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[DnD 4E PbP] Keep on the Shadowfell (IC)
Posts
"Not sure what you're going on about, there. But if you're looking for something to eat and a warm bed, that Wrafton's Inn isn't far. Just head down that way and you'll likely smell it 'fore you see it."
"Sounds like as good a place as any" he said to the rest of the group "I need to get out of this armor for a while and let me skin breath."
Upon entering Wrafton's Inn, they realize this might not be the case. The place is bustling with activity, but more than a few people stop to look at the group of strangers as they make their way through the crowd and up to the bar.
"Information, you're here for? Or just a place to rest? We've got a few exclusives tapped for the night, if you're interested."
The bartender nods toward the mug he is currently filling with a frothy, orange liquid.
"What'll it be?"
"We're hoping to speak to Lord Padrig tomorrow, any thing we should know or watch out for?"
"Not really. He keeps to himself somewhat, but he's done right by most of the folks in Winterhaven."
He looks around for eavesdroppers and leans in closer.
"I would caution you against his daughter, though. Spoiled brat, that one. Once said she had a man exiled because he didn't comment on her wardrobe in the market."
He stands back up straight and coughs.
"But if you'd like a room, it's 5 silver for the night. First door on your left up the stairs."
He turns to the rest of the group, "I'm glad we made it through today, I wasn't sure how we would fare, but it seems we make a good team thank you all." Panmorn pays for his room, before he leaves he turns to Barran and says, "And thank you for the drink!"
The paladin finds a table somewhat out of the way, sitting quietly listening to the conversations swirling around the bar. Not trying to eavesdrop, just trying to hear of news from around town and the surrounding farms.
"Come in, come in!" shouts a stout man sitting at the head of a long table. He is shoveling handfuls of egg into his mouth, spitting bits out as he talks. "The guards told me of your arrival last night. Welcome to Winterhaven!"
Beside him is a young halfling, small and stoic. He watches the adventurers with an attentive eye as they approach his master. His arms are calmly folded in front of him, and a staff leans against the back of Padraig's ornate chair. Padraig notices the adventurers eyeing the man and continues.
"Nevermind young Cordarek for now. What brings you?"
"That's my father's ring!" he cries as he takes it from the Tiefling. "Where did you get this? This has been lost to my family for decades!"
Cordarek, the halfling, leans forward to peer over his Lord's shoulder, eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"I shall have to reward you all handsomely for this!"
He stares at the ring fondly as he places it on his right index finger. After a few more proud moments, he turns back to the group.
"I will send word to Wrafton that your quarters there are to be refurnished to exude the utmost in comfort, and I shall send my cook's apprentice to see to your meals each night. This will all be free of charge, I insist. Stay as long as you like!"
He waves furiously toward a door along the side of the room, and several servants rush in, carrying goblets of wine. They pull a chair out for each of the adventurers and place a drink in front of them.
"We will dine here together this night, and you can tell me all about your adventurers and how you came to procure my father's ring!"
Padraig's mood increases in your party's favour.
Panmorn
You can by the halfling's expression and posture that he is at ease. He pays your party little mind; just another band of somethings to see the Lord.
Dire
You can sense magical energy from within the halfling. It feels like a raw energy coursing through his body.
"This I have known for many days," he says. "Unfortunately, for every den we clear out, three more take its place. Let us see what news this letter holds."
His eyes carefully skim back and forth across the page, until he finally looks back up at the adventurers.
"This confirms Cordarek's suspicions at least. The kobolds are being led by another. As for this spy, this is certainly very troubling news."
He folds the letter and places it back on the table when a servant comes in and whispers something in his ear. He raises an eyebrow and looks at Zevi.
"You are Zevi, the elf?" He continues as Zevi's nod confirms his guess. "I have word that you have been summoned by a friend in Felcrest. They say it is urgent?"
Zevi stands suddenly and picks up his bow.
"I have," he pauses briefly, trying to find the proper words. "investments there. I should see to them while you all take care of our business here."
He senses the others about to interject and stops them. "I insist I go alone. These matters are sensitive in nature, and I shall return when they are dealt with properly."
Padraig stands in respect as Zevi leaves the room, but instead of taking his seat again he pushes back his chair and paces in front of the table.
"This gives me an idea!" He looks at the party. "You are adventurers for hire, yes? I'm sure your returning my ring had undertones other than the very appreciated act of good will, and I as Lord of this city seem to be in need of capable men. You've proven yourselves by clearing out this kobold den, do you think you would like to investigate this matter some more? I shall pay you in gold, of course, and I can do even more than that."
He walks over to Cordarek and slaps him hard on the back.
"I can even fill a recent vacancy! What do you say?"
He bows slightly to the party.
“My name’s Cordarek. I’m attached to Lord Padraig’s household as a sort of… well, general dogsbody, I suppose – though I have a few rather specialized tricks up my sleeve. I’m pleased to meet you all.”
Cordarek looks up at the bottom of the Goliath's chin. Ye Gods he's huge.
"And you, my friend, are so large that - were I sufficiently armoured to survive the experience - I warrant you could hurl me at our foes as if I were a bowls-ball. I promise that you won't find my performance in any brawls we get into lacking. If nothing else, they'll be interesting."
Cordarek returns Barran's smile. Though the Tiefling hadn't addressed him specifically, he shakes his head and raises his hands in supplication.
"No supervisor am I, my friend."
"Well, there's a temple on the square. I don't really go into it much, though, on account of them being upset about a few pennies that may have gone missing from the poor-box a few winters back. Anyway, they might have some books in there. Like I said, though, an irrational and inhospitable bunch of God-botherers they are."
He clears his throat and mutters under his breath: "Well, I was poor."
"Your past is your own, Cordarek. You've been a loyal assistant to me since, and I have no intentions of hanging your past transgressions over your head. Well, any more than need be, anyway."
He turns to Dire.
"Aside from the temple, you might like to pay a visit to Valthrun, a local sage. He lives in his tower, an ancient structure you simply cannot miss. Just head outside and look up. While I'm sure he would have some tomes for sale you might be interested in, he suffers from severe paranoia. You'll have to win his trust before he will speak to you about such matters, I imagine. If he's not in his tower, you'll find him at the inn."
Signaled by a snap of Padraig's fingers, several servants rush in and begin to clear away goblets and other clutter from the table.
"I will have a feast prepared this evening in your honour, and I'd be delighted if you would join me. For now, feel free to explore the town and find out what you can. Cordarek, I release you from my service and entrust you to the care of these fine people. Please try to behave yourself, yes?"
Cordarek sketches a bow almost entirely bereft of irony and turns to the group.
"I'm happy to toddle along in your footsteps, gentlemen, if you've things to do."
"It sounds like Dire needs to see a man about a book. I was hoping to ask some questions of those near the center of power here, and perhaps partake in some of the proffered luxury before we are on our way again...Though by nature my methods of obtaining information tend to work better when I am alone."
Padraig heads toward the door but turns briefly before leaving.
"I'll expect you all here this evening after sunset. Do come on an empty stomach!"
Besides. Sitting on a roof makes him feel taller.
At the temple, Panmorn addresses Sister Linora for news.
"I have heard rumours of kobolds attacking distant farms, but Lord Padraig doesn't have the resources to lead a full assault. He is afraid of losing arms to protect the city. The town of Winterhaven and its people are his first priority. As far as strange activity around here, I assure you that if there were foul deeds afoot, I would know about them."