conversations: human
conversations:  A cold wind was blowing through the town of Vlastov, cold enough to turn your waterskin into a hulking block of ice. Most people were staying indoors. Comfortably idling by their days talking and telling stories by a warm fire. But one Bard was wandering the mean streets of Vlastov. She was on a mission, a mission to discover information about a noblewoman named Vexx. She was a great enemy of another nobleman named Kriegbrecht. Kriegbrecht was the lord of these lands and had parceled a chunk of his territory off to one of the Bard's friends, specifically a good-hearted man named Halbrecht. Kriegbrecht's enemies were Halbrecht's enemy and anyone who opposed Halbrecht was surly the Bard's enemy as well. With that in mind, she had decided to leave the company of her fellow adventurers and seek out any and all information about this Vexx woman. Better yet, the Bard hoped to one day join Vexx's court. Keep your friend's close and your enemies closer. It was a popular phrase in Blackvale. All the good it did them, really.
  
  The Bard known as Ash had come to the Yellow Mug. Ash had come here because she heard some disgruntled mercenaries who once worked for Vexx frequented the Yellow Mug.  It was a small tavern, designed for locals. Unlike most taverns she had seen, this one did not come equipped with an inn. People still slept here, as evidenced by the stash of hammocks in the corner but those were likely designed for people too drunk to make it back home in the frigid cold before freezing to death. The building was small, only one floor. The one room building was roughly divided in half, with two long tables on the left and an assortment of much smaller square tables to the right. The innkeeper is an old man. His arms look like they once possessed powerful muscles but have turned to flab with age. His plain-looking daughter dotes on him, giving him kisses on the cheek and twinkling her eyelashes at him. He seems almost oblivious.
  
  It's early morning, probably too early for drinking for most folks. Especially mercenaries (probably). Only three patrons are present - an elf wearing furs and skins stands at the bar drinking a pint of ale. His face is painted to look like a white skull. His long, fiery-red hair is braided. A female halfling sits alone at a table near a window. She looks longingly outside. Most likely, she is expecting someone. They're probably late. Her green tunic and brown skirt are both simple and a bit worn. A male human its as far away from everyone else as possible. He is writing feverishly in a book. His clothing is fine, blue dyed wool and sturdy woolen trousers. His head is shaved but looks like he missed a day or two, as the salt and pepper stubble is snowing through. From the looks of it, he has a pronounced widows peak and a massive bald spot. No wonder he shaves.
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
  
  Ash's gaze swept the single-room tavern as she entered, noting the handful of occupants with a critiquing eye.
  
    Ah, the joys of rural taverns and their patrons...  
  
  The warmth of the tavern's interior reminded the bard of just how cold it was outside, causing her to shiver as she stepped through the door. Striding over towards the bar she ordered a drink before leaning back casually against the top of the counter. Noting the presence of the elf a few feet away, Ash decided he was as good a place to start asking around as any and turned to face him.
  
   "So, is it always this cold around these parts? I guess you could say I'm a recent arrival and well... I haven't exactly had to worry about something like a waterskin actually freezing solid before." 
  
  She laughed a bit as she held up the ice-encased container and tapped it against the countertop in a (both metaphoric and literal) attempt to break the ice.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  General diplomacy check to hopefully get on his good side. +1 more for charming if he'd be attracted to Ash.
   (1d20+15)[ 26 ] 
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  'Y-you say it's cold outside...?"   The old man leans to one side to look out the window,   "Looks warm to me. It is summer after all. You must not be from around here.  " He pours Ash a piping hot mug of cider,   "Why have you come to this fine little town, young one? Are you interested in marriage? My son is a lawyer, you know. One of the best, so I hear. He's a lonely boy, never had much luck with women. He had a fiance but she was killed by those damn Bloodpaws."   He trails off for a moment obviously deep in thought.
  
  The elf with the skull painted on his face sets his drink down and sighs,   "I too hate the Bloodpaws. They killed my family. The Elmfur tribe, my tribe, have sworn an oath of vengeance against them. The old Baron of Westbow did not approve of our war. He went to great lengths to prevent us from doing what our ancient traditions demand of us. I am glad he is dead."  
  
  The old barkeep stumbles backwards,   "Don't say such things, Keveber! The Baron was a stalwart man. He tried his best to keep the peace."  
    "The peace does not bring my family back... Or your son's fiance."   
    "We need peace though, war is brewing between Onyxeye and Eaglemane."  
    "I care not for your human wars. I have lived here for five hundred years. Humans war with one another on a daily basis. If it is not about one slight, it is about another. Thousands die, the ravens feast."    He takes a few big swigs of his cider before changing the subject, slightly.   "I saw a few moosemen and humans bearing the heraldry of Ironwidow in and around the Tirnan last week. I did not have the time to watch them but they looked to be headed towards Ft. Shieldtrap. If I were the new Baron of Westbow Lake, I would certainly keep my eye on Shieldtrap." 
   "Perhaps you should tell the City Council..."  
    "The council and I... Do not care for one another."   
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Hmm, that's interesting. That's Hal he's talking about isn't it... Though it wouldn't do to jump on that topic too quickly...  
  
  Hoping she had correctly picked upon the elf's tone, Ash decided to tangentially pursue the current course of discussion and find out as much as she could about the current political climate.
  
   "Soooo this Council? Doesn't do much or something? Sounds like there isn't a whole lot keeping things under control around here?" 
    Let's try to steer the conversation towards this Vexx character... Just gotta remember to not seem too eager to do so...  
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  The elf practically spits,   "The council is lorded over by the hereditary Mayor. She cares only for money and killing gnolls. Her chief rival cares only for easy money and ensuring nothing goes wrong with the shipments of her brother's mine. I despise greed. Especially naked greed. They, and the nobles of Westbow Lake, give little thought to the lives they needlessly ruin. So long as their precious farms and their precious towns are kept safe, nothing else matters. No one thinks of the elves who live here. We have lived here in Westbow for thousands of years, yet we have no say in what goes on here. We are at the mercy of the greedy people. It disgusts me.   
  
  The barkeep stays quiet. He nods his head and then says,   "But at least you have land to call your own..."
    
    "The so-called charity of invaders is not what we deserve, nor what we need."   
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Right soooo.... sounds like small-minded local politics for the most part. Fun.  
  
  As the mental commentary ran through her mind, Ash nodded at the elf.
  
   "Well, certainly sounds like a rotten situation. Anyone else I should watch out for other than this Mayor and her rival? Actually, now that I think of it, I don't recall you mentioning this rival's name either?" 
  
  Even as she asked this the bard tried to remain aware of her surroundings, occasionally sweeping her gaze across the room to see if the other occupants were paying attention.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Perception check to see/listen if the others in the tavern are doing anything of note!
   (1d20+12)[ 13 ] 
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  "Laveta Haug..."  
  
  The conversation is interrupted by three armed men walking in. Their breastplates are all dinged and dirty, obviously having seen many battles. They each carry with them a hand crossbow, a large axe, steel shields and a bandoleer full of alchemical fire. The barkeep tenses up when these new gentlemen walk in.
  
  Their leader is tall and ruggedly handsome with hazel eyes and a thick black beard. He saunters up to the bar and slaps the counter with great force,   "Our usual!"  
  
  The barkeep looks at you and the elf, then quietly says,   "You... Still haven't paid your tab for last week, Janthus..."  
  
  The handsome man smiles and laughs, then reaches across the counter and grabs the barkeep's collar. Dragging the scared man in, Janus whispers,   "And what does that have to do with you giving me a pint right now?"  
  
  The old barkeep whispers,   "N-nothing..."  
    "Good, good."   Janus releases the man, then pats the barkeep's face a few times.   "Good."  
  
  The whole time this is going on everyone in the bar is frozen stiff, save for the elf, who quietly sips his ale.
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Ah, that type of man. Fun.  
  
  Making a complicated movement behind her back with one hand, Ash glanced in the direction of the group's leader. It was a bit of a gamble that they wouldn't notice the spell being cast, combined with the chance that it might not work either. Even then, how they'd react if it did stick was anybody's guess. But in the worst case scenario Ash was reasonably sure that the situation could be defused if it started to escalate further.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Sleight of Hand to mask the casting of Charm Person, targeting the trio's leader.
   (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
  
  And then the spell attack roll for Charm Person, vs will. Save negates.  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
   
  
  
  Hoping the spell would take, Ash smiled broadly and took a step closer towards the trio.
  
   "Now now, friends, that's not very kind! After all, the poor barkeep needs something in order to afford the ale he sells us, right? Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and pay the man his due? After all, then you wouldn't have to worry about it later." 
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Diplomacy check to persuade! +1 for charming if applicable!
   (1d20+15)[ 24 ] 
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  The lead man looks to Ash and then at the bearded barkeep, then back at Ash,   "Yeah... We could pay him. This time."   His friends look a little perplexed at the odd behavior but shrug it off as they are handed drinks.   "Why don't you come and sit with us. I always enjoy the company of a pretty lady..."   He winks at you as he walks backwards to an open seat.
  
  The barkeep whispers,   "That was strange... You are very persuasive, friend. Thank you."   
  
  The elf nods,   "I do not know what kind of game you are playing but be careful. Those are unsavory men."   
    "HEY!  " The leader looks at you,   "Get over here, will ya? We're going to play cards!"  
  
  The leader smiles as you take a seat,   "The name's Hazel, or at least that's what my friends call me. This here is Donban and Naslog."   He shuffles the warn deck a few times then deals out the cards.
  
   
   Spoiler: Your Hand 
  You receive:
  
  - Green E
  - Blue F
  - Black H
  - Green White Beard
  - The Dragon
   
  
   
   Spoiler: Imperial Poker 
  
  Basically a native version of Poker.
  
  White Beard = Ace
  Brave Beard = King
  Long Beard = Queen
  Short Beard = Jack
  No Beard = 10
  I = 9
  H = 8
  G = 7
  F = 6
  E = 5
  D = 4
  C = 3
  B = 2
  A = 1
  
  The Dragon Card is always included and is considered a Wild Card.
  
  There are four suits, each is a different color - Red, Blue, Green and Black.
   
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
  
  Ash gave a subtle nod towards the elf as thanks for his advice before turning away from the bar and following the trio. Smiling pleasantly, she sat down at the table as the cards were readied.
  
   "Pleased to meet you." 
  
  Picking up the hand she was dealt, Ash's face held a blank expression of carefully calculated confusion. With exaggerated vexation, she reached for first one card, then another, before eventually passing one over face-down to be redealt.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Making a bluff check to appear clueless about how to play cards!
   (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
   
  
   "Uuuuum, I guess... I'll.... raise?" 
  
  After fumbling for a coin to throw in the pot, Ash took the redealt card and stared at it with an equal degree of puzzlement. Best to keep them thinking she wasn't a threat to them or their purses. Of course, while it would be nice to win a few hands, information would be a much better prize....
  
   "So, you certainly seem like a impressive bunch, what line of work would you be in?" 
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Diplomacy!
   (1d20+15)[ 34 ]  Add 1 more for charming if applicable.
   
  
   
   Spoiler: Poker Actions 
  
  Exchanging the Green White Beard for another card from the deck. I'm not sure what kind of amounts are being bet and played with here, but I'd like to make a reasonable raise, however much that amount might be.
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  The leader smiles,   "Ain't you a doll? Smile like a million gold coins and figure of some attractive barmaid. If you ain't careful, I'll gobble you right up."    Janthus and his friends laugh like he just said the funniest thing imaginable. After a moment or two he answers your question,   We're mercenaries for the most part. Mostly work over in the Barony over yonder. Ft. Shieldtrap pays good coin for soldiers like us. Killin' Kitsune and Ratfolk mostly. Gotta butcher them young or else they'll come back to murder everyone in your village. Elves don't like it much but, who cares what a dumb leaf-wearin' shaman has to say, eh?"    
  
  You visibly see the elf at the bar shake his head in disgust.
  
  Janthus deals out the cards and his demeanor becomes very cool and hard to read. His two friends toss in their cards. He looks Ash in the eye and says,   "What you got?"  
   
   Spoiler 
  You are dealt the Black G.
  
  The pot stands at 30 silver currently.
   
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Ah, child-killers. Very pleasant.  
   "Oh... I see. Ever do any work over in Onyxeye? I have a cousin who lives up there." 
   
   Spoiler 
  
  And because that's a blatant lie....
  Bluff:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
   
  
  
  The bard stared at her hand of cards as if trying to make sense of some complicated puzzle.
  
   "Um... I.... I'll.... raise?" 
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Bump the bid up another 10 silver.
  If necessary to hide the fact that Ash actually has a really good hand.... Bluff:  (1d20+15)[ 20 ] 
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  Donban nods,   "We dun work up north. Vexx pays good money. She don't like no Gnoll or Ratfolk. Pays top coin for heads. why last month we worked with a half-gian..."   
  
  Hazel coughs and gives Donban the "shut up" look.  Janthus clears his throat and proceeds to call Ash's bluff,   "Time to show you what you've got!"   
  
  Donban tosses his cards into the center, revealing two B's. Naslog sighs and just folds his cards over. With a greedy look in his eye, Hazel (aka Janthus) flashes a devilish smile as he drops three Whitebeards on the table.   "Guess I win. Better luck next time, boys."  
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Hmmm, so it seems this Vexx is pretty active in hiring on random goons for her dirty work... Can probably make use of that... Should really try to get moving soon though...  
  
  Ash started slightly, as if she had not been following current developments very well and was surprised at the sudden results. Biting her lip, she glanced confusedly between the cards on the table and the ones in her hand.
  
   "Um... well that looks a lot more impressive than mine... I mean, I managed to get all these in a row, which seemed pretty nice. But then you got a whole three of the same kind!" 
  
  Laying the straight in her hand down on the table, Ash blinked with obfuscating stupidity at the three men's expressions.
  
   "Uh... is that alright?" 
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  The three men look shocked as they stare at your hand,   "WHA!?!?!?!"
    
  Hazel whistles as he leans back in his chair,   "That, my beautiful little friend, is what we in the mercenary business call a "Cold Kill." Damn. Thought I had you!"  
  
  Donban chuckles,   "Like that spy we caught in Clouddown! Had fun stringin' her up..."  
  
  Hazel caught awkwardly and then deals out a new set of cards,   "We aren't going easy on you this time."   
   
   Spoiler: Hand 
  
  Green Five
  Green No Beard
  Red White Beard
  Black Five
  Green Shortbeard
   
conversations: Felhammer:
conversations: human
conversations:  Ash 
    Okay, really need to be moving on at this point... Don't have anymore time to waste with these guys...  
   "Uhm...." 
  
  Staring at the cards in hand, Ash eventually pluck a couple of them at random and exchanged them out.
  
   
   Spoiler 
  
  Trade out the Nobeard and Shortbeard.
   
conversations: Mathemagics:
conversations: human
conversations:  The group plays a few more hands. Ash wins most of them and only bet a paltry sum on the ones she lost. After a few hours, Hazel turns out his pockets and sighs,   "Damn, you are one good poker player! You've stolen all my coins!"  
  
  Donban chuckles,   "I guess we're going to have to go back to that Half-Giant in Clouddown and get another job!"  
    "That is an excellent point my friend. We do need to go back to the castle and get us another job.   The ruggedly handsome man smiles coyly,   You... Want to come with us to the Castle? I... I mean WE could use some... Company."   
conversations: Felhammer: