Ed
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 97
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Post by Ed on May 27, 2007 17:23:30 GMT -4
Oss, having been quiet for some time, steps forward, his eyes moving from side to side as if uncomfortable.
"Let's find an inn near his people's place," he says, gesturing to Kal. "Let's go NOW. Standing here ain't helping us."
_____________________ OOC: Since we seem to be confused as to who is doing what, let's just take this opportunity to assume everyone is still standing around together - no one having yet walked off (i.e., Kalarian). I think it's going to get ugly otherwise. Oss motions to Kalarian to lead. Please see my comment in the discussion thread.
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Post by Josh on May 27, 2007 19:12:21 GMT -4
Grafth follows.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 27, 2007 20:56:02 GMT -4
Kal leads the way, knowing the location of the Deneith enclave only by reputation and from his arrival in the city the day before. It doesn't take long to spot it: he recognizes the flags several blocks away, flying high from military towers. As he walks, Kal seems to adopt a slight, possibly unconscious, swagger. Tangat trots happily at his side, keeping close to the Deneith heir's legs as if quite aware that a leashless wolfdog might not be welcome on a busy street. Oss, Pellorien, and Cutter seem quite at home on the busy streets. Cutter decides Fairhaven is large in of itself, but it feels so sprawling, so spread out, and with so much sky visible! It's rather...quaint.Grafth and Goran trail behind, seeming the least at ease in the city but hardly a pair of savages. Goran looks this way and that instinctively, taking in the cityscape. To Grafth, Fairhaven is an amalgam of smells: some amazing—like the numerous pastry and salted meat vendors the party keeps passing, tormenting him!—and some not so pleasant. Unwashed bodies walk by as often as the immaculately dressed. He even occasionally catches the sent of a goblin.In short order, you arrive at your destination: The Deneith enclave is housed within a massive, wrought-iron fence that encompasses a small city block. The compound within comprises a collection of fortress-like buildings of square-cut stone linked by walkways, both on and above the courtyard. Arrow slits riddle the walls and parapets look down on the street below. The iron fence itself is capped at frequent intervals with gem-studded spearheads—dragonshards that no doubt possess defensive magics. Wisps of vapor trail off the dragonshards. A heavy gate serves as the enclave's entrance, whose wall serves as a pedestal for a large statue of a chimera—its dragon, lion, and goat heads leering down in warning. The dragon's eyes appear to be gemstones as well. You can only imagine the peril a thief would face in trying to steel the dragonshards. Two Deneith guards man the gate, wearing the yellow and green livery of House Deneith. They look alert...and bored. Kal knows that this enclave represents Deneith interests in the city, including both the Blademarks guild and the Defenders Guild. The Sentinel Marshals have their own headquarters elsewhere in the city.Much to your satisfaction, directly across from the main gate is a sizable, five-story inn. A large painted sign depicts an Aundairian foot soldier sitting wearily in a chair, a spear resting in one hand against his shoulder. Beneath the picture, you can just make out the words The Soldier's Rest in small print. Given its name and location, it seems likely the inn caters to those with business in the Deneith enclave across the way; those unaffiliated with the dragonmarked house generally do not stay in the compound itself. An unarmed warforged sits on a stool just outside the inn's door, staring back at your party. _____________________________ I'll update the city map anytime you a visit a notable location.
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Jeremy
Remorhaz (CR 7)
Goran
Posts: 467
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Post by Jeremy on May 27, 2007 21:30:44 GMT -4
Goran looks around, keeping an air of indifference around guards and the warforged, as best he can.
"This looks fine, hopefully not too expensive. Let's get some rooms. I'll share with somebody...anyone?" He smiles wearily.
"I don't snore."
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 28, 2007 1:49:14 GMT -4
Kalarian looks towards the Deneith enclave, his expression difficult to read. He doesn't appear to be happy to be there, but at the same time, a small smile crosses his face. He looks at the chimera statue, frozen for a moment. Then he pulls his high collar a bit tighter around his neck and leads the group to the inn. "The less we talk to people, the better. Most of the people around here are probably either working for, or looking for work with, House Deneith. If you give them gruff answers and tell them to mind their own business, they probably won't give you much trouble. If you need to tell anyone anything, stick with the story that you're here to find out about work with the house. I'll set you up with rooms, and then I'm going to the enclave. It'll seem strange to the innkeeper if I stay here with you instead of going over there, anyway. Anyone who chooses to come with me is welcome to. Once you get your rooms, I'll wait in the lobby for 10 minutes. If you're coming with me, be ready then."
Kalarian enters the inn and proceeds to the innkeeper. "I need rooms for my companions and a drink for myself." Kalarian leans casually against the counter, purposefully putting his right arm up with the dragonmark exposed, scanning the room for any pretty girls he can talk to while he waits for the rest of the group.
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Paul
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 52
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Post by Paul on May 28, 2007 2:50:34 GMT -4
Cutter nods at Goran. "I'll share. A bit low on funds at the moment."
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Jeremy
Remorhaz (CR 7)
Goran
Posts: 467
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Post by Jeremy on May 28, 2007 5:13:52 GMT -4
Goran nods at Cutter.
"Fine, you're stuck with me then."
He looks around the common room a bit, trying to appear disinterested, but he is taking in everything...including pretty girls. He's committed to gathering as much information as possible about this inn, this city and these people.
To Kal, he says-
"I'll need more than ten minutes, so I won't be going with you just now. Anyone who wants to join me, I'll be back down in a little while for some dinner and a pint or two of the good stuff."
And then he'll make his way to his room. Once there, he will use another healing slot on himself, and take some time to clean his clothes (if there is no pitcher and basin, he'll ask for one from the innkeeper staff) and do a little repair work on them as well.
If Cutter is in the room with him, he will ask about the wound from the zombie's claws, and how that's looking.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 28, 2007 9:26:19 GMT -4
When Kal opens the door of the Soldier's Rest, the warforged looks up at your group. "It's a good thing you're flesh and bone," he says as he shakes his head. His voice carries an metallic quality to it, like most of his kind. "They might actually let you stay inside."
Inside, a spacious foyer leads into the clerk's office, a tavern, and the stairs up. Kal steps up to the man at the counter and makes his request.
"Five companions, my lord?" he asks, glancing down at Tangat. "I'm not sure the dog can stay here...I'd have to ask. I can give you three rooms—one for the lady, two for the gentlemen—at two galifars per room. Amenities and breakfast included. Our dining room is available for lunch now and will be available for dinner at the sixth bell."
Who will pay?
Kal sees no women to ogle at for the moment.
The clerk gives you keys for the three rooms, all of which are situated on the third floor. The three rooms are adjacent to one another, with a lockable door between them so you can move freely between all three without going into the hall.
The rooms are of decent size, with two beds, two desks, a closet, a lockable chest for your possessions—and wash basins in the corner give you a chance to wipe the sweat and grime of the last day away.
The windows of all three rooms stare across at the Deneith enclave.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 28, 2007 10:47:02 GMT -4
Kalarian hands the man the six galifars he requested. Then he takes out an additional three crowns and slides them across the counter to the man with a smile. "I assure you, Tangat will not be a problem," he says, giving the dog a scratch behind the ears.
Watching the others go up the stairs, Kalarian heads to the dining room to get himself a drink. As he's walking, he speaks a few words of magic as he moves his hands in front of his clothing. Everything he wears is suddenly clean and fresh, the grime of the road having been magically washed away. Kal catches his reflection in a mirror, stops to check himself, and with a smile, continues on to find some refreshment.
______________________________
Kal casts Prestidigitation.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 28, 2007 13:42:52 GMT -4
Kal's cantrip cleans his clothing, but it does not repair the tears in his attire or make his body ache any less. The wounds from the previous day continue to remind him of his treatment.
The dining room is much nicer, and quieter, than a tavern common room. Several occcupants of the inn are spread out among the mostly empty tables, enjoying their lunch in relative quiet. Everyone here seems to have some business for which their meal is a brief interruption—unlike a common tavern, where hanging out for its own sake is reason enough to talk or drink. Even the bar on one side of the room has no drinkers, only a bartender busy with ordering his bottles. The diners across the room spare Kal a glance—some indifferent, some raising an eyebrow or two—then return to their meals.
Only one person doesn't seem to notice Kal's entrance: a dark-haired woman who seems to be reading and rereading a letter. She appears slightly older than Kal, gnawing on her fingernails. A rapier at her belt and her well-made clothes are the only thing that suggest a profession. But even that's vague.
Tangat trots over to one of the other diners, who shies away from him. The dog, ever sensitive to people's reactions to him, moves off to another. The diner tosses him a half-roll, which Tangat accepts politely.
No one else seems to take note of the rest of the party, wherever they are.
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Post by Josh on May 28, 2007 14:26:05 GMT -4
Grafth heads up to the rooms with the others. He quickly cleans the caked mud and any blood from last night's events from his skin and clothes. He makes sure his belongings are in place, splashes some water on his face, and heads down toward to find Kalarian, letting the others know that he's definitely interested in meeting later for dinner.
Spotting him in the dining room, he does not immediately approach, but instead makes his way to a table closest to the dining area's entrance. He sits and preoccupies himself with his bound journal. Reading pages filled with sketches and notes, he waits.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 28, 2007 14:53:19 GMT -4
Note: only Kal has actually read the Gazette article.
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Lara
Manticor (CR 5)
Posts: 280
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Post by Lara on May 28, 2007 15:02:16 GMT -4
"A bath," Pellorien walks up to the man at the counter and speaks. "How much for an honest-to-goodness bath in a tub with hot water and maybe some fresh-scented soap?"
After some sort of arrangements are made, Pellorien enjoys her bath and then retires to her room. She takes care of her clothes and what gear she has with her. Then she takes some time to try to examine Gurend's book further as well as familiarizing herself with Fenwolt's papers, particularly the address.
Pellorien does not plan to accompany Kalarian to House Deneith. As she shuts the connecting door to her room and one of the rooms occupied by the men, she says, "I'm going to take a nap. I slept last night, but not well. Every noise was one of those undead things coming at us... Well, anyway, I'll join you in the dining room for the evening meal. I hope they have some nice wine. I could use a glass or two!"
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 28, 2007 15:14:48 GMT -4
Kalarian nods towards Grafth as he comes in, then walks over to the woman reading the letter, the slight swagger returning and a smile upon his face. "Looks engrossing," he says, indicating the piece of paper. He sits down next to her. "Might I buy you a drink?"
_____________ Beginning a Diplomacy check.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 28, 2007 16:11:10 GMT -4
The clerk assures Pellorien that she will be well cared for. When she goes up to the room, a maid shows her the room where an actual bath can be had—including an assortment of imported soaps!
When she returns to Gurend's book, she realizes she's at an impasse. She can't learn any more from it without help. From what she's seen of the city so far, its street names and numbering conventions, she feels certain she could find Fenwolt's place of residence very easily. Already she thinks it's somewhere in Sovereign Ward.
In the dining area, the black-haired woman looks up at Kal, incredulous. "Are you serious?"
Sitting across from her now, he can the sligth glimmer of moisture in her eyes.
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Paul
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 52
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Post by Paul on May 28, 2007 16:36:11 GMT -4
Cutter will go up to the room to clean up as much as possible. If Goran is still there, he will ask him to have a look at the wound. If not, he will clean it as much as possible, then return to the dining room and order the a nice tankard. Cold, if possible. :-)
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Paul
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 52
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Post by Paul on May 28, 2007 16:44:05 GMT -4
He sits at the bar and looks around, taking note of where everyone in the group currently is.
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Ed
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 97
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Post by Ed on May 28, 2007 18:52:26 GMT -4
Oss takes only a few moments to clean himself in his room before returning to the main area of the inn. He sits down at the bar, his watch mostly on Kalarian, but the half-elf says nothing to the Deneith man.
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Jeremy
Remorhaz (CR 7)
Goran
Posts: 467
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Post by Jeremy on May 28, 2007 22:13:45 GMT -4
Goran looks at the wound and does his best to clean it. He will use another healing slot (that's two) on Cutter, focusing his care on the nature of the wound itself.
"Let's go get some food and a pint or two. Or three!" Goran grins at Cutter and they head down to the common room.
How does the wound appear to me?
Now, can I cast my gleaner spell Mending on my clothes where the soldier's sword tore into me?
Sorry, tried to get this reply in order, but my schedule doesn't aid this. And Cutter was thirstier than I'd planned!
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 28, 2007 22:59:43 GMT -4
Kalarian's cocky smile disappears, and a look of true concern crosses his face. He places his arms on the table, making sure the dragonmark is visible. "I'm sorry, my lady. I did not mean to offend. You do look like you could use a drink, though. Might I be of any assistance? Since you're here, I assume you have some business with House Deneith. I am Kalarian d'Deneith, and if there is anything I can do to help, it would be my honor to aid you."
_____________ And the Diplomacy continues.... ;D
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Jeff
Administrator
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Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 28, 2007 23:13:20 GMT -4
After the use of two of his minor healing spells, Goran leaves Oss feeling a good deal better. Only a few more bruises and scratches left on both of them. Goran follows this up with a mending spell, leaving his clothes still a bit dusty from the road dirt but almost completely repaired.
Before heading back down, Goran and Cutter pass Pellorien, who idles in her room, intent upon the small metal-bound book. She indicates that she'll meet up with the rest of the party at the dinner hour.
In the dining chamber, where Kal, Oss, and Grafth already sit, Goran and Cutter find that the prices are a bit steep. 6 crowns per decent-sized mug of house ale, but the barkeep is nice enough to let them sample it first. It's not bad! Will you accept?
Oss's Aundairian sensibilities can't help but note the collection of fine wines arrayed on the shelf behind the barkeep.
As you're deciding, a small group comes down the steps. Behind them, a young man—or is it a woman?—with spikey brown hair and simple, dark blue clothing strides past the group and exits the inn.
The small group consists of a middle-aged man and woman, clearly Aundairian of working class bearing, and a young man who is probably their son. He wears a uniform reminiscent of House Deneith's livery. Kal recognizes it as a probational Blademark recruit's uniform. The young man is probably about to "leave the nest" and try to become a Blademark mercenary. The trio takes a table near the window. The father looks proud, the mother worried, the young man excited and nervous.
The dark-haired woman sitting across from Kal shakes her head, as if trying to co-exist in both their conversation and whatever distress the letter in her hands has brought her. "I...well. That is. I don't think you can help me right now, all right?" At his mention of a drink, she merely waves her hand dismissively. "Unless you can get the attention of the Deneith viceroys themselves!"
___________________________
Goran dishes out two Cure Minor Wounds to Oss, one for himself, and a Mending for his clothing. Kal's Diplomacy check = 9
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 29, 2007 0:01:17 GMT -4
The dark-haired woman sitting across from Kal shakes her head, as if trying to co-exist in both their conversation and whatever distress the letter in her hands has brought her. "I...well. That is. I don't think you can help me right now, all right?" At his mention of a drink, she merely waves her hand dismissively. "Unless you can get the attention of the Deneith viceroys themselves!" [/color][/quote] "My lady, if you can tell me why you need their attention, I can certainly try. I do have the ear of some very powerful people..." _____________ I will not be stopped by crappy Diplomacy checks!
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Jeremy
Remorhaz (CR 7)
Goran
Posts: 467
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Post by Jeremy on May 29, 2007 5:36:28 GMT -4
Goran's eye is on the spikey-haired fellow (not staring, though). Goran buys a pint to split with Cutter.
"You get the next one, yeah?" Goran takes a mighty swig and hands it to Cutter (assuming he accepts), grumbling. "...ridiculous prices. Next time, I pick the inn."
Goran, as subtly as possible, keeps his eye on the spikey-haired stranger. He leans over to Kal.
"Hey, mind if I borrow Tangat's eyes and nose for a moment?"
He wants to Communicate With Animals to ask Tangat if he smells or notices anything strange about the spikey-haired guy. I realize he can't communicate like normal speech, but you know what I mean. This is assuming, of course, that Kal agrees and Tangat is game.
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Jeff
Administrator
Dungeon Master
Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 29, 2007 6:27:17 GMT -4
The woman looks Kal in the eye. "Oh, yeah?" she asks, clearly not believing him. "Who, then? My brother is a white blade, and they refuse to tell me where he is. The last I heard from him—" She shakes the letter in her hand. "—his regiment had to go somewhere near the border of Cy...of the Mournland. If he's dead...then they have to tell me that. But they won't tell me anything. Can your powerful people find out?"
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Paul
Bullywug (CR 1)
Posts: 52
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Post by Paul on May 29, 2007 7:58:32 GMT -4
When Goran isn't busy speaking to Kal, Cutter leans over so that others cannot overhear him.
"What's the deal with that book? You'd think it was a treasure map the way Pellorian keeps reading over it.:
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 29, 2007 8:54:05 GMT -4
The woman looks Kal in the eye. "Oh, yeah?" she asks, clearly not believing him. "Who, then? My brother is a white blade, and they refuse to tell me where he is. The last I heard from him—" She shakes the letter in her hand. "—his regiment had to go somewhere near the border of Cy...of the Mournland. If he's dead...then they have to tell me that. But they won't tell me anything. Can your powerful people find out?" Annoyed at Goran's interruption, Kalarian attempts not to show his irritation as he ignores the half-elf. "A White blade, eh? You must be very proud of him. My brother Marin was a White blade when he decided to join the Defender's Guild. He rose quite far in their ranks and is about to become a Sentinel Marshal. Following in my parent's footsteps, I guess, but if there is one man who truly deserves it, it is Marin. If you tell me your brother's name and the regiment he was serving with, I promise you I will do what I can to find out something to ease your mind. Is that a letter from him?" As Goran persists, Kalarian excuses himself for a moment from the woman. "Please, think for a moment before you turn down my offer. I am going across the street momentarily, and would be happy to look into the matter for you. You stand only to gain from accepting my help." Stepping away from the table, Kalarian pulls Goran aside. "I will ask Tangat to go with you, but I wouldn't bother trying to communicate with him unless you know Halfling. He's smarter than you might think, though, and if you ask him for something or need help, he will be there for you." Kalarian calls the wolf-dog to his side. Leaning down, he whispers to the dog in Halfling, asking him to assist Goran with whatever he needs. Looking up at Goran, he says, "Please do not take him too far, and be back soon. I mean to leave for the Deneith enclave very shortly and I would prefer that Tangat were at my side." Returning to the woman, Kalarian sits back down. "My sincerest apologies, my lady. Have you considered my offer?"
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Jeff
Administrator
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Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 29, 2007 9:36:17 GMT -4
"Yes, if you can help....help." The woman folds up the letter and pockets it. "My brother's name is Regen Caldam. I don't know the name of his regiment. I only know they set out from here two months ago, and only one month ago did I get word of where they were going. He wasn't allowed to say specifics...so it's all I have. Believe me, I've questioned your house, but they've been no help. Everything's 'classified' or 'unavailable at the present time.'"
Tangat looks up questioningly at Goran when he and Kal speak.
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Darren
Kalarian d'Deneith (human)
Kalarian
Posts: 7,310
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Post by Darren on May 29, 2007 10:03:54 GMT -4
"Very well, my lady. I will ask them. We may find that their lips loosen for one of their own." Relaxing his posture, Kalarian's smile returns. "How will I find you, my lady? Will you await my return here? I'm afraid I don't even know your name." Catching the barkeep's attention, Kalarian orders himself a drink. Looking questioningly at the woman, he says, "Please, my lady. Don't make me drink alone..."
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Jeremy
Remorhaz (CR 7)
Goran
Posts: 467
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Post by Jeremy on May 29, 2007 10:17:17 GMT -4
Goran looks at Cutter, and lowers his voice.
"Your guess is as good as mine. I never saw inside it, and she couldn't open it until the gnome helped her with the lock. The only impression I've gotten so far is that she's not sure what she's looking at...but she knows it's important. For all I know, it might a Sacred Deneith Cookbook."
The ranger smiles at Tangat, and gets down on one knee, scratching his ears gently, and makes his request...promising a treat for his efforts.
This is where I would like to Communicate With Animals, Jeff. I am only interested in finding out a bit about the stranger with the spiky hair. I had wondered if Tangat could trot past him and with his expert nose and senses, just let me know what he thinks of him, what he smells like, what he might recently have been up to, etc. Of course he emphasizes that Tangat not risk danger to himself.
Don't know if this is possible or not, but it seems worth a try at the moment.
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Jeff
Administrator
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Posts: 15,166
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Post by Jeff on May 29, 2007 10:27:07 GMT -4
Goran speaks the words of a spell—drawing a couple of glances from diners in the room—and his senses alter preternaturally to interpret the sounds and gestures of animals.
Tangat cocks his head when Goran speaks, showing some interest in the promise of a treat. Yet strangely, none of his sounds or motions is 'translated' by Goran's spell. He can't get anything back from the dog. Either Tangat is somehow eluding his attempts to communicate directly with him, or he is somehow not subject to the spell's power.
Nevertheless, Tangat seems willing to head outside with Goran.
To Kal's request, the dark-haired woman merely stares at him for a moment. "I'm no lady, my lord. But I'll tell you what? Get me some news of my brother and I'll share that drink. My name's Jara."
___________________________
Goran casts Speak With Animals. This only gives him one minute's time to communicate with any animals.
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