Episode 1: The Salvaged Job

After rerouting himself, Coda can see the south hall passes through at least three chambers before disappearing in a straight line into the distance. These rooms are dimly-lit compared to the kitchen and luxurious lamia chamber, with only a hodge-podge of candles and small torches scattered about. He can see grimy mats and bedrolls on the floor, along with small open crates containing a variety of equipment. Each room appears unoccupied.

When Coda returns to the kitchen, the man has moved to the fireplace and is adding his chopped vegetables to a bubbling pot.

Coda's passing goes unnoticed by the man, who turns from the fireplace to the shelves on the opposite side of the room (near the open door to the pantry where Maenor and Kalis remain). The halfling notices a distant, faraway look in the man's eyes before the other person moves away.

The northern hallway looks like a mirror of the one to the south, turning west at a closed door.

Map

Indeed, the chambers beyond appear similar to the rooms he saw to the south, filled with minor sundries and bedrolls scattered around the floor.

However, Coda sees that these rooms appear occupied with thin and scrawny dogs, each curled asleep on a mat. These canids seem larger than normal, about the size of an average human, and indeed look more humanoid in shape than what might be expected. These, perhaps, are the "dog men" that the white-haired goblin referred to.

Coda notes that not all the bedrolls are occupied, though it is difficult to tell if each of these dog-men have claim to specific places.

Map

A voice comes from the kitchen, "What? Gods above, I swear you mutts never learn." A string of muttering curses grow louder as someone approaches the pantry.

"I swear, I'll gut you and make stock out of your bones, see how he likes it," mumbles the voice from the other side of the door. The door swings open violently and the man stomps into the pantry, armed with a ladle. "Come on, outta there! Git!" he shouts, waving his implement like a lasso.

"Wha-?" says the man, staring in confusion at the floating tankard. The delay is just enough to allow Maenor to grab the man, silencing any further cries. The man's eyes flit back and forth wildly, body tense with panic. His ladle is raised, but given the circumstances it remains held out, non-threateningly.

The man's eyes clearly show fear, trying to look about for the presence of danger (besides the floating tankard). His body is stiff and easily held in place. He can tell that someone has grabbed him, and this knowledge does not make for a calm demeanor.