Chapter 1: Breakfast in Gryffonese

[Ezythyr's non-lethal attack roll of 9 + 5 beats Daggard's AC of 13.]

Daggard falls unconscious from the blow to the head, and the robbers are now all defeated. Not soon afterward, the party hears the orc male cook emerge from the restaurant door. Looking across the area, he makes note of the bodies (and of the partially digested one), then calls out to you.

"Well... thanks for sticking up for me, you got spirit, kids. I think I finally perfected a great cinnamon roll pancake stack, and you all bought me just the right amount of time and focus to get it down."

The orc cook then turns his head in a moment of consideration, towards the side of the building. He turns back to the party and continues, "If you would do me an extra favor and bring these boys... or whatever's left of 'em... around to the side, I can hack 'em to bits and stick 'em in the cooler. Always nice to have 'humie' meat for special occasions."

"You are not quite the sort that the boss is lookin' for, but you deffo got my endorsement."

[Open for responses, actions, questions to the cook, etc. - DM]

"No. These men will be turned in to the authorities." Ezythyr gestures to Daggard. "This one confessed to bein' impostors. They murdered a group o' greenwardens and stole their armor." He then gestures to where Glissen is enjoying her meal. "That was an unfortunate case o' self defense. His bones are claimed."

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OOC: I don't feel comfortable just butchering these guys. I won't let them be killed.

"It's no problem, bud. Glad to have your endorsement though. Maybe we can collect on a couple of those cinnamon roll pancakes as well?" Thokk asked earnestly. He knew to keep himself in a possible employer's good graces, and it had been so long since he'd had anything like work. He turned to his party, "Y'all coming?"

"Count me in as hell, my man," Eledriar says with a grin, walking towards Thokk and clapping her hand on his shoulder. "I don't really care what happens to these guys -" and here she tilts her head in the direction of the fallen foes - "as long as they get what's coming to 'em."

"Can't blame a lazy old wolf for tryin'... Probably best to not to build the boss' brand on a foundation of mysteriously missing fellas. Leave 'em out front, and I'll have Lark send a message to the Enclave about these guys."

The orc motions you to place the men near the entrance of the restaurant. Lark is in the doorway holding rope, ready to bind the men by their arms and legs. Together, you enter the House of Angry Pancakes again, ready to finish your meals and begin a new contract.

What a wonderful way to begin an adventure!!!

A thunderous voice echos out, vibrating down corridors shimmering with light and radiance.

"WHERE ARE MY LIEUTENANTS???"

Several footfalls sound out, as an armored squad enters the throne room. "Reporting for duty, sir!" The soldiers all lower their heads and fall to one knee, awaiting orders, while the captain looks back up.

The loud, imposing voice bellows out again. "They will be coming soon, prepare an appropriate welcome for them."

The soldiers look side-eyed at each other, making sure to avoid eye contact with their master and commander. "Sir... begging your pardon... who, exactly, is coming?" the captain asks with trepidation.

An angry but tempered growl precedes the master's response. "Your former captain was equally as skeptical, before he had his... accident. This time, for some reason... I believe we will have worthy challengers at our gates. Very, very soon! And this time, we will emerge victorious and expand our dominion of this realm. Go now, and have a little faith in your commander."

"Yes, of course, my lord," the captain replies flatly, bowing and leading his squad out of the chamber, "we serve you without question."