Session 4: Ending of Day 22 of Readying

Chiki, Gnorcia, Lhoss, Kyro, and the henchmen Chalkboi, Hilja, and Myrtle all congregated in the Golden Grain Inn. The inn keeper, Bertram, tried repeatedly to get the group to stay at the inn, giving the prices of rooms, and even offering a discount, but the party became suspicious, especially with the sinister scar faced man staring them down while Bertram continued to run a full press. The party, except for Kyro, decided to leave the inn and go to the Temple. Bertram followed them out of the inn, and down the road. This made everyone nervous, and Lhoss decided to cast a sleep spell on the innkeeper, which succeeded.

The party made its way down the southern road, and observed a few of the buildings with some suspicion. They came up on the stream that flowed into a small lake. They crossed and found a black smithy with another building to the east that was boarded up. Some inspection found a sign that indicated that the building was called The Foaming Mug Inn at one point. The party went around the building, but noticed that they were being observed by the smith and apprentices. They were able to pry one board off and look into the dim room, but weren't able to see much.

They gave up that inquiry and followed the road around to the north and approached the Temple of the goddess Merikka. They found the grounds unkempt, and the gardener was quite rude. They entered the temple into a large columned room, and talked with the priestess Misha, who indicated that only the clergy and support were allowed past that room. After a few questions (which followed the pattern of nothing going on in Orlane), they went back to the Golden Grain Inn.

They talked to Kyro and found that the suspicious man had observed him for a time, and then went up (presumably) to his room. They quickly left and went north across another bridge. They noticed an area with many large elms and growth, and an inn on the right. They went down the forested path and noticed a weasel that seemed to be observing them, and then it scampered off. They continued down the path and encountered an elderly man who identified himself as Ramne, and that he had been waiting for them, indicating that his pet Whiskers (the weasel), who was perching on his shoulder, had told him. He strongly discouraged them from staying at the Golden Grain Inn and said that the Slumbering Serpent is much better. He was cautious and asked the party to investigate the interior of The Foaming Mug in the evening.

The party then went to the Slumbering Inn, but on the way, Whiskers came back and looked hungrily at Cluck-Cluck the chicken (one of Chiki's pets). Unfortunately, Chiki wasn't paying attention, and Whiskers whisked off with the hapless Cluck-Cluck. The group generally supported Whiskers over Chiki.

The group were greeted warmly by Belba, the co-owner of The Slumbering Serpent.