(15) The One-Eyed Cat (Tavern)

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir enters the One-Eyed Cat and introduces himself politely to the barman, pretty much repeating the same words he said to the adventuring group returning from the caves. He orders the meal of the day (hungry size) and asks for a bed and blanket for the night.

15 sp deducted.

He listens to Gyb's account of the happenings in the cave. "So it looks these bandits were harassing the travellers to the keep? Lucky me I didn't run into any of them on my way here. I take you were hired to put an end to it? Did you discover anything else? Is this Flarlanghn their leader or something?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Wilf serves food and drinks, chatting along with anyone willing.

"Dubricus is dead? Folks around here are not going to want to hear about that? Who will teach the children now? And where is that one-armed half-elf that encouraged the man to go along with you so hard? Is he dead too?"

"Wait........You killed 20 of them?" Wilf seems surprised by that number.

Magdal stares into the fireplace from her corner chair, glad to be able to sleep somewhere safe tonight.

As they wait for their offered dinner, Keya picks out the largest table he can find and reserves it by sitting at one end.

Wilf brings around a pitcher of ale and pours for anyone drinking.

"So who is this mysterious benefactor so willing to buy the lot of you a meal? Have I met this Lady before?"

[shaidar]

Stobart

The cleric enters and pays for a bottle of local wine and a cot in the common room

(15sp)

[Jernau35]

Gyb

Gyb slurps his ale and smacks his lips. "Twenty? Probably. But counting them was hard and fighting them was everywhere," Gyb waves his arms around. "Inside this cave, outside that cave, five bandits here, three bandits there, two up here, some go back inside." Gyb shrugs. "Maybe there's twelve, maybe there's twenty".

"Crabgrass? With one arm? Yes, he was alive afterwards. Gyb saw him".

[ateno]

Keya orders a pitcher of ale for himself and a cot -10 sp

He waits for the lady to sit.

"M'lady, can I put in a order for all of us, perhaps Wilf has something special behind the door. You did bring coins, correct?"

Keya Redd

[Karaunios]

Gyb

Gyb slurps his ale and smacks his lips. "Twenty? Probably. But counting them was hard and fighting them was everywhere," Gyb waves his arms around. "Inside this cave, outside that cave, five bandits here, three bandits there, two up here, some go back inside." Gyb shrugs. "Maybe there's twelve, maybe there's twenty".

"Crabgrass? With one arm? Yes, he was alive afterwards. Gyb saw him".

Ithrandir

"Do you reckon there's still more of them? I've heard there's been talk about kobolds... or goblins. Do they come from the same place and do they work together?"

[Jernau35]

Gyb

"Kobolds and goblins? Aye, they're both there. Gyb has seen them." He shakes his head and sighs heavily. "Kobolds leave traps and sneak around. Goblins are dangerous and tough. We ran away".

Gyb takes another swig of his pint. "The goblins. Yes, something was in there with them. That's why we ran".

[gurusql]

Renna

Renna will take part in the dinner offer and pay 5sp for a cot for the evening in the common room.

5 SP subtracted

Renna is planning on getting a lot of healing in the morning to help bring people back to full strength before returning to the caves.

[Darithe]

Magdal

Magdal will join in the free meal and request a space in the common room for the night (assuming she has the coin). During the dinner she listens more than she talks, looking for signs of the true intent of the *noble*, if such should exist.

[GreyWolfVT]

Pimlan enters the tavern. hopefully not jumping ahead of myself again. Not knowing what conversations he has missed finds a empty seat and orders something to eat and drink soup or stew and an ale. "I'll have a soup or stew and an ale please." he says to the first staff person that asks him what he would like.

[OGRE MAGE]

I will deal with Crobeus here as well, to simplify the meeting.

Along the way to find the tanner, Crobeus and Lady LeNore pass a smelly woman who looks like a younger, dirtier version of the woman on the Paladins arm. “Jocelyn! Is that really you underneath all that dirt and sweat?”

Jocelyn looks confused for a moment before eventually rolling her eyes and hugging her obvious sister lovingly for a moment. Looking up at Crobeus and then at the cloak covered tattered clothing, she shakes her head. “I bet you have another great story behind this one, eh Nori?”

The women take their leave of the Paladin once they reach her meager private home, 7e assuring the Knight they will meet him in the tavern directly.




Once everyone has their sleeping arrangements paid for, they find a spot at the table to await their promised dinner. Crobeus arrives to mention who he’s just met and that their benefactor will be along shortly.

Wilf and Jess get the table set and keep the drinks flowing, neither act overly concerned about the voracious appetite of the Halfling who orders first dinner while they wait.

Wilf addresses everyone at the table. “So……What do you know of this Lady LeNore? I have never met any relatives of Jocelyn, but I seriously doubt she comes from nobility.”


Incidentally, I will work up an XP reward for the returning group asap.

[OGRE MAGE]

Addendum:

As the group waits, chatting amongst themselves, everyone eventually notices a dark stranger they have never seen before sitting all alone in the far corner of the common room. He appears to be watching the group and isn’t being cautious about his surveillance.

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[shaidar]

Stobart

Stobart looks over to the stranger.

"Greetings, friend. I'm Stobart of Fharlanghn. Can we help you with something?"

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir starts eating and drinking, and looks at the interaction between Stobart and the mysterious man with curiosity.

[GreyWolfVT]

Pimlan goes on drinking and eating and watches the stranger and waves to him quietly.

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

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As Stobart addressed him, Daliedhur raised a hand to the dark hood shading his features, pulling it back to reveal the unmistakable contours of his elven heritage - high cheekbones, sharp green eyes, and pointed ears. He inclined his head respectfully, though a hint of apology softened his otherwise curt manner.

“Forgive the intrusion,” he began, his tone smooth yet carrying the weight of a soldier’s bearing. “I couldn’t help but overhear some of your conversation, and it seems we may have similar concerns for the region.”

At his feet, sitting with an air of silent judgment as they usually do, a sleek black cat observed the interaction, her green eyes fixed intently on Stobart and the others.

The elf glanced briefly at each member of the group, his gaze assessing but not unfriendly. “My name is Daliedhur, and I’ve traveled here on behalf of my order in Highfolk. My superiors have tasked me with investigating the recent disturbances - bandit assaults and humanoid activity are the ones I have heard about - and ensuring that the Keep’s influence remains unchallenged in this region.”

He paused, taking in their expressions and gauging their interest. “If your road leads to these dangers, I would offer my sword and spell to join your efforts.”

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

The paladin raises a mug to the newcomer. "Our road definitely does run to that danger. I would be very happy to have your sword and spell join us. I return to the caves at first light. My name is Crobeus, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, friend."

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

"Then it seems I have found the right ones to join" - Daliedhur raised his mug in return at Crobeus - "And well met to you Sir" - he added.

"So these caves are real then? I had heard a lot of recounts, but could not be sure... What have you found within?"

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir

"What are the chances! I also arrived today. Also looking to hone my abilities, make a living while fithing for the good cause here.

You're also an elf, like me. Are you too skilled in both sword and sorcery?

My name is Ithrandir, by the way. Nice to meet you."

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

"That is correct" - Daliedhur nodded - "I have been trained in blade and the Arcane. Well met Ithrandir"

Yes, we are the same, it seems.