Scene 1: Welcome to Woodhearth

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Mar 2, 2016 4:37 pm
"Destiny calls, and we can but obey." Omen's eyes flicker with zealous fire, then he blinks and resumes his obsequious dealing-with-dwarves manner. "But certainly we would humbly appreciate your wisdom about the Dark before we venture in to the forest. But what could we do to earn such a boon?" Omen looks slyly at the man from his bow. "Perhaps we can be of service in some way? If our assistance could in any way benefit such a grand and sagacious a potentate as yourself, even if it were merely for amusement, then we would do so gladly for the favor of your guidance." Such effusive language is standard when dealing with vain - and very rich - dwarves. Omen senses that this person, while possibly human, has a dwarvish level of vanity.
Mar 2, 2016 4:46 pm
Elestren merely stands by, listening. She has never been good t stroking people's egos. In fact, her particular talents are more likely to offend a despot than to soothe them.

The black-turbaned man, draws Elestren's curiosity. The man is as out-of-place here as she and her companions. What might his presence here mean?
Last edited March 2, 2016 7:25 pm
Mar 2, 2016 7:03 pm
I seem somewhat annoyed by the banter, but not so much as to be offensive. I also stay silent to see how Omen's offer of service is accepted.
Mar 2, 2016 7:39 pm
Alexander finally recognizes the man, but does not allow his recognition to show on his face. The Ahsh'hio Clan had been under attack from a group of the Sultan's men. At great risk, Alex's father led a group of his finest soldiers to their aid, saving them from what would have been an unwinnable battle.

Alex remembers this man as stern but fair. He was very skilled in battle and showed no mercy to his enemies, stating that doing so would bring dishonor to both him and his opponent. That philosophy has followed Alex into his adulthood.

The fact that he is here is troubling to say the least. What could have happened to the honorable Ahsh'hio Clan?
Last edited March 2, 2016 7:40 pm
Mar 9, 2016 3:42 am
Magister Bertram nods his head at the flattery Omen offers. "My advise is to stay away form the Dark Wood. It is no place for fine folk to trouble themselves with. That wisdom I share freely. However, you lot look the type to ignore such wisdom. If I cannot persuade you to forget that task, perhaps I can persuade you to find shelter at one of our establishments. I believe the Violet Fox has rooms. You should find it quite comfortable." He turns and points up the road. "You will find it that direction. Turn left just past Blacksmith Webb's shop. Short of the square. Tell them I sent you and they are sure to provide clean sheets" Clearly he is jesting with you with that last remark.
Mar 9, 2016 6:09 am
"We shall do so, and are ever grateful for your guidance." Omen bows low (a 'chin sweep,' as the commoner sorts of dwarves would say), and waits for this tiresome official to leave.
Mar 9, 2016 10:51 pm
The other man in the turban, who has been watching you closely, steps forward at this time. Bertram leans his head in to hear what the swordsman has to say, then scoffs as though offended. "Nonsense Meljora, these travelers are no danger to anyone. You are being a superstitious old fool."
Mar 9, 2016 10:55 pm
"I did not say they were, only that...we should be cautious of strangers. We should hold them over night, they will be free to go about their business in the morning. They can get a hot meal at The Fox and then we shall watch over them while they sleep." The man in the turban keeps his gaze locked with the magister's
Mar 11, 2016 5:44 am
"The Fox? Is that the name of an inn here in town? Why, Milady Elestren was just singing about a fox. Truly, fortune smiles upon us!"

Omen grins in what he hopes is a reassuring manner.

"But do you think there will be room at the Fox? There are...so many people here already."
Mar 11, 2016 2:28 pm
"It does seem like this fine town is almost bursting at the seems. May it be possible to carry our conversation about accommodations and 'company' to the Violet Fox?" I gesture in the general direction of the inn in hopes of getting the party moving away from the gates.
Mar 11, 2016 3:00 pm
Alex nods and gives Meljora a significant look, "Yes, we've been on the road for some time and would appreciate a chance to put our feet up, at least for a few minutes."
Mar 12, 2016 2:18 am
"Well then I leave it to you, captain. But I do not order that they be held. If these travelers want to consent to your wishes, so be it, but do not harass them." There is not so much 'threat' in his words, as finality backed by authority.

With that he offers a courteous, if aloof, nod and heads back into the throng.
Mar 12, 2016 2:23 am
"Gentlemen," then to Elestren, "Ma'am, if you will come with me. Please stay together." He extends an arm toward the crowd, indicating you all are to go first.

The crowd is as polite as you could imagine, given how compressed everyone is. It takes the better part of ten minutes to get to the blacksmith's shop. You are at the corner when Elestren feels a tug at her belt. When she looks down, her pouch containing her money is gone. The string by which it is was attached is cut.

Meljora does not seem to notice, even though his eyes constantly scan the crowd.

Elestren, do you move on to the Violet Fox, or look for the thief...or do something else?

What about the rest of you? what do you do when Elestren stops and looks at her waist?

Rolls

randomiser - (1d4)

(1) = 1

Mar 12, 2016 10:27 pm
Elestren watches with great interest the interplay between Meljora and Alexander throughout the entire conversation at the gate. She has never seen the sands of Sharaq but she has heard enough songs and tales to recognize the man's bearing and dusky skin, as well as his mode of dress and the style of his sword, to mark him as hailing from that fabled land. Elestren had come to the same conclusion when she had first met Alexander.

As the group moves through the crowd Elestren marvels at the two desert clansmen's lithe grace and the peculiar gait well suited to the shifting sands of the Sharaq. She hums to herself a song heard long ago about a lion in the desert dancing with the simoom.

Distracted thusly, the cutpurse gets the better of her. "What the?-- Hey!" Elestren chases after the thief.
Mar 14, 2016 6:24 pm
As Elestren moves after the thief, the crowd threatens to separate them several times, its not out of malice or intention, they just have their own business to attend to and don't seem to notice the elf is chasing someone until she is practically face to to face.

The bard sees a shadowy figure dart down the narrow gap between two buildings. The ground between these buildings is wet with the muck and filth of so many people living in tight quarters. As you near the other gap you can see the thief again. Your purse dangles from their hand as they exit the shadows and back onto a better lit street.

Bursting form between the buildings yourself, you see the thief duck into a small house. You are sure they are cornered now! But as you make to follow, your footing gives out and you careen toward a produce vendor and her stall.
OOC:
I need a Defy Danger roll from you. I can't think of a way to use CHA(...charm and social grace) or WIS(mental fortitude) on this roll but any of the other approaches could work, so you have your choice on which ability to use.
Mar 14, 2016 6:31 pm
Seeing Elestren rush off, Alexander will draw the others' attention to her leaving and turn to follow her to see what's wrong.
Mar 14, 2016 7:11 pm
As Alexander draws my attention to Elestren rushing off, I also pursue and try to identify animals on the roof tops that might be able to provide information about the situation.
Mar 14, 2016 7:30 pm
Without slowing down, Elestren tries to sidestep away from the produce stall, turning her sprint into a kind of graceful pirhouette.
Last edited March 14, 2016 7:31 pm

Rolls

Defy Danger DEX - (2d6+1)

(66) + 1 = 13

Mar 14, 2016 10:01 pm
The merchant yells out as she sees you about to crash into her stall, but Elestren avoids crashing into the stall with the masterful grace of a nymph. The shout draws the attention of many people in the crowd and as everyone darts across the street you hear them talking about the elf woman. They want to know who she is and where she came from.

Elestren is forced to come to a halt as she enters the little house. The others come in behind and see what has caused her to pause. A young woman, or rather a girl stands before you. In her hand a slim blade. She barley looks old enough to use such a thing, but her stance reveals she has had training. Though her garb is drab and care warn, it is relatively clean. She is clearly malnourished, but there is a light in her eyes that shows courage.

https://secure.static.tumblr.com/df35cda1fe1e0a5309c990f62012197d/z079u1z/NK3nlcgz7/tumblr_static_tumblr_static_d8klkwqndr4k48kkkc888ko0g_640.jpg

Behind her, attempting to remain hidden in the shadows is another figure. By height and build it is clearly another child. Glancing around the room you see a fine layer of dust, a few dishes sit on the floor next to two comfortable chairs. Only the faintest glow of embers remain in the fireplace. The chill in the room tells you it has been a while since it burned hot. There are no curtains on the windows, only shutters which are closed and latched. Two blankets and thin pillows near the hearth indicate that somebody usually sleeps near it.

The pale face in the darkness calls out with a small voice, "Go away, we have nothing for you! We will call the guard!" She clearly doesn't see Captain Meljora coming up behind the party.
http://www.mafab.hu/static/2015t/220/15/256868_1439128673.2947.jpg
Mar 15, 2016 4:21 am
Elestren relaxes her stance and gestures to the others behind her to stay back. "Don't be afraid, child. I mean you no harm. I thought your sister had stolen my purse," she smiles and winks conspiratorially at the waifs, "but clearly I was mistaken!" The bard holds out her open palms placatingly. "Are you hungry? We can get you some food. Just put the sword away, alright?"
Last edited March 15, 2016 4:22 am

Rolls

Charming & Open - (2d6+2)

(64) + 2 = 12

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