[Gobquest] Part 2

[Dalamar]

"And what do you mean endanger? Is it really that dangerous around there?"
Glorath is a bit grumpy as usual. He occasionally gives a mean look at the children in the window.

 

[Mirth]

"I see," says Randolph. "I am sure you will manage."

You enter the Inn of the Dancing Goat and are led to a table by a waitress. She seems nervous around you. Randolph sits down at the table with you. "I wll pay for the drinks. I will be frank. Many in town have asked me to send troops to find Jazzad, but I will not risk the life of my men for his sake. He doesn't even pay taxes. But he is an old associate, if not a friend."

There don't seem to be any other outsiders at the bar. Children peer through the window at you.

"Well, since you are being frank, I will as well," D'Bruuhl says as he nurses his ale. Not much of a drinker, the priest doesn't want to offend Randolph yet again. "We know nothing of this Jazzad other than he was a good friend to our chieftain Nitzbuk who used to receive regular updates from Jazzad as to his state of being. He has not received the last letter as expected and so Nitzbuk sent us to locate the woodsman, as he fears for his safety."

"If you will not risk your own men, we will take the risk for you," the cleric says as he sits up straighter and looks around the table at his teammates. "All we honestly have need for is some guidance and information, like answers to the questions that Ashgyad and Glorath have already asked. Anything you can do in that regard would be greatly appreciated. I should also very much like to talk to these many townsfolk you mentioned that are concerned about Jazzad. Perhaps they could shed light on the situation."

OOC: I just noticed this sentence in the DMG about Monsters as PC races (p22): "Some kinds of creatures might be restricted from certain classes (no goblin paladins, for example), but that's up to you." LOL. Hadn't read that before.

 

[dreamthief]

"He helped us hunt down a pack of wolves two winters ago," says Randolph to Ashgyad's question. "He never ate with us, prefering to sit away on his own. He didn't ask for payment after the task was done."

"The woods are dangerous for the unfamiliar," says Randolph. "Wolves, boars, bears and other vile beings that I would rather not whisper about. I am still a superstitious man."

Just as D'Bruuhl finishes his words, a figure steps in. You see at the doorway an old man dressed in gray robes. He approaches the table.

"So these be the creatures looking for Jazzad? I be Ryan Tollocke, the herbalist. The 'law' has let him fend for himself," eyeing Randolph, "despite Jazzad's constant help to the village in dire need. I also have not haerd word of him, and fear for his safety."

The waitress drops off some beers at your table and rushes off, as well as a plate of steaming chicken stuffed with herbs and liberally garnished with garlic.

OOC: I would allow a goblin Paladin, as long as you remained under Heironeous.

 

[Festy_Dog]

"Jazzad seems to be... a good man... Your assistance is... most welcome," Rakanishu says, though somewhat quietly.

He eyes dart to the chicken though, and the aroma would have him drooling were his mouth not shut.

 

[Dog Faced God]

"You seem to know Jazzad, or at least of him, fairly well, Ryantollock. Please, join us, and you tell about him?" Goubido was grinning from ear to ear, and reaching for the chicken and beer greedily before he realized himself and slowed down.

 

[Krug]

oopsie.

 

[dreamthief]

Ryan sits down. "I don't know him well, but enough to say that he is a good man," he says, staring at the sheriff. His gaze then turns to you. "Unfortunately I cannot tell you much else. He resides in a valley west of here. I normally hear from him once in a while, but it has been a long time since he has sent word."
Goubido's hand eventually reaches the nice big juicy drumstick of the chicken..

 

[Mirth]

"Could you guide us to or at least near his hold?" D'Bruuhl asks of the forthcoming Ryan. "I'm afraid we don't know much about this area. Also, was there anyone in town who would did have more than a passing acquaintance with Jazzad?"

Looking over at Goubido tearing the chicken apart, D'Bruuhl turns back and smiles at the two humans. "Excuse us for a moment, won't you? We have had a hard bit of travel and haven't eaten as well as this in quite some time. Our stomachs seem much stronger than our minds now that this fowl has arrived."

"Perhaps we can talk about herbalism later, Brother Ryan," D'Bruuhl waits for everyone to get their share first and then he takes what is left over, "for I have some small skill in that as well," he finishes saying and before ripping into a hunk of flesh with his razor sharp fangs, barely remembering to wipe the dripping fat off his chin with his napkin in time. I hope that didn't appear too uncivilized.

 

[Dalamar]

Glorath takes a piece of the chicken and starts chewing it. After swallowing the first bite, he mutters out before continuing to eat.
"My thanks to the chef."

 

[dreamthief]

Ryan shakes his head at D'Bruuhl's questions. "Unfortunately I am inconvenienced right now. There is a bad spate of flu in the village and I must be around. Some of the young 'uns are sickish and..."

Randolph cuts him off in mid-sentence. "And I don't think the village should risk its herbalist romping off to the forest chasing after a demented woodsman who might have been enslaved by lord knows what."

Ryan sighs. "Yes. I'm afraid I'm the one who knew Jazzad best. The road west is not much used."

The goblins make quick work of the chicken. Soon only bones and oil stains are left.

"Another... chicken..." says Randolph. He takes a swig from his mug.

Ryan makes an offer. "I sense that your aims are genuine. I have some potions I can offer. One of healing, one for strength, and one that will make you climb like a spider being chased by a matron. Perhaps that will aid you the morrow?"