Smiling thinly at Biharu's enthusiasm Peir nevertheless nodded his head in sharp agreement, "Same. I was already inclined that way but the additional information helps confirm my choice."

With Penny seemingly opting to not provide even a veneer of civility in her demands Peir added after her remarks in a mildly more mollifying tone, "My associate here is eager that we not miss anything no matter how minor. As you mentioned earlier you trusted your seneschal to find people like us, hopefully you will provide that same faith to us in our efforts." Given Penny's questions so far concluding with the most essential bit of information needed, details of who they were looking for in a more clear manner than simply a name, hopefully that would not be an overly demanding request.

"If you or any of your staff have details of some of the places he might have frequented we would appreciate that, it provides more avenues where we might be able to reconstruct Oreal's path before." Given Lord Nanther already confirmed that he knew of some of the seedier places that was information he definitely had. Considering the other bits of information Peir focused on the matter of the other Lords first, continuing, "Their offspring would be Kalman and Argens correct? From your description of Lord Leiyraghon I would expect that he would not be willing to deal with us at all, is it likely the Lord of Keys will be similar if he is aware we are working for you? I doubt either would be especially willing to see a bunch of random sorts anyway but it's possible if Lord Bruil's own efforts have had no success they might be willing to confirm details we find about his own offspring's disappearance."

"Are there any items of Oreal's that might have been taken with him beyond the norm for a matter in the city itself? A favoured steed, particular possessions he would not normally carry or the like that have not been found since his absence?"

Looking to the other members of his group, particularly Rhaga given her experience he added, "I am also thinking that it might be worthwhile finding who was on the gates on the day he disappeared. It's possible someone noticed something but now does not want to speak up for fear of the consequences for not saying anything sooner."

In reply to Penny (msg # 101):

"Excellent idea Penny, that way we can find him if we know who we're looking for and it might jiggle a memory when we start looking, Rhaga? What say you?" he then looks to the others that have not answered yet.

The Orc stroked her chin for a moment, thinking. The others had asked most of the questions that she would have asked, in her capacity as bounty hunter. This was essentially the same thing, only this bounty was encouraged to come back alive, which was not normally the case. However, she did have one inquiry that the others probably wouldn't think of.

"Do you have anything of his. Preferably something he wore often, or that wasn't regularly laundered? The more unspoiled the scent, the better..." Rhaga asked, turning towards their host.

Lord Nenthar nods, pulling a very well-done small portrait of his son from his jacket pocket, handing it to you. "I have little else, for that I am sorry. You are free to question any under my employ, but I doubt you shall uncover more than I. I am afraid my staff is very good at their duties, and nothing stained or worn would have been left uncleaned. Now that you mention it though, he has not kept his training equipment here for quite some time according to the maids, months and months in fact...perhaps old Dorn would know. I have never employed his services before, but Dorn Crownshield is a famous dwarven ranger in these parts, if anyone had taught someone to be a ranger, Oreal may have sought him out for the training. Most dwarves like to hang about the Frothy Beard, a socializing tavern for dwarves who work here in Melvaunt." He spoke, before ringing for a servant. At the young man's arrival, Lord Nenthar speaks quickly. "Gather the servants and have them brought here to answer the questions of these fine adventurers, you go and check Oreals' room for any clothing or equipment that may not have been laundered recently, and if you find it, bring it here." He spoke, booking no argument.

Penny listened to Peir smoothing the waves that her direct approach might have caused and bit her lip, realizing her mistake. It was something she needed to work on if she wanted to improve her spiel. Fortunately Lord Nanther seemed mollified by the cleric's words. "My apologies for my lack of etiquette or tact and thank you for allowing us to have this picture." she told the old man, taking the painting and committed the details to memory.

She nodded in affirmation as the Lord's orders made sure all their demands were met. That was a good start. Her brow furrowed as she considered the news that Oreal was keeping his gear elsewhere, that reeked of keeping secrets since he would have to clean the items himself, rather than having his servants maintaining weapons and armor. The tiefling had the feeling they were onto something. "I have a hunch we will go to have a drink at a certain dwarven tavern later today." she told her companions in hushed tones, making sure none of the employees would overhear. "My approach would be to have one of you ask the questions, while I read their minds to see if they tell us the truth. Might lead to flushing out another house's spy in the process, wouldn't that be a nice bonus?" she explained with a devious smile in the same low voice.

Nodding thanks for the portrait as Penny took it Peir shifted slightly on his feet at the additional information the Lord confirmed. Unsurprised by the confirmation of the lack of anything unwashed he was nevertheless quite enthused by the additional information provided.

Once the Lord's attention was turned to summoning the household staff and Penny made her remarks he replied in a similarly hushed tone, "Fine bit of questioning, we're far further along than before. I would say that spell is a fine idea but there is a risk since any who resist it will feel traces of something being used on them." Looking to the others he added, "I'd also suggest we standardise the questions we ask as much as possible, it'll help catch inconsistencies."

In reply to Peir Barrow (msg # 107):

"Excellent idea Peir. I will listen while someone else questions for sure, unless I think of something important no one else does. Not likely."

Penny leaned in to hear what Peir had to share and nodded largely in agreement. His remark about people noticing her listening in on their thoughts only had her shrug in response "Depending on how they react, it might tell us to intensify the questioning since they appear to be hiding something and since the spell won't last forever, using the same questions on everyone will speed up the interrogation, too." she answered, apparently not worried about anyone realizing their thoughts were invaded.

The servants are brought to the room in short order, lined up and given to you for questioning. As Penny casts her spell, she begins to feel the surface motives of the servants. Although some are slightly selfish, overall, the staff answer the questions as truthfully as they can. No new information is gathered, only collaborations of the information provided to you by Lord Nenthar.

Penny scrutinized every servant mentally always expecting deception or even worse. Curiously she was disappointed when there was no ill will towards their employer, perhaps there were actually a few good people out there. Not that she would ever say that out loud.

After the interrogations, the tiefling informed Lord Nenthar or his Seneshal, if the former was kept busy, that the good news was they had no spy in the ranks of their servants and that the group would now follow the next natural step. "We will keep you posted, sir." she finished and turned to her companions to see if they had to add anything. Perhaps her words needed more soothing?

ooc: I can amend my post if anyone has something to add or wants to do it differently. Just thought we could get to the 'Frothy Beard' sooner rather than later. :)

"Right, on to the Frothy Beard, check it out and sample the beer."

Assisting the others in asking questions while Penny handled the magical verification side of things once the questioning was concluded and Penny confirmed nothing had registered as more amiss than the enquiries already provided Peir nodded at agreement with Bhiaru's suggestion.

"Unless anyone else thinks we might have a better lead to follow I think trying to find this dwarven fellow might be best." Looking at his fellows he added, "It might be best if we suggest any messages from Lord Nenthar for us be sent to the Crow's Nest, since I imagine we'll be most likely to be found there as anywhere else?"

Provided there are no other questions, the group pays their respects to their employer, and make their way out of the estate of Lord Nenthar. Making their way through the streets, you move towards the more trade-oriented areas, perhaps one of the locals would know where the "Frothy Beard" might be located.

In reply to He Who Watches (msg # 114):

"Ask a dwarf, they'll know where the frothy beard is I'm sure." He follows the others into the trade district of the city.

With no indication that any of the others were eager to start the enquiries Peir followed along to the trade district before casting his eyes over the possibilities present for those to engage in conversation. Given the mention of what the favoured audience was for for the establishment he kept an eye out for any dwarves amongst the various merchants displaying their wares given the increased chance of them likely knowing the bar in question.

Tamyir follows with the group, uncertain of what seems to be a well-planned or concealed departure by this son. No simple clues, scents or trail to track down leaving him a bit adrift. Shrugging, he follows the group the tavern in question, happy to at least be making some progress. "This could prove a worthy task, indeed. The prize is large, but the challenge is high. Mystra's blessed locks, I do hope we find this man hale and happy."

(OOC)
Good %greeting_time%! New controller of the Pally-Mage on task!

Penny walked along the group, wondering how to go about finding Dorn Crownshield without getting caught and executed by a lynch mob. "Dwarves are usually a distrustful lot and quite resistant to magic. If one of them penetrates my disguise they will stay silent. Better Tamyir or Peir talk to them." she told them before she went to go fish for the location of the 'Frothy Beard'...

ooc: 22:26, Today: Penny rolled 8 using 1d20.  Gather Info 'Frothy Beard'.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:43, Thu 25 Aug 2022.

Peir points out a wandering dwarf tradesman, obviously done for the day. Penny approaches, asking a question. The dwarf looks reserved for a brief moment, before gesturing ahead, and to the right. "Aye lass, the Beard be down tha way, of to yer right. Look fer a large stein of ale, overflowing with head, and ye found the Frothy Beard." He spoke, before nodding and continuing on his way.

"Excellent, thank you." she replied to the directions and turned to her companions. "See, that wasn't that hard." the tiefling commented and grinned, taking the lead to get the group to the inn in question.

"You just need more confidence in yourself Penny! Good going!"

Tamyir looks over his gear, ensuring it's spotless condition as they head to the inn, knowing that first impressions are the only impressions that matter socially. A light buff with a chamois over his mithral shirt ensures the shine is complete, and he heads with the group, head high and imposing. "Mystra's gaze give us success, so we can make haste on this trail."

"The gods help those that help themselves..." Rhaga grunted as she followed the path to the Frothy Beard.

Which was about as deep into philosophy or religion as the Orc woman had ever gotten in the party's presence.

"I think this day is trying to make us sluggish with food and drink. This will be the third place where both are available in but a handful of hours," she said gruffly, absentmindedly petting Maral behind the ears as she did so.

As you make your way into the Frothy Beard, you notice that the majority of people within are dwarves, almost overwhelmingly male, and give you all a stare before continuing to their drinking and games. An older woman walks up to you, speaking quickly. "Good eve to ye, travelers! What can we do fer ye? Cain't saw we see such a group like ye in an age here in these walls." She spoke, eyeing Rhaga with some unease, but not bringing up the orc or cat in the room. More than one or two of the dwarves are deliberately looking away from her, least they do something...rude.

Nodding agreement with his various fellows at their assessment of matters Peir remained quiet as they headed to the bar in question. Once inside and subject to the pointed stares from the crowd within, all the more pointed as they fell on Rhaga before moving away, he forced a smile on his face swiftly that remained steady as the woman approached them.

Addressing her in a relaxed manner he ducked his head briefly, "Peir Barrow ma'am. We're here looking for someone actually, a fellow by the name of Dorn Crownshield? We've heard he's a range of some repute and he is to be found here at times, we were hoping to either speak to the man himself or possibly someone who might know where he's to be found?"

Rhaga set her yellow against any stunted Dwarf that gave her the stink eye. Even though she had not been raised in an Orc clan, she knew well the racial enmity of their peoples. And she was not about to feel fear in this den of rock-biters and beard-dandies. And while they eventually went back to their business, the bounty hunter thought it best to let the others talk to the Dwarves. Didn't want to start another barroom brawl by accident. That wouldn't help them, or get them any closer to their target.