Gameplay - The Dragon Who Asked Too Much

The Marshall recognizes your accent. "Ah, a local. I'm Marshall Jacovi. You must have been away for some time. We've established a no flying law recently, following a rash of public assaults. That's about, what, Kolani, seven weeks now?"

"Nearly eight," nods sergeant Kolani.

"Eight weeks. There are a few inns that could house hippogriffs as fine as these. I'll have two men escort you. When you want to leave, let us know and we'll provide escort then, too. You look well enough off, were you looking for style, comfort, or anonymity?"

It has been a while for sure. I guess comfort over style. Anonymity wouldn't hurt either.

Thank you for your help Marshall.

A fierce burgeoning rivalry between the air guard griffins and your hippogriffs is interrupted by your meeting coming for a close. Sergeant Kolani and a wingman mount up and launch when you're ready to follow. Kolani dives for speed, his griffin all but skimming over a roof before rapidly winging for height.

The wingman goes wide and escorts from the side.

A few minutes later Kolani circles over a inn whose courtyard has a long, grassy laneway and stone stables. He points down, clearly indicating this is where you are to go but not landing himself.

Garth salutes the sergeant and proceeds to land.

"Awfully nice of him to help us out!" Ruby shouts to everyone else, enjoying the friendly attitudes of such gruff individuals.

Hehsh pats his hippogriff. "You are much more fierce than those griffins. How many of them have ripped apart a crocodile."

Mavis nods agreement at Ruby's and Hehsh's words.

She quietly assesses Garth. Mavis's love of order is rooted in law. For there to be law there must be a lawgiver.
Hasan has said that we should follow Garth's lead. That must make Garth our leader for this phase of the quest.
Pleased that Garth's rank has been established, Mavis tries to enjoy the last (? Please let it be the last!) stretch of her Hippogriff ride.

Landing is simple on the carefully groomed grassy strip. Your hippogriffs soar in and flare their wings only a little to shed forward velocity, but still land at a canter. Climbing r their heads about in fiestiness they playfully snap at a confused groomsman who allows Garth's to grab his arm, mock tearing at it.

"Welcome to the Black Rose, my friend. Who wants some juicy fish? Why, you do, you big furball, yes you do!" he coos.

After you have removed your saddles and gear, you find yourself in the foyer of a haunted mansion. Everything about it screams moldy death and chilling family secrets. An extremely pale, tall man comes forth on his long black formal wear, and says, "Good evening, sirs, madames. I am Mont, and this is the Black Rose. We have rooms available and if you will retire to the sitting room, I will bring you a refreshment as we discuss any of your.... peculiar requirements."

He leads you a great room, filled with sitting chairs, fireplaces, dark tapestries, and shuddered magical reading lamps. One entire wall is a massive bookshelf floor to ceiling, with a rolling ladder to reach the upper shelves.

A small boy, decorated by a large smear of soot on his cheek, looks up from behind a chair beside a fireplace. He holds two wooden animals, bears or wolves by their look. He stares at you in slackjawed wonder.

"This place certainly has an...atmosphere." Ruby thinks out loud, eyeing up every corner of this foreboding abode. When she sees the kid she waves with a happy smile.

Thank you Mont.

Garth looks at Ruby.

Yeah, I think they are very discreet here. I wouldn't stare at any of the guests, I have a feeling no one wants to be noticed.

"Theres more to this journey right Garth?" Hasan asks skeptically.

hmm-mmm-hmm-mm, hmm-mmm-hmm-mm, hmm-mmm-hmm-mm duh-duh duh-dah!" Snap, snap. Hehsh hums to himself. Not sure where he got the tune from, but it sure is catchy.

Mavis strolls over to the bookshelf and looks at the books’ titles.
Dead posh she says approvingly over her shoulder to Garth, she frowns I mean.. reet posh

You have a name. A safe place (presumably) to start. How did you want to priced?

When Mont comes back with refreshments, Garth will speak to him.

Everything is great Mont. The reputation of this establishment is certainly well earned. I am looking for an old friend who I have heard lives here in the city these days. Maybe you have heard of him, or could put out some inquiries.

His name is da'Norto Illianstar. An elf with a bit of flair.