gp on the counter.
The large portly fellow behind the bar shakes his head indicating 'no'. He points to the name Gorbin Stalemer. Then he nods 'yes' at one of the lines that don't have names. You can tell that Gorbin and Sallen both were written in different handwriting.
Henric's jaw drops as Sable's last comment registers You did what? Are you mad?! Henric takes a breath You jest right? That's it a jest; a poor one at that, but a jest none the less.
Upon hearing Brother Henric's words about Sable, Koldur cannot help but grin. That elf is sure to make an entrance. Turning to Henric
"So that show off of an elf is coming here too? This might get very interesting."
Minutes later, He was proven right.
Raising a tankard in salute to his formidable rival.
"Aye. However I must be feeling my age while you're still in the prime of yours Elf!!!"
Hearing Sable's words about Henric, Koldur raises an eyebrow.
"What's this about a bounty I hear Sable. You put on on Brother Henric? What has he done? Do enlighten this old dwarf who's being in Iron Peaks for the past decade or so. It would be much appreciated. In fact stop prancing around, you're starting to look ridiculous, and tell me your tales, It's being a time since we last seen each other. Are you still forging swords?"
Oscar will head toward an empty corner of the inn, his gaze focus as he is searching for something.
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Henric you believe that Sable is telling the truth. You hope that he is good at bluffing.
"That's right Koldur it looks like I haven't aged a day, and you but a few weeks!" Sable says then ends with a short laugh.
"Oh Brother Henric has been a naughty boy. Running away with lady's hearts, finding ways to use the wealthy women's money that they throw at him to keep him by their side and all the fluff. Very naughty indeed." Sable says, you can tell there is innuendo in his words, and at the end he laughs. You can tell he is having fun with the priest and it all in jest.
Once Sable does settle down his face turns from the happy go lucky adventurer to the noble. "Tales, I wish I had tales to speak of, I have been forging weapons to my delight and have no end to the commissions, but no chance to use them. Then there is the politics of the nobles that I dread and try to stay out of, but they weave their webs and get me every once in a while. I have six brand spanking new blades to try out just for meself! I have a few axes that I think you will enjoy as well. Alas one of my children was abducted by a criminal gang, a new group, the foxtails, my man here got Tali back safely, though now we hunt down this group, for I won't stand to allow such a thing to happen and an example must be made. They got wind of who 'I' was and have been on the run ever since, we have tracked them to Restov, and for the last three days their trail has been cold, so I set a trap for them making a bounty on Brother Henric's body, whole, for 3,000 crowns, it only cost me the 10% commission, but money well spent to have them come find me! That brings us to our present situation of being surrounded to one point or another."
Sable quickly gets up drawing his massive blade off his back. "If you are righteous stand with us, against these knaves, they had kidnapped my kin and shall be brought to justice, if they resist put them to the blade, they are a criminal gang that knows little of who they face. Be gentle on them."
Oscar you can tell that the evil presence is right before you, it is as if the aura is displaced or... invisible.
With Sables outburst, many of the patrons don't seem to be patrons any more, many are wielding morningstars, war axes, or longswords. Up above three men pull out crossbows looking down on everyone. There seems to be a dozen of them, besides those above.
Alendar used to situations like this quickly pulls a support beside the bar and a wooden cover slams down over the liquor. Alendar also takes cover behind his bar. The girls try to take cover. One of them is grabbed by one of the ruffians. Not many of those in the pub are not part of the attack group, four individuals take cover.
"Put down your weapon, I wouldn't want to leave a scar on this litt' un." Says the halforc wielding a nasty dagger up to the girls face as he holds the girl.
Oscar that invisible source becomes visible as it tries to stick you with a dagger. It misses, you are sure it is a demon in human form, or possesses the poor soul. "Come now, you mussst die for me, I want your blood." Says the strange man with gleaming red eyes and it looks like his skin is burnt and charred.
Koldur laughs at Sable's jest at poor Henric's expense.
"Ahh... It does seem that Henric despite being a 'brother' it seems you have beomce more."
Turning to Sable.
"Aye, I'll stand with you. Kidnapping of children has no place here in this lands. If they are here, my axes will sing their song besides your blades."
As the men once patrons, scramble up with weapons drawn. Koldur finishes up his meal, belches and casually glances up at Sable.
"Friends of yours or fans?"
Koldur will observe the distance between himself and the girl. The number of people around and possible cover.
Xara puts her needlepoint down on the table and stands. She turns to look up at Sable.
"These are your Foxtails, I presume, or else, just men keen to collect such a handsome reward?"
She address the half-orc (and by him the others). "Gentlemen, if you are here for this bounty, I can promise you, I overheard their discussions, and this gold price was apparently only established in jest, and no payments will be made. If, as seems more likely, you are these bandits they seek, you should know that they also have set a trap for you, and if you were smart, you'd run while you still can."
Diplomacy:
Henric is shocked and stunned by Sables words. Why would he do thatWhen Sable mentions Henric's "naughtiness" Henric goes from stunned to livid, from pale to red with anger.Why that is a lie! I do no such thing.He knocks over his chair as he jumps up.I don't understand what you are playing at Sable, but I don't like it. As the illusion is broken around him Henric snatches his bow nocking an arrow.
Razaniel had been travelling for days - when he received the missive from Henric, he found it all seemed to fit together. He had intended travelling back to Restov for some time now - word was about regarding an incursion into the Stolen Lands, and he needed to know more about it.
He remembered Henric from some time ago, when they had met in one of his many scourings of the Rostlands, and in fact of all Brevoy - after the restlessness had settled in, he really couldn't stay put back home for a long time, and he was rarely seen in the "capital" of southern Brevoy - there was nothing there for him.
But the recent news, and the contact from his friend made him return home at full speed - I really SHOULD visit my parents - he had pondered along the way, but had not decided if he would stay long enough for that.
As he entered town, the familiar sounds and smells surrounded him - notes from different days and experiences of his teens in the city - he could not help a smile as he noticed, from the corner of his eye, two young men engaged in a duel like so many others he had witnessed before. Complacency duels he had named them for himself, a show of swordsmanship without true intention behind it - it was not enough for him.
He settled his horse closeby and entered the appointed establishment, immediately noticing something was obviously wrong - he could see Henric across the room, standing up, accompanied by a dwarf and an elf who seemed alert and on edge - on another table, a distinguished woman seemed to be addressing the interlopers, but even more disturbing was the sight of the man being attacked in the corner, besides the girl with a blade to her throat, and the couple of crossbowmen on the top floor.
He didn't immedtiately notice the presence of the discreete bald, strong man, but he could now notice his feet slowly repositioning, as if a spring was about to burst - Yep, something is definitely wrong - he confirmed to himself, his hand reaching unconsciously for the bow and arrows, as his eyes met Henric's with interrogation.
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"Ha, ha, get used to it Henric for the jesting in this group will be plentiful. Of course you have done no such thing." Sable says to Brother Henric and Koldur before telling Koldur of his tales.
"Are you of the foxtails? The one's who nabbed my grandson Tali Soren?" Sable asks as he drops his sword onto the ground.
Another man steps as if from the shadows, a black cowl and cape draped around him. "Now let the girl go, he has done as you asked. I now have all of your attention and the heroes of the Rogarvia House are present, may you all die as the House of Rogarvia should stay." With that he bares his fangs with a hiss, obviously showing he is a vampire.
The half-orc, pulls the knife away from the girl and releases his grip as if enchanted. The girl runs.
Then choas is unleashed as vampire spawn pour from the shadows, doors and upstairs.
The vampire draws a black blade.
Sable
Razaniel
Brother Henric
Oscar
Koldur
Xara
Foxtails
Crossbowmen
demonic man
vampire spawn
vampire
ROUND 1
24 Sable
24 Razaniel
24 Koldur
23 vampire spawn
22 demonic man
20 Crossbowmen
19 Foxtails
18 Oscar
16 Brother Henric
14 vampire
5 Xara
House Rogarvia!
Koldur takes a look around the unfolding chaos as Sable engages the vampire.
In the ensuing chaos, not noticing his young charge who had sent him the msg. The ex weapons master explodes in a whirlwind of singing steel like an elemental force.
Koldur's kicks the table away from him to block the progress of other vampire spawn, using that extra force to propel him towards his axes catching them in a forward roll, axes spining out to ward of attacks as he lands besides Sable.
Twin axes lancing from below in a decided deadly underarm swing. His movement taking him past the vile creature on the opposite side of it.
"Get out of here everyone of you, take it to the outside and this means you too foxtails! Do it if you wish to survive."
"Time to go, but I do believe I will be down grading my review of this establishment because of the undead infestation." D shakes his head sadly "Simply not 'the thing' this season at all." D makes his way to the door quickly.
D is the first person out the door. The vampire spawn advance on many of the foxtails and there is still plenty of room to move with Koldur and Sable keeping any that get through at bay. The demonic man runs out the door as well.
The crossbow men shoot at the spawn next to them and draw blades. Two are bloody messes already. The foxtails do their best to fend off the vampire spawn, but they are merely thugs, many have their throats torn out by mouths full of teeth. Another of their leaders yells out at the vampire since the half orc just sits down, "We had a deal, why do you slaughter us?!?"
The vampire responds while he continues to attack Sable, "You were paid handsomely and you are no longer useful to me."
Koldur moves towards the door, his agility surprising as he ducks, weaves and rolls avoiding blows while slashing any claw or fang that is near him.
"To the door all fo you! Flee towards the door of the windows. Better a broken leg then a torn out throat. Flee you fools! Flee!."
To Sable.
"Well Old friend we guard the door. I'll take low and you take high?"
Koldur suggests in reference to their normal fighting styles as his axe while shorter have more weight while the elf with his sword has more reach. Between the two of them weaving a wall of steel, It should make it easier for their companions and any other patrons to make a run for it and hopefully get help.
Without a second thought against the seemingly impossible odds, the man unleashes two arrows at the closest opponent that could prevent Henric and his companions from escaping - "Henric, here!" - he calls out - "This way! You will be overwhelmed!"
Shifting his position out the door, he keeps it open with one foot as an egress way, while still maintaining visibility on the inside.
Round 1
Oscar will attack the demonic man in front of him
Die Spawn
Oscar will take a 5ft back toward the exit.
Henric follows Koldur's lead and steps into position inbetween and slightly behind him and Sable brandishing his holy symbol.By the all seeing eye of Erastil back you unholy fiends!Henric continues to make a measured withdraw with the elf and dwarf. Using his faith to allow the trio to hold the line so their fellows may make good their exodus. The undead feel the force of Erastil rip through the room as if arrows of purity pierce their flesh.
Raz good to see you my friend, good timing!
"Hurry out this way. Everyone!!!"
On seeing both Oscar and Razaniel, two humans he don't remember meeting, he nods at them as he parries yet another claw, smashing his axe into its foul face.
Koldur takes a look at what's around this chaos.
Spotting what looks like 4 cloaked figures ducking, he roars to them,
"Get yer behinds moving and out through the door!!!"