12. Foundry Tavern:

[Taijun]

Taijun had been watching the Foundry from across the street for some time now. He had heard that the proprietor of the tavern had one of those automatons stored inside and he was concerned for the people of this town. Having faced one out on the road, he knew the damage one could wreak upon the common folk. Recent events here seemed to have put the locals on edge as well. He had arrived only three days ago but in that time Taijun managed to walk down all the streets, see the amazing inventions, and hear the gossip of the locals of Torch.

This morning was much like the one yesterday. Taijun rose early from his bed roll by the lake, he didn't have the gold for a room at an inn, even the cheapestl, and strolled the lake by the market to practice his stances while the sun rose, warming the chill air with it's amber glow. Then the people came out hurrying this way and that. Inventors showed off their contraptions, shop owners opened their doors, and everyone talked. They talked about the torch going out, they talked about the Technic League, and they worried about their future lives. Today, the with the flies, buzzing about his head, Taijun decided to go inside and give up a few coins for a drink and food.

Entering the Foundry, Taijun waits a moment for his eyes to adjust and recognizes a few of the patrons he's seen come and go, including a finely dressed man pouring over a map with a female half-elf. He could feel the eyes upon him immediately, there weren't many others in the room carrying a shortbow and all their belongings on their back, but that didn't bother Taijun in the slightest. He was here to find out more about the automaton and grab a simple meal so he headed to the bar to order some food and keep his ears open.