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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.

Crossbow, 49 bolts.

Dignity

3,870 Gold

Holdings:

Fine horse-drawn cart, valued at 500 gold.

The Clock Tower Tavern, standard configuration, capacity of 50 souls. Basic Brewery on site. Estimated sale value 20,000 gold.

Deactivated Automata, type unknown, properties unknown, sale price unknown.


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. Knows Tallius is actually Marcus Sertorius, seems willing to keep this to herself. For now. 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 a simple cotton shirt with some brown trousers, tied together with a fashionable sash. Classy, if simple.

>>24768489

Hooray, I've been waiting all week for this!

oh god, where did my life go wrong?

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>>24768564
I know that feel. Far too well...

Anyway, TAVERN QUEST, AWAY!

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>>24768564

Name faggin' up.

You slept well, a fact that does not escape you. Of late you have seen no end of disturbing recollections, beautiful fancies, and the occasional disturbingly alluring memory. It is good to be free of them, if only for a time.

You push off the blankets of your bed, and sit, spying someone standing in your doorway. It was not left ajar when you retired. Startled, you reach for the nightstand, where you left Father's knife, finding nothing. A cold sweat comes upon your brow. But only for a moment.

Their eerie silence and somewhat predatory posture give identity to the silhouette, despite the room's darkness and your mind still being clouded by the haze sleep leaves in it's inky wake.

You groan, and speak hoarsely. " Miaya?"

She nods. "Ah, you are awake, Tallius." She steps within your room, apparently taking your alertness for permission. Quickly, she leans close to your seated form, making you wonder just what she could intend.

A whisper, soft as a light breeze. " A senator left his knife on your bedpost. I felt that was rather unwise of him, so I buried it. I hope you do not mind."

She winks, just as she crooks her head to the right. You do not find the gesture comforting, her expressionless face does not support the warmth the action implies.

What to say? You are without words, for a moment.

>>24768770
A bit of housekeeping:

For those of you who missed it, I now run Tavern Quest Sidechapters on Wednesdays at 5 eastern. We ran Lucretia this week, next week, who knows?

Welcome back, Barkeep.

I've got a question regarding our dice pools. Will there be a way to increase our dice pool in, for example, barter and strength, and if so, how would we go about increasing them?

Also, read the Gaiden quest game. Holy dickshit, we're gonna die when the past meets up with us...

>>24768770
"Very good of you. That past deserved to be buried."

>>24768799
Adopting Merc Command's method, eh?

>>24768858

Certainly, I should have edited something about that actually. Tallius now had one rank of Marksmanship. Stats will be increased with applicable practice.

>>24768890

If you can believe it, I'd been mulling over the idea for some time. I will not say his success with it was not a factor, however.

>>24768770
Might as well ask what she thinks of the odd situation of why a random senator would want to forget his personal letter opener. Might as well ask her, when the time is right, if she would like to "return" it, as well.

>>24768770
"Strange, I had seen the same knife before I went to sleep and was thinking of doing the same when I woke up. Thank you for taking care of it for and for your hard work."

>>24768915
We might as well ask Sif for "Bouncer" lessons in the morning. We'll seem to need it sooner then later...

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>>24768870
Supporting this, and suggest we discuss other matters with her. Particularly the mercs. For those who missed the Gaiden quest we played as Lucretia and....

>>He has two fingers left on his one remaining hand. He will likely bleed out before the apothecary can sew him up. He shouldn't have wasted your time.

Long story short we should probably be worried. She knows we're in the north now and has sent one of her generals to look for us. This reinforces my belief that we should really put more effort into starting up an information network and learning the contents of that letter.

>>24768987
Get your meta out of here.

We've got a Tavern to supply and run and a clockwork golem thingy to possibly research.

>>24768987
All we need now is to hire a bard who will be able to teach us the ways of the street.

>>24769021
What? We ARE a tavern owner. We WILL need some skill at removing drunks someday. Sif might not be there forever, and it might be a good idea for hunting, too.

>>24769021
If you're gonna bitch about meta, remember that our ex-wife is a fucking paladin grandmaster now. We'll need the muscle; a poleaxe to the face hurts.

>>24768870
>>24768959

You smile. " I was thinking of doing the same thing when I got up, that past deserved to be buried. Thank you."

For her part, Miaya effects a somewhat theatrical bow. " Anything to help my dear employer. We have early customers, Sif sent me to get you, Martellus wants you to get a hang of running the bar while business is still trickling in."

Damn, everyone is up already? You need to fix your sleep schedule, lest they think you some sort of layabout.

Miaya leaves, giving you ample time to dress and clean yourself. You once again don one of the simple, classy outfits Martellus lent you. Heading downstairs, you cannot help but notice the new additions to your Tavern's decorations. A painting, in Miaya's impressionist style. A man stands defiant before a charging board, crossbow raised. She exagerrated the animals size by more than a few degrees, and despite the vagaries of the style you doubt you have ever looked so heroic. You certainly did not during the event in question. Embarrassment and an odd pride fight a short, intense struggle within your breast.

The Taproom, is as they said, mostly empty. A few of the Brothers at the bar, some travelers, the Peddler and his son. No one too out of the norm. Sif is working, and has yet to notice you, simply nodding to Miaya as she strides back into the kitchen. Martellus is watching you from above his glasses as he cleans the bar with one of his rags.

You could go for his lessons, you suppose, but then, you are the boss, so who could stop you from doing otherwise?

>>24769165
Let's learn from Martellus/

>>24769165
Take those lessons. A respectable business man should know what the job entails.

>>24769165
Might as well get some lessons in.

>>24769195
>>24769207
>>24769214
Dat agreement.

Greet your employees, then let's learn how Rico's holding up from the soldiers and Martellus. Finally, bartending lessons.

So to recap here are some of our current priorities (as best I remember).

>>Secure a stable supply source for the tavern.
>>Hide signet ring.
>>Get lessons from Sif/Miaya/Marty
>>Learn more about Mercs' intentions.
>>Figure out if Martellus is indeed a wizard.
>>Research Automata.
>>Upgrade bar?

Approach your tasks as you see fit, but accomplish anon.

>>24769273
Don't forget

>Plan cart service to/from Gearwatch.
>Ruin that godsforsaken Cart Salesman.

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>>24769273
>our face when asking martellus

Well, you have to make a living, and what kind of man runs a Tavern but can't handle a bar.

You walk through the taproom, nodding to a few of the Brothers whom you remember from the morning. One of them catches your eye.

" Hey, you are Rico, right?"

The man looks a little green, like he's got a bad case of seasickness. Other than that, though, he seems fine. " H-hello sir. Sorry for sh-shooting at you and y-your wife. And tell the big gut t-thank you for the poultices. He was done so quick, I actually s-slept last night."

Ah, so Martellus did pull on all nighter on the medicines. Strange, he seemed against it. Did he just not want to trouble the rest of you with it?

Making your farewells to Rico and his squad, you pass behind the bar, but not before hearing the old Peddler trying to talk his son out of joining Reginald's men. Ah, the power of a uniform.

Martellus has been watching you the whole time, but makes a decent effort at pretending to only notice you as you walk up to him.

" A fine morning to you, Master Tallius. I take it you wish to learn how one runs a bar such as this? I would be distinctly honored to impart what little I know of the subject upon you."

As verbose as ever, and not a single hint to his having stayed up the night. You find yourself pegging your respect for the man a notch higher than it had previously rested. " I would love to Martellus."

As if on cue, Reginald, his second, and what you assume to be the inner circle of the Brotherhood stamped inside, broke their line formation, and sat down at the bar almost as one, ordering drinks as soon as they were seated.

Well then.

Roll BARCRAFT, three dice. You are getting three due to Martellus' supervision, Tallius has no applicable skills.

Rolls are linked, singular d100s.

Was in a meeting still at work but I am lurking! Will hop in when I get home

Rolled 18

>>24769389

Rolled 26

>>24769389
We are the KING OF BEER.

Rolled 22

>>24769389
Rollan for bar skills.

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Any plans to introduce some more sleazy sources of income to our tavern like gambling or underground fighting matches? I believe prostitution was out of the question. What does the imperial law say about these things? We gotta think about these things if we want to go the swearengen route.

>>24769435
>>24769438
>>24769441
We're totally not lord of the brewskis...

>>24769445
That would lead to unnecessary attention and we have a secret identity to uphold.

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>>24769441
>>24769438
>>24769435

Ah /tg/ dice.... we meet again.

>>24769445
Gambling, I could agree with, in a backroom sort of way. Might get some juicy gossip that way. Underground fight club, not so much...

>>24769389
Also when we get done pissing in Reginald's wine or whatever those godawful rolls earned us, let's buy Rico a drink. Poor blighter looks like he needs it and it would be a good way to show there's no hard feelings.

>>24769389
>H-hello sir. Sorry for sh-shooting at you and y-your wife.

WOAH WOAH WOAH

Threadly reminder that the updated Ebook can be found at http://pastebin.com/kbGzcbDb

...And we're off to a wonderful start!

>>24769555
Um, no beer for Rico, then. We need to clear up that situation, ASAP.

>>24769435
>>24769438
>>24769441

You attempt to emulate what you've read about bartenders, and what you've seen Martellus do over the past few days. Unfortunately, your upbringing shines through, and this particular form of manual labor proves beyond you. Only Martellus' sage guidance keeps you from covering the taproom floor in spilled brew and soaking your customers, not to mention breaking some of you newly purchased drinkingware.

You hear snickering from across the room, and see Sif nearly doubled over in laughter she is partially successful at suppressing. That's the last person who should be judging you for clumsiness.

Martellus sighs uncharacteristically. "I suppose you will need some more attention, Master Tallius. I will see to it. Observe my movements, if you will."

He takes on bar service from there, and you cannot help but note his expert knowledge of all the aspects of running a bar. Be it beer, or liquor, or wine, Martellus knows how to pour a man a drink. He is just as practiced at taking payment, handling coin with a deft hand, utterly without guile or suspicion. Even his small talk is of a high caliber, engaging his patrons with professional warmth and curiosity, while still remaining within the bounds of his own personality. It is not an act, but a genuine extension of his normally reserved social skills. You are impressed, but more importantly, you are learning.

The lesson continues for several hours, before Martellus indicates that he needs to keep his full attention on the bar, as business is picking up as it approaches midday.

Several more guests enter the tap room, and food orders are beginning to pile in. You smell something. Boar, you think. It fills you with a satisfaction you are not used to.

The peddler and his son continue their squabbling, Reginald and his men leave as one, you assume its time for their patrols.

You appear to be free of immediate obligation.

>>24769375
8/10 sir, I've got a laugh out of it.

>>24769653

Skill update:

Barkeep: 1/5

>>24769445

Gambling is legal and common You've already seen a few card games going on in the taproom. Fighting is legal, but regulated. Not that anyone is likely to notice so far from the capitol.

>>24769653
Well, time to ask Sif for help with bouncing lessions, and when we should start.

Rolled 86

>>24769653
Did we ever make any inquiry about getting that boar's head mounted on our wall?

>>24769555
>>24769650
:V V:

>>24769653
New follower to your quest Barkeep, good work props to you, hope this turns out well and doesn't end up like every other quest I've ever followed.

>>24769686
Clearly we need a street smart bard to both entertain and set up some gambling in our new tavern.

>>24769653

We could also take some time to think about additions to the bar. We could retrofit the automata room into a new bedroom, or I think some other guy mentioned getting bees before?

More immediately we need supplies. We're going to run out sooner or later with no quick way to replenish them. Our pet merchant would be likely to do it grudgingly. If we paid him better he might bring a few rumors or secrets with him too.....

>>24769653
Er, question about using weapons, Barkeep. I noticed that when we were playing as Lucrecia, we had a skill called polearm. Is our strength skill going to determine our weapon skills, or are they seprately trained and learned?

>>24769765

Karth comes by weekly with basic supplies. If you want to alter your arrangement with him, just speak speak to him next he arrives.

>>24769784
Tallius is trained in the use of no weapons, other than an extremely basic knowledge of the crossbow. Strength is his combat stat, but he takes negative modifiers when fighting with weapons.

>>24769811
If that's the case, using weapons would lead to us weilding them better through repitition? Or are there ways to better learn how to use them that doesn't involve sticking the pointy end into the squishy parts, like through practice or daily matenence?

>>24769653
Find Miaya. Try to get boar's head mounted if it hasn't gone to rot yet. Talk to her about keeping an eye on the Mercs and learning more about them. For now Miaya is all we have in the way of information. Look into moving the automata and opening the room. Any objections anons?

>>24769811
Well, we could always join the mercs when they're doing target practice with their crossbows. We'll just say that we want to keep in practice for the nest boar hunt.

You pull aside Sif after she finishes serving her tables, and business ebbs for a time.

" Lady Sif, could I possibly ask you for a favor." You put on your most officious tone.

She smiles warmly. " Of course, boss. What do you have in mind?"

You smile back. "Remember when you beat up Santher? Think you could teach me some of the same moves you used on him?" You put just a bit of pleading into your words, hoping it affects her a little.

Her face darkens, and you worry if you were too forward, but she suddenly is all smiles again. " I can't teach to you fight like me, Tallius. But I can teach you to fight, that's for damn sure."

That will have to do you, suppose. You are about to ask when she can do this when she interjects, " You know what, right fucking now. Let's do this. We're slow, I need to let out some steam, and you want to fight? Right. Let's fucking go."

She almost pulls your arm off as she leads you out of the taproom and through the kitchen, Miaya giving you a quizzical look as she carves more shanks off of the headless Boar. You wonder what she did with the head, it would make a fine decoration if mounted.

You are outside before you can manage a protest. The area out the back of the Tavern is newly dry after yesterday's rains. The North is a temperamental climate. It's almost warm today.

" So, Tallius, what's the first rule of combat?" She says sweetly.

You think for a moment. A number of things come to mind. Never retreat, watch your flank, stick them with the pointy end. You pick one, and turn to tell her, only to see her wheeling for a strike aimed at your head!

Strength roll, two dice.

>>24769653
Chat it up with Sif. We haven't actually greeted her yet today.

Rolled 96

>>24770025

Rolled 44

>>24770025

>>24770046
Tallius continues to be comically good at physical persuits, against his character.

Rolled 13, 87, 47, 6 = 153

>>24770046
>>24770054

>>24769273
>>24769375

Maybe it'd be better if we just ask if he knows how to use magic?

There might be connotations to wizardry that he doesn't like?

Rolled 94

>>24770025
First rule, pay attention.

Rolled 45

>>24770025
"NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN, APPARENTLY!"

>>24770069
We actually already did ask, and he doesn't want to talk about it. We know he can use magic though, because Sif said he can scry, and he made some pultices for Rico.

Rolled 8

>>24770087
Poultices aren't magic, remember he had training as an alcemist? He might have learned some herbology as well...

>>24770087
Who we still need to correct, by the way.

>>24770122
I almost don't want to because I can foresee some comical misconceptions in the future from that.

>>24770046
>>24770054

You see the blow coming, barely, and and move to stop it. You catch Sif's hand by the wrist, hearing her gasp in surprise. What you assume, somewhat arrogantly, to be admiration glimmers in the one eye visible past the crimson veil of her curls. It makes you happy, despite yourself.

This distraction is your downfall.

Her other hand, pointed into a sort of stabbing implement, impacts your sternum like a siege weapon shot against a castle wall. You nearly double over, coughing.

To your shame, she lets you back off, and as you attempt to regain fighting posture she waits. A moment passes as you wheeze and your vision buzzes. Sif is moving from one foot to the other, grinning widely, teeth shining in the midday sun. Looks like the initiative is yours, though you don't think it matters.

Rolled 92

>>24770173
Fuck it, go for her shin.

Rolled 79

>>24770173
Just don't blame us for whatever happens next....

Rolled 22

>>24770173
Rugby Tackle, then say "Be prepaired for anything".

Rolled 53

>>24770173
Feint left, then right hook.

>>24770217
>>24770193
Loving this rolls so far <3

>>24770193
>>24770217

Who needs skill when we have luck?

Rolled 55, 51, 94, 70 = 270

>>24770193
>>24770217

>>24770250
>94

Oh shit, prepare the funeral.

>>24770250
Well, that happened. I hope we at least suprised her in a small fashion...

>>24770173

Maybe point out that actually showing us the strikes and letting us practice them is more effective than beating us up.

But she seems like she's having fun so I doubt she'll listen.

>>24770348
If we keep getting hit we'll get tougher.

>>24770392
That's rarely how it works with Sif....

>>24770193
>>24770217
Oh we're going to have to buy her so many drinks to make up for this....

>>24770217
>>24770193

You rush her, channeling your pain into rage and your rage into your right leg, letting out a howl that threatens to become yet more coughing as swerve into a running kick, impacting Sif's shin. She apparently wasn't expecting you to attack so low, as you hear her cry out in surprise and pain.

" Kyaa!"

She hops on her other foot for but a moment, before twisting a full rotation and delivering a kick of her own.

Your extended leg gives her two perfect targets, and your vision instantly becomes a blur as you fall to the ground. Sif's indistinct shape hovers above you, almost comfortingly. She says one last thing before your vision fades, "Fuck, I didn't even tell him what the rule was..."

************

The cold stone of the practice ground surrounds you, and you cannot help but but scratch your small, well kept beard at why you might be here.

It was your eighteenth birthday, and you are still getting used to actually being able to leave the estate at will. Lucretia has shown you so much of the capitol, it's amazing what's just outside the places you've lived your entire life.

Well, sure, you read all about them. But seeing them is something else entirely. Maybe someday you'll go even further afield. The North sounds pretty good, it's what all your favorite novels harp on.

A clang on the ground behind you, and you nearly jump out of your skin. Before you is a small training spear, and beyond that, your fiancee.

" So this is my birthday gift, Lucretia? I've never fought in my life, and you make a hobby of it. Hardly fair." You enjoy the look of indignation in her face, if you could capture that look and sell it you'd put every comedic writer in the Protectorate out of work all at once.

" Just pick up the weapon so I don't feel bad about kicking you ass." Oh dear, she's either mad, or really wants you to think she is.

Well, everyone dies sometime. At least you get to do so looking at a beautiful lady.

(cont.)

>>24770508
DREAM SEQUENCE, ACTIVATED!

>>24770508

You grasp the spear, and she is on you before you can even blink.

" Ready yourself, Marcus!"

You are most certainly not ready!

I'd roll, if I were you.

One dice here.

Rolled 4

Ohgodnottheface.

Rolled 37

>>24770567

Rolled 15, 94, 17 = 126

>>24770587

>>24770585
Oh shit, we ded.

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Rolled 51

>>24770567

Rolling for spear stuff.

>>24770585

At least we can't die in a flashback...

right?

>>24770612
"You now discover your newfound time travel powers"

Ded.

Rolled 82

>>24770585
Please tell me that wasn't a d100 and doesn't count.

>>24770635
It was a d100 and it probably counted. Cry pls

Let me guess, Lucretia's going to deliver a swift blow to our nuts as well (and not the good kind of genital blow either).

>did hits us so hard we have stroke and fall into a coma

>cause dream sequence with lucerita who kills us in the dream

>have second stroke and die irl

>Quest end

Rolled 82

>>24770635
It doesn't, he didn't link to the post

>>24770612
>>24770635
Nah I failed to link thank god. I have to say I'm finding it hilarious how aggressively /tg/ dice conspire to completely destroy Marcus' character.

>>Can't tend bar.
>>Can't sense motive.
>>Can't manage to hide a ring.

>>Kicks orcs in the face.
>>Goes mano a mano with boars.
>>Gives muscle waitress what for.

Stupid phone did is sif

>>24770666
Praise the gods! Or Satan as your trips seem to indicate.

>>24770666
>Rolled 82
>666

You... wanna tell us something?

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>>24770672

Maybe Marcus's self-conception differs from Marcus's actual character. Sees himself as stats given, seen by everyone else as a slightly awkward hot-blooded man-and-a-half.

That or /tg/ dice are haunted, like always.

Rolled 71

>>24770704
I'm Satan. Apparently.

>>24770721
I'm gonna go for the dice. /tg/ dice are bound to retarded conclussions.

>>24770747
>Rolled 71

Yup, confirmed for Satan. You're in charge of rolling devil-lord.

>>24770762
Actually, that 96 from when Sif blindsided us was me. I'm already on it.

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>>24770721
I'd actually be pretty ok with that.

>>24770774
Well goddamit LET SATAN DO HIS WORKS YOU FAGGOTS!

>>24770595

You do your best, at least that's what you tell yourself. But Lucretia fights for fun, the time you spend reading or studying oratory she spends under the tutelage of the best masters of arms in the Protectorate. Everything you know about fighting you read in a book, Lucretia killed a man at twelve. You would know, she did it for you.

She's playing with you, you realize after the fifth minute. The fight could have been ended almost immediately. She could have killed you from thirty seconds in. Or at least, that's the first time she could have, there have been many others.

She's just battering your spear now, wearing you down. You're covered in sweat, your posture sagging. Your arms feel like they've been trampled by the entire Protectorate Military.

Lucretia is as immaculate as you've seen her, and her smile is as wide as it's ever been. That scares the hell out of you. She enjoys this, no, she lives for it. And you're spending the rest of your life with her.

Finally, her game is through. A final strike, harder than the others, and your weapon flies out of your hands, clattering across the empty grounds. Her spear spins expertly, and you cannot help but admire the artistry she puts into it, even as you hold up your hands and attempt to yell out your surrender.

The blunted tip smacks you in the face, knocking you to the ground and sending a stream of blood pouring out of your mouth. You impact the stones, hard, barely hanging on the consciousness. Moments pass, and you see Lucretia throw aside her own weapon and approach. Your view dims, and suddenly she is kneeling next to you. She's not apologizing, but then again, she never has. Lucretia examines you, and then holds you up to her chest in an embrace you are certain is born as much out of concern as affection.

You struggle to speak, and are inordinately proud when words come.

" That..." You spit up some more blood."...was one hell of a present."

(cont.)

>>24770855
Say, "I think that it was more for you, though..."

No wonder we became so distant to her.

>>24770883
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL THE COPS!

>>24770883
Oddly enough, I like Lucretia a lot now.

>>24770855
She laughs softly, and holds your face to hers.

" That wasn't your present, Marcus."

Your heart beats faster as she moves her face closer to yours, her hand pushing a blood matted strand of hair from your eyes.

" It was foreplay..." She kisses you on the lips, to your utter shock. Suddenly you are very glad she bought out the practice grounds for the whole night.


************

Your head hurts. You don't remember your name very well right now, but you are certain of the fact that you are in pain. Wait, its not just your head. Other parts too. Important ones.

You groan.

" Shit, he's up!"

Sif runs over, with Martellus in tow.

" I uh, I'm not apologizing this time boss. You literally fucking asked for this one."

Women.

Martellus is as professional as ever. "No lasting damage. I would refrain from sexual activity for some time, were I you. Violence as well, but I believe Sif has imparted that lesson well enough."

You grunt. It's about all the vocalization you can manage currently. From the look of things, it's been a hour or so. The foul taste on your lips tells you Martellus gave you something.

You have questions, and think it's time your voice returned.

Rolled 92

>>24770974
>Your heart beats faster as she moves her face closer to yours, her hand pushing a blood matted strand of hair from your eyes.

>" It was foreplay..."

Goddamnit, if only you weren't wanted for murder.

>I would refrain from sexual activity for some time, were I you.
noooooooooooooooooo-ooot like we were getting any.

>>24770974
Are you a wizard?

>>24770996
You'd think that when you're a fugitive with a new business and an army at your doors, the stress would be enough to not get it up anyways.

>>24771013
I lol'd.

>>24771013
No, and stop asking him about his past it makes him upset!
>>24770974
Tell sif its fine. Practice on your accent.

>>24771013
How bout not.

>>24770974
Say, "I guessed what the answer might be, Sif. Be prepared for anything."

"Let's do this again. Exercises in the morning, sparring for the evening. Sounds good to you?"

>>24770996
She cut off a dude's arm for wasting her time. What do you think she'll take off -us- when she finds us. No, Lucretia time is probably not in our immediate, intermediate, or long term future.

>>24770974
"Well that was... bracing. What time is it?"

Rolled 63

>>24771013

"Lucretia... what happened to your face?"

>>24771042
Also, "How did I do?"

>>24771030
We have to at least ask him how skilled he is at healing for future us. No need to bring his past into it.

>>24771061
I kind of like this actually.

>>24771105
That's asking for trouble, but okay.

>>24771105
>>24771061

I do not need to tell you this will raise questions among Sif and Martellus. Bur if it has support, it will be so. Decide.

>>24771061
>>24771135
It's really cute, but at the same time a really bad idea. I'm torn.

Leaning against.

>>24771042
And mention we may want schooling on actual moves prior to actual fighting. I feel like classes shouldn't start with a test, then move on to the lessons. Unless nearly being gored by a boar and sending our jimmies into orbit is considered placement exams.

>>24771061
I don't support this. They might know who she is, and will enevitably ask some awkward questions.

>>24771135
I'm gonna vote for it. I think a little bit of stirring up things may be beneficial for story purposes, being closer to them can't be harmful.

>>24771135
Against. The reveal can wait a few more threads.

DO NOT say that...
Lucretia is the head of the paladin order, she is a famous person.
Also "what happened to your face" would insult sif.

Rolled 89

>>24771245
it was directed at martellus

>>24771135
Well, another time then.

>>24771135
Just gonna down vote that too. At least ask them if you said anything, explaining you where having a rather embarrassing dream.

>>24771270
Don't say shit, if they know something they'll ask, if they don't, they'll remain silent and won't ask.

>>24771135

Take a guess at the lesson Sif wanted to give. If we can't think of anything good just ask her.

>>24771135
>>24771061
HOLY GOD, NO! Don't do this! We still have Miaya's threat over our heads! I don't want to find out if she'll keep her promise!

>>24771293
See
>>24771042

>>24771042
Voting this.

>>24771050
>>24771075
>>24771042

You manage to speak. "Well, that was... bracing. How long was I out?"

Martellus nods. "Two hours. Business has been slow, I don't think anyone noticed.

You turn to Sif, and wince at the sharp pain it brings out in your loins. " So, the first rule: be ready for anything?"

Sif grins, somewhat evilly. "Fuck no, there are no rules.

"Ah." Your balls speak to that.

You wonder if you are a madman. "So, could we do this again?"

Martellus looks shocked, Sif just laughs. "No, Tallius. I can't hold back, and I don't want to hurt you. I'll get you in shape though, if you prefer. It's always good to be fit, you never know when you absolutely need to be."

You nod. That's true enough, and you're still every bit as soft as you were back at the Capitol.

You stand, with Sif's help, and the three of you head back inside, and return to work. It's a few hours of decent business. Martellus has you help with the bar, and you make less of an ass of yourself than you have been doing so far today.

You look up as the door opens and several armed men and women file in. You see a dwarf among them, in an expensive hat and finery. That's something new, most place they'd be flogged down the street for such flagrant displays of prosperity. But this is the frontier, you suppose.

The dwarf and his companions, bodyguards perhaps, take a seat at the same table. He catches your eye, and beckons expectantly. Some sort of test?

>>24771042
I like this answer. Supported.

>>24771398
Nice!

After that, we'll thank her for the lesson, and ask if she was a bit stressed. She did mention this:
>We're slow, I need to let off some steam, and you want to fight?

Let's be a bro and ask if we can help in a less painful capacity.

Rolled 86

>>24771398
Stuff the pain and walk as normally as possible.

>>24771398
This is obviously a challenge for us to steal his hat!

Lets approach them, present ourselves and welcome them to our humble establishment!

>>24771398
Sorry, meant to say after the work day, we'll ask her if she's ok. For now, let's check out the dwarf there.

Rolled 5

>>24771500
This and compliment him on such a magnificent hat.

>>24771398
Dorf Huh? hopefully we don't have to kill this one.

"Good day sir and welcome to the Clock Tower. What can I get for you and your... esteemed colleagues?"

>>24771398
we should probably give the DWARF some ALCOHOL

>>24771655
That's racist.

>>24771398
Sorry to ask, Barkeep, but did we get a skill point in Fisticuffs after that like we did with the Bartending skill.

>>24771655
>>24771601
Don't be racist to your customers.

Go see what he wants. Be cordial

>>24771713
At least in toughness we should have. Not so sure about fisticuffs since we played the punching bag role.

>>24771398

Let's just be a polite and friendly tavernkeeper. Ask what we can do for him.

>>24771746
We did get a good roll or two, much better then our bartending rolls. It's just that she got better rolls then us. Plus failing is still learning.

>>24771601

Suppressing the lingering pain you still feel as you walk, you approach the newcomers. The dwarf looks up as you approach, while hit fellows are very much focused any and all exits from the building.

You clear your throat. "Good day, sir and welcome to the Clock Tower. What can I get for you and your... esteemed colleagues?"

The dwarf stands, which barely leaves him taller than when seated, and removes his hat. " Ah, well, you can have your lass there get us some wine. It's been a long journey."

You get Sif's attention, and she moves to gather some wine for the customers. As she places her burden upon the table, the group descends upon it like rabid beasts, downing most of it in moments. They must have had quite the thirst.

The dwarf nods at the display, and at his group's obvious enjoyment of the refreshment.

" May I see your rooms? I may be purchasing one tonight."

You don't see why not, so you leave Sif in charge of the taproom and lead the dwarf upstairs, taking him to one of the few remaining unoccupied rooms. He looks it over, and apparently finds it acceptable. To your surprise he takes out a piece of paper braces on some sort of rock, and makes some notations. "Very well, all seems to be in order. Now, time for introductions."

The dwarf grins, and extends his short, stubby arm. " I am Dalin Zhorin, and I represent the interests of the Protectorate Taverners Association. We would like you to be our newest member."

Your jaw drops. What.

>>24771802
Again, toughness might be the reasonable option going by the narration. At least it fits great with what really happened.

>>24771713
No, because Sif was beating you up rather than attempting to teach you.

>>24771829
Oh balls somehow I feel like we'll end up paying a shitton of money. HE HAD AN EXPENSIVE HAT ON HIS HEAD!

Rolled 83

>>24771829
>Your jaw drops. What.
Oh come on, man, like you've never heard of a union!

Ask about the terms.

>>24771829
Pick your jaw up. Poker face.
Intriguing, tell me more about your esteemed organization please.

>>24771829
Alright Tallius. Stay calm, be dignified, and do not ask anybody if they're a wizard. Also, why does an industry rep travel with an armed detail?

"Taverner's Association? I don't believe I've yet had the honor. And these friends of yours are also with the association?"

>>24771829
In character "Er, could you explain your intrest in my tavern, please?"

If this guy asks for a payment for membership, fuck no. He'd likely be a conman looking for an easy mark, and besides which, we need more profit before we join in any guilds of any type.

>>24771829
Shit! We need to get the used carts salesman on these guys! He is our only hope!!

Lets hope they are just the local mafia, they are more lenient to deal with than a guild/cartell.

>>24771969
>Lets hope they are just the local mafia, they are more lenient to deal with

What? Are you serious? They'd ask for a buttload of money and make you offers you literally "can't refuse".

Rolled 85

>>24771829
>>24771923
I like this.

>>24772004
Well, at least the mafia has not the interest to see us go out of business, a good parasite doesn't kill the host!

Rolled 34

>>24772004
It could be worse he could represent some kind of union, andmake us pay for Sif birth-control herbs.

>>24772071
>at least the mafia has not the interest to see us go out of business

No, they have the interest in leeching as much money as they can, fuck that.

>>24771938
>>24771969
>>24772004
>>24772071
Let's just see how this shakes out. If Lucretia Quest taught us anything it's that we -always- reserve the right to solve problems via ultraviolence after talking fails.

>>24772155
Heck, we can sic the rose guards on them, maybe pay them back some of what they paid us... they just LOVE killing bandits.

But seriously I think he might not be mafia but a genuine guild

>>24771923
This. also, this reminds me of some shit the bard in my D&D group constantly pulls. He has yet to pay for a night in an inn because he's the "Inn Inspector".

File: 1368319030326.jpg-(7 KB, 313x234, laughing bureaucrat.jpg)

7 KB JPG

>>24772110

No, I am just saying that things can be bad, but they could be worse.

>>24771923

You shut your gaping maw. This is not the time to be the shocked child. "Taverner's Association? I don't believe I've yet had the honor. And these friends of yours are also with the association?"

The dwarf nods happily. " Aye, they are my associates. And no surprise you've not heard of us, the PTA is a new organization. Our prerogative is to provide adventurers with a list of approved taverns, through which they can ply their trade across the land. Effectively, we seek to create a network, and where better to begin than with the man cra-I mean, shrewd enough, to open up miles from Origin itself!"

This is beginning to make sense. "So, the one's you're with?"

"Aye, adventurers all." He laughs. "Well, Rialla runs a Tavern herself, but it hasn't kept her from getting her sword wet, hah!"

Ha.

You sigh. "Is this the part where you ask for payment?"

Dalin looks appalled. "Not at all, friend, we are a service, not some petty racket. We're here to ask you to join. All we require is that you don't turn away Association business and occasionally meet with us for a conference of Taverners."

This is simultaneously ridiculous and somewhat tempting. And a little too good to be true.

" How many members do you have?"

His smile never fades. "You'll make three, my place, the Plataeu, and Rialla's, the Wet Depths, being the first two."

Ah. That makes more sense.

>>24772205
I don't know why I have the extrange feeling this is gonna be a bad thing.

>>24772205
>The Wet Depths

>>24772205
So, as far as I can tell
1. New organization, only 3 thus far.
2. Its free
3. We would be expected to inform our customers of the others, as they would of us.

I don't see any drawbacks here, just don't sign anything binding. If things turn sour we are out but if things work out then all is good.

>>24772205
Yeah, no. Joining up with this guy makes me think that there's something afoot, something that involves loosing cash for no good reason. Plus, do we really want to be running part of a chain of taverns?

>>24772205
"The Wet Depths".... ewwww.

"May I inquire as to where your establishments are located, good dwarf?"

The difference between a friendly ally and a potential rival is whether or not we're competing for customers.

Rolled 64

>>24772205
>Wet Depths
"Sign us up well dressed Dwarf."

>>24772205
>Our prerogative is to provide adventurers with a list of approved taverns, through which they can ply their trade across the land.
Wait a second...
Ply their trade? So we would be specifically courting adventurers?
And what does he mean by APPROVED? Approved implied there are DISAPPROVED... are non members going to be hassled?

>>24772205
First rule of business. If something is too good to be true, it probably is.

>>24772301
it probably is... not.

>>24772276
>>24772289
Assuming they aren't potential competition, sounds good. I can't think of any drawbacks either, and spreading the word of our tavern through them could be great. Just don't sign anything.

>>24772311
If whatever you just said means we join him, I completely disagree. In any case, let's ask our employees for their opinions in the matter.

>>24772278
Sure we do. If they aren't near us, and nobody else is crazy enough to open here as the good dwarf just said. As long as they aren't biting our customers. Plus this gives us a new source of information. Which we really desperately need. And being near the origin we -want- to attract adventurers in the worst way. If it's a scam we can always have Sif tune them up later.

>>24772205
"A tempting offer my friend. And what services would such an establishment-of-adventure be expected to provide?"

>>24772330
But what if their taverns suck. We can't associate our good name so far with subpar businesses. I suggest we first learn more about both taverns, where they are situated and how wel run they are for starters.

>>24772205
Herm...may want to get a second opinion if able.

Sif, Miaya and/or Martellus may know this Dwarf

>>24772351
Yes, ask our employees. Especially Marty. If we turn them down though, and they become enemies, I don't like 2 vs 1 odds. Especially since we just opened up.

>>24772369
That right there is an important point and a good idea.
+1

My vote is to stay out of this, we are running our own operation! That way we stand and fall on our own, if these people mess up we might be guilty by association.

Rolled 51

>>24772368
>"A tempting offer my friend. And what services would such an establishment-of-adventure be expected to provide?"

We should find this out before we agree to anything.

>>24772330
>>24772276
We should say that we'll keep their offer in mind, and meet them during their next meeting when we decide what to do. THEN let's do a little backround check on them, see if this dwarf has been around for a while, or if he just wandered in recently. We should also check in Gearwatch if those taverns really do exist, or if their just made up.

>>24772424
This
No point turning down the offer flat out without more information.
But no point to jump down the gullet of something nasty.

Rolled 4

>>24772205
We should consult Martellus, perhaps he had encounter with this PTA at when he worked in the gearwatch tavern.

>>24772424
YES. I support this idea. We have no idea who the hell this dwarf is, where the other taverns are or if they even exist, and as far as we know, this guy could be running a protection scheme. RESEARCH FIRST.

>>24772424
Yes. Let's get as much info as we can per >>24772368 and then probably sleep on it and consult the others.

>>24772484
You mean Donner's Tavern, right?

Also, one of their hopeful canadates could be the Nephew, the guy who was going to turn the place into a brothel. We don't want to be seen being compaired to that place.

>>24772424
Voting for this.

Rolled 74

Yes, Love.

You decide this isn't a decision you can make without consulting your employees.

Consideration colors your face, just as you intended. " I need to bring this before my employees. Before I do that, where are your and Rialla's businesses located?"

Dalin nods. He's not offended by your caution. "Aye, the Plateau is in Meridia, by the Bone Wastes. The Wet Depths in the far south, miles from the Sunken City. It's in the town built around Empire's End."

Now it comes together. Along with Origin that makes the three biggest adventuring hot spots in the Protectorate. They want a monopoly, of sorts. But are you going to give it to them?

" Thank you, Dalin. I must speak with my employees." You say. The dwarf follows you downstairs, and returns to his own table.

Heading downstairs, you confer with Sif and Martellus. Miaya is out again. For her part, Sif defers to the barman, this is his business, after all.

Martellus cleans his glasses, and places them back upon his face. " Those Taverns have impeccable reputations. It is odd they would extend this offer to an fledgling such as The Clock Tower, you are likely correct that they are interested in having Association Taverns at each of the three locations. My opinion is that it is a good deal, association with their businesses flatters us, and they require nothing untoward that I can see. Of course, final discretion is with you, Master Tallius."

Well, Martellus and Sif seem fine by it. Yourself, you don't know. Should you sleep on it, and do some more research than what Martellus has provided before making a decision? One the one hand, they could find another that suits their needs, but you don't know what else you could find out.

Rolled 65

>>24772633
Well I see no reason not to accept his offer.

>>24772633
Well then, I say we go for it

>>24772633
I say we do it. Though we should get some sort of agreement so that they don't screw us with fines down the line.

Guys, you should realize that going big would draw attention towards our character and attention is bad for someone being chased.

>>24772633
It's good for business.

They may be looking to monopolize and that might put us out of huge money down the line that we would get from running on our own really wel, but we have a better chance of financial success here and we could always take advantage of said monopoly ourselves if we get within high ranks of the Association.

>>24772633
I say no. We want to run our business how we want to run it. There will still be a boss dictating what they can and cannot have. Plus, do we really want to be well known WHEN WE ARE HIDING FROM OUR EX-WIFE?

>>24772695
What better place to hide than in plain sight. Anybody asks we're but a humble entrepreneur who likes the drink..

>>24772725
Draw attention, draw people, more people = more chances to be recognized. And I bet we have a tasty reward on our head.

>>24772633
They're far away, have great reviews, and are going for a monopoly, of which we will be a part. Sounds great.

Totally meta here, the Wet Depths is near Empire's End? Should we accept Lucretia will totally hear about us.

>>24772745
No, she'll hear about Tallius.

>>24772695
It will draw attention to us alongside two well established tavern owners. Business dictates that helping an unknown into money for a monopoly is a sound strategy. People won't question it as much because it will be seen as us under their patronage, even if we are partners.

So long as we retain the right to run as we see fit, to discuss all factors and to pull out if we dislike how its going, then i see no reason why not.

We could always ask them to only say that the bar has a 'mysterious owner.'

>>24772718
And if we are caught, do you think we'll get any help from them? I cencerely doubt it. They would rather take over the tavern themselves. I'm telling you, this is a bad idea.

Rolled 37

>>24772745
If she does we will have the greatest makeup sex of all time. Then promptly be killed.

Go for it for all the reasons people already pointed out.

>>24772772
There is nothing mysterious about Tallius.

>>24772757
Best to assume the worst.

>>24772764
The more succesfull publicity our tavern gets, the more chances our head is taken. As I said, a succesfull tavern means lots of people, and the more publicity it has the more foreigners shall step into it.

>>24772791
The people coming here don't know that.

>>24772757
No shit?

>>24772796
So we should be a shitty Tavern owner then?

Fuck that. I'm not running an unsuccessful tavern just to sate your paranoia.

>>24772633
MORE RESEARCH. Those places are far away. Who knows how they run their places.

Also, let's get Miaya's opinion on it. If she says no, then no.

>>24772796
We lost the beard, we changed our hair.
We are going to get in shape and get accent coaching. Who will recognize us?

>>24772830
Mediocre, not shitty. And I'm not telling you to do shiit, I'm telling you my opinion, which is as valid as yours as far as I'm concerned. You're not directing this quest, you are voting like everybody else.

>>24772796
Plus, who wants to play "Run-down Tavern Quest- All Business, No Plot"? I understand drawing attention is bad, but it will make things interesting.

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>>24772725
>>24772743
>>24772745
>>24772757
>>24772764

Look, it boils down to this. Lucretia -will- find us. She's never going to stop looking. Even if her hamfisted crusade around the north fails to uncover us she'll attract the attention of people who do want us dead. We need friends. We need information. We need allies. And we're not in a position to be turning down offers.

>>24772745
>meta
Not meta at all, it would be common knowledge to Lucretia. Having a rumor mill in her capital would be critical to us. Who cares if she hears about Tallius. Who is Tallius to her but some money grubbing merchant doing what merchants do?

>>24772830
Fuck running a sucsessful tavern, then getting your cock sliced off by a polearm after your new "friends" betray you to your ex.

>>24772838
Marty already said "Those Taverns have impeccable reputations. "

>>24772865
I do. I prefer the economic path than the hack and slash since I've killed enough shit already.

>>24772873
Not meta for her, meta if Tallius used that info to decline the offer.

>>24772830
I agree with this guy, if we're just gonna stab ourselves in the foot every time an opportunity comes along for paranoia's sake then we might as well go live in the mountain's of bugfuck nowhere it'll be harder for her to find us then.

I vote we take the offer.

>>24772886
But are they really in with this guy, or is he just saying that? We don't know, and we wouldn't be likely to find out for a long, long time...

>>24772882
Fuck running a mediocre Tavern in a quest about running a Tavern.

>>24772918
Sorry common knowledge for Marcus. He was practically Marcel's son, he would have known about the guy's CASTLE.

What will it be anons? Do we die penniless and destitute as Tallius Urist, Mediocre tavernkeep? Or do we start clawing our way back to greatness.

>>24772907
We'd still be running the tavern. The difference is if we lie low constantly, all we'll do is run the tavern from day to day and that will get old really fast.

>>24772970
Not really, the moment she locates us is us running for our lifes or dying.

Take the offer.

>>24772937
Fuck losing your business entirely when they buy us out using ALL THE MONEY THEY HAVE BEING A SUCCESSFUL TAVERN OWNER FOR FAR LONGER THEN US.

>>24772990
There's always the Clockworks.

>>24773015
Speaking of, we need to ask Miaya to bury the ring in the place she buried the dagger. The ring is currently just sitting there in the open.

>>24772926
oh yeah didn't vote
>take the offer

Rolled 38

>>24772990
Not if we make enough money to hire men to protect us or assassins.

>>24772960
I say we negotiate them hard. Time to grill them. Plus, we need Miaya's opinion on what to do.

You wonder for a moment if all this increased attention is going to get you killed some day. Well, you decided to start over running a Tavern, and you can't be afraid to prosper.

You walk over to Dalin's table, and take a seat. The only one open was next to Rialla, an exotic looking woman if you've ever seen one. Her eyes are at a slight angle, you've heard people from the lands of the western continent were like that. No matter, it suits her, that and the almost comical number of blades she wears.

" Have you come to a decision, my friend!?!" Dalin is excitable, his partner just stares with an amused expression.

You nod. " I think so. No, tricks or obligations?"

" None. Look at the charter." He slides a parchment to the center of the table.

You read it, the only thing required of you is not muscling in on partner Taverns, attending a yearly conference held at a rotation of the member Taverns, and serving Adventurers in good standing with the Association. Acceptable. You sign it.

" Yes, I agree. You've convinced me."

The dwarf cheers, Rialla shouts in a thick, foreign accent. "Finest liquor, over here!"

The Tavern's finest liquor is mediocre at best, but no one seems to mind, and you decide to share drinks with your new partners after Sif brings some grain liquor for everyone.

Rialla speaks first. "So, Tallius, yes? What brings you to north? Capitol is very far, running from someone?" She's joking, she punches your shoulder as she says it, but your heart skips a beat.

Now would be a good opportunity to ask them any questions you wish about the PTA or themselves.

>>24772990
I highly doubt the ultimate end of Tavern Quest will be we are eventually found and executed, the end. I think we could eventually shoot for explaining what happened (just as soon as we find out ourselves) and live happily ever after or whatever. Or, learn enough from Sif and Miaya to defeat her in single combat should she be beyond reasoning.

>>24773064
Or we are eventually found and executed.

>>24773052
"I've found myself oddly fascinated by the clockwork soldiers, so starting a business near them seemed like the most logical choice."

>>24773052
"I came up here for much the same reasons I'm sure the two of you started your businesses where you did. The location is perfect for attracting the adventurers who pay so well."

Rolled 2

>>24773052
"So Dalin besides Old Donner. How many tavern owners have you had murdered when they refused to join the PTA?"

>>24773073
You, good sir, are a very boring and pessimistic individual.

>>24773052

"Now that the paper work is out of the way, let's talk business. You may have noticed that our finest liqueur is... less than fine. Alas quality wine and spirits are hard to find in the north and I would hate to sully the association's good name with sub par fare. We have many fine grains here in the north and our Martellus here is quite the expert brewer, so we are well stocked with beer. Perhaps there is a mutually beneficial agreement in this?"

>>24773162
It's gonna happen, so it's not being pessimistic.

>>24773180
That right there is pessimism.

>>24773180
...I think that is being pessimistic, sir

>>24773195
>>24773192
Why? What I'm saying is reasonable and bound to happen. Drag attention and we ded, that's what happens when there's a bounty on your head.

>>24773052
Grill them, hard. Ask them questions about their respective home cities and mention facts that any normal person who would live there would think obviously wrong, but outsiders wouldn't know.

Later, ask Marty if any of their explanations were false or just wrong.

>>24773162
>>24773192
>>24773195
It's also smart.

>>24773217
Yes. I agree with this tactic. We should still be wary of them...

>>24773231

>>24773217
For now what they've offered us is quid pro quo. Let's just keep it at that and buildsome trust. If we're going to be paranoid there's way more low hanging fruit to deal with, like the contract killers sleeping in our tavern.

>>24773231
This is getting pretty off track.

>>24773165

You lean over the table after another swig of the liquor. Your head swims a bit, but you stabilize."Now that the paper work is out of the way, let's talk business. You may have noticed that our finest liquor is... less than fine. Alas quality wine and spirits are hard to find in the north and I would hate to sully the Association's good name with sub par fare. We have many fine grains here in the north and our Martellus here is quite the expert brewer, so we are well stocked with beer. Perhaps there is a mutually beneficial agreement in this?"

The dwarf shrugs and looks to Rialla. " We can upgrade his supply, surely?"

The woman downs an entire container of liquor with nary a blush, and responds casually. "Trivial Dalin, Trivial. I have agreement with caravaner here, name of Karth."

You look up. "You know Karth?"

" Yes, I know Karth. Will pay for better supply, you give him beer to send to Association. Good, yes?"

>>24773307
Yes.

>>24773307
That poor caravaner is getting blackmailed by everybody.

>>24773307
Quite

>>24773307
We trade some of our beer for their wine? Done.

>>24773307
See, isn't it nice to have friends?

>>24773352
Not necessarily, he is a dwarf and she seems elvish to me. I would rather we treat him better too.

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>>24773307
We need to cultivate Karth. Since he works the Association routes he's bound to pick up good rumours. Right now he's our unwilling accomplice, but if we were to pay him for his trouble... who knows what interesting songs he might sing?

"A fine arrangement. Leave the particulars with Martellus and he will make sure to have the shipment ready. A pale drought I imagine, something that will keep on the journey. Now tell me, what other services are you offering to your adventurers?"

>>24773352
He gets around too. From the far north to the far south. You know, I'd bet a Caravan Quest would be pretty cool.

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>>24773450
I was totally working on this at one point. Might pick it up again some day.

>>24773433
draught*

>>24773307

" Yes, good." You say, and Rialla smiles broadly as Dalin beats the table in approval. More rotgut comes out, but everyone at the table is too far gone to be picky. Some time passes, and you trade tales to pass the hours.

Dalin is from the Dwarven exclusion zone in the Eastern Archipelago. Traveled to the mainland out of boredom, opened a Tavern up in Meridia, and has been there ever since. You suppose the man is rather tan for a dwarf, pointed, red beard and all. You mention it, and he says to not let it intimidate you.

Rialla is a traveler, as you might have guessed. She sailed in some five years back looking for mercenary work, and decided a Tavern is a good way to supplement her income. As she drinks more, she gets more and more touchy, leaning on your shoulder on occasion. Not to mention breaking into a singsong language you have never heard, and can only assume is her native tongue. The others at the table are silent types, obviously hirelings uninterested in talk.


It's getting late the next you look up from your drinks, you could stay here, but you'd be continually pushing Rialla off your shoulder. She actually tried to kiss you, you think, but kind of just fell out of her chair. You are not overly uncomfortable, and she is pretty enough, but you have a business to run, damn it.

>>24773666
One last question, how did they come to hear of our brand new tavern that is literally on the other side of the empire from them?

>>24773750
They're trying to corner the Adventurer market and our location is prime Adventurer traffic.

>>24773666
Cold showers and baseball Tallius! Or... we probably don't have access to either of those things. The point is we're a married man, whatever the courts may now say about it.

>>24773750
Probably some drunk telling them about the insane bastard who opened a tavern next to a locus of ancient evil. It's kind of notable. Or, you know, Karth? All the more reason to start paying him to keep his mouth shut and his ears open.....

>>24773802
But how did they know we opened up a tavern here?

>>24773825
The caravan dude knows the lady.

>>24773809
Oh yeah, Karth. Duh.

>>24773750

This is meta, but they know because they were coming here anyway. They were going to offer it to Donner, but he dies, his place is becoming a Brothel, and you have a better location in any case.

Also, I kind of need an action. Could be anything, go find Miaya, Talk to someone, check on the Brothers, etc.

"So, now that I signed on... what did you mean when you let slip the word crazy earlier?
And I assure you I wasn't offended"

>>24773971
I say Miaya first, then the Brothers

>>24773974
We're crazy because this is a dangerous place.

>>24773666
Find Miaya.

>>24774014
Seconded. It would be good to get her opinion in this business agreement, even if it is already settled. And the Brothers are intriguing, and it would be nice to learn more about them.

>>24773666
Probably should see Miaya. Let's check around the tavern. She might have left us a trail, like last time.

>>24773971
Miaya. She might be able to hide our ring for us.

If we still have it...

>>24774048
>>24774067
>>24774189

Nobody else wants to play usury quest? Fiiiine. Let's talk to Miaya and enlist her help spying on some of our more questionable guests.

>>24774242
I've been thinking. Do we really want Miaya to have -both- objects? That gives her an awful lot of leverage. We're friends, but I don't know if we're such good friends as that.

>>24773971
Talk to Miaya and see if she has any way to treat the injured soldier.

>>24774324
Pretty sure Marty took care of that. He's on the mend now.

>>24774302
Fine. Then let's bring it upstairs to the Automatia and hide it in there.

>>24774302
She knows who we are, we ain't giving away anymore than that. Just with a tip-off she could already get us killed so... Full trust drives engage.

>>24774382
Its already there, on a random knob on the thing's body.

>>24774302
I trust her far more then our new business partners, plus she might be able to hide it in a good location for us.

Miaya's been gone almost the whole day. You've come to realize that the woman simply does these things, but this is the longest you can recall her being out. You haven't seen her since before Sif knocked you out.

You briefly check with Martellus and Sif, and unsurprisingly they didn't see her go. So you go outside through the back, grabbing your crossbow along the way. A single white stone on the door frame, with a note attached.

- Go out front this time, Killer.

You know, she's the one who killed the Boar, you'd think she would drop it.

Out of the front entrance, it's dark out. From the lights, it seems that the Brothers have returned from patrol. They will almost certainly be flooding the taproom soon, all the more reason to find your cook.

You don't see any more of the stones, at least not yet, so you head towards the woods. You are loathe to go through the forest after dark, but you need to find her, and you suppose it's one way to practice your tracking.

The woods are eerily quiet, as if expecting something to happen. It puts you on edge, or at least more on edge. You move quietly with your weapon drawn, telling yourself you are ready for whatever you may find.

"Tallius!" A familiar voice.

You spin, barely managing to not shoot Miaya as she runs toward you. She has a cut on her head, and her eyes are wider than you have ever seen them.

"Tallius, you have to run! Go back to the Tavern and shut the doors!" Her voice is strained, desperate even. Miaya's normally unflappable demeanor is utterly gone, and that scares you more than you care to quantify.

>>24774518
OH JESUS FUCK WE'RE DEAD.

>>24774518
Why?! What's going on?!