[IC] Into the Unknown

[Vektunaxa]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

"We can at least try," Alfius affirms to Tacitus. To the latecoming rustic, Alfius asks, "Are Vocontia or Valeria far?"

[MonsterMash]

Decimus Numerous

"I agree with attempting a rescuing from the ruffians for reward, but I sense that we would best concur with the elders before boldly beginning a breakout".

[Julius Sleazer]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

"We can at least try," Alfius affirms to Tacitus. To the latecoming rustic, Alfius asks, "Are Vocontia or Valeria far?"

Latecoming Rustic

"Oh, far indeed, sir," comes the reply. The yokel then begins to ramble on about many days of travel; it becomes clear to Alfius that the loon is by no means well-travelled, and that any journey beyond five days or so would seem to be a legendary feat of trekking to such a man.

[thirdkingdom]

Decimus Numerous

"I agree with attempting a rescuing from the ruffians for reward, but I sense that we would best concur with the elders before boldly beginning a breakout".

Cadmus the Confused

"Agreed. Let us make sure there is a reward to be had."

[Vektunaxa]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

"Then I suppose we might try visiting this Washer of the Winds."

[Julius Sleazer]

11th Springmonth II, Morning to Early Afternoon
North to Fort Pertinax

The adventurers reach a decision and ride north to the village where the elders and other assorted adult males from Fort Caius are said to have gone. This village is said to bear the name of Fort Pertinax. The party rides north for twenty miles---surely a goodly hike indeed for men afoot, but no overly great distance for men ahorse.

After riding a score of miles due north, the adventurers sight a village about half again the size of their hometown. While not being experts in fortification by any means, the young men from Durans Well do not think, judging by what they have read in books or heard in travellers' tales, that this unwalled little village bears any resemblance to a fort.

Several men loitering at near the edge of the village with longbows in their hands call out to the party, hailing them and asking courteously enough that they immediately state their business and intentions.

[Wyzard]

Tacitus the Multiloquent

"We come from the little burg to the south, where they told us some lord had been kidnapped by bandits. As we have some minimal experience with bandits, we thought to inquire if there was any reward for this gentleman's safe return. If the price were right, we might extract him, or at least punish the bandits soundly for their impudence."

[Julius Sleazer]

Man with Longbow

"Well, those hicks from Caius' Place told you right. The bandits did kidnap some sort of outland lord. No one here is offering a reward, but probably the lordling's kin will when and if they catch word of the situation. They say he looked like he was from a real rich upbringing, you know?"

"The elders here and the elders from Caius' Place are debating a course of action right now. The bandits don't bother us, see? They do all their banditry away in foreign parts and just hole up in some ruined tower or castle or other that ain't far off at all from here."

"This whole kidnapping a visiting lord for ransom thing---well, that kind of upset the local balance. I suppose the bandits didn't see it as breaking the peace, on account of they didn't kidnap anyone local. Those armpit-scratching hay-shovelers from Caius' Place see it different---said it puts them in a bad light what with guest right and the rules of hospitality and all. Can't say I think much of Caius' Place men, but they do have a point there."

"I guess it's up to the elders to decide if righting that wrong is worth angering the bandits."

[Vektunaxa]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

"Have the elders come to a decision? We are outsiders, and it is not our place to upset the balance of a state of affairs in equilibrium. We are nevertheless inclined to offer our aid, for we have business to the east and the favour of a lordling would benefit us."

[MonsterMash]

Decimus Numerous

"Indeed we would wish to offer aid if it assists our advances through the lands. And for me I have a secondary desire to pay my respects to the Washer of the Winds who I have not seen for some years now".

[Julius Sleazer]

Decimus Numerous

"Indeed we would wish to offer aid if it assists our advances through the lands. And for me I have a secondary desire to pay my respects to the Washer of the Winds who I have not seen for some years now".

Local Loon

"You have not seen a Washer of the Winds in many years? I am sure he would be willing to see you. It is good to speak with a man who comes from a burg with its own Washer of the Winds, unlike those thrice-cursed goat-lovers from Caius' Place, who are always bothering ours since they have none of their own."

"At the moment, the Washer surely sits deep in council with the elders, but certes he would be willing to speak with a mannerly guest anon."

[Julius Sleazer]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

"Have the elders come to a decision? We are outsiders, and it is not our place to upset the balance of a state of affairs in equilibrium. We are nevertheless inclined to offer our aid, for we have business to the east and the favour of a lordling would benefit us."

Lounging Loon Lugging Longbow

"You did not hear this from me, but the elders may well dither for some time before reaching a decision. Due diligence, they doubtless deem it. As for equilibrium---you are not local, so if you were to strike at the bandits, your quarrel would be your own. They could well mistake you for men from the northwest come for revenge after their rapacious reaving, or proxy agents of such aggrieved parties."

[Wyzard]

Man with Longbow

"This whole kidnapping a visiting lord for ransom thing---well, that kind of upset the local balance. I suppose the bandits didn't see it as breaking the peace, on account of they didn't kidnap anyone local. Those armpit-scratching hay-shovelers from Caius' Place see it different---said it puts them in a bad light what with guest right and the rules of hospitality and all. Can't say I think much of Caius' Place men, but they do have a point there."

Tacitus the Multiloquent

"They seem to have a number of strange fixations."

"Is there anything like an inn around here where we could wait for word from the privy council? I have a powerful desire for something other than trail rations, and maybe a bed for the night. A bath would be damned suitable, as well."

[Julius Sleazer]

Tacitus the Multiloquent

"They seem to have a number of strange fixations."

"Is there anything like an inn around here where we could wait for word from the privy council? I have a powerful desire for something other than trail rations, and maybe a bed for the night. A bath would be damned suitable, as well."

Man with Longbow

"Yeah, go that way," says the main as he points and gesticulates. "We don't have an inn, but we have a public house. The Squawking Bird. I guess maybe it used to be an inn before the world moved on? There's an unused upper story. Slide a few coins Cog's way, and I'm sure he'd open up some of the disused rooms, have the staff dust and sweep, bring in fresh linens, that sort of thing."

"There's a hitching rail and some hitching posts, and a big trough where you can water your horses. There's some crazy outlander taking his ease in the public house, too. Not crazy dangerous or anything. Just, well, you know, outlandish. Telling all sorts of crazy stories and the like. If he were actually causing any real trouble, Cog wouldn't stand for it or anything."

[Vektunaxa]

Alfius the Aeviternal, Fighter

Alfius ties his horse to the hitching rail and enters the Squawking Bird, introducing himself to Cog with a gold coin on the table. "We're looking for food, drink, and lodging for four men and their horses. We were told you could help us with that."

Alfius continues to chat about recent events while scanning the public room.

[MonsterMash]

Decimus Numerous

"Indeed I will take the chance to speak to the Washer of the Winds when he is free particularly if we will seek to free this captive".

Heading to the public house Decimus ties up his horse and enters looking around with curiosity before engaging with the patron.

[Wyzard]

Tacitus the Multiloquent

Tacitus hitches his horse, enters the inn, and lives it up to the greatest extent allowed by local resources.

[thirdkingdom]

Cadmus the Confused

Cadmus does the same.

[Julius Sleazer]

11th Springmonth II, Early Afternoon
The Squawking Bird, Public House
Village of Fort Pertinax

Cog hastily pockets the gold coin proffered by Alfius. "Give me two more of these, and I can have the rooms set up for you and your comrades. They've been shut up for a while now, and I'll have to bring in some local women to clean 'em. Somewhat the same situation with your horses, master. I'll have to rent barn space."

Aflius scans the public room. At one table, a rusticated geezer drowses in his soup. At another, a bold-voiced black-hatted man regales two loons with a tale of orcs and violence. The rest of the tables are unoccupied, with the exception of one table receiving a thorough cleaning from two apparent barmaids and a loon with the appearance of a potboy.

Tacitus finds that ale, tobacco, and food are to be had here. He gauges the cut of the establishment's jib, and comes away with an impression that moderate revelry would be tolerated here, but that truly wild celebration would meet with disapproval. Hard on Tacitus' heels, a malodorous hobo enters the establishment. This worthy speaks courteously and presents a cache of clean clinking coppers, and is met in return with equal courtesy and hearty country fare.

[Wyzard]

Tacitus the Multiloquent

Tacitus shows the man a platinum coin and asks if they can arrange for a bath.