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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Carlo-One" data-source="post: 8029173" data-attributes="member: 7015827">Early the next morning on Ches 6, Rahnee departed alone for Reddansyr, saying that she wanted to check up on their former companion Belle. The others took their time in striking camp at the crossroads, with Darrow pulling out an ale flask first thing, then joining Dermot and Shanni in scouting the immediate area. The three then impatiently waited in the rain for Aerikoth to finish his morning routine and join them on the road to Westgate, which they reached after nightfall.The four adventurers were glad to see the friendly roof of the Gatereach Inn. Once inside, Darrow, with a big smile, informed Jandrico that Janatha now was safe. The innkeeper praised the gods and then went to bring food and drink, saying they looked tired from the road. Goruna the serving woman looked nearly as glad to see Dermot, ensuring that she got in a good swing of her hips in his direction while he was in sight. Jandrico sent her off to prepare the next meal and then brought out a bottle of Westgate Ruby in celebration; the innkeeper was somewhat disappointed to hear that Darrow and Dermot preferred ale.After thinking a moment and going back to his stockroom, Jandrico emerged with a rare, effervescent ale from far Calimshan. A little teary-eyed, he listened to the four adventurers describe how Janatha was doing and how none of her captors had escaped, except for one who apparently had fled. Jandrico made a grim smile after they confirmed that the Astorians had received a death blow at their hands. After asking how many rooms they would need for the night - Aerikoth indicated he did not require one - Jandrico went upstairs to prepare them. Returning after a few minutes, he answered questions from Darrow and Dermot about recent events in Westgate, most notably the impending change of Croamarkh from Durgar the Just, who planned to construct an abbey to Tyr after stepping down, to Lord Scirkas Urdo.After Jandrico headed back to the common room, who should appear but Barzog, the half-orc thug from Starmantle. He greeted his “old pals” enthusiastically, receiving in turn a warm welcome from Darrow, but more cautious salutations from the others. Once the half-orc had returned to his work at the inn, which apparently he was happy with, the others decided to turn in for the evening. Aerikoth departed the inn, while the others went up to their designated rooms.In the morning, the four gathered again at the Gatereach bar for breakfast. Aerikoth inquired if there had been any word from Lady Roaringhorn yet and received a negative answer. Once the meal had been served, Jandrico mentioned that he had been pondering what they had told him the previous day about the escaped Astorian, asking if there was anything they knew of that could identify him. Aerikoth and Darrow then described the Astorians’ tattoo swirl symbol and Shanni showed Jandrico one of the Astorians’ tokens, so he could recognize it. The innkeeper said that he would inform them if he or his staff saw anything related. After a pause, while he appeared to be thinking to himself, Jandrico said that he needed to go away for a short while and asked Goruna to cover the common room while he was out.As the others were finishing breakfast, Rahnee appeared, cheerful despite just having come from the road. Ruffling Dermot’s hair in passing as she sat at the bar, she was surprised by the sudden appearance of a panting Barzog, who asked where Jandrico was. The others briefly indicated that he had gone out. This relieved the half-orc, who evidently had thought he was late for work. Barzog then went upstairs to see to the room cleaning, prompting a crude comment from Darrow.Rahnee caught up with the others and Dermot observed that Jandrico had seemed deadly earnest after hearing the news about the Astorians and the possible escapee. Rahnee observed that having previously adventured with Queron Ulanthar, Jandrico had hidden depths. The group decided to go see Losifan Urdo at the Mercenaries Guild, as he owed them for turning in the slaver ship and apparently had other business to discuss as well.  On the way there, Dermot observed the “fight night” sign at the Quivering Thumb and wondered aloud how the fights were seen in Westgate. Shanni wryly commented that they were seen as frequent and bloody and Darrow explained that it was a place for the “high and mighty” to come watch the arena fights. (Blood sports, while not being universally popular, seem to be omnipresent in Faerun, although they often take place in underground venues rather than being openly advertised as in Westgate. Something in our natures seems to be drawn to the excitement, and perhaps a certain feeling of superiority, that comes from watching others fight deadly battles while we drink and bet on the outcome. Even the knowledge that some must be staged for show does not seem to lessen the appetite for such spectacles. --R)</blockquote>

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