(Adventure) The Haunted Halls of Stonepike

[dpdx]

Rurik gently joins in the laughter, but not the conversation. With one hand on his mug, and the other stroking his blond beard, his expression quickly changes, and he gets up from the table. Looking around the room, he doesn't seem to find whatever it is. Finally, he sits down.

"Er, I dun know 'ow ter put this delicate-like, an' I 'ate ter dampen the mood, so'm jes' gone ter say it out plain: If we're gonna fight daemons n' ghosts or beings without bodies, 'ow d'yer say, incker, inc, incerperyul, or whatnot, we're gonna 'ave ter 'ave blesst' weapons. Considerin' we got no'un o' the cloth 'mongst us, I was lookin' fer a priest o' Chennet', and cain't seem ter fine one. We could be in fer a world o' vexin' 'ell 'ere, if'n we dun fine one.

Now, 'afore ye look at me like 'at, the gnome weren't experienced enough to enchant weapons, so I dun want ter 'ear it. Jes, tha minute someun' finds a wag with an 'oly symbol, lemme know. What yer lookin fer's an anvil on a red circle. Thass Chennet', the Forge Father -- Jes 'oo we need."

Hoping to end on a lighter note, Rurik stands again, this time to order a jug of the house ale, since he seems to have finally run out of Mom's finest.

 

[Uriel]

"Er, I dun know 'ow ter put this delicate-like, an' I 'ate ter dampen the mood, so'm jes' gone ter say it out plain: If we're gonna fight daemons n' ghosts or beings without bodies, 'ow d'yer say, incker, inc, incerperyul, or whatnot, we're gonna 'ave ter 'ave blesst' weapons. Considerin' we got no'un o' the cloth 'mongst us, I was lookin' fer a priest o' Chennet', and cain't seem ter fine one. We could be in fer a world o' vexin' 'ell 'ere, if'n we dun fine one.

The Matron pauses, bringing over another trencher full of mutton and taters and says 'There's a Priest o'Chennet in Stonepike, though he's a bit wet 'ahing the Ears. The Senior Priest is out with...' She stops, looking at several of the bainlunders and dwarves, one of which shakes his head no ever-so-slightly.She smiles and continues He's uh, he's out blessin folks in the hills, farmsteads an'the like.Anyway, this young'n is a good lad, Brother Helad,by name. East ta spot, he's a right portly lad, thoyugh he's strong as'n'Ox,he is.' The old woman moves off again, filling plates and bringing fresh pitchers of cooled tea and beer.

 

[dpdx]

Rurik's features rise and fall at the barmatron's answering of his question.

"Thank ye, ma'am, an' I'm sure'n Brother Helad's aright worthy o' tha Forge Father, but wet 'ahine the ears wunt do us a lick o' good fer what we're fixin' ta need, which's permanent weapon enchantments. Any idear when tha senior friar'll be back?"

 

[nimisgod]

Sir Ishmael turned an ear to the matron as she spoke, listening well to the nuances of tone in her voice and speech.

OOC: Sense motive on her

 

[Keia]

OOC: Away from a Computer till Thursday, please auto-pilot til then. Thanks, . . .and sorry.

Keia

 

[Uriel]

The Matron looks to Sturm and shakes her head slightly, indicating that she isn't sure when he'll be back. She then makes a ritualistic hand gesture
<ala Catholics 'crossing' the four points> as if to wish him well and turns to depart.

Ishmael<Sense Motive 18> thinks that the old drawf woman is keeoing something secret, though there is nothing malicious in her words.She seemed to make the religious gesture with sincerity, showing dedication to Chennet and conviction.

 

[dpdx]

"What's she lookin' at 'im fer?" Rurik mumbles not quite audibly as the matron leaves, "She not 'ear too well?"

Rurik turns back around to the rest of the group:

"Anaway, I'ma 'ave ta quit drinkin' tonight if I'm ta be any 'elp ta Stonepike. I reckon' no spir'ts is gonna rest on our 'count, know'm mean?"

Rurik pats his axe for emphasis.

 

[Guilt Puppy]

Sturm echoes Rurik's sentiment, eager to get on himself.

"Jes' one more plate o' taters if'n ye're ghenn'n shar*, g'Woman. Then we'll 'ave'n our job."

He turns to the others, especially Telerin and Aranel. "'n that means what ye want plans fer ye should get plannin' 'bout now, 'cause once we're down, ye'll find me 'ntendin'n get some jobbin' done."

(* "Kind to part," a Dwarven phrase akin to "don't mind.")

 

[Keia]

"Insulted the cooking." she joked without too much enthusiasm. "No reason any of you should trouble yourselves over. My kin and I have clear understanding." She added.

Thurgan nodded in understanding of Aranel's situation and her right to keep her to herself. "Well, miss, ya seem okay enough fer me. Perhaps we ken both get used ta the area at the same time. . . ."

"Speakin' o' which, seems ta me, there's more goin' on than meets t'eye," Thurgan mumbled under his breath to Aranel but the matron's hesitancy to speak freely. But when isn't that the case, he throught. "Mebbe we should chat w'the one givin' orders ta the matron in her own inn."

 

[nimisgod]

"I am ready to delve in this 'venture, myself." said the halfling with quiet conviction. "Let the spectres that haunt Stonepike beware"

He took mental note of the secretive demeanor of the Matron. Everyone had their secrets, of course, but in these dangerous times a single secret could be the undoing of them all. He would tell the rest of his companions after they left the inn, when they were away from so many eyes.