Scene 1: Inn Plain Sight

After a long rest and more hours of travel, the adventuring party come to an inn built into the remains of a crumbling stone tower. This is Inn Plain Sight, the place the party has been requested to meet the townsfolk about their problems with the great red dragon Cinderhowl. The Inn is well-known for its delicious hot wings that the proprietor, Alax Jadescales, makes fresh to order. Alax is also one of the townsfolk to be met, as noted in the gold advance received before arriving.

The gnomish paladin, Derv, ties his summoned steed up at the hitching post, fresh water bubbling from the fountain next to it. He secures his steed enough so that it does not wander, but can get loose and run away if needed.

The human sailor, Hindle, looks about, and seems to be mumbling to himself again, much as he has done throughout the journey so far. The halfling rogue, Merton, walks alongside Hindle, but seems to keep his distance.

The dwarf wizard, Enigo, and human druid, Leana, still seem a bit distracted discussing her home. Enigo seems eager to learn more about her world and Leana has much to say about her world before they met.

Peeking inside the Inn, it appears to be empty and almost deserted. However, as the group walks in, they smell the most delicious hot wings of their lives.

What memories do the smells evoke?

As Hindle opens the door to the inn, a tangy pungent aroma wafts out, stinging the inside of his nose. Taking a step inside, his foot hits cold water and sand as the wind carries news of a coming squall past his face. He can see young Merowen youths catching rock hoppers chicks nearby. There will be a hakari tonight with the arrival of the Yagar's Harem. Another step carries him past the young women around the firepit pulling the leaf wrapped birds from the coals. Waimarie is beautiful in the light of the setting sun, but the smell of the manaaki bubbling away nearby...
Leana's brash call shatters the reverie as she shoulders past him on her way to the counter.

Seating himself at a table nearby, Hindle watches Leana's antics hopeful that they will be productive. Given the lack of custom, perhaps the food isn't ready despite the delicious smells.

As Enigo looks around during this encounter, he sees relatively new notices on the noticeboard and a shiny plaque next to the fireplace in the room. Crates are piled around the entrance, perhaps sign of the renovations, but they look rather dusty. A set of stairs sits across from the fireplace, also looking rather dusty.

Invisible to all but Hindle, he watches something behind the innkeeper and settles his gaze at the back door before returning to scrutinizing the man.

Good point!

The smile not only appears insincere, but there is a cruel sneer to it. Clearly, the innkeeper Merry does not like your party and you suspect it is because he wants you to leave. All the more reason to check out what is going on at Inn Plain Sight!