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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 7955631" data-attributes="member: 7015827">The following morning, Alturiak 7, the group reunited to break their fast at the Gatereach. Aerikoth had departed the previous night, without having been able to speak to Jandrico, in order to sleep elsewhere; meanwhile, Rahnee, Darrow and Dinendal had crowded into the only available room at the inn. Over their meal, Rahnee indicated that she would like to go see if the Hidden House was still standing, or if their nameless adversaries had destroyed it as well. Aerikoth commented that he saw little reason to burn down a building that was barely a building to begin with. This did not convince Rahnee, who felt it could be done as an additional warning to them.Aerikoth and Rahnee also further questioned Jandrico Swift regarding what he could recall about the previous morning’s fire. The innkeeper could not remember anything out of the ordinary, as he explained that he had awoken to the smell of smoke, saw the flames coming from the guest house, and organized the response. He dismissed the idea that any of his guests were necessarily involved, pointing out that it was hardly necessary to stay at the Gatereach in order to torch the outbuildings. Rahnee observed that all of their chests had been removed prior to the fire being set, implying that a group had done it, which strengthened Jandrico’s belief that his guests were not responsible. Rahnee also mentioned that they were trying to figure out how such heavy items could have been removed without being heard. The innkeeper in response suggested wizardry, although noting it was not his specialty. Jandrico somewhat stiffly excused himself, saying that he would inform them if he could recall anything that would help. (The innkeeper appears to have lost the most out of the destruction of his buildings, which the adventurers are being rather insensitive about. If Brother Veran were still with them, perhaps he would have provided a different perspective. --C)The companions agreed amongst themselves that they had probably worn out their welcome with the innkeeper, for which they did not blame him, and Rahnee went after Jandrico to ask if he wished them off the premises. He said that they were welcome to stay in the one available room, although he observed it would be cramped for an adventuring company and that he would have to charge them like any other guests. (This is a diplomatic way of saying that yes, he would prefer them off the premises. Subtlety is wasted on some, however. --R.) Rahnee returned and informed the others, who agreed that this arrangement would be fine for the short term, before they left for Hallton’s lands, now termed the “Barony of Veranbrok” by certain members of the company. (Although a touching tribute to their dead companions, the name does not exactly roll off the tongue. It also betrays the self-interest of those who wish to impose it on the actual inhabitants of the land. A romantic and ultimately impractical gesture. --R)Conversation then turned to what they planned to accomplish that day. Rahnee somewhat shamefacedly mentioned that she had fallen asleep rather than having gone to the Black Eye at midnight to seek out Khair. She therefore wanted to see if the mercenary was by chance around during the day. Aerikoth said that he needed to compose the letter designed to lure out the Red Wizard, as well as scribe a scroll to prevent the mage from magically escaping the fate they had planned for him. If Aerikoth had time later, he also planned to search the city using his magic for some of his personal items that had been taken. Rahnee and Dinendal desired to visit Castle Thalavar, in order to inform the steward Iono of what had transpired with Hallton and see if Thalavar had any information on the fire. Aerikoth was cool to the idea, but deferred to the others if they wished to proceed. Finally, Rahnee mentioned that she still had two gems in her possession, which could either be sold and the proceeds distributed, or kept for later.At this point the companions heard loud cursing from outside the inn and went to investigate. They found Jokull standing by the guest house ruins, the warrior having just arrived from Turnton. They brought him up to date on what they knew about the destruction of the guest house and the results of their (limited) investigations. In response to a question from Rahnee, Jokull indicated that the troops Pahar had assembled to assist them in Hallton were adequate to the task, although their training could be improved. Dinendal, supported by Rahnee, asked if they could meet with Jamal, in order to compare notes. Jokull was reluctant to bring them all to her location, which he felt would risk her disguise, but agreed to ask her about what had happened to the Gatereach and if she knew anything about Hallton’s patron in Westgate, as requested by Rahnee. At this point it was decided that while Aerikoth worked on his magic, the others would seek out a jeweler and see if they could get a good price for Rahnee’s two gems.</blockquote>

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