Scene 2 - The Averndale Adventurers' Guild

Sadur

The half-orc approaches the group of men, since they were closer, drawing eyes and hushing their conversation before he was even in range to speak. The group of humans in front of Sadur were not sure how to take the man, but before they could even begin the lone traveler explained himself. Though a few of them whisper amongst each other seeming confused and even upset over Sadur's presence, the oldest of the human men speaks up.

"I have told those boys for a week that we have a pack of critters hunting our livestock... and they just send you? No offense, mister, you look tough, but you can handle them all on your own, can you?" The old man scowls a bit, trying to Size Sadur up. The Greataxe on the Half-orc's back sells the image, but to the old man, you still look green.

XarakasYou spend the afternoon shopping, returning with traps weighing you down. While your old clothes are washed and dried, you spend time at Inn. Xarakas tries out some new verses but might need some more 'classical heroics' as the body horror content seems not to jive with the patrons eating lunch... however you send out the news and the people will be talking. Sitting in one place long enough, Xarakas has seen artisans and craftspersons, blacksmiths, miners, loggers, and work-crew bosses. Even a few of this backwoods city's courtiers have found a table together in the corner and keep to themselves. You will also see Marconi's daughter who is dressed in a conservative servant's uniform to cover her skin and hair as she clears tables. See sees to the guests and is treated kindly, under the watchful eye of her father. Many labors come through, but no one messes with her. The Marconi boy is less attentive to his chores, hanging out with the workmen and sitting down to take orders, while his sister cleans.

Soon enough that young man reaches Xarakas as he is resting, bringing him an 'Ale on the house'. "Hey... what's with the skin?" He doesn't seem put off, not like most of the other patrons. "And your eyes are black, just like they are saying. "

Sadur

There is a central barn with stables and even some newly built pens for some animals, with fencing encircling around. It is fairly secure. The houses themselves are well-built. Overall this location is fairly secure. You do see that the main group of hoofstock, either cows or goats or both are out still grazing. The old man turns to look with you. "It happens while they are out. Most of our group are riding tonight trying to keep the herd safe. There in the hills on the path yond." He points out the path towards the grazing fields. The old man grumbles to himself, looking to you. "They should be back soon... I told them to come in before the light fades."

He looks down again. "Come on to the house you must need water." With a wave of his hand the old man limps along the dirt path back towards the largest house. "Then you can rest in the Barn, tonight."

A short side thing would be good as it fits into my plans for character development

at the Heart of Hearth :: Xarakas and Jasper

The coppers were scooped up with his left hand as he smiles brightly, taking the joke and the hint and heading off to get the stage ready. By the time the evening crowd starts coming in, the boy has spruced up the beautifully crafted and dyed wooden central stage with a stool and a table with water and ale pre-poured for Xarakas. Above is an encircling balcony, while panels above and below catch the sound. this place was made with acoustics in mind. The crowd would have no trouble hearing him. Around the simplistic platform are rows of longtables and benchseats and more tables for guests. Where there were empty all day there are now taken first as guests arrive. He was not playing to critics or for his life, though his lifestyle and opinions were possible in question. Many came tonight. They heard of the 'Blue Bard' and whispers had been growing.

Marconi was at first taken by surprise but quickly sends one of his boys to gather more hands for servers and busboys, seeing that the bar might actually come close to capacity. The regulars were already there, but between desperate monotony and simple curiosity, it seemed the whole town might arrive at the Heart of Hearth this eve. Marconi sends his other boy to any other food or drink vendor he was in good standing with and has his daughter take the back stairs and begin preparing the balcony.

It was Market Day tomorrow, so there were more people in town this night then would likely be all year, and it seems they are all coming for entertainment. It's Show Time, XarakasElsewhere in the City :: Leon

When leaving the Inn, Leon notices a crowd forming. There are significantly more people on the street tonight. People of all sorts. Many come from outside the city for Market Day. As well there seems to be an increase in the City Watch. The torches and street lanterns give a surreal sense to the chaotic movement of people rushing about their business in the late evening. Muddy streets, the chill in the air, your breath even brings vapor as you step away from the main thoroughfare to follow the directions you were given. The clambering sounds behind you give way to the ruckus noises ahead. There is a gathering of labors milling about a central area between large warehouses.

You were directed to the middle building but are stopped at the doorway by a Dwarf with a hand spread as wide as your chest. "Where do you think you're going? Taker's over there." He points to a stand where the Bookies were busy taking bets. "Everyone else can wait."

Elsewhere : Leon

Your words don't sway him. A hand on the dwarf's back is the only thing that moves the wall-of-a-man, who turns to allow a young woman with a sharp smile to greet Leon. Garbed in robes, hood, mask, and veil, with jewelry worn in silver chains over top of it all. She is dressed as a foreigner from the desertlands with dark skin, only her eyes are exposed, dark eyes in the insufficient light, which give her away before her voice - as smooth and exotic as silk. "Easy Brute, he is expected."

She is so completely out of place that as she guides you through the temporary arena, she is given space by anyone in her way. You pass the ring of wooden fencing and go over to a side room. "You can wait in here until you're needed." It seems you won't be attending the fight itself, but is likely a matter of deniability.

Elsewhere : Leon

"... I did not." the shape of her eyes on the purr in her tone, insist she enjoys the mystery and will say no more to you, disappearing around the corner. The room has a few tables that could handle a body tossed on top, and a couple of chairs pushed to the side, but easy enough to reset for your own comfort. The event was starting and you are left much to your own devices within the room but become aware there is another bulky-looking fellow left outside the door.

The first fight begins and sure enough, within the third round of cheers and jeers, there is that eerie silence that washes over the crowd as they wait to hear if the downed man was only knocked out. A great excitement takes over as the winner is announced, and within a few moments, you are watching a large unconscious man heaped upon your table. He has several large bruises, a few lacerations, and a broken nose.

Elsewhere - Leon

He comes to eventually and is okay overall. Your attention to the details annoys the fighter who begins insisting he is okay but his nose is bashed. You could reset it or it is going to heal crooked, but that is not life-threatening. Overall he'll probably recover, though there can be lasting effects from getting knocked unconscious.