Subject Harp and Ran get a work out

The sergeant puts the two new comers through their paces. Both Harp and Ran hold back a bit, not letting the man know just how good they are. Harp goes first. He and the sergeant spend several minutes trading blows. The man has some skill but Harp is fairly sure he could over power him if needed. Kline calls time after a while and goes to rest before the next match. Harp moves over to a water barrell to refresh himself.

As Harp is getting some water, Ran talks with a few of the other guards watching the training. He over hears one of the guards talking to another one. "Well, Kline won't let him in the guard. He hates orcs. Too bad. He looks like he can handel himself." Ran walks over casually, introducing himself. The two soldiers cautiously give their names, Alex and Nomad. Ran spends a few minutes talking with them, trying to get them to open up a bit about the guard of the house (Diplomacy 14+2=16, success). "So how long have you guys been in the guard? I bet once youv'e been here long enough you get the cushy service of patroling inside the house, you know, out of the rain and the cold?"

The two laugh. "Naw, none of the guard patrol in the house." Nomad says. "The Mayor just has us patrol the grounds. In fact only the Sergeant and the Captain are allowed in the house. Hell, half the time the Captain isn't even here. He out at the estate doing whatever he does out there. Kline lets it go to his head, orderin us around. But it's better than being a farmer." Nomad nudges Alex "There's also the other benefits." Alex laughs a nasty laugh. Ran looks questioningly "What other benefits?" "Well" Alex replies "when one of the Mayor's guard is in town, no one gives him any grief, if he knows whats right for him. Or her. Get my drift?"

Ran nods knowingly and turns as Kline calls him to show his stuff. The 1/2 elf goes a bit harder on Kline than he had planned, but he feels a bit better for it. When Kline calls a stop, he tells Harp and Ran to come back tomorrow, and then he limps off to the barracks, shouting orders to Alex and Nomad as he goes.

OODM: OK I still have to do some work on Surin and Mund but the rest of the party can meet back at the inn.