Against the Cult: Party at the Mill (1.1)

The halfling hurries off to fulfil the orders. As he returns, he is accompanied by the human male, bringing some of the food and drink.

He looks at you and beams, speaking to you in Imperial, with a strong Keolish accent. "I'm Devane Thornhill: Tap toll me there were atventurers here, and I wannit to see for miss elf. Welcome to moy Inn of Eternal Rest! Anythink I can do to make ya comfortable, lemme know! These Inn was founted by moy father, ant he used to be an atventurer, too! Most play-aces in Hochoch was cree-ated by atventurers, you know. We love atventurers here, they are like family!"

Devane smiles, and asks: "So: what brings these group of atdevturers here to Hochoch?"

Devane smiles broadly at this.
"Cecily! My grandfather, Wason Thornhill, atventured with her. They party cleared out the wild, which made the east road to Hookhill possible. We owe a lot to Cecily."

He is called away for a few moments, serving some other tables. Tap (the halfling) returns to your table several times, bearing freshly-filled mugs, bread, and bowls of stew, as the party discusses the relative merits of glory as a motive. After a few minutes more, Tap arrives with some nicely steeped tea for Aanbo, accompanied by a young gnome, whom he introduces to Sara. "This is Jerek, our brewer." The gnome blushes, and shakes his head. "No, the brewer's my father; I'm just his assistant. Maybe you've heard of him: Maul Goodbody?" (folks can do a history check if they wish)

Having fulfilled everyone else's orders for the moment, Devane returns with the woman, speaking to her in Keolish. Then he resumes in his accented Imperial: "I was just explaining Soraya my wife to about your boss is Cecily. These wondered if we have any jobs for atventurers..."



Devane's wife Soraya smiles and says hello to you all. The men unloading the wagon drop a cask, which splits with a loud CRACK! Devane rushes off to help. She looks fondly after him, then looks pointedly at Tap, who starts and returns to his work, checking in at the other tables. Then she turns back to the group. She speaks Imperial with a northern accent like some of you.
"Jerek is too modest; he does a wonderful job as our brewer, even if his father's name is still on the sign." Jerek grins and does a little bow. "As for adventure...well, half of this town are retired adventurers, and the other half like Devane are descended from them. Our town wouldn't exist without Cecily; the elf is a legend around these parts. Things have been pretty quiet since The War, however." She pauses, for a moment. "I do hear that there's been some trouble on the east road, though. Some of the traders have returned with weird stories about Orlane. I could introduce you, or point you in their direction, if you like."

Soraya points out a couple of people at the Inn.
While pointing to a human with a long face nursing an antiquated horn of drink: "That sour-looking fellow is Victor "Blackguard" Wilson. Don't let his looks fool you; he's quite a nice fellow. His cousin was living in Orlane until recently, so he probably has some news."

While pointing to a vivacious young woman in the midst of a laughing group: "That's Lienne Vereel; she manages to keep tabs on everything that's happening anywhere."

and then she points to one of the men inspecting the broken cask with Devane. "Kons Gradeskej deals with all the merchants in the region; last week he talked to a trader who returned from Orlane unexpectedly. There's also Jobram Dantavy, but I expect he's over at the Cube this time of day..."

She smiles at each of you. "If you talk to any of them, just let them know Soraya sent you...except for - well, it doesn't matter. My name opens doors. But for now, enjoy your meal and drink. If you need a place to stay, our rooms are dry and comfortable. And now, please excuse me..." Soraya saunters over to another table, and then proceeds to Lienne's table, where she is greeted with a glad cry from the many young people there.

Jerek clears his throat and leans forward conspiratorially. "I heard that they're having problems with giant crocodiles. So close to the Rushmoors as Orlane is, it's not a surprise."