(15) The One-Eyed Cat (Tavern)

[OGRE MAGE]

Free Meal

Nori, what the bogus "Lady" actually prefers to be called, listens intently to the conversation between Pim and Daliedhur. "I don't doubt that you simply bit off more than you could chew there. Like most things in life, difficulties are best dealt with in small bites. If your smaller crew charged in, only to get routed by a larger group, that just seems like poor battle tactics to me. Could a stealthy approach have worked better for you? I guess we may never know, but I am thankful for your timely arrival all the same!"

When Crobeus offers to pay for the nights eats and drinks, Nori will hear none of it. "We can pay! I insist! It's not like we don't have any money. And I like to personally thank anyone who helped me out of a tight situation." Jocelyn still looks nervous about the bill, but keeps it to herself.

Nori answers Ithrandir as truthfully as she can. "Of course I'm not a tanner. I don't wanna smell like THAT for the rest of my life. I guess you might call me an......opportunist? Of sorts." She flicks her hair back and smiles coyly at Daliedhur again.

Renna excuses herself to use the ladies outhouse before eventually returning to the conversation once it turns to future plans.

Both newcomers listen to the hard tales of adventuring in this area, but it doesn't sound much different from any other area they have worked before. This is called the Borderlands, after all, with a reputation for hardship that stretches for miles. For decades folks have been coming to this area. Some succeed, while others die in the process. This is the perfectly balanced way of life for the first edition common adventurer.

Though concerned about the toughness of this group, the new guys are actually impressed when each of the members agrees to follow Crobeus with his plans to return in the morning. They both agree to go along as well, hoping to get a look of these infamous caves for themselves.

As the night passes, some of the members start to think of their cots and blankets near the fireplace, looking forward to a safe nights sleep under a warm roof.

Actions?

Anyone wishing to hear from the other group will need to wait up for them for a while.

For future healing purposes:
Keya Redd H-E (C1/R1) AC:5 8/12 CLW/CLW/CLW
Stobart (C1) AC:5 5/10 CLW/CLW/Sanct
Gyb the Meager (M1) AC:10 2/8
Pimlan (F1/T1) H-L AC:6 4/9
Renna (MU1/C1) Elf AC:4 4/9 Sleep/Sleep/Sleep CLW/CLW/CLW
Magdal (R1) AC:7 5/16
Crobeus (P1) AC:3 4/10

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir enjoys the food and drink and stays for a while for the conservation. Then he wishes everyone good night and retires to his bedroom, to spend some time alone and rest, thinking about the challenges he will have to face tomorrow.

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

Daliedhur absorbs Crobeus's account with a calm but serious demeanor, his mind piecing together the challenges ahead. "Two groups, scattered... and a leader capable of invisibility. Troubling indeed." He rubs his chin in thought. "Those left behind might have found refuge or been captured anew. Either way, time is against us."

As the hours stretched on and the revelry in the hall ebbed, Daliedhur found himself lingering by the fire. The black cat, draped languidly over his lap, purred softly - a comforting counterpoint to the quiet that had descended over the inn. The muffled sounds of doors creaking and faint voices drifted upstairs as the others retired for the night, leaving the common room almost empty.

The elf's sharp gaze settled on the flames, his expression unreadable. A hint of weariness tugged at the corners of his eyes, but his posture remained upright, disciplined. His thoughts wandered as they often did when solitude and silence converged - back to Highfolk, to the tranquil woodland paths where he had honed his skills, and then to the grim reports that had brought him here.

The Caves of Chaos. Bandits. Humanoids. These were not unusual threats, yet his superiors’ guarded words lingered in his mind like a dark undertone to an unspoken melody. Something more. What could lie beneath these events? And why had he, among others, been chosen to investigate?

He ran a gloved hand over his familiar’s sleek fur, its warmth grounding him as he sifted through his thoughts. There was also the matter of these new companions - or potential companions, at least. They seemed capable enough, but trust was a delicate thing, especially when alliances formed under uncertain circumstances. Still, their camaraderie was palpable, even disarming. Perhaps in time, he might find a place among them. For now, he would observe, listen, and learn.

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

"My apologies, Nori. I did not mean to offend, and am happy to accept your kind offer. I assumed that the meal was part of the...story, and you would be unable to pay, but I was wrong." He will retrieve his coin purse from Wilf.

[shaidar]

Stobart

Having almost died this day, and having plans for tomorrow, Stobart decides not to stay up late.

[OGRE MAGE]

The One-Eyed Cat.jpg (79.34 KiB) Viewed 3103 times

As the night starts to turn late and the excitement of the free meal dies down, a few adventurers make their way to their cots in the next room.

Jocelyn eventually pays for the eats and drinks without complaint, though often shaking her head at her younger sister and her flirty mannerisms.

Daliedhur runs through the events he's heard so far about the Caves in his mind, wondering if the group could have fared better under different leadership. The Kobolds seem harmless enough if left alone. The goblins seem to have numbers, and along with that bit of strength, but if the orcs and gnolls could be easily routed by the undead fodder and evil priests, it was likely only a matter of time before the goblins and anything else is killed off or chased away as well.

As Crobeus continues to make plans to return to the Caves on the morrow, he is genuinely pleased to see the tavern door swing open again to reveal a few more of his friends entering at this late hour.

When he doesn't spot Crabgrass, Haldric, or Rida, he continues making plans for a recovery mission at first light.

Actions?

Anything left to discuss here should be done quickly so we can get back to the action as soon as possible.

I will get an XP reward figured out while we make our final preparations for the next mornings commute here.

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

The paladin's face lights up when his friends enter the tavern- then his spirits fall when he realizes not everyone is there. "We're heading back at first light and we'd be happy to have you if you're up for a return. At the very least, I'd like some info. Are Rida, Haldric, and Crabgrass alive? Did Catbird return? Any information you have about the forces back at the cave could be helpful. Hopefully, they won't expect us to return so soon- heck, I'm not sure we shouldn't head back right now, catch them completely off guard." He sighs in resignation. "But the spellcasters need their spells back, and getting some rest will be important as well."

After the returnees discuss any info they have he heads to bed so he can be ready for the excursion in the morning.

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


"Yes, I will return with you, Crobeus. We were intercepted by a couple powerful priests and their zombie retinue. Crabgrass was alone and captured. Rida and Haldric attempted a rescue, but were held where they stood as they advanced. The priests returned to their cave (K) with Crabgrass in tow and left Rida and Haldric imprisoned in the charnel orc cave."

"Of Catbird, we found no sign. I suspect he linked up with the remaining bandits at the river bypass. There is also a group of six halflings that occupy a room in the bandits' cave. I assume these were the friends Catbird alluded to who would be interested in Pimlan. We must also assume they have returned or will return soon."

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

"Hmm. Well, at least we know what we'll likely be facing. Maybe we'll get lucky and Catbird won't be back yet, and they won't know the full strength of our party, but we have to assume he'll be there. The clerics are the biggest threat, it appears. We'll need to deal with them. Maybe someone casts a silence spell on a rock or arrow and we use that to keep them from casting? We'll have time to discuss strategy on the way to the caves in the morning. Thank you, for the information, but also for deciding to return with us. You are a stalwart companion."

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


"I think we need to avoid the clerics and continue where we started with the bandits by clearing any caves of other possible allied humanoids. He sketches a quick map from memory ..."

viewtopic.php?p=735997#p735997

"As I said before, the clerics took Crabgrass to (K). Loyn said that the other group had agreed to help a band of gnolls to reclaim their cave at (H). Apparently driven out by the clerics' undead thralls. I think we may be able to enlist their help, mutual enemy and all that."

"There was a large humanoid at (J) who watched us as we initially entered the bandits' cave. It may be allied with the clerics and ultimately warned them of our presence. That cave should be our next objective after rescuing Rida and Haldric."

"For now, I need something to eat and a soft bed."

-2gp for food and lodging.

[Karaunios]

Ithrandir

No actions for Ithrandir since he has gone to sleep. He is looking forward to setting out on the next adventure tomorrow morning.

[Monsieur Rose]

Bugs

Bugs gets some food and drink, listening to the chatter. "That was messy. At so many points. I guess it's good that nobody was killed outright, but I don't like that they took them to separate locations."

"I'm all for going back in the morning."

Bugs will retire at some point to his room and check on his gear, loot, and egg. He'll also try to wash off this blue.

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

Just making conversation - ready to go when everyone is. Was interested in exploring the 'hirelings' angle, but perhaps that has already been done?

Daliedhur remains seated near the fire, the warm glow reflecting off his calm yet thoughtful expression. His black cat shifts slightly in his lap, its tail curling lazily as he listens to the voices of the newly arrived adventurers. Their discussion about the events at the caves piques his interest, particularly the mention of powerful clerics and undead retinues.

When there’s a brief lull in the conversation, he rises, the cat hopping down and weaving between his legs. His steps are measured as he approaches the group, his posture straight but unassuming.

“Well met,” he begins, his tone quiet yet deliberate, ensuring he doesn’t interrupt but draws their attention. “I am Daliedhur of Highfolk, a servant of both blade and spell. I have already agreed to accompany Crobeus in the morning, though I am unfamiliar with the rest of you.” He pauses, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment - "I am sorry to hear of your companions"

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


"Well met, Daliedhur of Highfolk, I am Meinhardt Grayson. We welcome your assistance. These evil priests are well organized, using the bandits to recruit into their cause ... whatever that may be. They are also running a smuggling operation out of the Cave of the Unknown. We were unable to learn more about this as we were accosted by many skeleton guards. I would assume their cave headquarters would be similarly protected."

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf fighter

He nods in agreement as Meinhardt summarizes the affairs of the day.“Loyn Shortbeard, son of Groyn, nice to meet you Daliedhur, we’ll take all the help we can get. They also had an undead that notified them by ringing a bell, it didn’t attack, just stood there, very odd! He bellies up to the bar and gets some ale and the Hungry meal of the day. “Croebus, I take it you had no issues with Lady Lenore?”




10sp

[Edeldhur]

Daliedhur

"Thank you for sharing" - Daliedhur nodded at Loyn and Meinhardt, then turned to Crobeus - "I will meet you all in the morrow"

With a short bow, he leaves to find a place to rest.

So where are we heading come morning?

[Scott308]

Crobeus - Human Paladin

Loyn-Dwarf fighter
“Croebus, I take it you had no issues with Lady Lenore?”

"Problems? No. But she wasn't actually nobility or from Greyhawk. Her sister, Jocelyn, is the tanner here in the keep, actually. Nice woman. Nori- that's her real name- claimed to be noble because she feared we wouldn't rescue her if she was just working folk.

And the bandit we took prisoner turns out to have been someone captured and forced to either join or face whatever fate was in store. We let him go free. He promised he just wanted to go back to his old life and would not head back to the caves."

[Hotgoblin]

Loyn-Dwarf fighter

Loyn in deep thought…“You know, I can’t get this out of me head…me father told me to clear the lower caves first, we didn’t follow those warnings and now we’re headed back to possibly lose more. I’m not sure we have the ability deal with the robed figures, they dealt with our friends handily.”

[Quonundrum]

Meinhardt


Meinhardt recalls Loyn's map and the instructions from his dad on which caves to investigate ...

viewtopic.php?p=672411#p672411

"We essentially followed your dad's instructions, already. Cave (1) is the kobolds, (2) was the bandit's hideout, (3) is the charnel orc cave where the priests stashed Haldric and Rida, in (4) you found goblins, (5) is the troll's lair, and (6) is currently unexplored. The cave adjacent to (3) is where I saw that large humanoid."

"I agree that the priests are beyond our ability to defeat, but we should first attempt to rescue Haldric and Rida and deal with any remaining bandits and the halfling gang."

"We should also assume any other evil humanoids are neutral to the priests' presence or actively allied with them. Therefore, I also agree that the logical next objective should be the troll and goblins. We were lucky that brute didn't ambush us as we left, we may not be so lucky next time. I suggest we stock up on oil ..."

[Edeldhur]

Deleted because it was wrong