Against the Cult: Entering Orlane (1.7)

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Bertram

spaceseeker19

Jul 26, 2024 5:58 am
Bertram
Bertram mentally notes the orders, and replies to their questions: "Well, we don't have bears here in Orlane..." He smiles, confirming that he's joking. "Life is good in our town. We are blessed with good weather, good food, and good company!" To Myrtha, he replies "Erm...we might have some buttermilk; would that do? If you'd rather, I suppose I can send someone to fetch a pail." He repeats the order (so far) back: "You want three bowls of stew, a pint of lager, a plate of bratwurst, a cup of milk, and..." He trails off, a slight frown creasing between his brows. "Water? Ah, you wish to bathe...of course!" His countenance clears with understanding. "We have a wash tub outside; you can use it now, if you pay for lodgings. Or if you are really particular," his eyes narrow, looking at the group doubtfully, "We can dump out the old water early, fill it with fresh water from the well and heat it for you, too. 5 seals!"
OOC:
Just an aside: this "water confusion" interaction is based on a real-life interaction my family had in restaurants in France, many years ago. The waiters couldn't understand why anyone would want water except to wash one's hands.
Despite this pleasant-but-misguided conversation, Theran and Myrtha take the time to assess the room. It certainly has a different atmosphere than the Inn of Eternal Rest back in Hochoch. There is no gossip here, no pretty young women coming to ferret out details of adventures, nor is there a bard playing music. The people in the common room are serious, drinking silently at their tables, with no apparent curiosity about the newcomers, except for Bimmy, who sits alone, staring at the party as he takes long, slow sips of his pint. There is no conversation or laughter. No one makes a move to light the fire in the fireplace.

After a few attempts, Theran manages to convince Bertram that he wants water to drink and the proprietor disappears through a door behind the bar, grumbling a bit about "travelers and their weird ways"...but he returns a few moments later with four mugs and three trenchers, which he sets down in front of the party members that requested them. "There you are!" The mug in front of Myrtha contains the promised buttermilk. "Let's say 1 seal for the buttermilk." Despite his talk of dirty bath water, the water in Theran's mug is clear, sweet, and a bit cold, as if just drawn from a well. "If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing here in Orlane? Visiting, or just passing through? We haven't had so many visitors lately. Not that they're not wanted, but that the traffic we used to get has dwindled to almost nothing. In the past couple of weeks, the only visitor I can recall is that half-elf who came to visit the temple."
OOC:
Note that if you haven't ordered already, you can still do so.
Jul 26, 2024 6:35 pm
Myrtha thanks the innkeeper for her drink and the stew.
"Roads ‘ve become dangerous, we heard. Bandits, highwaymen are the talk in Hochoch. So we thought to look into these rumours, weed out the troublemakers. We’d been following some tracks, figuring they might lead to some bandit camp… ended losing our lead near here, so we decided to rest in town. See if you folks had heard anything about this. Have you?"
OOC:
Myrtha will be assessing the response closely, for any nonverbal cues (insight check, I guess).

Also wondering whether the half-elf he speaks of might have been Jonbon.
Last edited July 26, 2024 7:38 pm

Rolls

Insight check - (1d20)

(4) = 4

Jul 26, 2024 8:07 pm
Aanbo appreciates Myrtha's questions to the barkeep. He listens attentively, helping discern the man's demeanor in his answers.

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Bertram

spaceseeker19

Jul 27, 2024 5:52 am
Bertram
Bertram frowns, considering. "...no, I can't say as I have. Highwaymen? I suppose that could be happening, but I haven't heard tell of any. Oh, there's always talk of things that go bump in the night...gorgons, vampires, harpies...it's all just old wives' tales. The only one about bandits we have around here..." He leans forward and whispers dramatically, "...is the old legend of Bandit Black! You'd better be good children, or Bandit Black will steal you away in the night!" He laughs, a mellow guffaw. But then he cocks his head. "Hochoch, you say? Are you from there? You seem to be normal. Have they got that mess with the wizard all sorted out, then? People turned back into their own natural forms and all?"
OOC:
Not considering the content of his speech, Bertram does not seem particularly suspicious to Myrtha or Aanbo. He's not acting furtive or anxious. If others want to roll WIS (Insight) checks, you are welcome to do so.
Jul 27, 2024 11:00 am
Listening to Bertram Chase looks for the most minor details in voice and facial expression. His as a Boundary Warden have taught him to not only listen to the words but the inflection of voice the movement of eyes or hands and the posture one takes while talking.

Rolls

insight - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

Jul 27, 2024 4:54 pm
"Not really from there," she said after swallowing a spoonful of stew, "we met there, and decided to go looking for these bandits. So Bandit Black is a legend hereabouts?", she asked, failing to hide the inquisitive edge to her tone.

Bertram

spaceseeker19

Jul 28, 2024 7:09 am
Bertram

Bertram laughs. "You could say that! Oh, I don't doubt that there were bandits that have preyed on merchants in the past. It sounds like they've had problems in Hochoch, then? That's a shame. May be why we haven't seen many of our regulars from Hochoch for a while, if the crooks are busy there." He gives a start, apparently realizing how long he's been talking. "Listen to me, going on and on! I have to check on the other tables, but please...enjoy your meal, and let me know if there's aught else you'd like." With that, Bertram leaves you to enjoy your food and drink and to have any conversation you want to keep private.
Jul 28, 2024 12:01 pm
Chase nods and thanks Bertram. After he is away he says to the group quietly. Did any one else notice how interested he was in what we had to say? Not only him but everyone around us. Like maybe they were going to make reports to someone of our activities. I think we should mind what we say and maybe tail Bertram for a bit.
Jul 28, 2024 4:23 pm
"He did mention that visitors are very rare," cautions Aanbo, "and we definitely stand out in this crowd. I do agree that we should be careful."

He thumbs through his prayer beads in his lap, then lowers his voice to address the table quietly. "Jonbon mentioned the temple of Merikka as his destination," he says. "Ultimately that temple is where we should begin our investigation. Should we see what Bertram thinks of the priests there? If he is suddenly very manic in his adoration of 'the goddess' like Jonbon was, it would warrant further suspicion."
Jul 28, 2024 4:48 pm
Theran says nothing, but as he takes a drink of water he catches Aanbo's eye and nods in agreement as he sets his glass down.
Last edited July 28, 2024 5:07 pm
Jul 28, 2024 4:59 pm
Chase nods to AanboI am going to keep an eye on Bertram while y'all check on the Temple. Bandits have been known to use inn owners for info.
Jul 28, 2024 5:07 pm
Aanbo considers the split of the group. "It might arouse suspicion if we all went to the temple. I wouldn't want you to be alone, though. Joseph, would you mind assisting Chase?"
Jul 28, 2024 5:50 pm
I am used to working on my own in these situations but will gladly take on another as long as they don't blow it.
Jul 29, 2024 5:31 am
Joseph nods, sets down his drink, and wipes some foam from his upper lip. "Sure thing, Aanbo old pal! I can stay here with Chase." He lowers his voice. "Are you planning on sneaking out later, when everyone's asleep, or just leaving now?"
Jul 29, 2024 10:02 am
Looking at Joseph We should finish our meals and drinks then go outside. I will leave you to watch the front and I will cover the back. Use our warning whistle if he comes out the front I will do the same if he comes out back. Blend in and wait. Chase finishes his meal and lager then looks at Joseph. You ready to take a stroll? We will both go out the front and then I will peel off and go to the back to find some cover.

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+7)

(19) + 7 = 26

Bertram

spaceseeker19

Jul 29, 2024 3:14 pm
INSIDE...

Bertram
After the party finishes its meal, the ranger and the rogue get up and leave the Golden Grain Inn. Bertram crosses the room to come back to the table. "How was everything? Can I get you anything else?" He looks at the front door, where the two party members have just left. "Are they coming back to get a room, or...?"

Bertram looks expectantly at Aanbo, Myrtha, Reptile, and Theran. "And what about you all? It's getting dark. Would you like to hear the options for rooms again?"
Jul 29, 2024 3:24 pm
OUTSIDE...

Joseph and Chase make their way into the early evening. The sunset has set and the stars have come out overhead. Light shines in the windows of the nearby houses on the other side of the north-south street, but no one has lit any lanterns for the shops, which appear to be closed for the night.

Joseph ambles along, walking east out of sight, then ducks behind the next building - apparently a jeweler's shop, judging by the sign depicting a ring with a gemstone setting hanging over the locked door - and circles around to the weaver's shop, where he squats in a shadow and peers around the corner to watch the Golden Grain Inn's front porch and door in the deepening darkness.

Chase, meanwhile, turns right coming out of the door, goes to the intersection, and turns right again, heading north toward the bridge. On his left is a farmhouse with windows glowing warmly with what is probably a hearth fire, judging by the flickering. On his right is the side of the Golden Grain Inn. He notes that there is a locked door set almost horizontally adjacent to the building: almost certainly a cellar door. Continuing north, Chase passes a large corral or animal pen for the farm on his left and on his right, the carriage house and stable for the Golden Grain Inn...which appear to be completely empty. As he passes the stable, he looks casually right and left - all clear - and then ducks to his right behind the building. He makes his way around the structure and listens. There is no sound of horses within. Silently, Chase lifts the latch and slips inside. It is completely empty; the air is stale with the smell of old hay, but there is no animal smell at all. He gets to the front of the barn and swings the door ajar enough so that he can watch the back of the Inn from concealment. There is one small door in the back of the building, probably barred from within, in the very eastern edge of the northern face of the Inn.

What do you do now?

Rolls

Stealth - (1d20+6)

(16) + 6 = 22

Jul 29, 2024 4:53 pm
INSIDE
"Yes, they are coming back," Aanbo says to Bertram. "We'll take the lodging. The two that went for an after-meal stroll will take a common room bed, as well as myself if they are available. Do we pay up front?"

Aanbo leaves the choice of private room for the others; reasoning that it's fine if they wish separate quarters.
OOC:
Apologies for deciding on a bed for Chase. Didn't realize he and Joseph would be leaving right now!
Last edited July 29, 2024 4:54 pm
Jul 29, 2024 7:00 pm
"I wouldn't mind a stroll myself," Myrtha mentioned, as Chase and Joseph stepped outside. She finished her meal without hurry, and continued to talk amiably with Aanbo, Reptile and Theran.

When Bertram came back to their table, she thanked him. "I'll be taking a bed in the common room as well," she stated, and prepared the coin needed to cover her meal and lodging for the night. "Master Bertram, how long do you think it'd take to walk around the lake and return here? I would enjoy having a better idea of how Orlane is spread about..."
OOC:
I'll deduct 15 seals (sp), if my math is correct.
Myrtha wouldn't mind walking outside for half an hour or so. Would going around the lake on the main road (thereby crossing both bridges) take more time than that? She would like to have an idea of the lay of the land, identify any major shops and landmarks. Wouldn't mind walking with others, if there are any interested parties.
Jul 29, 2024 9:03 pm
@spaceseeker19 will settle and wait. Will keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.
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