Last time on Tavern Quest, Tallius Urist spent his time and money acquiring the people who will run his business. Sif and Martellus agreed to help him, providing brewing equipment, Martellus' skills as a brewer and barman, and Sif's strong back and fine looks, if also her lack of subltety. He then proceeded into town to find a cook, stumbling upon the neglected, but very delicious, hunting stand run by Miaya, an elven huntress with an interest in Impressionism. Seeing promise in both her cooking and her art, her brings her on to work as both cook and hunter for the Tavern. Tallius then purchased some assorted kitchenry and weapons, but the hour drew late, so he sought to purchase a cart for the return trip. Unfortunately, his inexperience with this level of negotiation shone through, and the dastardly Cart Salesman talked him into purchasing a cart far beyond his needs or price range. With this purchase came sundown, and Tallius decided to stay at the empty Donner's Tavern with Martellus and Sif, gathering his new hires for the return journey the next morning. A pleasant night of drinking, and surprisingly heartfelt conversation was had. Tallius then fell into a deep sleep, where we find him now.


Tallius Urist

Barter: 2/5
Streetsmarts: 1/5
Strength: 2/5
Cunning: 3/5
Charisma: 4/5
Business 1/5

Inventory:

Senatorial Signet Ring

Concealed Dagger, Inscription reads "Imperator"

Two Iron Daggers.

Three Iron Studded Blackjacks.

Crossbow, 50 bolts.

Dignity

1,470 Gold

Holdings:

Fine horse-drawn cart, valued at 500 gold.

Crossroads Outpost, unaltered, dilapidated. Sale value estimated at 6,000 gold.

Employees:

Sif: Barmaid with unusual strength and little tact. Weekly Wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10.

Martellus: Burly academic with brewing and barman skills. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Barkeeping lessons.

Miaya: Eccentric Painter, Cook, and Huntress, in that order. Weekly wage of 30. Insurance pool deposit of 10. Contracted for Hunting lessons.


You have close cropped brown hair, and are clean shaven. You will remain so, lest someone recognize your once distinctive facial hair. Your wife used to call your eyes liar's blue. You and Lucretia were not on the best of terms at the time, but she has a point there. You are currently wearing high quality, but not high profile, traveler's leathers.

>>24361326
It's Tavern Time!

YAAAAY!

>>24361326
TAVERN UP THIS SHIT! YEAH!

Let's ask Sif and Martellus if we can go in Donner's room when we wake up, try to find a diary or some shit that might have the blackmail material that he had on that trader.

>>24361405
Good idea, but first let's give them their blackjacks.

Your sleep, deep though it may have been has been disturbed, as you almost fall from the large bed of the King's Suite, inside Donner's tavern. Taking a moment to remember where you are and why, you realize you likely have time to return to sleep if you so wish. It sounds as if Sif and Martellus have yet to wake. You may also decide to get a headstart on a busy day, however.

Sleep some more or get going?

Note: Sleeping more will entail a dream sequence I originally had planned for the OP, but I decided I would ask if you wanted to proceed with the day's business first or not. It's more backstory, if you want to get some business done right away, its better to wake now.

We gots to name this joint

Huzzahs
Liar's Brew
Something about our wifes cunt

>>24361352
Wait, I thought we had Sif contracted for Bouncer lessons as well?

Wake up and do buisiness

>>24361454
We'll name it later. Let's wake those two up and get our shit in the cart, then ask them if we could check Donner's room for a journal or something.

>>24361439
>Optional back story sequence
Back story is never optional! Must have more information!

>>24361496

It will be saved for later if passed over now, I know some people really wanted to increase the pace, so I am allowing the option of putting this off.

>>24361439
I say sleep. there is nothing so pressing it can't wait for an hour

>>24361514
Finding a journal with blackmail material might...

Just saying...

>>24361540
Didn't Sif and Marty already promise to hook us up with that?

>>24361556

Martellus had the information, and indicated he would would tell the Caravaner that his agreement is now with your Tavern.

>Here for a thread at last

You got off-site communication, pal?

>>24361575
I didn't think that they did...

Ah, well, let's find out what it was! If it's some really heinous shit, all the better!

>>24361575
Let us discover the information!

And hope it's worse than our scandal!

>>24361510
As long as we get to see it latter I'm okay with waking up early.

>>24361510
Lets wake up and do that dream thing later

>>24361575
Starting the day off with procrastination is never a good thing. Get the fuck up, you lazy oaf.

>>24361439
You could even have it so that at the end of each thread we have a dream/daydream and reveal stuff that way.

You decide to get an early start on the day, and climb out of bed. Donning your traveler's leathers, you proceed into the hall to wake Sif and Martellus.

You find Sif practicing some form of pugilism in her room, the door wide open as you walk in. Still in the same revealing bedgown she wore when you had shared a drink the night before, she parts the air with quick thrusts, hands alternately clenched into fists and pointed into stabbing point. It's both brutal and beautiful, a style built not on finesse, but measured force. She noticed you in the mirror she is facing, and scrambles to face you, nearly tripping over her own packed belongings.

" Oh, shit, oh, fuck. Hey boss, I was just doing my morning exercises, ha ha. I'll be ready in just a sec, if you could just close the door."

You nod and shut the door as asked, no need to see what little her gown didn't already reveal.

Martellus also seems to have been up, he is fully dressed, sitting on the side of a neatly made bed and perusing a book.

" Ah, Tallius. I see you are about early, as am I. I was perusing the documents that Donner had concerning the Caravaner, a man called Karth."

You nod a greeting as you enter.

" May I see those, Martellus?"

"Certainly."

He hands over the small ledger, and it immediately makes sense to your politician's brain. This Karth appears to have a liking for Elves. Exclusively, and in the carnal sense. Protectorate law does not prevent inter-species coupling, but it's not the thing a trader would want known.

Your curiosity satisfied, you hand the ledger back to Martellus.

" When do you meet with this man?"

He puts the book in a satchel lying on the bed.

" Half an hour, he's passing by on his way out of town, and will deliver his first shipment to you sometime tomorrow."

That makes sense, Caravaners tend to make many stops, so he would take some time to get to the outpost.

That matter put to bed, what to attend next, Tallius?

>>24361820
Give Martellus his Blackjack, then apologize for being so loud last evening.

Later, we should ask Sif for Bouncer lessons.

>>24361874
Might as well make a mental note to keep him away from Miaya, as we are not running a brothel.

>>24361820
Anything else we need in town? If not, best to head out early and meet up with the carpenter/mason. Maybe let our new employees make some suggestions on how they want their individual rooms furnished and such as long as it doesn't cost us too much. We are giving them a new home and that kind of employee treatment can go a long way.

>>24361820
We should bring our cook when we meet him. Her presence will likely have benefits due to his proclivities, and she knows what supplies we will need to purchase from him.

Can I join in?

>>24361874
>>24361820
Give him his blackjack, ask if they got many travelers on horseback. We have a small stable at the moment and are looking to see if we need to upgrade that soon or in the future.
>>24361930
I like it.
>>24361935
Not quite sure if this is a good idea, but she would know what to buy.

>>24361953

Nothing stopping you.

>>24361953
Pull up a chair, were just getting started here!

>>24361953
Welcome to the party.

>>24361953
All are welcome.

>>24361930
I like this. Let's bring him along for the ride!

>>24361935
Not so sure about this plan. We should warn her, regardless, about his possible "interest" in her race.

>>24361953
Welcome, friend, and enter.

Can I have an against vs for on the matter of getting Miaya and bringing her to Karth?

>>24361962
Come on we may get benefits in our price negotiations with him, (perhaps he's beta as fuck) and we don't know all the supplies we need.

>>24362032
I'm against without getting her express permission first.

>>24362032
I vote in favor.

>>24362032
I would say bring her with us but warn her of the circumstances before hand

>>24362032
I'm for it, but we should warn her about him.

>>24362061
It's not like he's going to be overcome with lust and rape her. though if we tell her maybe she can use her elfish wiles on him.

>>24362061
Seconded

>>24362032
We DEFINITELY need to warn her before we introduce them. Like, "He's a dickhead, but please don't kill him, unless he tries to rape you." warning.

>>24362118
Yep

>>24362118
Breaking his fingers is negotiable though...

>>24362061

You decide you will accompany Martellus to the meeting, and decide that having Miaya there as well could be useful. Sif and Martellus load their various belongings onto the back of your cart, Sif sputtering in disbelief at the sight of it.

" Boss, I knew you were a fancy guy, but this is a bit too much, isn't it?"

Your face clouds, your eyes staring into the nether, far further than mortals are meant to see, as your mouth draws open slightly.

" Lady Sif, I really do not want to talk about it."

She knows when to drop a subject, at the least, or perhaps your use of her new "title" mollified her. Either way, there is no further mention of the cart's origins, though you swear that Martellus suppressed a smirk as he took his seat beside you on the right of the bench, Sif sitting on the left side with a look of obviously exaggerated offense at you actions.

Martellus' equipment is already gone. Apparently the men he hired to move it had already been by. You hope they have appropriate security for the road, that equipment is expensive.

You find Miaya in front of her humble stand, bow slung over her shoulder and paintings bundled up with blankets around her.

She exchanges quick greetings with Martellus and Sif, nodding at Martellus' formal introduction, cocking her head to one side at Sif's bubbly manner and deluge of questions regarding elves. You do not envy her, and decide to end the torrent.

" Miaya, we need you to meet with a supplier of ours, and tell him exactly what we need from him, as far as the kitchen goes."

She looks you in the eyes, moving her head from one side to the other in that odd habit of hers.

" Of course, Tallius, that is part of my duties now. But I see you have more to tell."

You nod.

" This man, Karth, he has a, well, a proclivity for your kind. I thought to warn you of it, as he may act untoward."

She blinks her large eyes twice, facial expression unchanging as ever.

(Cont.)

>>24362347
" I can handle it, Tallius. My emotions are not so fragile to be offended by a human who cannot control his desires. If they were, I imagine Gearwatch would not be the place for me, much less your Tavern."

Her agreement to the plan ensured, you continue to meet with the supplier back in front of Donner's.

Karth is an aging man with a somewhat worn down straw hat, and an impressive beard that reminds you of the one a certain Senator Sertorius had once upon a day. He appears to be extremely unhappy to be here, a hooded figure, who you assume to be one of his employees, sits beside him on the cart.

" You know, when Donner died I thought I was free of this damned bargain. I ought to report you all to the guards. But, what of it? What do you want from me."

Martellus coolly explains that he now owes you the supplies promised in the agreement, and then Miaya steps forth.

" You're the cook? Excuse my earlier harshness, it's just that this deal is getting worse all the time. Tell me what you need, and I'll get it to you, I am as good as my word. Which is what got me into this mess, I suppose.

She does so, imparting a list various supplies and foodstuffs your Tavern will need to thrive in the coming weeks. You quickly drone it out, for the sake of your sanity. It's an insanely comprehensive list.

The business done, it appears that Karth is preparing to leave. You have yet to speak to the man, and he seems unwilling to go out of his way to meet his new "partner", considering the nature of his situation.

It's up to you if you want to bother, otherwise you can continue on and meet with Santher before hitting the road.

>>24362568
Eh, I'm in the mood to wait to get to know him until we prove that this is a successful business venture.

>>24362615
Yeah, let's just keep going for now. We'll work things out with him on a more personal level later.

>>24362568
Let's wait, we have other stuff to be about first.

>>24362568
We should at least shake his hand and thank him. If we end up becoming his friend, he might give us the discount without being forced to hold the material over his head.

Mind, he still needs to keep his hands off...

>>24362659

>>24362568
Lets move on, and see what Santher is up too.

>>24362568
Shall we introduce our self and ask if he has anything that he is willing to sale? Even if we don't do the latter trying to smooth out relations with our supplier might be beneficial for our future success.

>>24362728
this

>>24362663
>>24362736
True, this might be useful. At least we should get to know what he sells.

>>24362663
That sounds good

>>24362736
This may not be a bad idea.

You decide to let the man move on, but you do insist on shaking his hand and thanking him. Karth seems more perplexed than anything, but his hooded friend places a hand on his arm and he decides to return the gesture. He will be coming by the Tavern before too long, and you have business to attend yet. Karth leads his carriage away, and as he does, you see pale faces peek out of the back of the covered wagon, children by the look of it. Odd. You will have to ask about that when you get the opportunity.

You find Santher and his men loading up for the journey in front of his shop. He appears to have hired a small escort, two adventurer types, a burly looking man sharpening a dagger and an old, wiry woman with a bow. At least he knows the road is dangerous. Besides them, a dozen or so work men bustle about, loading two carts full of supplies and tools for his contract at the Crossroads.

You pull up beside where he sits, atop the lead cart.

" Tallius Urist? I thought you gone for the outpost yesterday."

You shake the craftsman's hand in greeting.

" There were complications. We are heading out now, thought you would not mind if we traveled there together."

Santher thinks for a moment.

" Well, sure, but you are going to have to pay for one of the guards then, if they have to cover your wagon too. Is that fair? I paid Maud there 150 for her services."

He indicates the woman with the bow, who you now see is glaring at you through her one remaining eye. You shudder involuntarily.

Response?

>>24363083
I don't mind paying a little for it is beneficial to travel as a group.

>>24363083
Sure, although we should ask if they would mind being partially paid in beer. Keep our crossbow nearby, and tell Sif and Miaya to ready themselves, just in case...

>>24363083
sure

>>24363083
How much money do we have since I am new I would like to know.

>>24363163
Agreed. See if we can save a small bit of money, and offer product.

>>24363199
1,470 Gold currently

>>24363163
This is good.

>>24363206
I don't know, we kind of already heavily bartered with this guy and it kind of got him a bit angry, might be best to go full price just as a show of good faith.

>>24363199
1,470 GP. The cart cost us a bundle, and we plan to recoup it by offering horse and cart rentals, so we can run that damned cart salesman out of business, or own his business...

>>24363224
Not Santher, the guard lady. We already paid for his services in the first thread.

>>24363083
Full price for a good show of faith. Do not play at being a miser when our life is at stake.

>>24363083
I have to go soon can I get a date and time on the next session

>>24363300
Every Saturday begining at five and running until whenever.

>>24363299
Very true, if there is one person you don't want to cheap out on it's the person who will be holding your life in their hands.

Leads to them wondering if they could get a better deal by slitting your throat.

>>24363163

I would like rolls for this. This is cunning, so first four d100's linked will be counted, one per post.

Rolled 56

>>24363340
Rollin Thunder

Rolled 90

>>24363340

>>24363327
Alright, but we should still offer beer for them. No real reason not to get some cash off of the Mercs.

We'll be nice to the stonemason though. We might be seeing him around, and we could use all the repeat customers we can get.

Rolled 25

>>24363372
TAHDAH!

Rolled 36

>>24363340

Rolled 99

>>24363372

>>24363397
Goddamnit...

>>24363398
>>24363399
FUCK

Rolled 52, 63 = 115

>>24363357
>>24363372
>>24363397
>>24363398

>>24363398
if only I had to leave earlier

>>24363399
>Roll number 5

Oh lawd.

>>24363399
(sad puppy eyes at Barkeep) ...Please, sir... ...can we keep it?

>>24363414
I THINK WE GOT IT!

(maybe...)

>>24363163

You turn to Sif, and Miaya, who is in the back of the cart, holding her paintings to her chest. You speak softly, so as to not give away what you are saying.

" Just in case, be ready for anything. I don't think Santher has it in for us, but it pays to never assume."

Sif nods, and you note she has already placed a blackjack in the waistband of her trousers, behind her back. Miaya cocks her head, a slight smile growing on her face.

" You are smarter than you seem, Tallius."

You smirk back, and return your attention to Santher.

" How about I throw in some free drinks, and I'll pay you a hundred for their trouble."

You speak deliberately louder than Santher.

" Deal."

The big man with the knives speaks up before Santher can say anything, the now familiar look of outrage coloring the elf's face for a moment before he collects himself.

" That sounds great, Tallius, just wonderful. You are more than welcome to tag along."

Santher is gritting his teeth so hard you are surprised they haven't shattered. A low giggling begins from behind you, and you are surprised to see Miaya suppressing laughter. Well, trying to, anyway.

" Heh. Heh. Shall we set off then?"

If you are ready to leave Gearwatch, please roll a d6. Taking the first linked.

Calling a quick intermission so I can eat, guys. Expect me back in an hour or so to continue the thread.

Rolled 2

>>24363510

Rolled 2

>>24363510
Rollin

Rolled 2

>>24363541
CCCC-Combo breaker

>>24363541
>>24363575
>>24363609
OH GOD, I THINK WE'RE STUCK.

farewell and good bye

>>24363541
oh
>>24363575
mah
>>24363609
lord

>>24363690
Not before you take responsibility for this mess, boy!

(angry fist wave)

GIT OVER HERE!

Enjoy your date, new friend!

>>24363761
The cart catches fire, despite no flames being near it. Roll me 1d10 for how many seconds you have before you realize what a load of horseshit that is.

Rolled 1

>>24363825
That damn cart salesman!

>>24363825
Bandits. Flying bandits. Where did they get their wings, you ask? /tg dice is the answer. Your entire company is swarmed by 20 flying bandits. Roll initiative.

Yo guys. Just caught this one thanks to a recommendation. Hope it doesn't actually take an hour for Barman to get back.

Anyway, glad to join.

>>24363950
The horse we bought is actually a Nightmare. And carnivorous.

>>24363945
YOU AND I BOTH

>>24363982
222 feral, rabid lemurs attack the convoy. I need 2 roll's to see how many bites you receive and how many will cause the rabies. You are not a rabid bartender.

>>24363981
He generally sticks to his times well. We shall see though.

Is it fine if I keep my trip and play as well?

>>24364069
We get a devil that is only a third as evil as Asmodeus himself.

>>24364107
Seeing as how most of the players have trips I'd say yes.

>>24364107
Come on in! Join us in guessing how these rolls (>>24363541, >>24363575, and >>24363609) will cause us to fail in some spectacular way!

>>24364107
>>24364120
Honestly I'd prefer is everyone dropped trip except the author.

847,624 bees decide we would make a great place for a nest. We are now bees

>>24364190
Good one!

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23 KB JPG

>>24364190

According to my very quick Google Fu, 222 means everything going to be ok.

>>24364316
And knowing how cliche's work, we are now completely fucked after that sentence.

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42 KB JPG

>>24364360
Oh crap I forgot about that rule.

It is now pic related

>>24364391
If it's Sif or Miaya going for us, I am totally OK with that.

If it's Martellus, the merc guy or the one eyed wonder, well everyone, roll for anal circumference...

Rolled 93

>>24364435

>>24364508
So we're good?

Rolled 37

>>24364520
Indeed

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32 KB JPG

>>24364520
no, thats not good

>>24364508
I think we're OK for it to fit. For not getting fucked in the butt... ...No.

>>24363541

Santher nods to you as you indicate your business in town is done.

" Well, let's be off then. You can take the rear of the convoy, I have Maud and Brutus riding with me."

You can't argue with that reasoning, in the event of trouble you might have more time to react. Martellus manipulates the reins, bringing you in line with Santher's carts, and you proceed out of Gearwatch and towards the crossroads outpost.

There is some leisurely conversation between Martellus and Miaya as the journey continues. He appears to be very interested in her paintings, as expected of academics. She, on the other hand, is curious about Meridia, and the big man is surprisingly happy to talk about the arid valleys of his homeland. You think he even drops out of his overwrought syntax a bit, which surprises you.

You throw in an observation or two, but mostly keep to yourself. The countryside is very peaceful, for a rocky waste right next to the most dangerous place in the continent. It's not long before you notice Sif has fallen asleep, and you gently nudge her off your shoulder. She does not stir from the movement.

Some hours pass before you decide Sif has the right of it, and decide to close your eyes for a rest. Just as you decide to do so, you see a column of horsemen approaching from a bend in the road. A copse of evergreens must have hidden them from sight until now. A patrol in itself is not too unusual, you remember Sullivan and his men. But there is something familiar about these riders, something about their armor...

Cunning rolls, please. Four linked to this post. You need two above fifty.

>>24364188

For the record, I have absolutely no opinion on Trips in Tavern Quest one way or another. Do what you want, I care not. It's not even worth discussing, so I will ask that this be the end of it. Thanks guys.

Rolled 90

>>24364678

Rolled 55

>>24364678
CUNNING!

Rolled 15

>>24364714
Success!

Rolled 6

>>24364678

>>24364724
Fail!

Rolled 89

>>24364678

Rolled 50

>>24364678
Our comeuppance?

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255 KB PNG

>>24364714
>>24364722
>Made in the first two

>>24364714
>>24364722
Sweet! We succeed!

Rolled 29

>>24364729
Why...

Rolled 44

>>24364678
Rollin

>>24364714
>>24364722
>>24364732
3/4 over 50, since >>24364729
wasn't linked to Barkeep's post. Score.

>>24364783
Uh, yes it was dude.

>>24364783
It was the 15 that wasn't.

Rolled 42

>>24364724
NO WAIT, >>24364724 posted about >>24364714's roll! That means >>24364732 is the fourth!

Fuck yes, we did it!

>>24364783
>>24364804
I meant >>24364724
Clicked on the wrong one.

>>24364714
>>24364722

You heart drops as you realize who these men are.

White armor, gilded with gold. Far too ostentatious for practical men like your father and yourself. Helmets with white vertical plumes, gauntlets painted a dull, blood-crimson. They wield, to a man, poleaxes shined to a silver sheen, with ornate handheld crossbows holstered at their sides.

The armor and armament is distinctive, though you've only seen it in person a few times.

Paladins of the Sanguine Altar. The order founded by Louis Eforet himself. You can think of only one reason why these warriors would come so far north, and that reason is a man who died the day Tallius Urist was born.

You need to act quickly, as it seems they are motioning for Santher to halt the convoy. You look different, to be certain, but are they briefed on your mannerisms, your speech? It seems likely, one of the things you always loved about Lucretia was how she never left anything to chance, though you love it less now.

>>24364964
We run we become a target and we get chased down, fuckity fuck fuck.

So we can't run, all we can do is weather the storm and try to make it out the other side.

Wake up Sif, we want any additional distractions that she'll provide, try to look inconspicuous, out of the way, and not somewhere where they can see us while not looking like we're hiding, back of the cart, sitting/lying down, looking like we're taking a nap.

If we get called upon to talk keep it short, simple, to the point, don't use any flowery language of show too much charm.

>>24364964
Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck. Do we know any accents?

>>24365067

Bad ones.

>>24364964
I say we lay down and grab Sif like we're sleeping together.
If she starts freaking out tell her we're sorry and part of that past we talked about is catching up so please lay still and help us out, if they wake us up the cover is we're married

>>24364964
Hmm, this is tricky since we also have to act in a way that doesn't arouse the suspicion of our new companions. So we can't act too differently either.

Sif is still asleep on our shoulder and we were about to nod off ourselves. Play that up, we're tired and groggy and thus a bit incoherent and not really willing to talk much. Keep quiet, keep low, stay natural.

Rolled 41

>>24365046
AGREED, TELL MARTY THAT WE'RE THE DRIVER HE'S HIRED TO DRIVE US TO THE KEEP. FAKE BEING A DUMBASS PESANT.

>>24365098
This is the best way to go about it. Just be as uninteresting as possible.

Rolled 80

>>24364563
We show try to adopt the accent of common folk.
"Ello gud Sers. Dis sure is fixin ta be a mighty fine day ain't it?"

>>24365109
Agreed, pretend to be asleep and if woken up act as groggy as possible.

Rolled 16

>>24365124
Completely wrong post, good sir.

>>24365089
Are you saying that we need to engage in tactical snuggling?

I wouldn't go with the married cover story, we want everything we say to match what we've told everyone else here because if we say we're married and the people around us look confused or say we aren't then we've got complications.

>>24365109
Same to this, if we pretend to be an idiot people around us might give us odd looks, we can be uninteresting, groggy, and so on, but acting like a dumb yokel will confuse everyone around us and hurt our lie.

>>24365124
Bad plan, we haven't talked like that yet and we don't want to spill any beans.

>>24365124
>>24365109
>>24365089
>>24365046
Do you really want to deal with trying to somehow correlate a cover up with a bunch of people we just met without explaining to them why during the beginning of a business venture?

Rolled 40

>>24365144
Plus, getting closer to Sif might be nice...

>>24365152
Well it's either we cover our identity somehow or we try and fight off a band of paladins.

I'd rather deal with difficult questions later than a polearm in the face now.

>>24365144
If our companions question us we can just say we have a mild affliction.

>>24365144
>>24365152
Okay okay, marriage equals bad. But sleeping and tactical snuggling are good tactics.

>>24364964
Perhaps we can feign illness. I doubt anyone wants to be near an ill person, eh?

>>24365165
We don't need a cover up if we just act groggy and tired and not suspicious.

>>24365174
Lets just do this. If she tries to scream...well...

Just keep it simple. Be a regular innkeeper on the road to his new establishment with his new employees.

Do not make things complicated, to not put on some dramatic act, do not say anything that one of the others might accidentally show up as a lie.

Just be a regular person as best you can. Anything else is just asking for trouble.

THEN SNUGGLE POWERS, AWAY!

>>24365165
This man has the right of it.
>>24365144
and tactical snuggling might be the way to go, assuming we can get the focus off us quickly.

>>24365179
If we pretend to be sick we'll get people confused as we weren't sick earlier.

What we do is we act tired, groggy, boring, and just so uninteresting that we don't grab any attention, if they do talk to us we talk like a normal person heading to set up their new inn.

>>24365191
You are also forgetting how defensive Martellus is of Sif. If we start pressing up against her he might get mad at us.

>>24365195
This, please.

I swear, some of these plans are just short of putting on a fake top hat and glasses in terms of stupidity.

>>24365206
This, I would rather not create a complicated work environment already

>>24365165
>>24365201
Are you guys forgetting that we're already under a fake identity?

>>24365206
>>24365219

She's already leaning against us, I just meant that we lean back, not full body hugs.

Link votes for tactical snuggling vs. Acting casual here, please.

>>24365195
OK, then, K.I.S.S. rule. Right, I can go with this.

>>24365229
Act casual.

Tactical snuggling has too much potential to go wrong.

>>24365229
Casual and sleepy for me.

>>24365229
Casual, away!

>>24365229
Casual seems the way for me

>>24365229
Well, even though I suggested tactical snuggling, acting casual is better.

Stupid me.

>>24365229
Lets play it cool.

>>24365229
Casual

>>24365229
Act casual.

>>24364964
Play it cool. Tell them the truth, we're Tallius Urist. Ask them to provide a description and when we get to our inn we can put up a wanted board and offer a reward for any information. Provided the paladins give you a stipend to hand out for tips, and something to cover the strenuous effort of gathering said tips.

Then use our extreme will power to refrain from saying, "SUCK IT!" when they fall for it.

>>24365275
I wish I could slap you over the internet.

>>24365257
Maybe we can act so casual that we slump into sif's arms.

Rolled 27, 85, 43, 27, 37, 42 = 261

IGNORE ME

>>24365275
This...This fucker right here.

>>24365229
Act casual with this guys post.

>>24365275
I wish I could stroke your hair and tell you everything will be alright after he slaps you.

>>24365293
OH GOD WE'RE FUCKED OUT OF THE GATE!

>>24365275
Because putting up a description of ourselves is such a good idea, and not putting up a description when we just said in front of everyone that we would and got payed for it wouldn't be suspicious at all.

>>24365342
In other word, that is a HUGE risk for a very shitty profit. Who taught you business?

File: 1366507216036.jpg-(18 KB, 188x208, batman....jpg)

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>Tactical snuggling

>>24365342
Ever heard of hiding in plain sight?

Why the hell would an ex politician be running a grimy tavern so close to things that could kill him?

And when people point out we kinda look like the guy we laugh and say yeah we do.

>>24365380
Alternatively, we could just not do that, and not risk some bounty hunter deciding we look close enough that he could stab us in the throat and claim we're the guy, even if we might not be.

>>24365380
Some drunken idiot(which there will be no shortage of in a tavern) is still going to report it and we're going to have to be put under scrutiny.

>>24365380
Disinformation is a powerful tool, if we bandy up the wanted poster a bit, and put out a couple conflicting rumors, people won't know what the hell to look for. Soon it will be a thing of the past.

Besides, who doesn't love fucking with the system?

>>24365413
>Besides, who doesn't love fucking with the system?

People who want to live?

>>24365380
"You think I look that ugly?"

>>24365413
Someone who is just trying to live a quiet, peaceful life running a Tavern away from all this bullshit.

You decide your best option is simply to play is as casual as possible. You are not the former Senator Sertorius, after all, and you are not hunted by Paladins. You are Tallius Urist, and you are on your way to open a damn Tavern.

The patrol begins fanning out throughout the convoy, the six riders inspecting the carts and occasionally sharing some words with the men driving them.

One of them, who you assume is the leader by the crimson streaks in his helmet's plume, pulls up to your cart. His face is a scarred mess, only partially hidden by a ridiculous mustache that you know for a fact was out of style two years ago.

" In the name of Lucretia Le'Eforet, Grandmistress of our order, name your business."

The fact that she took her maiden name back fails to surprise you. The fact that she has apparently become both a Paladin and the Grandmistress of her order does not. You have to work to keep the surprise out of your face.

You realize this man has not recognized you, but he may know your voice or speaking patterns.

How do you react?

>>24365293

For the record, their success for this roll was a ninety or above. It was pretty close.

>>24365497
Gesture to everything around us.

"Moving hardware."

Keep it short and simple, less chance of giving away personify traits or voice recognition.

>>24365497
Shut your face and let the others answer

>>24365497
Be casual, perhaps a little overawed by being confronted by paladins, as any regular tavernkeeper would be.

Explain to them (in as short and simple terms as possible) that we are heading back to our place of business to set up. Don't say any more or less than is absolutely necessary.

>>24365497
Tallius Urist, tavern keeper. I'm starting a tavern in the old barracks near the ruined city.

Rolled 38

>>24365497
Opening a tavern, sir. (sit silently)

OH GOD OH GOD OH GOD

>>24365497
Stare for a brief moment, blink tiredly, and simply say "Tallius Urist, Tavern Keeper."

>>24365537
Seconding this

>>24365497
"Heading out to the old crossroad outpost to fix her up and open up a tavern. I'm the proprietor of the new establishment Tallius Urist." Short and simple.

>>24365497
Like a tired bar owner who just had a pile of paladins start asking him questions, so a bit scared and confused, very awed, but not guilty.

Keep our voice groggy and tired, a bit lower than normal as we just 'got up' and after sleep people's voices are usually of a lower register.

"Moving supplies, I'm setting up a Tavern at the Crossroads."

I'm opening tavern down the road goodsir. What's the meaning of this stop?

>>24365577
Don't ask questions, questions lead to an ongoing conversation, which we want to avoid.

Charisma roll with attached dialogue, please, you can use dialogue already posted by linking it.

Three dice.

Rolled 69

>>24365671
OH GOD

Rolled 31

>>24365671

Rolled 9

>>24365671
>>24365571

>>24365687
Using >>24365552

Rolled 61

>>24365557
>>24365671

>>24365696
>9

oh fuck OH FUCK

>>24365692
and I forgot to add what i was going to say. whoops

Rolled 57, 56, 16 = 129

>>24365671
"I am moving hardware, gentlemen, to my Tavern. Is there a problem?"

>>24365671
Isn't the dice number based on our charisma score? Shouldn't it be 4 then?

>>24365738

Negative modifier, like you had a positive with the cunning rolls earlier.

Please Barkeep, just make them want a bribe for some stupid shit. Don't just have us insta-fail the Quest. Please...

Rolled 16, 77 = 93

>>24365687
>>24365692
>>24365696

>>24365767
I highly doubt we'd get instant fail, just a bad situation that we'll need to work out of.

We do have companions with us, remember?

>>24365773
1 vs 1
So is that a draw? How does that work.

>>24365802
Margin of Success?

>>24365773

You look the man in the eye. A simple answer will be best.

"Heading out to the old crossroad outpost to fix her up and open up a tavern. I'm the proprietor of the new establishment, Tallius Urist."

The Paladin nods.

" That corroborates what the elf told us. There a reason you're traveling with two nonhumans, friend? I hope you know that the economic restrictions are still law, even this far north."

He thinks for a moment, and seems to make a realization as his eyes widen.

" Wait, your accent, are you from the Capitol?"

Shit.

**********

Accompany responses with Charisma rolls, four this time.

Rolled 50

>>24365908
Former merchant, turned tavern owner.

Rolled 87, 50, 68, 2 = 207

>>24365908
"Originally, sir, born and raised, but I thought there was money to be made in hospitality thios far out. After all, fortune in adventure, which means fortune in adventurers, so they need drinks, and I make drinks. Nothing more to it, lads. In fact, you drop by later, I give you a bit of a discount. Lawmen on the road need comfort, after all!"

Rolled 40

>>24365908
Yes, I was born there but it has been years since I've been back. Why do you ask?

Rolled 35

>>24365908
Former merchant, turned tavern owner.

Rolled 87

>>24365908
"Me? No. My father was though, I picked up the accent growing up and I've never quite managed to drop it."

Rolled 26

>>24365908
"Well, to be honest, I lived there a short while when I was younger, picked up a bit of the accent and people assume I've lived there all my life. Same problem with wives and kids."

Here goes, clutching testes.

>>24365908
My parents were from the capitol, I was born out here in this desolate wasteland.

>>24365767

Have faith. I don't think Barkeep would do that.

Rolled 75

>>24365978

>>24365966
Disregard this, Captcha is fucking with me

Rolled 56

Oh boy

>>24365908
Aye, but I haven't seen the city after my mother passed many years ago."

Rolled 93

>>24365908
"I was born there, haven't been back there for ages. Never could shake the accent."

Multiple dice in one post okay?

Rolled 12, 20, 29 = 61

>>24365908
>"Well, to be honest, I lived there a short while when I was younger, picked up a bit of the accent and people assume I've lived there all my life. Same problem with wives and kids."
>Here goes, clutching testes.

>>24365977
Just realized, did you want 4 seperate rolls or 4 rolls each link? Here's 3 more if it's the latter.

>>24366013
Pretty sure it's 4 separate rolls.

Rolled 45, 76, 96 = 217

>>24365944
>>24365963
>>24365968
>>24365977

He seems to mull your story over in his head. You notice Sif has awakened beside you, Martellus is eyeing you with a worried expression, and Miaya is decidedly not making any attempt to turn towards the conversation

>>24366054
i hope so because >>24366013
Is a really shitty series

>>24366054
Then I'm thoroughly confused on which ones are valid out of those first five posts.

Rolled 65

>>24365908
"As a matter of fact, yes. Well, sort of. I was born there, but Dad moved our whole family up north when I was still a lad. The damned accent came too *casual laugh*. You have no idea the kind of crap a city kid gets from the other kids up here."

If he asks why the family moved north, dad wanted to open a tvern too, but there was too much competition in the city.

>>24366054

Its one roll per post unless otherwise stated.

Rolled 26, 47, 57, 5 = 135

>>24365908
" I know the law, but quality help is hard to find these days, 'specially in these parts."

Give her a funny look for the accent part and say, "Was born round those parts but I haven't been back for years and years. Didn't think I had much of an accent left." Then gesture at Martellus and say. "You wanna see a real accent check out that one. Never heard his before."

>play it cool
>re-direct their attention

>>24366086
My bad, then. Sorry.

>>24366091
CART SALESMAN.

WE MUST RUIN HIM.

(glad to have you on board!)

>>24366091
We should say this.

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Rolled 43, 10, 46, 88 = 187

>>24365908

Aye born and raised, but prices in the capital just keep going up and I couldn't afford to keep my business there. I decided to pick up stakes and try my luck in the North.

>>24366119
However we should NOT take my rolls.
>>24366118
Interested in a cart, barman? I have a lovely luxury selection over here...

>>24366075
"Me? No. My father was though, I picked up the accent growing up and I've never quite managed to drop it."

He looks at you with closer scrutiny.

" Alright then. I believe you, friend, I really do, but I have orders. Step away from the cart and empty out your pockets."

Sif looks worried now, you see her silently mouth something along the lines of "What's wrong?". Martellus remains silent, and you don't have the leisure to look back at Miaya, as the Paladin hefts his poleaxe before you in a ready stance.

Rolled 49

>>24366181

You all can ignore this entirely unimportant roll.

>>24366181
Oh, shit. We have that dagger and signet ring on us.

>>24366181
The dagger. Fuck. Slip her the dagger covertly, if you can!

>>24366207
AND THE RING, SHITFUCK

>>24366181
Okay, so we've got the concealed dagger and the signet ring, wait for a good chance when the Pally looks away and make sure those are stowed somewhere where he won't see then as we empty our pockets, either in a hidden pocket or concealed under something in the cart.

>>24366181
Seriously, Barkeep, give us a small break, just a TINY one. We want to start being a tavern owner, at least...

>>24366221
We can simply palm the ring and slip it down our sleeve, it's the dagger that's going to be hard.

>>24366181
Slip her the dagger and ring or at least try to.

File: 1366510321707.png-(994 KB, 1366x768, -It-s-not-a-crime-if-no-o(...).png)

994 KB PNG

>>24366192

Sorry I'm new here and it seems like you all done goofed. Tell me, is there any possibility of us fighting? And when I say fighting I mean "no survivors".

>>24366192
NO WE CANNOT, CAN WE?

>>24366181
Empty our pockets, but drop the daggers and blackjack along with the ring, into the mud, as if by accident. Apologize furiously and quickly start picking them up, stepping on the ring before she can notice.

>>24366181
SLIP SIF THE DAMN DAGGER, CHUCK THE RING.

>>24366255
Considering we're surrounded by people who only know us from our fake identity, that would still ruin our chances of opening our Tavern.

And since this is Tavern quest...

>>24366255
No, and if two paladins out looking for us go missing, that will just make more come to investigate anyway.

Attempting to palm the ring will require a Streetsmarts roll of one dice. You may alternatively leave it and hope the Paladin is not looking for rings. The dagger is against your back, reaching for it would likely be seen as attempting to draw a weapon, and is impossible with your current skill.

>>24366255
We have little combat training and two guards.

Since when is having a weapon on yourself illegal? It's common sense, as for the ring, do they even know about the ring, if asked. It was meant for a lover, who you found loved another, so you're holding it till you yourself found another lover that loves only you or your mother.

>>24366278
>>24366263
>>24366248
>>24366241
>>24366225
>>24366221
>>24366215
>>24366207
We should just use the knife to cut a hole in our pocket and drop the knife and ring through it.

>>24366313
No way we're risking a one dice roll to palm the ring.

>>24366321
Ingenious.

>>24366313
>Grab ring
>Sneeze
>cover mouth
>swallow ring

>>24366318
It's a senatorial signet ring, that will not fly at all.

>>24366318
Its a Signet ring, very distinctive as to belonging to the guy who is wanted for whatever we did.

>>24366321
can't draw it without threatening the paladin per
>>24366313

this anon>>24366318
is quite right, don't freak out and give them cause to make more of it.

>>24366318
The dagger and ring are likely described to these fucks by our cunting ex-wife. It is a dead fucking giveaway!

Well we did roll a 93 on our anal circumference...

>>24366340
We could play it off as if we were reaching into our pockets then we had to sneeze, pretending not to have grabbed anything, but in reality having had grabbed the ring. Then we eat it.

Rolled 76

>>24366313

I say we try to palm the ring. These are trained paladins, not some mook guards from the boonies. They're unlikely to overlook such a distinctive piece of swag.

>>24366381
Please, give us a break, Barkeep. We need to get to our tavern...

>>24366313
Okay, so we empty our "pockets" and since our dagger is not in our pocket we will just have to hope and pray he doesn't find it. Maybe turn our ring around.

Rolled 50

>>24366181
"Empty my pockets? What have I done but walk on a road? Search my cart for illegal goods if you must but this is bordering on brigandry!

>>24366396
Just use this
>>24366447
or this.

>>24366447
Okay, I say lets go with this. Talking our way out of a situation is our strong point and we should use that.

Rolled 5

>>24366447
TALK THEM OUT OF IT.

Rolled 78

>>24366447
Say this.

>>24366396
>>24366447
"Empty my pockets? What have I done but walk on a road? Search my cart for illegal goods if you must but this is bordering on brigandry!

You whelp like a mud-covered commoner as you descend from the cart, attempting all the while to palm the ring as your back is turned to the Paladin.

" Silence. We have the Lady Protector's authority here, take it up with the Senate is you have a problem. I don't enjoy this, I assure you, but we're looking for someone."

You place your Crossbow on the ground, along with your bolts. Your coinpouch follows, still clinking with its considerable contents. Your two iron daggers follow.

He indicates for you to continue. No tricking this one, it seems.

And then, the item you've sought to avoid. You wonder if, when the time comes, she will do it herself. At least you'd be able to see her again, maybe apologize for not being a better husband, a better friend, hell, for not being a better politician.

You suppose this was a silly dream anyway. A Tavern? What a fucking joke. Your father will laugh when he finds out, and likely not stop until after your funeral. Truly, Tallius Urist was a dead man before he had even been born.

You reach to the small of your back...

>>24366614
SEAT. EDGE.

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103 KB JPG

>>24366614

Rolled 2

>>24366614
I don't think I've ever prayed for bandits before, but theres a time for everything. I pray for bandits. A fuckton of them.

>>24366614
[Update Now][Update Now][Update Now][Update Now][Update Now]

Only faggots F5

>>24366655
I will join you.

>>24366655
How about a mid level demon or two instead?

>>24366614
I bet Miaya took the dagger while our back was to her and away from the paladins.

>>24366667
missed it by one

>>24366614

... and grasp nothing. You suppress a gasp of incredulity as the space where Father's dagger had been is quickly filled by your searching hand. The ring is safely in your palm, and the Paladin has not noticed.

You are astounded, elated, confused. This is the strangest mix of emotions you have ever felt.

The Paladin looks through your belongings after dismounting, obviously seeking some sort of inscription or tell-tale marks. He grunts after placing all your coins back within your pouch, the last leg of his search.

" Everything seems to be in order. I apologize for the inconvenience friend, but these are dangerous times. Good luck with your business."

You nod your understanding of his words as he remounts, calling his patrol together, and they proceed away from the convoy, having given everything a satisfactory once over.

You climb back aboard the cart as Santher begins leading the convoy forward again, feeling light headed.

" Boss, you're kind of fucking pale, what was that asshole on you about?" Sif is direct as ever.

Martellus looks curious as well, but says only that he's glad the Paladins have left.

" Somewhat Arrogant sorts in my experience, the less we deal with their type the better. They tip awfully as well."

Miaya says nothing . She's watching them leave.

You suspect you have an hour left until reaching the outpost. If you have anything to say, now's the last chance to do so before arriving.

>>24366789
...friends, I have something to tell all of you... ...it's about why I wanted to start a tavern...

>>24366789
Slip closer to Sif.
"Regrets rear their heads at the worst of times." to her, privately. "No worries, though."