Six From Gate Pass - Chapter 3: Shelter From The Storm

[Gregor]

The disguised Lars knocks on the door and bellows loudly at the door to Merrywinter's office. After a few moments, the door opens after a number of locks are audibly disengaged.

Filling most of the door frame is a large dusky-skinned half-orc male with the trimmed goatee and sideburns of a typical person from Ostalin. He is so large that it is difficult to see beyond him and into the room. He looks down at the plump business man on the threshold and his mouth morphs into a snarl as he lays a hand on the massive curved sword at his belt.

"Master busy." snaps the huge half-orc. "You go away now. You go away."

 

[fromage67]

"Oh my, you are a large fellow, aren't you! You should come and work for me. Someone of your talents could go far!" Lars smiles easily.

"This could mean an important commission for Mister Merrywinter, and maybe some for you as well." Lars/Bryn shakes a money pouch significantly. "I just need to introduce myself briefly at this time."

 

[Gregor]

The huge half-orc stares stonily down at Lars, shifting his eyes only once to quickly assess the coin purse on the tubby entrepreneur's belt. He then steps back a little and allows the disguised Lars to enter.

"You get one and four minutes with Master," he grumbles, "then Kubla drag your fat ass out!"

Lars once you step inside, Kubla closes the door behind you and he stands facing you and blocking the exit. He crosses his beefy arms and never takes his eyes off of you. The interior of the office has seen better days. It looks as if it has been vacant for some time, and though some new shelves have been put up and a desk prepared, there are still piles of old timber and masonry in piles on the floor. Lanterns provide dim lighting and the faint smell of mildew is on the air.

Edmond Merrywinter turns to face you from stacking some books on a shelf. He looks at you, then darts his eyes over to the half-orc guard by the door. "Kubla ... I believe I was quite clear with you when I said 'no appointments today?'

********

Arnir and Bannock, from your hiding point you gain a quick glimpse of Lars stepping into the office and the door closing behind him.

GM: Lars, your Honeyed Words Rogue Talent lets you roll a second d20 and take the highest result, not gain a +2 on the roll. Since you've rolled, we'll go with the 14.

 

[fromage67]

The huge half-orc stares stonily down at Lars, shifting his eyes only once to quickly assess the coin purse on the tubby entrepreneur's belt. He then steps back a little and allows the disguised Lars to enter.

"You get one and four minutes with Master," he grumbles, "then Kubla drag your fat ass out!"

Lars once you step inside, Kubla closes the door behind you and he stands facing you and blocking the exit. He crosses his beefy arms and never takes his eyes off of you. The interior of the office has seen better days. It looks as if it has been vacant for some time, and though some new shelves have been put up and a desk prepared, there are still piles of old timber and masonry in piles on the floor. Lanterns provide dim lighting and the faint smell of mildew is on the air.

Edmond Merrywinter turns to face you from stacking some books on a shelf. He looks at you, then darts his eyes over to the half-orc guard by the door. "Kubla ... I believe I was quite clear with you when I said 'no appointments today?'

GM: Lars, your Honeyed Words Rogue Talent lets you roll a second d20 and take the highest result, not gain a +2 on the roll. Since you've rolled, we'll go with the 14.

OOC: Sorry about the Bluff thing. I didn't have access to my char sheet and went from memory.

Lars/Bryn takes in the scene, and while talking, he has his head on a swivel, trying to notice as much details as he can. One specific question he has is there a window and where does it lead. If Lars/Bryn sees a window he will approach it subtly as he talks, trying to see what is outside it."Oh it's quite all right, Mr. Merrywinter, I explained to Kubla that I was here on important business. I am a cloth merchant stranded here in town by the elven blockade, and I will need the services of a scribe and comptroller to track my inventory and sales and purchases while I am in Seaquen. I had to let the previous one go, he had sticky fingers." Lars/Bryn smiles warmly.

"So what do you say? hould we set up a more formal meeting. I am renting a warehouse in South Harbour at the moment. We could meet there. Yes?"

OOC: Lars tries to identify the following things: Weapons on Kubla and Merrywinter; Other people; Windows; General Layout; Locking mechanism on the door.

 

[Gregor]

Lars, there are no windows in the main room. The building seems to be tucked into a group of row houses/offices so it may be nestled between other walls. There are two wooden doors that lead to other rooms: one on each side of the front entrance way. The front door has three new locks that look sturdy and well made to your street rat eye.

Merrywinter wears a dagger on a belt, but no armor. He is dressed in expensive clothing. Kubla, the large half-orc behind you, is armed with a two-handed falchion in a scabbard and he wears a breastplate underneath a fur cloak made from the single hide of a grizzly bear.

"M'yes ... my good man, I am not currently taking on any clients. My office is still under renovations and will be for quite some time." He grins a mouth filled with perfect teeth. "Kubla here is an excellent hired guard for my humble place of business, but he leaves much to be desired in the realm of door man operations. Eh Kubla?" He flashes a serious stare at the guard. "I'll tell you what mister ... whatever you said your name was, why don't you pay me another visit in a few weeks time if you are still in need of my services. If you cannot wait, there are many here on Clerk's Row that can serve your needs. Good day." He nods at his guard. "Kubla, please see the gentleman out."

Kubla strides up behind you, close enough for his barrel chest to almost hover over your head. "You leave now."

 

[fromage67]

"Name is Bryn Delaunay. I will continue my search." Lars/Bryn bows slightly and exits with a smooth gait and a smile.

Once outside he heads out of sight, drops the disguise, and relates everything he has seen to Arnir and Bannock.

 

[digimattic]

"Just the two of them then? That ought not be too much of a challenge for us. What do you think? Go in like demons and solve things with fire and blade, or present ourselves for discussion on our terms?"

 

[fromage67]

"Unless your intention is to murder him in cold blood, I guess we want to talk. He seems to want to talk to you pretty bad. And he did come to see you alone. Do you think he is a mage?"

 

[digimattic]

Murder him? Heavens no. That will not get me any answers. I don't care what happens to his companion though...Bannock, if you want to hone your blade on his carcass, feel free. Merrywinter I want alive. I'm merely suggesting that we can approach him in two different ways. I have no idea if he's a mage or not...did you get that impression from him? You're the only one here who's met the man.

Sighing heavily, Arnir shrugs

"All this strategizing is making me weary. Let's just head in and see what he has to say. He should respect the fact we're armed, and presumably one half-orc won't be much of an impediment to us."

 

[Bannock]

"Lars, why don't you knock again, maybe make the big one angry, and when he opens the door to give you what for, Arnir, you zap him like you did that great spider, and we'll bullrush inside and take this Merrywinter down," chirps Bannock excitedly.