The House of Rath: Prologue

[Songdragon]

Nysa looks down on Taurus as he speaks and once he finishes, and the dwarven lass as her own question, she suggests, "Why do we not merely split into two groups of five each. Unless that is what you meant good Taurus? It does seem better then five groups of two." She looks about at the others, "And if that is agreeable with all of you?"

 

[Joshua Randall]

Meliria's thoughts

Meliria had opened her mouth to make a retort to Jand and Tinos, but was interrupted by the arrival of the merchant, Taurus. She listed with a combination of interest and bewilderment as Taurus told his tale.

This blustering coin-monger says the two young laborers left the tavern last night with the tall, dark-haired woman. But I had heard that the men disappeared a few days ago. So what gives? Something doesn't add up here.

Snapping out of her private monologue, Meliria waits to see if anyone else took notice of the inconsistencies in Taurus's story.

 

[nonamazing]

Glar had grown silent as the gathering grew larger and the conversation grew louder. He slipped back into his chair and watched, too nervous to join in (and somewhat embarassed about mistaking Nysa for a villianess).

But as Taurus finishes his speech, Glar leans forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Were these men that disappeared last night the first to do so? Or have people been slipping away since that woman first started showing up here?"

"I'm guessing that there hasn't been an official investigation because it looks like the men left of their own free will. But their fellow loggers must think that's not the case. And they're paying you to find these missing men, is that right?"

 

[Wilphe]

Percy shakes off the first few spots of rain and disappears inside the tavern, pausing slightly inside the door to get his bearings and take a good look around the room. There, in the corner, appeared to be what he sought. Picking his way through the gathering throng he made his way to a clear spot at the bar close to the table in question.

"Goats milk, if you have please. Also anyting light to eat you may have. Thank you.," he settled down and watched the room, deciding that the mismatched group of assorted figures giving off a clear vibe of never having met before was probably here on the same business he was. The growing pile of letters on the table in front of them only served as additional evidence. He moved closer, hopefully loud enough to hear their conversation and get confirmation of his suspicions.

When Taurus turns up, he explicitly moves over to the table to listen in, but makes no moves to introduce himself.

 

[Yair]

Atavy waits impatiently. Well I'm not going to inform no bloody constable. But what for? "Yeah", he says, "all these questions and logistics are fascinating and all, but as the dwarf said - what's the pay?"

 

[Chauzu]

Taurus slouched so that his head rested in his right hand. You aren’t too bright of a group though… haha err… well, I take it your investigations proved fruitless so far then. Talf and Elonn were not the first, oh no. They were the fifteenth and sixteenth to have disappeared from our city.”

The large, thunderous boom of the sky outside shook the ears of all within the tavern. The tavern itself creaked from the powerful wind beginning to turn up. The merchant scratched his head as he peered outside. With his eyes fixed outside the window, he continued, ”The reward for finding these two lads, in the words of one of the Lord Redbeard’s loyal assistants, is ‘500 very grateful gold pieces and much more for the discovery and rescue of any other missing persons.’ Since I am offering with my knowledge, which you should be thankful for, I insist on my share of the gold to be 20%. It sounds like a fair deal, wouldn’t you agree?” Taurus took his eyes away from the window and back to the group with a wink added. ”It will not be so gloomy in the mornin’. Let us hope it will be in our benefit.”

The chubby little man took to his feet suddenly and stretched his body wide. A yawn protruded from his crooked mouth before crossing his arms in a stance that is waiting for an answer. ”No more horse-playing. Percy, if you want a part of this, join the table. I need you all to decide on splitting into two groups, or forget this night. I told you all that I know. I am an honest man but you may not believe it. I need a group for the tracking of the most recent disappearees and I need a group to carry out business and aid to the constabulary. I will await your answers at the bar.” With that, Taurus walked away from the table and joined in talk with Mr. Biskbyr at the bar.

 

[D20Dazza]

"Well I need to get some money from somewhere and I haven't had any better offers" the she-dwarf says to the group at large, eyes downcast and her body stiff "I'm best suited at swinging a blade so will leave the talking and investigating to others and volunteer to be in the group that goes after these men". She finishes, digs in a pocket for some silver and signals to the serving lass "A tankard of your cheapest ale girl" she says as she flips the coin towards the woman.

 

[Mephit James]

As Taurus outlines his plans, Jand looks over at Tinos to make it clear who he'd prefer to join with. He casts his eyes around the table for more allies but an expression of doubt falls over his face. "These are the choices?" he whispers to Ramas who bobs his head in agreement.
Once the fat merchant has left, Jand rolls his eyes dramatically. "That drunkard wants twenty percent of our salaries for two names and a letter? I think he's going to be a bit dissapointed." He drums his fingers thoughtfully on the table top. "I intend to sweep the town. Five hundred gold is a small amount to entice me into braving the barbarian woods around this place. This might be a sorry city, but at least it's civilized. What of the rest of you?" If it weren't for his earlier behavior, one might think Jand was trying to extend a hand to his new associates.

 

[Songdragon]

The Lathanderite listens to those about the table before answering for herself, "I will help with the constabulary, perhaps they will respond more kindly to a citizen of Cormyr over that of strangers."

 

[spasemunki]

Kohl listens quietly to the exchanges between the various individuals who have gradually arrived at the table. What a strange a tempramental group of people. I wonder if they can master their tempers long enough to find these missing townsfolk?

I for one will take the merchan's offer. The money is of little concern to me- if he desires a share in exchange for his help, so be it. I imagine I will be more helpful searching outside of town than dealing with the townspeople here, but I will go where I am needed.