Chapter 2A - A Jaunt Into The Country

[Squirrellord]

Unbar tucks into his chowder and ale with gusto, seemingly willing to let the others take the lead, at least as long as food and drink is in front of him.

[Nocturno]

"Depends. What is your name?" He will fill a glass and slide it partially towards the drowsy one.

[Chris1234]

"Depends who's asking!" he replies wittily. "For the wine, I suppose I can tell you. This is my table!"

[Nocturno]

Vic slides the glass and the plate to the person.

[Chris1234]

The rather disheveled fellow smiles, eyes on the wine, "Well, thanks. I'm..", he takes the glass of wine, "..thirsty." He necks it down in one and plonks the empty back on the table. "You can call me 'Fingers'." He wangles the fingers on his left hand: both of them, whilst seizing a piece of buttered toast with his right. After tearing off half the slice with his stained teeth the greasy-haired man tries unsuccessfully to talk while chewing with a very full mouth. Several chews and an uncomfortable swallow later, he adds, "Say! got any more wine for me? That really hit the spot!" He jams in the remainder of the slice of toast.

Unbar fins the chowder is very peppery and tastes of old ale. Two thirds of his helping remain. He has about the proportion of ale remaining in his tankard.
Val stares at an empty glass and a nearly empty chowder bowl. His tongue stings pleasantly*. The is an untouched bowlful on the bar, conveniently close to his left elbow. it's accompanied by a nearly full ale tankard.

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Would Vic make a Nature skill check, DC10

*From the pepper.

[Nocturno]

Vic shakes the bottle. "Yes, yes I do. Have you seen a wood elf here recently? I hear he has a poor grasp on the common tongue."

[counterkid]

Val will reach for the bowl and the ale and start enjoying.

[Chris1234]

"Ye.. er.. Might 'ave. Thirsty work.." he stretches a hand towards the bottle.

If Vic (eventually) lets the half-elven soak have the wine then the following information is revealed:

• Several wood elves passed through in the past few days.
  • The merchant, was very well spoken.
    The tourist was gullible and swears fluently when drunk.
    The one connected with a temple adidn't talk.
    One was of indeterminate purpose but asked a lot of questions.
  Then there the one started working "...here, at the 'Cup..." Being shadowed by one or other of the twins.

[Nocturno]

"Enjoy. If anyone else comes looking for a wood elf, put them off the scent. Also, you never talked to me."

Vic then slides his bowl to Val.

"Keeper, have you a new employee named Isaril?"

If yes.
"I'd like to speak with him, if possible."

[Chris1234]

"Who's asking, Goodman?"

[Nocturno]

"Viclas, and associates, I've come to aid him on his quest."

[Chris1234]

After a moment's intent scrutiny the barman responds, "Take a seat, Goodman." He summons the cheerful lass again who fetches a young human male. He's a handsome, strong-looking fellow, perhaps early 20s and nattily dressed. Introducing himself as Illintar Belereth, proprietor of the Copper Cup, he discreetly probes for who 'Viclas and associates' represent and their motives for seeking 'someone called Isaril'.

When Vic is able to convince* Illintar that he is genuine, the proprietor leads Vic through a "Private" door, some winding stairs and hallways to reach a rooftop garden some four floors above the cobbled Southyard. Vic sees a male wood elf and a human teenager male. Illintar gestures, "Isaril. And his tutor, Dick. Isaril's command of the common tongue is improving, but best to use his native languages to avoid misunderstandings." Advancing, Illintar switches to fluent elven and tells Isaril that Vic is here to assist. He calls Dick over and they move away to examine the far corner of the garden.

On closer inspection, Vic notes the wood elf's skin is coppery, tanned from long years spent outdoors. His hair is long, brown and scraggly but scrupulously clean. Telltale pointed ears poke through this wild mane. Pelts of various small game and wooden druidic talismans are attached to ragtag leather armour. Standing beside a large bearskin rug the elf looks blankly back at Vic.

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Persuasion skill check, DC10. (Guidance could be used).
If this fails then Vic will have to find another method of establishing his credentials.

[Nocturno]

Persuasion(Cha)(5): [1d20+5] = 13+5 = 18

"Viclas Caibella, Val, and Unbar. We are here to help with his problems around Blackstone"

=====================================================

In elven:
"Well met Isaril. I am Viclas, please call me Vic. I have been asked to come help with your problems around Blackstone."

[Chris1234]

"They cut too much forest. Many of The People* think this should be martially rebuked**," says Isaril, po-faced. "I strive to maintain balance."
He adds, "The House of Nandar, here, he will not talk."

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*The context makes it clear that this is (this body of) the elven people and characterized by their Council.
**The context makes it clear that none within Blackstone, bar children, would survive.

[Nocturno]

Vic will look a bit shocked at the strong show of force being mentioned from typically a fairly peaceful people.

In Elven:
"There must be something more to this than just the wood harvesting. Are you able to give me more information, or take me to someone who can?"