A Keg for Dragon [IC]

[ArawnNox]

Before negotiating further, Lauren tries to get a better perspective on things and get a better picture of what's going on. "Back up. I think we missed a part. Who's Chapel?"
She, of course, probes for more information on the individual, as well. Questions like: "What was his job? Where was he last seen?" and the like.

Her next line of questioning is about this dragon, "What's this all about a dragon? Mad? Dead? Why should we investigate? Was the dragon th' town's protector?" That would explain a lot, actually. She follows those up with, "What was it's deal with th' town? Where does it roost?" and so on.

Finally, she gets to the compact, "What were th' terms o' the compact? What would go inte renegotiatin' it?"

Once all that is done, the dwarf seems a little... confused, "So... lemme get this straight. There may be an army of orcs an' goblins on yer doorstep any day now, an' ye want us te go runnin' around the countryside lookin' for a lost person and a missin' dragon?"

To say the least, the villagers' logic baffles her.

[ludomastro]

Alexander smiles as Lauren launches into her questions.

Hopefully she will forgive this bit of humor.

"Given your proximity to the dwarven empire, I am sure you know their custom to dig for what interests them.  My companion is no different; however, I believe she is digging for information at present.  Surely everyone can agree on the correct ... value ... of a thing once it's nature is known."

Alexander continues smiling at Hiram.

[Catodon]

Vandarzryx watches and listens to the dwarf and how the villagers respond to better evaluate Loreniesforj's value as a potential agent.

[Antilles]

Hiram nods understandingly to Lauren's questions and Alexander's comment. "Yes, yes I suppose it's only prudent to ask such questions before accepting an assignment like this. I can certainly answer your questions, but as I said, if you want the full story you should go ask Eliana, she was here when it happened. Let's see, your questions... in order, the answers are..." He clears his throat and rapidly answers the questions one by one.

"Chapel is the newest Dragon Ward. In fact, this was to be his first delivery. Dragon Wards brings the barrel to the dragon every other month, and stories say there's a mystic bond between dragon and ward, but it could very well just be idle talk. He was last seen carrying the barrel out of town and presumably towards the dragon's lair. The dragon... decided to settle in these parts around 75 years ago. The village made a deal at the time, he would protect our village in exchange for a triple-size keg of dwarven whiskey every other month. He's been keeping us safe from the likes of the Iron Legion ever since then. Since Chapel hasn't returned, and the Iron Legion scouts are closer to the village than they've been for over 70 years must mean something's gone very wrong, but we don't know what. As for renegotiating... frankly, we'll do anything to get our village guardian back, though we cannot afford much more than what we're giving now, for the whiskey." He shakes his head, ruefully.

"And yes, finding out what's happened to the dragon and if possible persuading him to resume his position as guardian of these parts is paramount. I've no doubt he'll be able to handle whatever the Iron Legion's sent this way, he always has before. Frankly, it's the only chance we've got against the Iron Legion."

He looks at the three party members present. "Well? Will you help us?"

(click to show/hide)

Dwarven Whiskey is considered by most to be the most exquisite - and strongest - of all the dwarven liqueurs. A triple-sized keg every other month would cost you quite a bit indeed. Lauren thinks they must have some pretty good contacts in the dwarven empire to be able to afford it all, and she doesn't doubt for a second it takes most of the village's output to pay for it all.

[Catodon]

Vandarzryx "You are in need, the answer is yes. We begin in the morning"
And without another word the dragon leaps skyward, spreads his wings and with a gust is gone.

(click to show/hide)

Vandarzryx is off to find a hard to get to spot where he can rest.

[ludomastro]

Damn flying lizard.  Couldn't you have waited until we had negotiated a better rate?  Oh well.

Alexander says, "It would appear that Lord Vandarzryx has spoken."  He then begins looking for a comely young farmer's daughter.

[ArawnNox]

Lauren's eyes go slightly unfocused, "Dwarven... whiskey...?" she shakes her head back to reality and opens her mouth to begin negotiations... when Vandarzryx makes his proclamation and flies off. The poor dwarf isn't even finished picking her jaw up off the table when Alexander heads off with intent to slate his libido. She's suddenly left alone at the table with Hiram.

"...."

Unprofessional....

"By <insert Dwarven God here>'s oily beard... Fine, I suppose it's late in th' day and we have been travelin' all this time..." The perturbed dwarf turns to Hiram, "Which way to th' inn? I need te get a room. Also, could ye make arrangements te meet with Eliana? I'd like te get her story an' find out where the dragon's lair is. Wi' luck we'll find what happened te Chapel on the way there."

My hunch is... she thinks to herself. The poor lad got nicked on his way to the dragon, spoiling this compact... that or he stopped to taste the whiskey and passed out somewhere.

[Antilles]

The blast of wind as Vandarzryx takes off is as sudden as it's strong. It almost knocks the rest off their chairs, tips over mugs and scatters the food off the tables. Hiram stands and watches the drake flying off into the dusk, looking a little stunned at the sudden acceptance and flight. He snaps out of it when Alexander makes his comment, and replies "So it would seem. You have our thanks."

As Alexander gathers a couple cups, a bottle of something alcoholic and some bread, he hears the first part of Hiram's answer to Lauren's questions. "Ah, it's just in the door behind us. I'll tell Sebastian to prepare rooms, no payment necessary, of course. Eliana rarely leaves her apothecary, I'm sure you can find her there. She knows quite a lot, but I don't think she knows where the dragon's lair is. Apparently only the wards do, and they've kept it to themselves."

Alexander has no problems finding a comely young lass willing to come with him to his room to hear stories of traveling with a dragon over a cup of wine or two. The bard must know a great many stories, as the young lady doesn't leave until well after midnight, looking like she's had a fun evening.

Ssryn returns to scouting the woods around the village, where a more thorough investigation does indeed show that the area around the village has been frequented by an entire pack of wolves, for a day at least, possibly two. Heading a little further out she can see what looks like the most recent activity: the pack has split, one part going south-southwest towards the road, and the other heading north towards the mountains. Feeling the chill of night settle, she decides to head back to town to warm up, heading towards the inn when she learns the group has been offered rooms at the inn. The rooms are of an acceptable temperature, though she finds coiling up in front of the fireplace to be the most cosy place in the inn.

Though the lengthening shadows of dusk covers many details, Vandarzryx spots a fair few caves between the village and the mountains as he flies east-northeast towards the peaks. Two-thirds of the way towards the mountains he spots a cave he deems good enough to shelter him for the night, and lands there.

(click to show/hide)

Free room and board (common meals) for all (Vandarzryx can grab a bite when he returns to town). Eliana is apparently the owner of Ana's Apothecary. Alexander roll Fortitude save against disease just kidding, had himself an enjoyable romp in the hay. Apparently being a drake's sidekick is a big hit with the ladies in this village...
Ssryn, gonna flip a coin to see how cold the night becomes. 1 is cold, 2 is temperate. 1d2=2. Lucky you, it's uncomfortably cold, but still a ways off from cold damage (would've just been 1 per hour or something small like that). Still want to go on a nightly patrol?

[Fiendbasher]

As the night wears on, the naga lies motionless near the dimming hearth, her upper body resting on her gathered coils, head and neck draped over her folded arms. The dying embers of the fire are reflected in the dull gold mirror of her eyes, and it's hard to tell if she is asleep or awake, as those eyes never close. They even shift from time to time. After several hours have passed, however, her forked tongue begins to flick in and out, and she stirs, raising her head up.

With a wide yawn and a flex of her jaw she rises, stretching her arms and checking her gear, before slipping out of the inn. The cool night temperature is unpleasant, and Ssryn figures she has an hour or so before it will begin to affect her reflexes, and two at most before it is prudent to return to the fire and resume her sleep. But she also has the best night-vision of anyone around short of the dwarf, and coupled with her stealth, the best chances of catching the enemy out before they can see her.

She begins downwind of the town, and works her way around counter-clockwise, planning to return once she reaches her point of origin or when two hours have passed, whichever comes first.

(click to show/hide)

She'll leave after about a watch-worth of sleep... 4 hours or so? Then return for another 4 hours sleep if the patrol is uneventful. A penalty to Initiative might be appropriate for less than Sickening levels of cold.

Stealth Check: 1d20+9=14
Blend Check: 1d20+2=16 (Min 22, Hand of Death)
Use whichever is applicable, will use an AD if it turns out to be necessary. You can roll it for me.
Notice Check: 1d20+5=17 If I didn't need the AD to hide I can use it here instead (if it helps).

[Antilles]

Ssryn patrols the forest at night, looking for unwelcome visitors. The night is still, almost unnaturally so, as if something's scared all the night-active animals to stay in their shelters tonight. Or maybe they can sense the imminent arrival of unwelcome guests...

The night is uncomfortably cold for the naga, and her thoughts frequently flicker back to her cozy spot in front of the fireplace. Eventually she decides to call it a night, but on her way back to the village she hears a wolf's howl in the distance. It is difficult to tell exact distance, but she believes it is a good distance to the south, probably somewhere near the road. A little while later the howl is answered from somewhere to the north, closer to the mountain range than to the village.

Ssryn remains out a little while longer, taking an additional circuit of the area around the village, but neither sees or hears anything else. Eventually the fatigue and cold drives her back to the inn, if she hopes to be in full fighting form the next day.

Morning breaks, though it is still a few hours before the sun has climbed above the peaks of the Ridgeline Mountains. The day is clear and a little cold, though the sun's warming rays should make it warm enough even for those who prefer warmer climates. In the common room Sebastian has prepared breakfast for the group. Not as grandiose as last night's, but it is warm and nourishing enough. The day awaits, and your task is set.

(click to show/hide)

New scene, also I forgot to mention that technically the start of the feast was a new scene, so your AD refresh.

The breakfast is a common meal, though judging from what he served last night other food/drink types can be arranged, as can spices. Don't forget you get a 20% discount on all purchases.

[Catodon]

Vandarzryx wakes with the dawn and slithers out of the cave into the warming rays of the Sun. The Sun is a symbol, dawn is the time to bring heat and light. To blaze glorious over lesser beings. Time to be the Sun. After being warmed, the dragon leaps into the crisp morning sky and rises on an early thermal circling ever wider watching the lands below.
After climbing so high the air becomes thin and cold the dragon stoops, plunging down through the clouds like a lightning bolt. Just above the village square he spreads his wings and his knees bend as he lands shaking the earth. Then he stands like a proud bronze statue waiting for the others.   

[ludomastro]

Alexander slides out of bed and reaches for the last bit of wine.  He is careful only to only drink one small cup and eats a few bites of bread to settle his stomach.  He begins the day by working through his stretching exercised and acrobatics.  He smiles each time something reminds him of his visitor.  'I'm as innocent as the dew on the grass.'  No, no you weren't.  But I'm actually grateful for the lessons.

After completing his stretches he runs his hands through his hair, gets dressed and heads down looking for a simple breakfast.

After eating, he heads outside only to see villagers fawning over his draconic companion.

"Well met this wonderful morning.  I'd like to confer with Lauren on how we should proceed.  I trust that you slept well?"  His eyes begin scanning for the naga and the dwarf.

[Catodon]

Vandarzryx "I am well rested. Your assessment that Loreneisforj is worth consulting is noted. I am forming a judgement on whether or not to employ a dwarf as an agent when funds allow. What is your assessment of the usefulness of Loreneisforj, what role do you think she is suited to?"

[ArawnNox]

Lauren awakens and begins preparing for the day, which involves a lengthy grooming process...

Bushing out and tying back that long hair.

Scrubbing with a wash pot.

Using the chamber pot.

Tending to her weapon's maintenance.

Getting fully dressed and geared up.

Then finally, getting downstairs for a good breakfast before she finally meets the others out front.

When asked about her thoughs, Lauren offers, "There's this woman, Eliana, who knows th' full story behind this compact. Hopefully, by talking te her we can get an idea about where te start looking for this dragon. I'd rather not aimlessly wander th' countryside when we're pressed fer time."

[Fiendbasher]

Ssryn crept nearer and nearer to the fireplace as morning approached, until after the fire had long died and she was snoozing cozily on the warm hearthstones. When the inn began to stir with morning activity, she finally roused and groggily moved herself outside. Finding a nice patch of direct sun away from traffic, she stripped off her vest, laid it on the ground and stretched out, resting her head on it, the better to soak up the rays.

The drake's shadow passing overhead is what prods her to stir again, but she is reluctant, waiting until the bustle from where Vandarzryx seemed to have landed indicates that something is going on over there before lifting herself up, shouldering her vest and putting it on, and heading in that direction.

She arrives in time to hear Lauren's suggestion about finding Eliana and gives a slight hum, raising a hand and waving in a circular motion with a lissome twist of her wrist, to greet the group.

"I made another round of thhe village lazt night." she adds in. "Thhere are indeed wolvez patrolling about. Thhough iv they are sscoutz for goblin shamen, I know not. I ssaw nothing elsz that seemed out of plaze."