Chapter 2.1b: Search Party (Hochoch)

Entertaining Manthis will play his pan flute while traveling to entertain and pass the time traveling. He speaks Imperial (common) & Keolish (Local) so there is a mixture of songs. He is only okay with his pan flute.

GM: What would be the cost in eagles to purchase some fire-eater oil for performing? And could he have already purchased that. He has 15 eagles on him. Might also consider having bought a dagger too. Kinda handy things. I have current have only the starting class gear + background + trinket. Might also get two does for fire-eater as he probably shows off to those he is traveling with.
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Manthis is a husky large man in his twenties. Found in common clothing or chain mail. Always with a greatsword & a whip. Pack on a backpack and he is ready to travel. Sometimes you can hear him coming as he likes to play his pan flute.

Edit: Change out the shawm for a pan flute. Was thinking the wrong instrument for him and corrected it.

You enter the Inn of Eternal Rest through wide double-doors that lead through an outer wall into an open-air courtyard that adjoins a flagstone patio with tables and chairs set out for guests to enjoy the good weather. Movable partitions have been set aside so that you can also see into the interior of the Inn: a counter/bar in front of a kitchen where food and drinks are served, many more tables and chairs, a large fireplace, a hallway leading to private rooms, and stairs leading upwards. The Inn is not particularly busy this early in the evening, so there are only a few regular patrons seated at tables. A young blonde looks curiously up from her companions at the trio of heroes as they enter, but then they see Olpert seated at the desk he's set up in the courtyard. He waves them over and checks the letters of recommendation they carry from Cecily. "Good, good." he says, satisfied at their bona fides. "This is excellent timing! We've got people working on two projects right now. We're trying to put a stop to a bandit gang that's been active in the area, and we're investigating a drop in trade with Orlane, a village that normally produces most of the food in the region. I'll be wrapping up in a few minutes. Get yourselves settled, get something to eat and drink, arrange lodgings (the couple that runs this inn, the Thornhills, run a clean establishment), and get a sense of the town. If you have any questions, just ask. Later we'll talk about assignments."

Traveling Manthis has been taken back from the heavy religious placement of Arya. It seems to have quieted the travels and entertainment efforts seem to fail away. It made the travels more of trudging to just traverse ground to Hochoch. He welcomes the sight of Hochoch over the demur that travels have brought.

Hooking up with Olpert was quick and nice. Talks of the mission were very welcome to Manthis. A clean bath & a comfy room is welcome sight always to him. Something to dine on besides trail ration is taken well too. Manthis will gladly settle in Inn of Eternal Rest and looks forward to viewing the local sights per say of walled Hochoch which he imagines is sparce at best.

Manthis is heavy on the thoughts of doing away the pesky bandits that are reducing Orlane's needed trade. Seem that he almost takes it personally and welcome any aid that helpful Olpert will offer. Fighter Manthis keeps a more businessman attitude during the encounter. And hopes tomorrow further discussions will bring more light on the current issue. It has been a fine introduction day.

Manthis says to mother Arya, "Shall we stroll along the inter walls of here a bit before the night takes us?" Otherwise to do a bit exploring and to get the layout of this place better in mind. Place isn't large so; he doesn't expect it to take much time. He fully expects to make his presence a bit more noticeable as walking with lovely Arya will do.

Rosemary holds up a finger. "I'd like to join if you don't mind, Manthis. I think getting acquainted with our surroundings is a good start. And afterwards..." She pats her baker's paddle. "I could scrounge up some ingredients and make us some poppy seed muffins! I think a good homemade snack for our fellow DB's would be a friendly welcome."

Despite the others' eagerness to check in and get settled after four days of hiking and three nights spent camped out in open fields, Arya convinced them to make a slight detour as they entered Hochoch to enter the Temple they could see to the south of the town, not far from the river. Inside were a number of acolytes conducting various tasks and rituals. Like most Temples in small communities, this building has alcoves honoring multiple deities of the Flan pantheon: Beory, Allitur, Obad-Hai, and Rao among them. A group of several people - two adults, two youths, and several children who seem related - are making the rounds from one alcove to the next, prostrating and praying thanks to each of the represented gods. A kneeling priestess looks on, smiling, and then one of the acolytes points out the adventurers to her. She rises gracefully to her feet and glides over to the group.

"Blessings be upon you, wanderers," the priestess says with a smile, correctly gauging from the dusty clothes that these unfamiliar faces belong to people who've just arrived. "I am Diana. I see that one of you," she nods at Lady Arkon, "is of the faithful as well. What are your names?"

Rosemary, not knowing how to act in a situation like this, does a cute little bow. "Good evening, milady. I am Rosemary Flitwhistle of the Dungeon Busters."

"Oh!" Diana beams. "You're very welcome here! You see that family over there?" She points to the group of adults and children that is moving from one alcove to the next. "Those are the Jarls. Their boy Devek," She points him out, "was rescued from a deathly sleep by the Dungeon Busters less than a week ago! We feared he would never wake, but your fellows discovered the cure and brought us the formula for its creation. He woke up right away, and has been on the mend ever since. He's well enough to go back home now, so they're paying their respects before leaving." Diana turns back to the heroes. "I expect they may stop by the Inn of Eternal Rest to pay respects to all of you heroes before they head back to their home. Is there anything that we can do for you now, or are you just getting to know the town?"

Hearing the story of Devek's recovery makes Rosemary beam from ear to ear. "Oh wow! That's an amazing story! I'm very glad that my fellow DB's were able to help! Would the Jarls like an escort home? I'm only speaking for myself, but I... think that we are just getting to know the area?" Rosemary turns to Manthis and Arya. "What about you guys?"

Manthis mentions, "It does seem best that we finish what other Dungeon Busters have done and escort Jarls home safely."

Diana bows her head respectfully at the mention of honoring the deity. "We honor all the gods here, but we have not had a priest dedicated to the rituals and rites of Pelor for years. Perhaps, as your duties allow, you might devote some time to dedicate an altar to the Sun?"

At the suggestion of escorting the crofter and his family, Diana smiles appreciatively. "I'm sure the Jarl family would be delighted at your offer. Why don't you talk to them about it?" She lowers her voice. "But know that it's not a short trip; they are not Hochoch residents. The Jarls live a full day's hike east of here, deep in the Dim. If you need to settle your affairs first, they would probably be willing to wait another day before returning. But don't let me speak for them; they'd love to meet you."

"I agree with you. We should hear Olpert's thoughts on this."