Tonight we look at the age old trope of Inn Keepers being the master of rumours, the holders of half-truths and the foreman of furphy’s. Harry Hastebee is just a regular inn keeper but he brings with him the knowledge, rumours and stories that many travellers, patrons and even some competitors have ownership of.
So let’s sit down, grab a coffee (or something stronger) and let’s listen to a tall yarn from the inn keeper!
Master of Rumours
441TuMaRu
Quick on his feet Harry bounced towards the door to open it up ceasing two annoyances of the party’s at once. The stifling heat from the kitchen roasting non-stop and the persistent banging from someone wanting to come in. “Hold up hold up, what do ye want?” Harry asked as he ushered the person inside.
“Thank the gods that you let me in. I’ve been chased by a spirit down the streets who was after my very soul!” cried the man before he broke down into tears in front of Harry.
“Come now friend. A hot meal and a strong drink will calm your nerves. Tell me what happened” Harry said as he led the man to a table. “Tell me your name while I fetch you a plate. We don’t have much prepared but what we do have is cheap and good. Two silver pieces and I’ll fetch ye what you need.” he said as he bounced off. The man, in a state of shock fished out the coins as he sucked on the tankard of ale.
“The names Adam, Adam tanner.” he said as he paused to drink from the tankard more deeply. “I was coming back from the market with a cart laden with cloths and leathers, you see I work at the tannery and we didn’t sell through everything, as usual. But I was passing by one of the streets near the Church to Chauntea and I saw someone standing over a pile of clothes. So I called out to see if I could help them and then I realised they had no face. They then floated up off the ground and chased me. I swear the pile of clothes was a body!” he shrieked before drinking again.
Harry looked over at the party and walked closer leaving Adam to his drink. “You best be leaving soon if you don’t want to be caught up in this friends. It’s the third story I’ve heard of this spook on the streets. I pick pocket playing tricks I bet. But its not a good sign with the clerics having no connection to Chauntea. It’s right odd really. Normally lady luck, Tymora, looked after this place and I have a way with luck – like most halflings I guess. But lately, I don’t know. It feels like there’s something dampening that connection.” he shrugged.
“Probably just superstition to be honest but I don’t like it, and you lot don’t have to stay put…” he stopped as his face when pale. As the party turned around to see what had made the cheerful man freeze they saw a faceless figure drifting through the chairs and tables in the dining space as it moved towards them, steadily and with purpose. A shriek brought them back to reality as Adam had looked up and seen the spectre.
“Well, I guess its not a pickpocket after all.” Harry said as he grabbed a skillet from the bench top. “This place is for paying guests only!”
Thanks for visiting tonight as we explore a bit more of the people involved in this story as well as piece together the rest of the adventure. Don’t forget that each day this week we will continue to expand and build this adventure, so don’t forget to come back daily and, as always, don’t forget to roll with advantage,
The Brazen Wolfe
Brazen Wolfe Tabletop 