(Cleaning up a bit for flow and then new materials at the end :) )<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11589932#msg11589932">Quote from: Dhi on 29-08-2015, 05:29:59</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">For most of the trek through the dark woods she had kept pace with Ran Fletcher, old Moran's girl, but had consistently found something to look at off her own side of the path. She was amicable speaking to Ran, but avoided looking. "Range, march, point- it sounds as though you've taken some lessons on war, Ms. Fletcher. You're awfully young to be involved in such a thing." When the way ahead posed difficult climbs for a woman with a wounded hip, she offered her hand and paid close attention to Ran's footing on the crumbly forest soil. Finally, she could take it no longer. She unclasped her fur cloak and draped it round Moran's daughter whether she seemed to want it or not. "The forest gets colder as the night presses on."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11585503#msg11585503">Quote from: Devil's Advocate on 27-08-2015, 19:38:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">At Brannock and Dza's insistence, the party follow them and their torch towards Melford.  Of course, those with infravision are not overly thrilled with the situation but make do and arrive at Melford without incident.<br/><br/>However, upon arrival, Dza is specifically approached by a man she recognizes from the guard.  He wears scale mail and carries a halberd. "Sergeant Yucca, Captain Marieka asked me to tell you that if you made it back to meet her at the King's Head Inn for breakfast after first light."  He pauses for a moment before continuing.  Brannock, I recognize you.  But who are these people?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Hiya! I'm Orchid!" replied the halfling, waving happily. She seemed a bit wild, with long black tresses over her naked breasts and a loin cloth to hide the rest of her. She carried a Quarterstaff, among a few other things.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">As the halfling darted from behind his legs, Brannock let out a small laugh. "Heh. As she said, she's Orchid. She and the rest were camped on the road and attacked by goblins Dza and I had been tracking since this afternoon. Better the inn for them than stay on the road and risk more."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The site of a fellow watchman once they reached Melford's haphazard slump over the hillside was a welcome one. "I didn't expect to be back until morning. The goblins attacked these people on the road." It was crucial to observe how they reacted to the watchman. They were confident, uncowed by authority. Righteous. Explaining themselves, as though a mutual understanding were all that prevented a member of the guard from seeing everything their way. It had not escaped her notice that they were each armed and some humming words of magic. "They seem to be heroes, like Sreeja." </blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Dryad Wood?" he asked curiously.  "Have you had difficulties with the Shadow Goblins, as well?  Not many come here from your town.  I am certain that the Captain will be interested in hearing all of your stories.  Let Gerrit at the King's Head Inn know that Arnald sent you and we might use your services in exchange for the fee for the rooms."</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11590469#msg11590469">Quote from: Changingsaint on 29-08-2015, 11:35:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">“Shadow goblins.” Lucas spoke the words softly for a moment, nodding. “Seems that’s what we were attacked by. They looked sort of like goblins, but different enough. Sharpened teeth, dark skin, odd tattoos. Not really the sort of thing i’d call a goblin normally.” The group survived, and as they were pointed in the direction of the inn, he just gave a small nod of thanks. If the captain was interested in them, then he’d likewise be interested with meeting the guard captain personally as perhaps he could shed more light on the situation. Having only met these people today, Lucas was at least open enough with them to state his faith, and none would hopefully take offense.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Dza nodded in ready agreement to meet with the captain in the morning. There was no need to point out when they reached the King's Head. It was just as swollen as its namesake.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The King's Head Inn was a rather large establishment.  It is enclosed by a fence.  To the West of the entrance hall, there is an obvious set of stables.  Four doors are ahead of you.  However, the largest, which is nearly directly in front of the party has a large overhanging sign indicating the name of the establishment.  On the door itself is a sign that lists the prices of meals, drinks, rooms, and hot baths.  [Feel free to inquire, if you need more information.  I'm too lazy today to type it all out.] <br/><br/>Presuming that the party enters, a bell tingles upon entrance.  It takes a minute but a thin man with thin black hair that stands straight up and appears to have been shaved evenly up top by livestock sheers enters.  He has brown eyes and some scraggly hair on his chin that would make him look sinister if the effect of the thin hairs curled on his chin in a comical fashion.  "Greetings, travelers.  Welcome to the King's Head Inn.  The kitchen is closed for the night.  Are you in need of rooms?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The knight would walk toward the inn with the others, giving a brief nod to Garrit as they arrived.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Very well.  I am Garret and if Arnald has said so, then you may rest here.  Please, let me lead you to your rooms."  He walks the party through the entrance behind him which opens into a large hall with numerous tables.  To the right of the hall is an opening where the aromas of a fire and spices can be smelled.  After you have passed through the entirety of the hall, you go up some stairs and turn back over the common areas.  Four doors appear on the left.  "Nobody else has arrived for the night so you may divide yourselves amongst the four rooms to the left.  The doors in front of you lead to me and my sister's rooms.  Please do not enter them.  Breakfast should be available at first light, if you wish to purchase it.  Is there anything else that I can get you this morning?"<br/><br/>tag - party  (cuddle up time)<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> The knight said, “The kitchen isn’t a problem, we just need rooms for now, I think.” If the group wanted food, he could offer some of his own rations... Not the most enticing of vittles but a bland meal was better than an empty stomach!</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=227485.msg11588421#msg11588421">Quote from: JoanieSappho on 28-08-2015, 19:39:56</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Speaking of the gods," Caro piped up shyly, still a bit shaken and not all that comfortable in front of so many people right now. <br/>"Is there a temple or church or anything like that in town? And where would it be?" <br/>Despite appearances, after all, the little halfling was a priestess - well, a novice - and would certainly want to spend some time in such a place, if given the chance.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>Garrit answered Caro's question in a much lower voice, "We have not temple or church here.  However, there is a shrine that is about a day to the North of here. It is run by Manae.  She comes here from time to time.  I do not know who she worships and some in town say that she runs a blood cult.  I do not believe that for she is a frail woman and I do not believe that she would have the strength to kill, let alone have a cult up there.  It is only her that I have seen.  Others say she can bring the dead back to life.  But what stock can I put in rumors?  I put stock in my Inn and allow others to pay me for my services."<br/><br/>tag - Caro/party<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Four rooms. Eight people, by Dza's count. "I'll share the forward room." The sergeant did not wait to discuss who she might be rooming with.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>Calmly, Garrit said, "If there is nothing more, my guests, then I shall retire for the evening, as well."  He back away a step, ready to turn his back on the party as they chose their rooms.<br/><br/>tag - party<br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> The road was harder on Dza than it seemed to be on Brannock. Armor chimed behind the half-open door to her room as she unburdened herself piece by piece. She reached to unfasten her cloak, finding it not there. Oh- that's right- she had loaned it to that wildling. Dza stood there staring at a plate of armor for a moment, and then sorted everything uselessly into a tidy corner. The mystery of what the captain had to share with her would wait until morning.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The knight stated, “Well Brannock, two people a room. Unless you’ve a place elsewhere here, seems best we bunk together to give the ladies privacy.” Moving for an untaken room, he was more than glad to start shucking off his hefty backpack, placing his blade and spare javelins close to it. The heavy chain he wore would be off next, a weighty burden removed from his shoulders for a while at least. Between the partially disturbed rest and quick travel he was quite happy to be resting in a bed.<br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>tag - everyone