[Game Thread] Freedom is Never Free

[Raunchel]

Khryssa sweeps up the gold as she whirls outside, she has to be sure that it won't e taken away from her.

[zevonian]

The girl picked up the gold. That meant the girl understood the value of coins, and likely everything the mayor-sheriff-whatever said, and acted accordingly. That meant the rest of them would follow her. If she found a place to stay in town, that much jangle of coin would mean someone would try to rob her. No, he thought of no such thing as lawful, good people through and through a town.

Jamuss walked near the girl, he figured it was for the best. Best for getting a chance at a fight with some of those who mocked him as he first enetred the town.

[jm935]

Zalmoxis tagged on in Nicholas's wake. This one seemed most trustworthy. He hailed the man. "Wait up, friend." A night of sleep and some time to meditate would put his head right.

[IW2RP]

You return to the Tavern that you were stopped by earlier. The sign outside reads "The Royal Lodge" and the lights are mostly out when you get there. The door however still stands open, though there are few patrons within. When you enter you see a woman sweeping. When she sees you come in she stops sweeping and looks up at you.

"There you are. I told Alamar you'd drag yourselves in here if he let me keep the door open long enough. Everyone's gotta sleep. I suppose your needing a room? Maybe a even a drink? Don't worry the old man is asleep right now, but I can serve you."

[zevonian]

Jamuss pulled out a small gem, careful not to snag the small pouch it was contained in. "This would pay for room and food for two, or common floor space and food for three." He spoke as if his information was matter of fact, and not some sort of haggling.

[Alex M]

Nicholas greets the woman warmly: "Ah, I do love a business-minded innkeeper. Rooms come later. For now, a drink!" He nods to his companions and takes his place at a corner table. "Any of you fine fellows to join me?"

[IW2RP]

The woman, having been surprised by the half-orc's unconventional offer, is very pleased to hear Nicholas's words. "Innkeeper! Oh no no no. I'm just a barmaid. Name's Kimber. The old man just lets me watch over the place when it suits him. You'll have a round of ale then? I'll have it out in a bit. Sit down and relax while you wait." She gestures to the other patrons, a group of three sitting at a table not far from you. "Maybe you can have a word with Yvette's group over there. They are the adventuring type too. You might learn a thing or too from each other." She walks behind the counter and begins pouring ale into a mug before asking, "Will that be one for everyone?".

The group at the table consists of two woman, a half-orc and a human, and a half-elf man. The half-orc is large and wears studded leather, a large axe leans against her chair. The half elf is very small and pale, he wears fur and carries a scimitar at his side. The human woman wears a chain shirt and has a short sword laying on the table by their drinks. The human turns when the barmaid says "Yvette".

[Alex M]

"One for me, at least, good Kimber," Nicholas nods and turns to the seated trio. "And, Yvette, companions, a good e'en to you. I am Nicholas, and these my new compatriots. Will you share a drink with us and tell us of your travels?"

[jm935]

The apprentice sits heavily at the table, glad to rest from days walking in chains. He has little interest for the other patrons, but the ale's a different matter. "Aye, miss. For me as well." He isn't much for drink but tonight he didn't hesitate. Later, a bed and time to meditate. For now he keeps his quiet and waits on Kimber.

[zevonian]

"No ale for I. Clean water, and food, if you have any. That is all." There was no anger in the orc blood's voice, just a statement of preference, in matter-of-fact form.

Jamuss went about getting three chairs. One was for himself to sit upon, should it seem sturdy enough, and placed so that he could watch the front entrance. One was for his sword, for he chose to have the hilt off the ground. The third was for the girl that grabbed the gold at their previous location, and this was made obvious as he placed the chair near her, whenever it was she went looking for a seat.

He only sat after everyone else made choices in regards to staying standing. He then eyed the other group in the building, looking for scars and belt notches.

oodm Jamuss hasn't bothered learning anyone's names. But to be clear, the third chair is for Khryssa.

[IW2RP]

Kimber nods to and continues preparing your orders.

Yvette looks back at the other members of her table and then back to you. "We just got back from Bellover. We were helpin' some noble deal with some of the leftover Dankil thugs that were givin' 'im trouble. Tomorrow we are going to head to the minin' settlement to the southeast. They seem to be havin' a little troglodyte trouble. She pauses for a moment and looks over your group. "You're them Exilers they released earlier aren't you? How did you manage that?"

[Raunchel]

Khryssa weaves through the room but starts to seem tired. She comes to a halt near the chair the orc has taken for her and sits down, swaying. She says: "Clean water, all else drowns the music."

[Alex M]

Nicholas sits across from Yvette and leans to speak with interest: "Bellover, eh? We're fixin' to go there ourselves. Seems the general has some side work needs doing without marching a whole army that way. Way I figure, there ain't much to us except cheap. And you can't get cheaper than a dead man, can ya? Either way, it's better than Exile." He stops to take a sip of ale. "Say, since you've just been there, why don't you share the lay of the land with a fellow traveler? I'd lie to tell you we were aught but strangers in these parts, and any information you're like to share would be welcome indeed."

Here Nicholas pauses,

Dice Perception:

d20+3

(16)+3

Total = 19

eyeing the strangers. He can play the rough companion all night, if needed, and it's worth it for any warning of the road ahead. All the same, best not to mention the Sheriff or any sneaking arms shipments. You never know who anybody's working for, and until he know's who he's working for he won't take any chances.

[zevonian]

The dancing girl knows to avoid drinks of unknown sources. Good for her.

Jamuss looked at his fellow unchained. He saw what was left of the shackles upon them. One of them introduced himself to the other party in the tavern. Words were exchanged, words that brought no smile upon the man with the barbed gloves.

They know where we're headed now. And who suggested our travel. No good will come of this.

[IW2RP]

Kimber comes around with food, water, and ale in hand. She is placing them in front of you and overhears your words. "Bellover huh? Watch yourself on those roads. I hear the wolves have been getting a bit out of hand to the north."

Yvette laughs, "Wolves will be the least of their worries. Some ogre has gotten 'imself kicked out of 'is tribe for one reason or another, and he's been makin' a mess of the roads that way. Personally I suggest you hide, and run if you's unlucky enough to get found. If you don't want to do that-and you're lucky enough to kill 'im-I hear the mayor o' Bellover is offerin' a nice sum for his head. Either way it wouldn't hurt you to swing by Hendricks concoctions in the morning."