[IC] Shamutani Hills - psi/gng

[doghead]

November 13, in the inn at Cantopanti.

"Ah, right then." The inn keeper rubs his hands together. "I go and sent Bobbis off to find Caleb than. It won't take long. Would you like anything else while you wait?"

He takes any orders if forthcoming and disappears into the back calling out for Boffis.

"BOFFIS! WHERE ARE YOU YOU LITTLE ..." His voice drops suddenly and becomes inaudible. You hear the murmur of conversation, then a slamming door.

 

[Sado]

Casparan becomes concerned and cranes his neck to try to catch a glimpse of their host in the back.

"Is everything all right back there?" he calls.

 

[doghead]

November 13, at the inn in Cantopanti.

The innkeeper pokes his head around the door.

"No. No. Everything's all right here. I just looking for Bobbis. I thought he had snuck off for a snooze again. But I found him, he's one his way now."

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

Bendyn looks meaningfully at his companions. "Rather strange folk hereabouts wouldn't you say." He adjusts his seat to give a window view, curious as to what might happen next.

 

[doghead]

November 13, in the inn at Cantopanti

ooc: going to move things along a bit. jump in anywhere if you wish.

Bendyn doesn't have long to wait. About 5 minutes later, a shortish, thickset man enters the inn. A quick glance around the room, and he heads your way. He wears fairly ordinary clothes that have seen better days. A faint smell of old liquor hangs around him, but he seems sober enough now. A wicked long knife hangs at his belt, and it has obviously been well used.

"Morning sirs. I'm Caleb. Young Caleb on account of my father to most. I heard that you are looking for a guide through the hills. I've run a couple of caravans through there, but I usually take a few lads with me. They aren't available at the moment however ...."

He hesitates, seeming uncertain. He gives you a considered look, his eyes flickering over your equipment, sizing you up.

"But you look like you can handle yourselves well enough. Aye well, perhaps it would be all right. One gold piece per two days, 2 gold pieces in advance."

Lirithan: [sblock]You get the feeling that all is not as it seems, and the man has ulterior motives.[/sblock]

Erik and Bendyn: [sblock]While not exactly the most respectable looking fellow, he seems straight up.[/sblock]

Casparen: [sblock]While not exactly the most respectable looking fellow, he seems honest enough.[/sblock]

If you agree, he asks you to wait here for a quarter while he gets some things ready for the trip. About that time later he reappears, carrying a bag. He also has a crossbow in hand and quiver at his belt, along with a hand axe.

All that remains to do is pay off the inn keeper.

"Ah, well, 4 silver a piece would be fine." Which indeed it would, being about twice the price you would normally except to pay.

From the inn you head through the rest of town and onwards. After about quarter of an hour the path starts to wind up into the hills. Caleb draws to a halt.

"I'm thinking to ride on ahead a little a little, to see what lies that way an if it is clear and all. Just follow this path, its clear enough around here, and don't wonder off. I won't be far, just shout if need be.

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

Before the guide can wander off Bendyn will ask him which of the routes he plans to take and why. Mostly he want to get him talking and see what's on his mind.

 

[doghead]

November 13, on the path into the Hills

"The upper path for sure." responds Caleb. "My old man, now he would take you down the lower path, he would. Says he has an understanding with the Elvin like. But them Elvin don't think like we do, now do they? So as I says to him, understanding or no, one day you'll wind up in hot water with them Elvin.

"So its the high road for us. It has its dangers too, there are the mines, but you look capable enough. And with me here, you just have nothing to worry about.

"I likes to ride ahead abit to see whats around the next corner. Those are fine mounts you have there, but that tack is not exactly the quietest."

You notice that his saddle is little more than a blanket across his ponies back, and he has no bridle, just a halter. There is almost no metal at all. Even his pony is unshod.

He looks somewhat startled when you ask him whats on his mind.

"Ah ... nothing. Like what are you suggesting? Do you mean why should I ride a head? Well, there hasn't been much trouble of late, but well, it pays to be sure. Or rather, you are paying to be sure."

He has a hearty laugh at his own joke.

 

[Sado]

Casparan

Casparan is becoming frustrated with the indirect way of the locals, and despite his stoic training is starting to let it show.

"Let us be on our way, then," he says with a hint of impatience. "The sooner we pass through the hills the sooner we can continue our quest."

To Caleb: "Are there no dangers on the high road? We have heard he may fall on hard times."

 

[doghead]

November 13, into the Hills

"Yes. Yes." Caleb agrees hastily. "Lets get this over with shall we? So I'll be heading off then. Just stay on the path and I'll see you up ahead. Right? Um. Yes. Hard times?"

He cocks his head to one side, a puzzled look on his face. "Not sure what you mean there. If you're not lucky you might. But thats what I'm here for. Um ... so shall we get going? Just follow along at an easy pace. No need to tire your mounts."

He gives his pony a sharp kick with his heels and the little creature leaps forwards and begins trotting off up the path before you can say any more.

 

[Scotley]

Bendyn Human Fighter/Psion

Bendyn shakes his head, "His manner makes be nervious, but shall we follow when he gets about 100 yards out?"