DM Kathy Monday March 14th, 2005 1:33:57 AM
Once everyone is healed and things are set to rights you resume your journey. The weather holds and you are able to make good time through the Red Hills--which, judging from what you've heard about the place--is just as well.
A few days later, the cart and wagon roll into the fertile and peaceful Crescent Valley. You pass farms, and mills, and towns, all looking like models or miniatures to you, for this is halfling territory.
By the time you reach the outskirts of Angel Springs, you are feeling decidedly too tall for your surroundings. Master Stubblefallow, meanwhile, has grown even more animated. "My childhood home!" he exclaims as you approach the city. "Ah, what times I had here! I remember a particular escapade involving a gooseberry pie and a very stubborn goat..." and he launches into an improbable (but highly entertaining) yarn.
As you approach Angel Springs on the main road, a group of six halflings, dressed in what you assume to be the city's livery, move toward you from a nearby guardpost. "What business have you in Angel Springs?" one of them asks. His manner is friendly enough, but the other guards are clearly on alert--you are obviously strangers and you stand out.
Wilfire Ironhouse Monday March 14th, 2005 4:35:00 AM
Wilfire leaves the talking to those that are more easily understood.
OOC- Wilfire would have healed everyone back to full along the way.
Evan Monday March 14th, 2005 5:55:05 AM
Evan sits on Ariel, waiting for their charge to smooth the way so that they can enter town. He scoots Ariel closer to the wagon where Mira sits, just to be a little closer to her.
Arm d20+8=28 Monday March 14th, 2005 5:56:17 AM
Arm smiles gratefully at Uriel for his assistance, then prepares to continue on their journey. Once they reach the guardpost, Arm explains to the guards, "We are escorting Master Stubblefallow here on a mission of much portent from Plateau City. We mean harm neither to your citizens nor the surroundings, and only wish safe passage to our destination. We will abide by any rules and regulations that may be in force in this area." (diplomacy=28 - nat. 20).
Kadaz d20+1=11 Monday March 14th, 2005 7:16:06 AM
Kadaz looks at the small homes and smiles to himself. In a halfling inn the big folks will have trouble finding a bed that fits. Maybe they can bend in half and put their heads at the same end as their feet? The mental image of Uriel and Evan bent like pretzels makes him smile even more.
When the halfling guards appear Kadaz pets Birdie's head and tries to look inoffensive. He look closely at them, taking a professional interest in the guard's armor and weapons. And if he were in charge here he'd have some guards hidden. Kadaz looks around trying to see any halflings under cover. (spot 11)
Conner d20-1=13 Monday March 14th, 2005 9:20:54 AM
Conner stays back by the carts and tries to be as inconspicuous as possible. He grins widely at the halflings, then freezes, and stops. The last time he smiled at a little person, she though he was going to eat her. That's not the impression he wants to give.
Diplomacy=13
Mira d20+5=22 Monday March 14th, 2005 9:24:43 AM
Mira stands near Arm as he introduces the group and discloses the party's mission. "What the bard says is true. Our mission is a peaceful one," she adds. (Diplomacy=22, aid another)
Uriel Monday March 14th, 2005 9:59:07 AM
Uriel dismounts from his horse, so that he won't be towering over the halfing guards. He strokes his horse's head once to calm it and offers it an apple to munch on.
He smiles and nods his head at Arm's and Mira's words.
Shadow d20+2=22 Monday March 14th, 2005 10:51:09 AM
Shadow will let the others talk for him and the group. He is not one for words with 'officials'. He will remain alert and watch their surroundings. (Spot=22 nat. 20)
DM Kathy Tuesday March 15th, 2005 2:23:45 AM
Kadaz notes that the guards are reasonably well-equipped, although the way some of them maintain their weapons may be a little suspect. He does not spot any hidden guards--but halflings are very good at hiding.
Shadow's senses are a little more acute, but he sees nothing untoward.
Thanks to Arm's diplomacy and Mira's help, the guards relax visibly. "Master Stubblefallow?" repeats the one who spoke before. "Not Volgick Stubblefallow himeslf?"
"Yes, yes, I have returned," says the scholar from his pony cart. "And it's nice to know I'm still remembered in my home town. You're a Brambleton, aren't you my lad, unless I miss my guess."
"My mother was a Brambleton," the young guard replies, walking up to the cart. "Here!" he calls to the other guards. "Make way for Master Stubblefallow!"
"Make way for Master Stubblefallow!" they all begin shouting, and escort the cart into the city proper in a sort of impromptu parade. As they go, the guard and the scholar discuss relatives and who is related to who on their mother's cousin's side as only halflings can.
You make your way into the city, a bustling, prosperous-looking place. Much of it is sized for halflings, of course, and Talereithin and Kadaz find they have to devote all their attention to driving without hitting anything.
You pull up in front of an inn, most of which is halfling-sized. You are glad to see, however, that it has one wing built on human proportions. By now a crowd of excited townspeople has gathered around the scholar's cart. "Is it really him?" people are saying. "Volgick Stubblefallow?" "Come all the way from Plateau City?" "I wonder what he's here for."
Talereithin tries to help the elderly halfling down from the cart, but the townspeople are pressed up so tightly that he decides not to risk it. The scholar rises to his feet in the cart and addresses the crows. "My friends! It is good to be home again, and your warm welcome does my heart good. I have many tales to tell you and questions to ask of you, but now is not the time. If I could have a little room, please?"
The crowd is still a-buzz with curiosity, however, and seem disinclined to back away and allow him to pass.
Wilfire Ironhouse Tuesday March 15th, 2005 4:31:41 AM
"Let's make a wee bit'a'space for deh oldtimer, eh" Wilfire suggests to his more diplomatic friends. "His arse must be redder den my beard from sittin in dat cart fer so long."
Evan Tuesday March 15th, 2005 5:57:49 AM
Evan frowns as an impromptu parade forms up around the group. As they leaved the gate, he glances back to see if all of the guards are in the parade or if some cooler heads prevail keeping some of the guards at their posts.
When they reach the Inn, Evan's frown deepens as the noise keeps anyone from being heard. He places two fingers in his mouth and gives a loud, ear-piercing whistle hoping to quiet the crowd long enough for his friends to be heard.
Arm Tuesday March 15th, 2005 6:25:59 AM
Arm is somewhat overwhelmed by the reception given to their charge...apparently he is without doubt someone of great importance in these parts. For the moment, he sits back and waits to see how he will handle the milling crowd, hoping that they may continue with their mission promptly.
Kadaz Tuesday March 15th, 2005 7:46:00 AM
It's a party! The excitement overwhelms Birdie at the center of the crowd and he joyously starts bouncing up and down on the wagon seat, barking at nothing in particular. Kadaz sets the brake seeing as the cart and wagon aren't going anywhere soon. He starts thinking of the good halfling cooking that will appear on the table once they get inside. And a bone or two for Birdie.
Conner Tuesday March 15th, 2005 8:44:52 AM
Conner presses through the crowd and positions himself in front of the cart and the old halfing. He tries to clear a little space in front of the elf and his halfling master. The muscular fighter is careful not to trample any of the little folk as he uses the leverage of his body to eke out some room. He grins widely at Kadaz's mention of a party.
Mira d20+3=23 d20+2=15 d20+2=21 Tuesday March 15th, 2005 8:50:52 AM
The sorcerer stays close to the cart and uses the vantage of her human height to scan the crowd (Search=23, nat. 20, Spot=15) She tries to gauge the mood of the crowd hoping they are just curious and friendly. (Sense motive=21)
Uriel Tuesday March 15th, 2005 9:25:56 PM
Uriel seems a bit biwildered and overwhelmed with the impromptu party and tries to guide his horse to the inn and stable (hopefully).
DM Kathy Wednesday March 16th, 2005 1:33:26 AM
Evan glances back and sees that the majority of the guards remain at their posts--although how alert they can be while craning their necks to watch the excitement is debatable.
Birdie begins barking and running about with excitement, while Mira looks to be sure that only curiosity and enthusiasm is driving the impropmtu celebration. She sees nothing to excite her suspicions, but remains on alert nonetheless.
Meanwhile, Conner shoulders his way through the crowd, and Evan gives a piercing whistle for attention. Intimidating even to human-sized folk, Conner is downright terrifying to most of the halflings, who meekly step out of the way for the tattoed fighter. As if by magic, a path opens from the cart to the front door.
"Thanks, Conner," says Talereithin under his breath as he moves to help the scholar down.
"Take your horse, sir?" Uriel looks down to see a pint-sized stable girl grinning up at him, and holding up a confident hand for the reins. "You are staying at the inn?"
A halfling lad wearing similar livery approaches Kadaz and offers to lead the wagon around to the stableyard. "Becaue I'm sure you've had a hard journey, sir, and there's a trick to hitting that turn just right."
With Talereithin's help, Master Stubblefallow makes his way to the door of the inn, beaming and occasionally shaking hands with some of the people pressing around him.
Evan Wednesday March 16th, 2005 5:42:32 AM
Evan does not surrender up the riens of his horse, but does follow the halfling stable girl into the stables. He puts Ariel into the indicated stall then strips the tack off of her so that he can brush out the shaggy mountain horse. He does his best to try and convey his inability to talk to the halfling girl as he works. Once Ariel is dry, clean and fed, Evan heads for the Inn, seeking out his friends, one lovely lady in particular.
Arm d20+2=18 d20+2=6 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 6:41:26 AM
Seeing that none of the crowd appear to harbor any ill will toward them, but at the same time noticing Mira's watchful eye, he follows the rest to the inn. All the while, he keeps an eye and ear open as well, although the constant din from the crowd keeps him from hearing much (spot=18,listen=6).
Kadaz Wednesday March 16th, 2005 7:18:22 AM
Kadaz scoots over on the seat and hands over the reins to the halfling. "It's all yours" he says "but I'll just ride along to see where everything gets put."
Kadaz will ride along and help get the pony set in its stable. He will then pick up all valuable items in the wagon and bring them into the inn. No sense tempting any of these little folk.
Shadow d20+2=12 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 8:15:22 AM
Shadow will lead the group into the inn and have a look around (Spot=12) He will move to a table that has a good view of the door and has a solid area of wall (no windows right behind it at least) and take a seat so that he can keep an eye on the door and any other entrances to the room. He is still overwhelmed by the crowd that has gathered around the aged halfling, and he hopes it lets up before his nerves are totally rubed raw.
Mira d20+5=17 d20=17 Wednesday March 16th, 2005 9:10:36 AM
Mira follows the elf and his master into the inn, ducking her head to clear the low doorway. Once inside, she seeks out the person in charge of victuals, and orders refreshments for the party. She winces as she weighs her purse, but believes she has coins enough to cover the tab.
While waiting for the party to regroup, and the order to arrive, she makes polite conversation with those running the place in order to learn if there is any room in the inn, and what are the rates. (Diplomacy=17, Gather Info=17(+ modifier *posting from work and don't have my PC sheet)
Conner Wednesday March 16th, 2005 4:15:58 PM
Conner sniffs the air, hoping there is something good in the kitchen and something even better on tap. He stands just inside the door, his arms resting comfortably across his broad chest as he eyes those brave enough to follow the party into the inn.
Uriel Wednesday March 16th, 2005 6:20:48 PM
Uriel will chat with the halfing but is afraid that if she spooks the warhorse it might eat her. After ensuring the horse is situated, he will meet the others in the inn for some good food and drink.
DM Kathy Thursday March 17th, 2005 2:25:23 AM
Evan, Kadaz, and Uriel decide to accompany the animals around to the stables. They find a small stableyard behind the inn, and a snug stable with plenty of room for the animals. The staff seem to know their work, and the animals are unhitched, unsaddled, and rubbed down with a cheerful efficiency.
The others accompany Master Stubblefallow into the inn--and most of you have to bend double to get through the front door. The common room is a fairly good size, but you have to crouch or sit to keep your head from banging on the ceiling. A middle-aged halfling man in an apron comes bustling up to your group. "Welcome! Welcome to the Angel Arms," he says. "I am Tobro Goodhew, and I must say I'm honored to have you here, Scholar Stubblefallow. Our finest room is yours--and I won't take 'no' for an answer!"
"And Big Folk!" the man continues, looking at you and Talereithin. "As you may have seen, we have rooms to accomodate you, too, all made up and ready for you."
This last is said with frantic hand gestures toward a pair of halflings hurrying toward the large wing carrying brushes, buckets, and armfuls of linens, so you suspect that the "all made up and ready" part is a teensy lie.
"In the meantime," the innkeeper says, "Sit down and refresh yourselves, for I know it's a long journey from Plateau City." A smiling serving girl approaches the table with mugs of ale as he continues. "We've fresh fish that's especially good today, and poultry fresh from Mistress Greenhollow's farm. The ham is quite good, as well. What is your pleasure?"
The ale, meanwhile, is being handed around. The mugs are half-pint sized, but the ale in them is very good.
Arm d20+2=16 d20+2=16 Thursday March 17th, 2005 5:58:36 AM
Wincing at the compactness of the room, Arm sincerely hopes that their rooms are of a bigger size, as he's sure to get a crick in his back if they stay here overlong as well as his feet hanging off the edge of the bed when he sleeps. Giving them the benefit of the doubt, he accepts the ale gratefully and orders the poultry, not being one for fish. While waiting for the food, he keeps a general eye on things (spot=16, listen=16).
Kadaz Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:00:29 AM
Kadaz helps as best he can with the animals but given the halfling's efficiency this mostly consists of staying out of the way. "Uriel, looks like they will take good care of our animals. Are we done here?"
Kadaz picks up the gear he has removed from the wagon and makes his way back into the common room. A good supper of ham and chicken, and maybe some fish just to top it off, sounds good.
As he sits eating Kadaz looks around at the halflings and remembers what halflings are known for. He carefully moves his money pouch to a more secure spot inside his clothes.
Shadow d20+2=7 d20+3=12 Thursday March 17th, 2005 5:40:00 PM
Shadow takes a long pull from the mug of ale (almost draining it) and then orders, "I will have some of the ham, please."
He will keep his mind, eyes, and ears open for anything that might hint of potential dangers for the group. (Spot=7 and Listen=12)
Mira d20+5=20 Thursday March 17th, 2005 6:23:10 PM
Mira goes for the daily fish special. The sorcerer passes on the hobbit sized mugs of ale, wanting to keep her wits about her.
"How about a song, Arm?" she asks the bard, "something jolly?" (Diplimacy=20 ;-)
Conner Thursday March 17th, 2005 7:52:22 PM
Conner makes his way over to the table, careful not to bash his melon on any of the low slung beams. He tries both the fish and the ale, finding the latter more to his taste.
Uriel Friday March 18th, 2005 1:12:05 AM
Uriel nods to Kadaz and moves inside.
Arm d20+8=17 Friday March 18th, 2005 6:40:03 AM
Arm smiles and nods at Mira. Unslinging his lute, he begins to play a jaunty tune that he learned a while back about halflings and their ways. (perform=17).
Wilfire Ironhouse Friday March 18th, 2005 10:23:53 AM
"Matie, I be havin one a'each" Wilfire informs as he begins tapping his finger on the table nervously.
DM Kathy Friday March 18th, 2005 11:13:43 AM
Evan, Kadaz, and Uriel return from the stables and you all place your orders. The innkeeper returns to the kitchen with a bow and a smile, and returns shortly at the head of a little procession of halfling cooks and servers, all bearing heaping platters.
The fish is indeed very fresh, and fried to a crisp, hot, golden brown. The fowl is braised and served with a creamy herb sauce. The ham proves to be lightly spiced and very tasty. After several trips to refill the small mugs, the serving girl at last gives up and returns to the table with three large pitchers of ale.
You eat heartily of the delicious meal, except for poor Master Stubblefallow, who is constantly interrupted by eager or curious townsfolk who want to know what he's been up to, whether he's seen the new mill, and what Plateau City is "really like." Talereithin makes some attempt to dissuade the curiosity seekers--the only noticable result being that he doesn't get to eat very much either.
After the meal, you are led through the only "human-sized" door in the place, which of course leads to the larger-scale wing you saw from the outside. There are five rooms, each with two comfortable beds. The rooms have clearly been freshly cleaned, aired, and made up, and are very inviting.
You retire for the evening, and have a very pleasant night's sleep. During the night, Arm experiences a very vivid dream, and Shadow has glimpses and fragments, of what seems to be the very same dream.
[Stay tuned. The actual Dream will be posted this evening.]
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