Chapter 1: Wherein the Protagonists Meet at an Inn

[Joe the Rat]

Muddle scuttles into the yard and over to the door into the Inn and listens for noises. If there is a window on the way or nearby he will attempt to peek in as well.

Galen continues quietly towards the indicated door, keeping his ears open for trouble as he heads that way (listen skill perhaps). Upon reaching the door (assuming this ultimately happens), Galen will put his ear to the door to see if he can ascertain anything about what might be going on in there (definitely a listen skill check unless obvious activity is apparent).

Selene makes her way to the door as well (following behind Galen), and upon reaching the door takes a position opposite Galen.

Between the three of you, you determine there are several men inside, being loud and singing badly. A grubby window is just past the door, but reveals little as the room is fairly dark, and the windowglass in dire need of washing. The window looks in at the end of a counter. You can make out some tables, and the light of a fire reflecting on a group of men - Muddle counts four from his position. The equipment is not visible - though Muddle's low angle prevents any real view of the floor near the door, and the counter and shadows hide the opposite side.

Hamish follows, looking around and keeping his weapon ready.

It really is a pleasant day out. You do not see anyone moving about the yard.

Not seeing their equipment, Saeloria returns to the doorway and motions for the cook to join her outside. "Why don't you run along and fetch our equipment for us. And be quick about it!"

The cook complies, with a worried look. "I can do that, but the lads will want to know what I'm up to."

---
Wildlands, Date unknown, a bit after 3pm.

[Hywaywolf]

Muddle opens the door and walks in. "Dang nice day out today, think I'll take some air," he says. He'll then look down to see if his gear is by the door and if it is he'll start gathering it up. He'll keep the crossbow ready but not aimed at anyone.

[SmootRK]

Muddle opens the door and walks in. "Dang nice day out today, think I'll take some air," he says. He'll then look down to see if his gear is by the door and if it is he'll start gathering it up. He'll keep the crossbow ready but not aimed at anyone.

Quickly realizing the ruse the little one is engaged in, Galen will follow suit as quickly as his wits allow.. also quickly trying to determine the location of the gear. If he notices the gear, will simply comment mostly to himself but loud enough to be heard if someone is paying excessive attention to us, "Ah yes, here it all is, just where they told us to go look".

[Solomoriah]

Hamish takes up a position near the door the others just went through, watching out for trouble coming from behind but ready to follow if it sounds like he's needed.

[Hywaywolf]

(OOC: We know exactly where our gear is (if the cook is telling the truth) since we are the ones who put it there. We didn't come in under guard, we came in under spell and I am hoping these schmucks don't know that we are escaped prisoners.)

[Joe the Rat]

Muddle opens the door and walks in. "Dang nice day out today, think I'll take some air," he says. He'll then look down to see if his gear is by the door and if it is he'll start gathering it up. He'll keep the crossbow ready but not aimed at anyone.

Quickly realizing the ruse the little one is engaged in, Galen will follow suit as quickly as his wits allow.. also quickly trying to determine the location of the gear. If he notices the gear, will simply comment mostly to himself but loud enough to be heard if someone is paying excessive attention to us, "Ah yes, here it all is, just where they told us to go look".

Fortune favors the bold, but finds Muddle ugly. She does slip Galen her number, however.

With a touch more light from the open door, and a few seconds adjustment, You now see there are in fact six men here - or more accurately four men, a dwarf, and something that would favorably be called a viking, resplendent in his ale-stained ring mail and almost palpable foulness. He almost radiates unpleasant deeds. Muddle has serious competition in the ugly department. They are sitting around two tables, except for the aforementioned mountain of nastiness. Each wears the same style of old leather, and from appearances bear wicked shortswords.

Their primary interest in drinking and generally being irresponsible is interrupted by your appearance at the door. They are somewhat dumbfounded by your entrance, and Galen's pleasant and relaxed approach keep them from making any sudden moves. But they do keep their eyes on you , and set their tankards down.

Indeed the cook was telling the truth, for by the door, behind the bar, under the window are several familiar backpacks and sacks holding your gear, weapons laying against the wall. A crack high on the windowpane shines a singular beam of sunlight onto the pile, illuminating the item laying on top, almost like the fates are calling you to it.

It's Galen's Mandolin.

[SmootRK]

Galen smiles and puts the madolin strap over his shoulder. He gives it a quick strum, and looks up at the patrons drinking... "how about a tune while I am here?", and not really waiting for a response jumps right into a rousing drinking song. As he plays, he walks about the room, to provide some measure of diversion away from the gear and door....

[tune]
As I was goin' over the Kill Dara Mountains,
I met Colonel Pepper and his money he was counting.
I drew forth my dagger and I rattled my saber,
Sayin': "Stand and deliver, for I am a bold deceiver!".
Musha rin um du rum da, Whack for the daddy-o,
Whack for the daddy-o, There's whiskey in the jar-o (the traditional point at which tankards are tipped for a large gulp)

Galen continues the tune as long as it takes, each new verse a similar sort of diddy ending with the "whack for the daddy-o, There's whiskey in the jar-o"

Assuming, this all works well, Galen will end with flourish. "thank you boys. I will be back later for a real round of carousing" then leave to rejoin the rest of the party with the gear.

[jcm]

Selene is surprised by the turn of events. She weighs whether or not it would be a good idea to enter at this time. She listens for the reaction to Galen's song.

[Hywaywolf]

Muddle continues gathering his gear, and a few other weapons,shields and bags that he can carry, and steps outside when he has has all he can carry.

[Blazeguard]

Saeloria nudges the cook, "Well, go on. Give the lads a hand, won't ya." Meanwhile, she will stay outside keeping a watch for any unpleasant surprises.