The Blacklock Society [Pathfinder]

[Jane_Smith]

You all begin in your respective homes, apartments, rented rooms or wherever you sleep or lay your head at night. You had your interveiw with Wayne Dorby already, a grizzled and scarred veteran of many battles and brawls with the left lip and cheek of his mouth torn and healed together again in a grizzly scar, and a few minor little scars you can only asume were pieces of glass smashed in his face... on more then one occassion. He sat you down in the back and looked you over and talked with you about your former work history, where you come from, your skills and the like, andhad a professional air about himself during the meeting, but managed to keep a casual approach to things. Afterwords he said that new recruits must be looked into, and might take few days or evenw weeks before an official invitation would be released, to confirm what was discussed in private and to make sure they have no exsisting or old work orders that would be a conflict of intrest in allowing you membership. Can't hire someone who's family the society has crossed or has a bounty on there head, can they?

It has been an interesting week to say the least as you eagerly waited for the courier each day sense that meeting. Life went on as usual, with a few surreal bits of news. The death of the king, Lord Eodred Arabasti II, was regarded with a mixed reaction but a large one and has been the local gossip for the last few days. Many boasted he was a good man, who did many good things before his death, while many others claim he was nothing but a womanizing drunk who could not handle coin if it was covered in tar and thrown at him. That aside, the political climate immediately became stirred up as the noble houses began to scheme for the queen's favor, Lady Ileosa Arabasti, who its rumored has locked herself away in grief over her husbands sudden death.

With the royal guard preparing for the funeral and investigating the king's death, many guards have been repositioned to the inner part of the cities districts to take over for the royal guards sudden depature to fortify the keep - such as the noble and temple districts, leaving the common's, market's and other such districts vulnerable to thieves, thugs, and worse as the city watch has to strech is men to compensate. The Blacklock Society did what it always does in such situations, they performed there job and kept the peace, taking in bounties, taking down smugglers and drug dealers around the city, while simultaniously gaining a firm, controlled grip on such illict trade by routing out the competition. But things have become more and more violent as of late, with a mysterious drug being created "in the king's name" to mourn his loss, called Ileosa's Tear. The drug was immediately popular, but also extremely volitile. The drug was immediatelly outlawed by the city guard, due to its dangerous properties, which would make those of weak will or anyone who overdosed go into a berzerk and cheerful frenzy, attacking anything and everyone round them blindly while they experienced only joy and happyness. After forty seven murders in only 3 days after its release, the guild has had its resources spread thin trying to locate the producer of the drug and shut down any drug dens it can find that sell the vile liquid. Many fear leaving there homes, while other degranged souls wonder the streets proclaiming the end days are coming. Its all rather overly dramatic.

To make matters worse, this morning you hard the "Ole' Saint Mary's" orphanage was almost burnt down after a group of thugs apparently kidnapped several children, but with the Ileosa's Tear still being created and mass produced by an unseen hand, the city watch is helpless in fully investigating the culprits and identifying them to even post bounties. Rough times indeed.

All that aside, there has been some good news this week that you hold in your hand. You find you have been sent this beautiful pressed paper envolope with a decorative sketched trim with the charcoal stamped symbol of the society as the seal this morning, the entire letter and even the seal seemingly forged by hand. Opening it, you read the following;


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greetings,

After much consideration and evaluation of your skills
and background, we at the Blacklock Society would like
to formely invite you to join our brotherhood.

When you are ready, join us at Head quarter's at the
address of 1183, 3rd Coin Avenue, at the Krovosa Market
District, four blocks west of the church of abador and
meet with Commander Wayne Dorby on Oathday, Rova
the 6th at 11 am. Wear whatever you would while on
duty. You are in charge of purchasing and bringing your
own equipment. The society has no dress code, but your
initiation trial will see you in action as soon as possible,
be prepared.

Signed,
Secretary Rayna Sori

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The current day is Oathday, Rova the 6th. The temperature is a steady 61 F with breezy weather as the cold front is moving in, clouds darken the sky as it appears it will rain tonight. You can feel it in your bones winter is coming soon. You smell the scents of the city, not all of which are pleasant - but you get use to them. Then you realize the time, its already 10 am! Your meeting is in only an hour, better not be late!

After quickly getting dressed you all arrive roughly around the same time with several other recruits all waiting outside of the headquarters. This early morning in the market district is busy, with peddlers finishing setting up shop or supplying there businesses, and the foot traffic is terrible. You were worried you might be late after some inconsiderate bastards left there wagons and carts blocking the streets. You notice there is a large statue of a man holding the head of a clock on his shoulder, "Old Timer" as locals call it, off in the corner of the market square you can use to keep time. Only ten minutes until 11 am, it is time. Several of the recruits have already went inside before you, eager to get started, while others are more punctual and nervous, waiting for the last minute.

Scene;
http://img23.wallpapercasa.com/uploads/wallpapers/2012/06/29/629891/thumb_big_wide_7ae59f4278072e0f210a67e81e6b5e32.jp g

When you decide to walk in, its a bit noisy and a lot less formal then you thought it would be, with both full members and recruits talking and getting to know each other in the small tavern and meeting area, just one of many sections of the guild's construction.

Scene;
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-RiIKBFMYo/Th3vXgA36KI/AAAAAAAAAL0/FTrA_NQbl4A/s1600/Fantasy-Tavern-low900.jpg

You do not see Wayne yet, he must be punctual as well. Oh well, you see a few empty seats and tables in the corner. You can talk with some of the older members and ask what the initial trial is like, or you can get to know the other recruits (and, obviously, other players). You remember Wayne saying that nobody works alone in the Society, so you might want to scope out your future partners. You notice all the full members of the Society have a symbol of a black keyhole on there person somewhere, women preferring little locket charms, rings, or tattoos, the men having it painted on there shoulder plates or shields, tattooed, or in the case of one dwarven recruit, a apparently self-forged iron seal with the logo in the center to keep his beard braided.

Tavern Room Occupants you can see (Npcs)
Bar Tender (Member)
3 Waitresses (Members)
Heavy Armored Orc (Recruit)
Scholary Elf (Recruit)
Old Human Warrior (Member)
Young Human Warrior (Recruit)
Halfling thief already breaking the rules (Go figure) (Recruit)
3 Young Elves (Recruits)
Leather Wearing Dwarf (Recruit)
Robed Woman by fireplace (Member)
3 Human boys (Recruits)
And one black cat (Member)

The handful of recruits outside must be having second thoughts about joining, as after a few minutes they walk off and no more come inside. You wonder just how hard this trial will be? Wayne did not mention anything about any trial to you, but it does make some sense, they cannot hire any pansy off the street.


---Social Initiative

Desaix Solomon - Noble_Pigeon
Rank: 23 (19 Cha + 4 Imp Initiative)

Thrum Ogretooth - loser0ll
Rank: 19 (19 Cha)

Sarka - Lemeres
Rank: 14 (Charisma Tie, Decided by Dex 18)

Laudine Tirrem - Zealumieo
Rank: 14 (Charisma Tie, Decided by Dex 16)

Silviu Drazesti - North_Range
Rank: 12

OOC: Remember you only get a single post which can be any comment, speech, etc to any one or more people each social "round", and one swift reply if someone directly talks to you. I was not joking about that. This initiation is NOT combat initiative, this is simply to make sure 1-2 of you do not outshine or get into a massive conversation and leave another player feeling out/overwhelmed just because they took a day off. Once everyone has had there say in a round, I will post, and the cycle continues nice and cleanly. Any questions/etc, please label it ooc at the bottom of your post in bold, or pm it to me! Also highlight any ability-actions or skill-actions in bold in your post.
Also, whatcha think of my social-initiative idea and review my intro post to get things started? I am eager to hear feedback and ways I can has improvements. I will adjust things as necessary based to make things better.

(Rolling Area: http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256608)

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix takes a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the tavern. That's the first step. Noisy but not boisterous, an air of authority but quite laid back as well.

After a moment, he puts on his most charming, disarming grin, and decides to chat up the other recruits. One of them in particular catches his attention. Is that an undine? Haven't seen one of those in years. He approaches the undine and bows.

"Hail, fellow recruit!" Desaix says. I am Desaix Solomon, wandering bard, reciter of lost glory...and, a recruit of this fair Blacklock Society. Forgive my curiosity, but I haven't seen much of your kind in my travels. Might I ask what brings you to the Blacklock Society?"

[loser0ll]

One of the potential recruits seems to be perfectly calm in dealing with nobody at all - in fact, he almost seems to be constantly distracted by something going on, although it's nearly impossible to tell what. Whatever it is seems to be fairly distracting though, since he doesn't seem very focused on anything or anyone inside of the room.
Will you just leave me alone? I've told you before now that I am not yours. It wouldn't be honorable to do those things - I said leave me alone!
The Human seems determined not to approach anyone in the room immediately, but instead paces back and forth, waiting for time to pass. While he has brown hair, green eyes, six feet of height and around two-hundred pounds of weight, it almost seems as though he's repressing some portion of himself that could normally be very charming and persuasive. He wears no armor and carries only his clothing and a cheap quarterstaff - those with some experience with magic might guess that he's an arcanist of some kind.

OOC : I'll be posting personal thoughts and mental events inside of Spoilers, like I did above. People who are curious can feel free to read, those who aren't can avoid it just by not clicking. It may seem a bit strange a lot of times - that's actually my goal, considering my character's background and personality flaws.

[lemeres]

Sarka enters the headquarters and takes a look around. Doesn't look like there will be too much trouble here, she guessed. She decides to head over to the bar and place down some copper coins. Best to buy something if you are going to take up his time.

After getting their attention, she said "Morning barkeep. How about something light, since I have that initiation soon. Have any advise?"

OOC: is this a good color? I have no real preferences.

[Zealumieo]

After a moment, he puts on his most charming, disarming grin, and decides to chat up the other recruits. One of them in particular catches his attention. Is that an undine? Haven't seen one of those in years. He approaches the undine and bows.

"Hail, fellow recruit!" Desaix says. I am Desaix Solomon, wandering bard, reciter of lost glory...and, a recruit of this fair Blacklock Society. Forgive my curiosity, but I haven't seen much of your kind in my travels. Might I ask what brings you to the Blacklock Society?"

OOC: sorry for missing this earlier. XD giving a swift reply

"Monetary Windfall. I'm gambling here. Not for me though, family. Scandelous, but far under the radar after all thats happened locally. Laudine Tirrem." She speaks a-matter-of-factly, not all that interested in his lure to dip into the details 'her kind'.

Laudine had entered glad to be out of the streets, yet relaxed to greet the familiar atmosphere of both the tenseness of waiting and the casualness of information fishing. She decided to come in honest, sporting her natural skin color and glasses tucked in her breastpocket. She sported a bemused smile as she noticed the Blacklock symbol prominantly displayed on each of the members, a theme- she believed-would go well with Arodan's Key holy symbol. Keys and Locks! A tricky fit, but one she was confident she could pair. Though the momentary thought made her uncomfortably squirm about the high quality gold one she had to pawn off ealier in the week.

It was... Flattering to be approached so directly by the most handsome man in the room. She consciously held her ground in order to not blush teal.

OOC: this is where chonologically her answer would be

She formally curtsied back, odd as it was in bookish scholars clothes. It was a polite response to his,"Of the Tirrem house. Recently left my job at the local Abadar temple. Mmm, a seasoned traveller I see, Desaix. I'm a raised Korvosian, unfortunately I cannot describe the special side of my heritage. Though, if we have the time I'd like to hear about the ones you came across. Rather rare to hear about... Even for me." She nodded, "Care to come to an agreement? We can question the members for details... Maybe hints. Definately connections if we can. Then come back later to share. You look like a charming man, I'm fairly certain the Ladies of this organization would love to talk to you and I'll return the favor for you later if we both get in the same job." Laudine crossed over her heart, "No harm in a deal."

[Jane_Smith]

The barkeep is busy servicing one to many dwarves right now, muttering about how the little barrel-bellied bastards will drink him dry. He looks over to Sarka as she approaches and quirks an eyebrow. "Well ill be a pickled toad, I haven't seen one of your kind around here in a while. No offense intended of course." Two of the dwarf patrons turn around to look at you, the more older and grizzled of the pair snarls. "Get lost demon bitch, your kind ain't wel-" Before he even finishs the sentence, he finds a solid steel mug slammed into his face and the sound of at least three teeth being knocked out of his mouth as he flys a few feet and tumbles accross the floor. The younger dwarf goes white and turns to see the bartender with the bloodied mug, wiping it clean. "We ain't got place in our ranks for a xenophobic bag of filth like you, now get out, while you can still walk out."

The dwarf spits a fourth tooth and rams his shoulder into you as he leaves while he mutters curses, you find yourself surprised that did not escalate any further, but you noticed several of the full members laughing with the bartender that were watching the situation. He motions to the dwarves seat. "Don't let it bother you lass, on the plus side you just helped giving us an excuse to kick his rude runty ass out before the trial. The society has to many bloodlines in it to have someone who can't respect there brothers or authority just because of a few tusks, horns, tails, or scales you know? And if anyone else gives you any trouble, just tell your ol' Crex, and ill handle it." He finishes cleaning the mug with his, oddly still solid white rag, and it seems polished and clean as he fills it with a strange, thick, black brew. "On the house, it should calm your nerves while keeping your mind sharp, special brew." He excuses himself as he goes to the other side of the bar, grabbing a few bottles of wine for an elven couple. The other dwarf stares forward silently and looks over. "Sorry an all about that, wasn't with him, but should've said somethin', names Drig. He offers his mug to butt off yours and takes a swig.



For the others in the room, nobody seems to bother both Laudine and Desaix except for a young halfling girl with bright red hair and a face full of freckles who bumps into Desaix's leg, excuses herself but finds herself blushing and running off after looking up at him. She seems to be a member, with a tiny black cloak with a white keyhole in the center, the cloak itself must be the lock symbol. She scurries back into the crowd.



It doesn't take long for someone to finally approach the nervous wizard Thrum in the back of the room however. A large, thuggish half-orc with a massive spiked club covered head to toe in tattoos leans against the wall. "Nerves eh? Don worry to much, you'in one of them mages right? They always get'in." He says and looks over Thrum. "Don't I kno ya? Feelin like I kno ya..." He appraises you over, and as he turns his head to fully look you over, you notice something familiar about his tattoos.



OOC: I really should figure out how to better talk as a low-int character without sounding so cliche. q.q Also no checks needed for any casual conversations in here unless you are feeling mischievous.

[Noble Pigeon]

"You do not know much about your own race?" For a moment it seems like that warm grin would turn into a sneer. But it instead turns right around and Desaix---is that a tear in his eye?

"I see! So that is how it is!" He said, letting the single tear fall while nodding. "You require my assistance to learn more of the culture you yearn to connect with! But the pressures of joining the Blacklock Society---ah, I see." He says, nodding to himself, understanding, even though the undine might have not.

I will do this, my lady Tirrem. To satisfy my own curiosity, and for your sake as well. He bows again, and when he unbows, there is a gleam in his deep purple eyes. Not more tears, more that of a determination to win a contest. He turns and leaves, but not before hearing the commotion with the dwarf.

Desaix witnesses the salty dwarf's face introduce itself to a flying mug. Seemed they were unhappy about that tiefling woman. A tiefling as well? My, small world.

He was about to work his magic and chat with other recruits, when he feels something bump against his leg. Looking down, he finds a halfling girl, noticing she wore a member's insignia. Before he could introduce himself, she mumbled something and ran away.

Wait! I'm sorry, I didn't---what did I do?" Desaix looks earnestly crestfallen, then began consciously sniffing himself, specifically trying to sniff his leg, which left him looking rather awkward to any onlookers. Is there a stink bug in my socks perhaps? Finding no abnormal smell, he regains his composure. Perhaps I will find her another time.

Suddenly, Desaix realizes the atmospheric music in the room is...lacking, somehow. Deciding to do what he does best, he begins to sing in soft, slow tones, with lyrics that told the tale of two lovers trapped in two separate towers, but they could not see each other as an army was besieging the fortress below. The song was based off of the Siege of Wind's End in the Azlanti Civil War. Not that anyone in this comely tavern was to know the finer details, anyway. In an attempt to impress the more grizzled, salty inhabitants of the tavern, he raised the pitch of his voice, sang long lines of the mighty prowess of the Royalist lines, and so on.

OOC:
Gonna roll Perform (sing) in an attempt to basically make me seem more approachable, and in general to lighten up the mood a bit

[North_Ranger]

Sitting with his back against the wall, Silviu observed the slowly-thinning crowd with keen, dark eyes. Huh, the Varisian thought as he sipped the dark ale filling his tankard. Seems like them Blacklocks ain't so easy to impress afterall, he mused to himself as more and more recruits were apparently told to make like the wind and blow.

Well, you don't win if you never try, Silviu thought to himself and leaned back against the wall. He was ready for whatever the Society had to throw in his face, and he didn't need the itch at the side of his nose to tell him to keep his wits about him. If the Blacklocks wanted only dumb brutes, there'd hardly be need for the likes of the blue-skinned wench or the minstrel to show their faces here. At least the minstrel wasn't half bad with his singing, even though Silviu didn't recognize the tune. Must be from some parts foreign, that one...

OOC:
Rolling Perception to see if there's anything out of the ordinary, such as if us recruits are being watched and evaluated clandestinely.

[Jane_Smith]

The tune seems to catch on, though few know the words to go along with it to sing along properly, that does not keep a few of the more loud patrons from adding there 'masterful vocals" to the tune, and a few of the barmaids from rubbernecking between there tables to watch the bard.


OOC: Do to a little error on my part, the social initiative is just a guideline for now, you may post if you must be please try not to form any large conversations or the like without your group (At least in this thread, rp via pm's for when your split apart is fine).

Ranger, you do not notice anything particular about the members or recruits acting unusual or being to obvious about watching the recruits.

[lemeres]

Guess her information was right. She really didn't expect it to be that accepting though. Since it was so rare, Sarka knew that hospitality given was to be enjoyed.

"Don't Worry about it Drig. I was more surprised by Crex though. I guess if you going to run a bar full of mercenaries, you had better be able to handle yourself." Sarka began to take a few gulps of her own drink. She then began to smirk and say, "If you really have to make if up to me, it might be nice to know where I can get a tip or two on the trial."

OOC: Ah, so mostly things like Bluff checks, sleight of hand checks, and diplomacy with people who notice the previous two, right? Fair enough. Ah, sorry if I posted a bit early, but I have a paper to do and might not be on much today. Sorry.

[loser0ll]

No! I won't let him be spoken to - he's just a random mercenary offering me a little encouragement. It wouldn't even gain you a bit of... Fine! Just a few words. Just to see how he reacts. But no digging into him! Leave his secrets alone!
For the first few seconds after the Half-Orc mercenary ends his attempt to encourage Thrum, he seems to be even more nonreactive, like a mental fight was going on even more firmly in his head than before. Suddenly though, he takes on a much more firm, confidant stance, and begins to look less like he was scared of the crowd and more like he may want to try and negotiate with them for some reason. He reacts with a calm, friendly voice.
"Well, it's nice to meet someone who is willing to try and convince me that I'll do pretty well. It's a pleasure to meet you - my name is Thrum Ogretooth, adopted in case that might be what had you so confused. Your name is..?

[Zealumieo]

Laudine looked down and rubbed some dust out from between her fingers. Desaix didn't seem like a good listener at all, or maybe he had selective hearing. She wasn't going to correct him at this moment, no point in indignantly saying her family was here and her kind were her family. Y'know... the people who cared for and raised her. Already, this place had suffered from an unruly ruckus as one dwarf was booted out. Well it seemed his heart... was in the right place?

Laudine's blue eyes scanned the room for a good place to start a conversation. Near fire wasn't high on her list of comfortable places. An errant glance fell on the black cat marked as their own. Laudine liked the company of animals, but talking alone with one in the moment would just show others she wasn't all that interested in talking with people.

She approached the Old Human Warrior, honestly if you were going to pay your dues you'd better acknowledge the ones with a collection of experience in them. "Hello, hope you won't mind me keeping you company for a bit. Laudine Tirrem, Cleric of Abadar. Just... experiencing some pre-induction jitters. Everyone has them, one point or another."

OOC: Donno if he's sitting or standing. Mmm... XD if he's sitting she'll as "Mind if I join you?" if (s)he's standing she'll stay up and say "Mind if I keep you company?". (Haha realized he/she could be either gender)

Also sorry that I haven't put up a physical description/personality profile on my sheet yet! I'll rectify that while I'm traveling. XD 7 hour drive with other people blar.

[North_Ranger]

"Abadar?" a deep voice of dark honey suddenly blurted, amusedly. The speaker, a human of Varisian descent with thick, dark hair, vivacious eyes and quite the impressive nose, leaned forward in his chair. Firelight glinted in the studs of his vest and shimmered in the many-colored shirts and scarves and trousers as he studied the undine with laughing eyes and a wide grin.

"Didn't mean no harm, if that's what you thought, miss", the man continued, his voice filled with laughter but no malice. " 'S just surprisin' to see one a' Abadar's people 'mongst us sellswords, bravos an' other ruffians, 's all."

[Zealumieo]

Laudine turned for a moment to answer, "Not an incorrect assumption. Generally we like the money to do our work for us. But that doesn't mean I won't get my hands dirty for a good reason." her voice was soft, rhythmic, and annunciated... Like a waterclock if you've heard of one. Laudine's left hand often moved up as if to adjust an invisible pair of eyewear, an action that lessened in strangeness when one looked at the tinted grey glasses in her vestpocket. Her hair is wavy (as if recently braided and tied), long, and strangly a deep, dark green. Laudine wore an interesting take on the term "three piece suit" as it involved a flowing robe which surprisingly was complimented by a well cut vest and buttoned collared shirt. The colors evoked the sense of late autumn, warm colors slowly giving away to chilled winds.

OOC: I'm going to use this chance to post a little character description before typng one up on my sheet

[North_Ranger]

"Reckon there's gonna be plenty a' dirt to go around, miss. I don't think they're gonna offer us the choice pickin's at first... that is, if we pass whatever test they's got cooked up fer us back there", Silviu answered and nodded towards the door through which recruits had walked one by one. "But where's my manners? Silviu Drazesti, Korvosan born an' bred, Ol' Korvosa an' the Shingles, for the most part. Frien's call me Silviu, or Sil, if they's in a rush. And you was... Laudine, was it?"

With that, the Varisian offered his callused hand in greeting. "Beggin' your pardon for interrupting", he said, nodding both to the cleric and the old man. "Just figured I might as well mingle while we's waitin'."

OOC:
If my attempts at an accent prove too much to handle, just let me know and I'll curb it down. I just like putting a little Goodfellas-type lingo for a character who was a member of Golarion's version of the mob :smalltongue:

[Zealumieo]

OOC: hehe look at me using all my swift actions. she'll shake his hand after the old warrior. Even if (s)he doesn't Laudine still will after whatever (s)he responds with.
Laudine took his hand, providing a contast with her smooth palm and delicately inclined webbed digits. She held and shook firmly with a well practiced movement, "Correct, Laudine Tirrem. A native Korvosian like you." she smiled at the shared trait.

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix quickly evaluated the response as he sang. Not bad. But should play something more local. He expected others to add their own lyrics, as obscure a song it was. Some potential there. I’ve heard far worse anyway.

He would have began to sing a song far more familiar to Varisians: one of many detailing the adventures of Ol’Barrels the Varisian Ranger and his companion grizzly bear, Betsy. But with Wayne possibly arriving any second, he decides against it. I’ll have plenty of opportunity to amaze the crowds here, for now I’ll partake in the thing lady Tirrem has asked of me.

Scanning the room, he notices the elf recruit that seems to have a “bookish” feel about her. A scholar, perhaps?

“Greetings!” the bard says as he approaches, flashing his brilliant white teeth. “I’m Desaix, a fellow recruit. Would you mind my company for a bit?”

[Jane_Smith]

Desaix

The young elven woman uses her wrist to push her glasses back into place as she reads a book, and does not pay you any heed. She wears a simple dress of light green with a few sky blue patch's and silver buttons. You overhear her muttering softly to herself she is not looking for any company right now, but stops herself when she looks up to see you directly. "Er, your the performer from earlier... is there something I can do for you?" She seems a bit nervous talking to you, obviously not a people person. She keeps her book open on the table, and you notice its not a history book or spell book, instead its all handwritten notes with a beautiful elven script, but with her lack of a pen, its obvious this is another persons work or previously written.

The crowd seems a bit more tame after your song, and the timeline makes the room quite down over the next few minutes, only a few tables remain chatting loudly as many eagerly await Wayne.


Laudine & Silviu

The old warrior is a human, in his late sixties. Grey hair, but a beard to put a dwarf to shame and braided hair, well tended and polished banded armor, and a brown fur-trimmed cloak on his back. It seems he was daydreaming as he snaps to attention and notices others talking to him. "Sorry, i've been on the road for the last season, from my homeland Irrisen. Please, take a seat. With my age, the fatigue and strain take quite a while to recover from, but don't mind me."

He listens to you both talking before pushing out a seat for Silviu before taking a sip of mead, "So, both recruits? Glad to see there are some talented men and lovely young ladies still willing to work hard these days. Don't worry to much... er... what did you say your names were again? The name's Vaner, Vaner "Goldmane". He smirks at the irony.


Sarka

The dwarf shrugs. "Not a clue. Tried asking around myself for the last hour, the full members apparently can't talk about it with us new-bloods. I don't blame them to much, but maybe they don't know themselves is what i'm thinking." He downs his mug and motions for Crex, "You've had enough barrel ass, can't have drunkards going on a trial." Drig laughs, "When you seein a drunk dwarf in your life you dumbass"?! Crex rolls his eyes and goes back to serving other customers.


Thrum

"Wat, no way, ogretooth? No wonder you seemed familiar, your that human brat they adopted? Ill be damned. What brings ya to the big city?" He pulls out a case from his pack and lights likely one of the largest cigars you have ever seen, half a foot long and well wrapped as he gets a small palm-sized flip-top lighter flask to light it up. He takes a large breath and almost takes an inch off the top in a single go before exhaling. "I never actually met your folks myself, but back in the clans your folks helped us out. Nobody could figure out why they took in a pinky though. I wont ask, either."

[Zealumieo]

"Laudine Tirrem, Cleric of Abadar. You may recognize me from the city temple if you've hung around there." She could give her name out all day and night, not a problem, "You're from Irrisen, wow thats far north. I bet you get a chuckle when visitors come into town and complain about the cold here. Must be like a vacation here in the city, Vaner." Laudine looked over at Silviu, "Yeah we're both new. Interested in hearing about a day in the shoes of a member. Or anything you'd like to share to pass the time before we're called up." She wasn't exactly sure how long the Timetested warrior would like to keep their attention- but she was willing to sit the extra mile for an established bond- she didn't know about Mr. Drazesti, but she felt okay with having him around to chat about and then leave if he wished.

[loser0ll]

Thrum still seems to have almost no trouble replying in a calm, relaxed way - in fact, before words leave his mouth, he even lets a loud, calm laugh leave his lips. "Oh, there's no real secret there. They're real mercenaries, who plan on raising up more mercenaries too. Of course, that means that none of the Elves or Dwarves or Gnomes would really fit in - it'd take 50 years just to raise the Dwarves and Gnomes, and over a hundred to raise the Elves. But anyone who comes close age wise is welcome, as long as we seem like we might have the brains and talent to make it as mercenaries."
There - are you satisfied? You've talked with him and left nice little piece of bait in case you decide to use him in the future. We should stop this now!

[North_Ranger]

"Silviu", the Varisian introduced himself anew as he took the seat. As he moved, the uncorded shortbow and a small quiver of black-fletched arrows came to view. "An' if you recognize me, I've done my job piss-poorly", he added with a wolfish grin.

With that said, he gave a small whistle to one of the barmaids. "Hey, lass! Another ale for me an' master Goldmane 'ere... an' whatever the lady wishes", he called out and then turned back to his companions. "I'm buyin'. This round." It never hurt to grease the wheels a little...

[Zealumieo]

With that said, he gave a small whistle to one of the barmaids. "Hey, lass! Another ale for me an' master Goldmane 'ere... an' whatever the lady wishes", he called out and then turned back to his companions. "I'm buyin'. This round." It never hurt to grease the wheels a little...

"Spiked Coffee. Though it might be hard to get unless you travel to the Jittery Quill. If that is the case, Tea please. You are too generous." Laudine played coy, though there was a glimmer of playfulness in her eyes.

[lemeres]

OOC: Sorry it took so long to get back. I ended up having to finish this morning, and I am still a bit short on sleep. Hopefully I will still be coherent. Sorry again if I am out of turn.

"Ah. Well, the fact that there is no information is far more useful than bits and pieces. I hope we will get to work together sometime, Drig." Sarka finished her drink and waved herself off. If there were no good sources of info, then it was time to move onto the next stage: mingling. It was about time to find some useful people and endear herself to them. The musician put people into a good mood, so it will hopefully not be to difficult. Especially after Crex's spectacle earlier.

Hmm.... the musician might be a good place to start. He will at least be popular enough to help the other recruits to lower their guard around her at least. Sarka saw him speaking to the bookish elf and headed over. "Don't worry, if he was planning to bite your head off, he wouldn't have drawn so much attention to himself."

[Jane_Smith]

OOC: New OOC chat made, sorry about that.

http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256846

[Noble Pigeon]

"I apologize if I interrupted you, my lady," Desaix replied in Elven. I was merely curious. Many of the recruits in this room have obvious martial prowess, or look like adventurers such as myself. He gestured to himself, seemingly oblivious that he looked more like a nobleman than a gruff adventurer. "I mean no offense, but you seem a bit...out of place here."

At that point, Desaix noticed the tiefling approach. [Enter lemeres's dialogue.] "Indeed. Your head is far too fair for me to savagely tear off." He grinned, then looked at the tiefling. "I am Desaix, fellow recruit to this society of like-minded individuals. First an undine, and now a tiefling? I've seen even less of your race in my travels. Truly the Blacklock Society attracts different types of people!"

[lemeres]

"I think the bartender made it clear why we feel so welcome." Sarka uses her thumb to point back towards Crex. "I wonder if I should go back there later and get those teeth as souvenirs."

"But I've heard a lot about their other benefits. It definitely has the resources to back up its members. So a strong group with open doors if you are strong enough to get in, what more can one ask for?"

[Jane_Smith]

Sarka & Desaix;

The woman looks at you both warily and speaks up in elven, "The reason I seem out of place here is because I do not belong. It was not my decision to join. I am from the academe here within the city, and this is my punishment. I must find work to repay a colleague, as I damaged some of there property during an experiment that went out of hand. Our master has connections here and decided the experience would benefit me. Though I doubt it myself, as it seems more like a way to get killed in some back ally fairly quickly and I dare say that was his intention..." She sighs and speaks in a rough common, "Essentially, I would rather skip the small talk for now, I am not in the greatest of moods, but...", Her attention goes back to her book and she straightens her glasses again, moving her long blonde hair from her face and taking a sip of her drink. "My name is Ariana, if you require any arcane expertise, you should know who to ask for."



Thrum;

The orc grins. "Ain't that the truth? Well, luck be with ya little-tooth. Who knows, might catch you later!" He waves and goes to the bar, puffing a large gout of smoke in a circle above his head, a cocky grin on his face.



Silviu & Laudine;

"Aye, thanks for the offer boy. Hm.. well, I suppose the average day for someone in the guild is based on there groups temperament and skills. You can take any job you wish, all but the trial that is. You can get jobs for protecting merchants, hunting down criminals, even to helping someone move and keeping an eye out for thieves. Last job I took was hunting down a overgrown boar on the outskirts of town who was damaging a few farmers crops. Simple work, but I am getting to old for the most risky and well paying jobs, and someone has to do it." He leans back as the waitress arrives, a young human woman with bright red hair and freckles, she places the mugs in front of you all, and a smaller cup filled with tea for Laudine. Before she asks if you need anything else, someone enters the tavern that has most members looking in that direction. "Well well well, looks like its your time to shine kids. Goodluck, and the drinks are on me, looks like you won't get to enjoy them." He takes his drink, and him and many other full members get up after excusing themselves and leave the room, going into the back rooms, the working area of the guild.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Wayne has finally arrived. The old human warrior, his skin heavily tanned and brown due to his shaonti heritage, wearing a style of armor similar to the city watch captain uniforms, except with the blacklock symbol, and several new strips and patches of metal to fix the damage its received from the years.

"Alright recruits, its time to get started. Stand to attention in front of the bar, and I will explain the mission and your orders.". Several of the recruits immediately get up and stand before the bar with you. "Now, as you know... lately there has been a mockery of the queen and our late queen flooding the streets.", with that he holds up a vial of dark blue liquid. "As you can see here, it is called "Ileosa's Tear". Its an powerful hallucinogen capable of making the user experience the world as a paradise, and there body feels no pain or discomfort. However, its all an illusion, the drug itself actually contorts the body as you lose control of your own muscles. Your bones snap, your flesh twists, your jaw tries to pry itself open. Its gruesome." He sighs and puts the vial away. "As you can guess, we have been ordered to find and stop the production of this drug before it gets any further out of control. This also means that full members, which are known around the city, cannot effectively scout around as well as we would like due to our identities. Something you all should have no problem with. Your mission is simple, there are fifteen recruits, so I will be splitting you into three groups of five. You may later register under a party of your choosing after you complete the job, but for now, the people closest to you are your brothers in arms."

You all look around and find yourselves on the right side of the group of recruits. The orc and Ariana seem to be in the center along with the halfling girl from earlier and Drig the dwarf, while a few other members like the elven couple are on the other side.

"Now, your job is to infiltrate any drug dens and ask around and investigate any lowlifes you might assume will have connections to the drug. Trust me, with how far its spread, this should not be a issue. Your goal is to find the location of where its being made, and be warned, with the amount being sold, they have a large distribution center, or several scattered around the city, but you only need to find one to complete your trial. You may investigate anywhere within the city and question anyone you deem necessary, just try to act natural and do not reveal your connections to the guild at any time. Any questions?" He hands each group a map of the city.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ersF53wzhq4/SZuPbTLzbyI/AAAAAAAAAlU/VzWAFE8snL8/s1600-h/Korvosaboroughs.jpg


OOC: We are in the town square of North Point currently, the little square area in the center.

[North_Ranger]

Silviu was still displeased about having lost not only his ale but also the chance to chat up the girl with freckles - how far down her bodice those things went? - when the Shoanti boss started giving his breaking. Mocking Ileosa, now that's a laugh, he mused to himself as he listened. The pretty young queen's probably mournin' with some knight and his lance, poor thing indeed. Still, it was best to keep such notions to himself, since it seemed that at least Wayne had high notions of her.

What did pick Silviu's interest, however, was the mention of their trial - and the new drug. I'll be a scum-suckin' ogre if the Sczarni don't have their fingers in that pie, he contemplated and wondered what gangs - Sczarni or otherwise - would be in on that action. And most importantly, where they'd keep such operations. It would have to be somewhere the city guard didn't dare or didn't want to look...

As he contemplated that, he looked around his comrades. There was Laudine the cleric... and that too-pretty-by-half singer... a tiefling... and some fellow with a scholarly air about him. "So... it looks like we're together, then", he started, trying to break the ice. "Name's Silviu, pleasure to meet you all."

[Zealumieo]

It was a shame all she had was a chance to smell the fragrance of her tea before they were called off. But, Laudine was pleased to hear the trail was going to be fairly straightforward. She had to agree, even among other Illicit drugs of latest design- the Tears were a painful thing to deal with in the city. As for the late queen they were named after, Laudine was glad to have sidestepped the majority of what was mostly loose tongues and open gossip about it. 'I've been to busy to care about what one royal does before the next one steps in.'

But what were the odds? Already an acquaintance with half of the group it seemed. For the two new faces, Laudine was intrigued by the Tiefling... actually she was intrigued by both of them. She could sympathize with the only other woman in the group covering up- not that Laudine would say it outloud. Better to go unnoticed then to be harried at every street corner. The tall human seemed a little reserved and a bit distracted- something you don't want to be in the middle of introductions. She looked back at lucky Desaix, seemed he was pretty charmed himself- same group, a silent prediction carried through. "Mine is Laudine Tirrem, we should take a moment to organize ourselves. Cleric of Abadar at your service." she introduced herself, following Silviu's welcoming lead.

She had a couple of ideas of good places to start... Manly places she was accustomed too. It followed common sense logic, where would drug addicts attempt to borrow money from first? A bank. Unless they were too Desperate and borrowed from their suppliers.

What was also a good place would be a center for healing- there was always a handful of people with enough sense to quit while they were ahead and the best places to go cold turkey was a temple where someone would watch you even if you felt weak willed. Even if people had snuck off, it'd give them names for returning addicts.

OOC: If no one else retrieves the map from Wayne, Laudine will have taken it... Even if she feels like she doesn't need it.

[lemeres]

She turned towards the tall fellow as he addressed her. His bright dress sharply contrasted against his dark hair and tan skin. "Ah, good to meet you. Sarka....just Sarka. No last name." She was beginning to feel a bit more at ease.

Then the undine began to talk. A cleric. Of course there had to be a cleric. And Sarka did not like the looks at that other human nearby. He was the tallest person in the group, but didn't have the slightest bit of armor and only carried that stick. Could he make it anymore obvious he was a caster? Oh well, she might as well go through the motions. "Nice to meet you..." Sarka apprehensively stretched out her hand. "A... pleasure to be working with you."

She began to turn over the possibilities. Well, the slums are always the place to look for new drugs, so maybe Old Korvasa. It would definitely provide plenty of places to hid an operation, and the old docks would be prime for smuggling the ingredients. Of course, with something this nasty, you might not want to try pushing it onto locals. Maybe back alley deals with tourists passing through Midland? They would be easy enough to catch with all those promises the peddlers made.

[Noble Pigeon]

There must be well-off merchants, or other people in significant positions in the city, that could have their hands in this illicit drug trade, Desaix mused. Looking in the underworld or the rougher parts of town are viable options, but sometimes you need to look up. Up in the political pyramid, of course.

"I am Desaix Solomon, wandering bard extraordinaire, reciter of past glory and current exploits. A pleasure!" He gives another bow. "I agree with Lady Tirrem. We should plan this out and narrow down the best way to locate a center of distribution...and, I'd like to get to know my future comrades better over a round of drinks." He winks.

[loser0ll]

For several moments, the tall Human seems to be still drawn into his own head. He still seems more busy with some sort of distracting thing inside of his own mind for during the beginning of the introductions - at least until Miss Laudine introduces herself.
Fine! She is honestly an ally of yours - you can take over for now. But only as long as your deal with her decently. Don't forget that she is a lady serving the ally of your deity.
His vision clarifies, to the point where it almost seems like some kind of intensive battle of the minds has ended. He approaches Laudine with a respectful stance, considerably more self-disciplined and organized than the rest of his behavior has been through the night, before bowing to her directly.

"So, you are a Cleric of Abadas, Miss Laudine? Then it is a pleasure to meet you - while I am not a direct follower of the one you bow to, I am deeply devoted to a firm ally, so it an honor to have you within this group with me.

As far as where we should go, I would suggest the Old Port. The ones who sell these drugs aren't likely to store their income into banks and funding, since it would give away who they are quickly. Meanwhile, those who buy them aren't likely to have the income left to go to banks for too long, since drugs this strong are too addictive and expensive to leave many Gold Pieces behind for long.

The Old Port would let them try and sell the drugs quickly to those who come into the city freshly from a trade ship - and it would keep us from looking too obvious, since wearing armor and carrying weapons happens fairly often for those sailing."

[North_Ranger]

"It's Old Dock, not Old Port", Silviu grumbled. "Beggin' your pardon, but sailors ain't the best sorta people if you want to make a decent pile sellin' drugs. You needs someone who keeps comin' back for more. Sailors don't do that none too often."

For a moment Silviu looked like he had something more to say on the matter, but then he leaned back and scratched the side of his nose. "That bein' said... Old Dock an' Old Korvosa proper would be where I'd go lookin' first. But discreet-like, whisperin', not shoutin'. We want to catch these 'ere rats, not scare 'em off. Or worse, make 'em come after us."

Or yours truly in particular, he mused to himself. Old Korvosa... now that brought back memories. It was a foolish gamble, that much was true. The moment he arrived, someone would see him - and eventually, someone would talk. Best be done about this quickly, then. There'd have to be another time for a family reunion.

"If all else fails", he said instead, sliding out his knife and testing its edge with his thumb. "We can always try... persuasion. Somebody will talk, eventually."

[Zealumieo]

"Nice to meet you..." Sarka apprehensively stretched out her hand. "A... pleasure to be working with you."


He approaches Laudine with a respectful stance, considerably more self-disciplined and organized than the rest of his behavior has been through the night, before bowing to her directly.
"So, you are a Cleric of Abadas, Miss Laudine? Then it is a pleasure to meet you - while I am not a direct follower of the one you bow to, I am deeply devoted to a firm ally, so it an honor to have you within this group with me."


Laudine wasn't one to ignore the courtesies of conversation and exchanged a friendly handshake. It was close to the one she gave to Desaix but she eased off slightly to avoid an overlong welcome.

She smiled, "You are too kind." Laudine was quick to reply to his bow in kind once she hand the chance, 'It may be prudent to say your name.' Laudine whispered to him, not wanting to make him an odd one out.

OOC: Ehehe, XD sorry if my swift actions are long..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mmm... frightening them would mean you'd have to be- or atleast seem- scarier then a whole drug ring. And you know groups like that tend to have the muscle or money to make themselves fairly threatening. " Laudine presented her thoughts, "I'd prefer if we didn't start on the lowest ring with a public fight. It would tip the wrong people off that someone was snooping around. I suggest we go to the Bank of Abadar, if there is a good place to find addicts in debt it would be there. Plus, the desperate may be easier to deal with then the currently enthralled. That or we try getting a location out of a person being or currently rehabilitated off their addiction. Someone of the self-righteous bent might even volunteer the information for free." Laudine held herself back to not sound excited, she noticed how she had said it... but she took a little comfort in the fact it might not have been noticed by people who didn't know her all that well. She shrugged it off, "That or we mislead someone... its a higher risk gambit, but it does pay off when they don't know what got them."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OOC: Edit: Erm Sorry this section would be listed for "Questions for Wayne"

"A quick one please, if we confirm two places or more in our findings... Will there be a bonus?"

[lemeres]

Sarka withdrew her hand as quickly as possible. She had to be careful to hide th slight feeling of revolt. There was business to attend to.

"Well, with the Old Dock, while we will not find many people pushing the drugs, we would still find smugglers. It is rather close to Trail's End, and I'd guess security might be rather lax compared to other docks. Unless this drug is completely synthetic, it will likely have at least some unusual ingredients. We'd have to consult an alchemist about this first though, to know what to look for." .

Sarka paused while considering the cleric's suggestion. "Looking for addicts would probably be our best bet on a lead. A bank might be a bit of a stretch, but it would probably be a good place to find addicts that we can....work with" She gave a smirk to Silviu, "...since I'd imagine that most looking to use a loan for their habit would probably not have any bigwigs on their side to cause a ruckus or know anyone to tip off. If we are discreet about it, it would not be too hard to find out their dealer and work from there."

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix sat, eyes closed, his brow furrowed while his companions discussed possibilities. Then, he seems to come around.

"There is another option. A more difficult one to do, but perhaps might yield the best results. We should look a bit higher on the political hierarchy for our solution. Doubtless there will be merchant princes, nobleman, anyone who wields considerable power in the city to have dipped their hands at least partially in this whole business." He shrugs. "However, I think we should only do this only if we run into consistent dead ends in our search."

[Jane_Smith]

Wayne pipes in to your group after the first goes on there marry way. Ariana gives Desaix a wave as her group leaves, while the other, like yours, still plans on the other side of the room.

"All sound plans so far. Also ma'am you will get a portion of the guilds funding for completing the job. I am not allowed to discuss in detail the finer details of the societies money handling, but I can say its over a good thousand gold or two, more if you can find multiple drug producers. Not to shabby for your first job, eh?" He grins and finish's smoking one of his cigars and puts it out in a empty mug on a table. "Anyway, I wish you all luck. Crex works here until high noon, if you have anymore questions just go talk to him. Oh, and I almost forgot, you have up to a week to find at least one producer. I don't think I have to go into details of what happens to recruits who can't do there first trial." He waves you all off as he leaves as well in a rush.

Crex laughs. "Don't worry to much, he did not mean to make it sound so ominous, he just means you will have to attempt another trial."

[North_Ranger]

Silviu's nose began to itch something fierce again, and he muttered as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. Hmh, now that's an ill omen...

While not as formidable in stature as his nose, his ears still served him well as he listened to the discussion around him, weighing the options in his head. When Wayne mentioned the time limit, the itching grew again briefly, then disappeared. That must've been it... there was always a catch.

"Listen", he started as he sat down by a table and motioned for the waitress - hopefully that redhead with the freckles might show up again. "I'm hearin' some sound ideas and not so sound ones. Personally I don't think anyone lookin' ta get gold for drugs would run to the bankers. There's easier ways ta get coin. Loan sharks, petty theft, sellin' yer valuables", he said, nodding to Laudine.


"Nor do I hanker ta go after the bigwigs yet", the Varisian man continued, looking at Desaix. "We can ask aroun' an' see if someone has dirt on 'imself, but th' bigwigs got big by not gettin' dirty. An' gold tends ta make people look squeaky clean. No, dear partners of mine. I think our best bets lie in findin' a dealer an' gettin' him to talk. For that, we's got three options."

"One", he said, lifting his right forefinger. "Th' temples. Find someone who's usin', and persuade them to tell us a name. Th' problem lies in doin' that without the priests lookin', if we need to rough up the bugger."

"Two", and his middle finger rose. "Old Korvosa. That'll take time and be more dangerous, but if there's some gang that's involved in Tear-dealin', I'll bet my boots there's two or three that'd pay in coin or information for takin' down a rival. But that path has its own dangers."

"An' three", up came the ring finger. "The smugglers. Now, I have been doin' some alchemical work when the pickin's been slim, but I'm no apothecary. I can take a gander at the Tears if you like, but that'll take time, and time's not somethin' we have in abundance. Th' same's true if we hire us a professional alchemist, but that costs coin - also something we don'ts have in abundance."

"So that's the way I see it. Now how about we sit down, have us a drink like th' bard suggested an' put this to a vote? Unless someone wants ta be th' serjeant for our merry company?"

[Zealumieo]

The set timeline didn't bother Laudine, deadlines could be managed and the punishment wasn't the end all. As she sat down, she ordered the same drink as before. The moment Silviu started what seemed to be a list, she pulled out a journal and jotted down notes. She still took pauses to look up at everyone's faces (atleast to show she was paying attention to them too) and stated, "Not that I want to put anyone on the pedistal (or be judgemental), but if anyone has previous experience with... criminals and rackets, it wouldn't be a bad thing to step up and take loose charge."

Laudine could see the advantage of the party setup, with five people votes would never be tied. And noting from the colored nature of everyone in it, they probably could find a person with one hand in a certain expertise or another. "Because Silvu was right about one of my suggestions now that I consider it. When theres the good and the bad- one person here should be decent at making the baseline." she nodded and went to thinking about the list again, "Contacting the higher class about this may be to risky even when weighed for the reward. Mistakes made can... at best have you dismissed and forgotten about... At worst you make an enemy with the wrong group of people. Mmm... also, I like the idea of going to Old Korvosa... Staying away from the homebase of the Hellknights and City Guard would probably be better in terms of being caught in compromising position... But not too far gone, no need to entrench ourselves in the worst areas of the city."

[lemeres]

Sarka asked for another drink. She didn't like having this much while on the job, but she needed it if she was going to play nice with casters. "Well, I have to agree that we might want to keep to Old Korvasa for this. We aren't going to get bailed out until we find at least one of the targets. But I have to side with...Laudine, was it? Just a quick check at the healing centers first might not be a bad idea. We'd get a name or two from people in rehab to work with before going to look in the slums. And if we talk with the healers, we might also get a few symptoms to look out for. That would help us question uninvolved people with out tipping them off to much. Asking for drug addicts is a lot more suspicious than asking if someone had funny eyes or something." She had to shrug her shoulders. The best advice she could give was how to keep a low profile. Her familiarity in the drug trade was somewhat lacking. Sarka never liked to get involved them since they would always dull the mind and body. Never a good idea in her profession, and it just generally bred a disgust with users.

"After that, we might also want to check out money lenders. Particularly the ones who offer, how should I say, 'special interest rates.'" Sarka had to hold back a snicker. "Addicts would likely turn to them as a last resort to pay for their habit. A bit of coin would probably get them to name a couple of dead beats that are tear-users."

[Noble Pigeon]

"Well, I for one am content with whatever plan works. As long as we be quick about it. I admit, I was sort of hoping our initiation would have been to delve into a dungeon and steal a dragon's hoard!" Desaix sips his ale, blowing bubbles into it as he sighed. "A worthy start of the beginning of my saga as an adventurer! Ahem...But yes, we should be quick about this, both to leave an impression on Wayne and to get to the bottom of this dangerous drug before it infects too much of the city." Desaix takes another sip again, glancing at everyone at the table. He seems almost restless, the methodical planning clearly contributing to that.

[North_Ranger]

"Well someone clearly has th' gift of th' gab", Silviu said with a smirk after listening to the bard's boasts. "If it's peachy with the rest of you lot, I'll go an' ask Crex for a sample an' if they have a place where I could study it. If one of yous has a knack for alchemy or wants t' help otherwise, come with. I suggest the rest could start askin' around in th' temples in the meantime an' see what they can dig up. Ol' Korvosa is a place we oughta hit in numbers - or at least, not in ones."

At least that way they won't just grab me in broad daylight, Silviu thought to himself. He knew Old Korvosa like the back of his hand, but time and burnt bridges meant that his old stomping grounds were more treacherous than they were back in the day. No sense going there alone... But those things he kept to himself as he stood up and walked up to the barkeep. Tapping him on the shoulder.

"Master Crex... First, many thanks for the ale. Haven't had one this good in ages", he started. "Second, might I bother you fer some... assistance? We reckoned it'd be a good start t' see what the Tears were made of. Now, I have the tools of an alchemist's trade back at my place an' I can procure them within th' hour. Per'aps th' Society could provide me with a sample an' mayhaps the facilities? I'm sure I'm not th' first dabbler amongst your ranks, an' I swear on my good name t' leave th' place as spotless at it was when I gots there."

[Jane_Smith]

Crex quirks an eyebrow. "Hm, you fancy yourself a chemist? Then go on ahead, we got a sample and a lab in the back. Take that door over yonder, go past the first three doors and take the hallway right, it will be the first door to your left after turning down that hallway. I would also advice you don't bother Sophia and don't touch anything without her permission first, last sap who touched one of her experiments had to buy a regeneration spell from the temple to repair his face, let alone the damage to his arse. If you ask me, those chemicals have made her a bit unbalanced if you know what I mean." He rummages behind the counter for a moment and pulls out a old tarnished steel chain necklace with a blacklock symbol amulet. "Take this with you and show it to anyone who asks what your doing back there, consider it a hall pass. Bring it back when your done."

OOC: Silviu gains Crex's Amulet. Try not to lose it, I doubt you want someone who can almost kill a dwarf in a single hit with a mug on your bad side. :smallamused:

[North_Ranger]

Silviu nodded as he gingerly picked up the amulet and put it around his neck. "I'll guard it like my sister's maidenhead", he said solemnly as he slipped the amulet and the chain snugly under his collar, against his naked skin. I did guard it well. It was Lucrezia's own doing, going like the gatehouse on a market day... Silviu stifled a chuckle at the thought. "I'll be back within the hour, and I'll give this back as soon as I'm done with the sample."

With that, Silviu gave his collar and scarf another tug to make sure the amulet was safely tucked inside his clothes, the metal cool against his skin. Putting his traveler's cloak back on he stepped out of the tavern to make his way towards the slophouse where he had rented a room for the time being, intent on not wasting a moment.

OOC: Just lemme know if he runs into something before he gets back to the tavern :smallwink:

[Zealumieo]

Laudine smiled at Desaix's silly idea... Dragons and their hordes in the city. Though from what little she knew about them there could be one in the city, magically veiled to seem like a human.

Laudine waved Silviu goodbye, "We'll leave a message with Crex if we're gone by the time you get back."

Not to take much more time she went back to business, "So thats the majority for going to Old Korvosa. We have a place then." Laudine took another sip, "All it takes now is whittling it down to what we're doing there. Maybe a plan A and a plan B... if those don't work we can meet together and figure what to do." She tapped her journal for a moment, and then put in her vote, "So its great we're having someone determine the make-up of this drug. I'm going to go with Sarka and say I want to find some addicts... find the symptoms. If we go out and know the signs and the materials it'll be that more likely we'll find the source. That isn't to say, if we find someone to work with we should pass the opportunity. That'll be a bonus in that case, and we should take advantage of it."

OOC: Edited

[Jane_Smith]

Crex pipes up, "You know, funny you should mention dragon's. We have one as a regular client in the city, a bronze at that, bastard would tie you up to ask you questions for eternity, calls himself "Tin Tim" over at the merchant's guild, one of there main financial advisers and money lenders. Though for an adviser he has a lot of pull. He often hires us to help collect the fools who cross him. Funny thing is he never has us kill them, or have them jailed. He has them hauled off to interrogate himself - they show up a few years later mad as a foaming dog on the streets. Poor sod's." He casually explains to Desaix as he finishs cleaning a mug. "If you ever need a loan after you finish your trial and join up, he will lower his interest rates to almost nothing, especially if you do some of his collection jobs. Powerful friends you know?"


He snorts and pours himself a mug and walks out from behind the bar, sitting back on the stool and lighting a pipe before facing you all. He softly whispers something to no one in particular, and you just now realize Crex has a set of hooves for feet and goat-like legs, covered in fur the same salt and pepper aged color as his beard and mustache. He seemed like a perfectly normal human until just now, though you do notice his arm and knuckle hairs are a bit more coarse than normal.

[lemeres]

Sarka turned towards the cleric. "Well, safest bet is to check out the temples, for which I'll have to differ to you. It would be best if you asked the questions when we get there, Laudine. I might not be the most welcome, as you can guess." A Single finger tapped against her horn. It was a good enough excuse for avoiding more clerics. "I'll still accompany you, but I hope you do not mind that I will try not to draw too much attention to myself. Remember, discretion is our ally, and the less people pay attention, the easier we can get through this trial. "

She perked up when she heard Crex's story. "Tin Tim, eh? Sounds like I name I'll need to get to know." Who cared if he was a dragon? With time and brains, anyone can get into power. He simply had more time than most to get that comfortable position. "We might check with him if the temples do not pan out to see if we can get some extra leads. We might even be able to kill two birds with one stone. Since we made it this far, I'm sure we will not need to much vouching for our abilities. If he does have anyone we'd be interested, we can offer our services for free we'd get both the info and a spot in his good graces." She smirked at Desaix, "That is if we can keep from picking a fight, eh, muscian?"

[loser0ll]

For a decent while the Human seems to mostly just sit by and listen, not bothering to speak or even react firmly to much of anything said. This finally changes suddenly when one thing in particular is mentioned - the Bronze Dragon who calls himself Tin Tim. The expression over his face seems to shift almost immediately, becoming a look of dislike against the Dragon.
No! Don't you say a word! There isn't a single reason to speak against them, even if they are your natural enemies.
The Human seems to be arguing with himself for a moment, before finally speaking. His voice seems much more annoyed than before, as though he is just barely keeping some sort of rant to himself for the moment. "I suppose that I should tell you something of my own abilities before we leave. To shorten the story, I am a liar, charmer and bully, with magic that helps those things. Aside from that a wooden stick and responding to 'Thrum' are most of what I can offer.

His voice clearly shows that he is annoyed and his words are much less charming than they were made to be before - but at the very least, it seems as though the newly introduced Thrum is willing to put at least basic effort into ensuring that victory is possible.

[Jane_Smith]

Crex laughs. "For a professional liar and charmer you don't talk very much." He jests, taking a large puff of his pipe.

Silviu

You take the path Crex told you to take and you see a few members walking about the open hall of the guild. You find the path and door to the labs and the smell of spices, herbs, and you could swear something far less pleasant that should be in the sewers wafting from the door. You peep inside to find a very expensive set up, with vials, cauldrons, beakers, and more of great quality for the lab. Several experiments seem to be going on at once, with a single person in goggles overseeing a rather vicious looking liquid boiling in the corner.

The woman asks you what you need, and as your attention focuses on her you find shes dressed in a black lab coat with thick gloves and a pair of goggles strapped on with a strand of leather, tinted blue. She has long black hair in a pony tail, and a face mask on. Whatever she seems to be experimenting on seems to belch a strange red mist, you are not entirely sure you should be in the room, but oh well. She warns you not to touch anything as you enter the room.

[North_Ranger]

Silviu had taken every precaution when he left the tavern. Not taking the direct route, ducking and darting into smaller alleys, sliding in and out of the crowds that had already filled the streets... Perhaps he was being just paranoid, but he knew that at one point or another his family would find out he was back in the city. The Sczarni had their way, and it forbade or at least discouraged violence towards other Varisians. Still, it didn't hurt to be careful.

Nonetheless, he made his way back to his rented attic room, and found his tool kit. Checking once more that the various vials, reagents, tools and notes were still in order, he then locked the little wooden chest and tugged it under his arm for the way back.

Back in the tavern, he had to stifle a whistle when he saw the expansive - and most definitely expensive - laboratory hidden in the back rooms. The walls must be sturdy as hell, he mused to himself. Half of this stuff looks like it's about to blow up. Keeping those notions to himself, however, he took off his cloak and most of his gear, leaving them on a vacant bench. He would need a steady hand while doing this, and every little thing was a distraction.

"I'll be sure not to, ma'am", he said politely when the busy-looking woman told him not to touch anything. "An' I'll try and bother you as little as I can. Crex did say I should ask you for a sample, though. Of Ileosa's Tears, that is", he continued as he began setting up his tools in the small part of the lab that was not already occupied by the dozen experiments the woman had going on at once.

"If you has a moment later on, I'd be more than happy t' hear any thoughts you have on th' drug", Silviu added as he picked up a pair of goggles, gloves and a leather apron stained with all manner of blotches and spills - and one nasty hole that looked like an acid burn. Just in case he also took up a linen wrap and soaked it in water mixed with some of the herbs in his kit. He would need that to keep himself unafflicted by any possible vapors...

[Jane_Smith]

She perks up and turns to you, pulling her goggles atop her head. "The tears? I have a few samples, but why do you need them? Also who are you?" You can even feel her frown threw her mask.

[North_Ranger]

"Ah, pardon me, ma'am. I thought not to bother you none, so I dispensed with th' pleasantries", Silviu answered with an apologetic smile, leaving the linen to soak up the scented water. "Silviu Drazesti, one a' th' recruits, at your service", he offered with a courteous bow to the woman. "Me and mine were told by Wayne t' look into th' Tear-trade. We figured a good place t' start would be figurin' what them Tears is made of. Crex gave me the okay t' come here..."

With that, Silviu slipped his fingers inside his shirt and slipped the amulet over his head, showing it to the woman. "He said t' show this, t' show I'm here legit. Th' sample... well, one needs somethin' to esperiment on. It's not fer personal use, I assure you. I was just soakin' them linens in case there's any noxious fumes", he said and nodded towards the soaking fabrics. "Figured it'd be safe not t' breathe in any of the stuff..."

[Jane_Smith]

She sighs and gets up from her work a few moments later and pulls her goggles up. The only attribute of her face you can see is a pair of blue eyes. She walks over to another section of the lab and gets you a sample, bringing a vial of the vicious blue liquid. "I have already done tests, but if you wish to see for yourself and try your hand at it, I am curious to see what you discover. It would be nice to find another academic in the society, even if you talk like a sewer rat. Indulge me, you might get a surprise." After handing the vial she directs you over to a corner you can work with the lab equipment and goes back to her experiment, idly keeping watch on you.

[North_Ranger]

"A sewer rat? I'll take tha' as a compliment, ma'am", Silviu offered back with a wicked smile. "An' if you speaks Varisian, I'd be more than happy t' oblige you wi' somethin' else as well", he continued with a wink. He was no bard, but he knew a good poem or two in his native tongue. But there was a time and a place for such things, and neither of those was right now.

Carefully the "sewer rat" placed the vial aside and wringed the linen dry of excess moisture. Wrapping the piece of cloth around his head so that it covered his nose and mouth, he then picked up the vial and proceeded to the corner that Sophia had shown him. Hmm, this looks a lot more complicated than my old set-up, he mused. Looking over his shoulder he could see the blue-eyed woman staring at his back, as if expecting him to burn his face off within the next heartbeat. Might as well try. There's less shame in trying and failing than being yellow...

With that, Silviu began his preparations, picking out dishes and vials ready and setting a small flame in the small stone dish...

[Jane_Smith]

After about thirty minutes you finally get use to the set up, but once you hit the ground your on fire, and you make amazing progress. She walks over to watch you work once or twice as she keeps an eye on her own experiments as you do your work. It does not take long before you make a very sickening discovery.

The contents of the tears are the following; Tetrahydrozoline (a common chemical that constrains blood vessels), a handful of other non-harmful substances like green tea leaf extract, some mineral found in the water that was likely gained at a river, not the ocean, due to its lack of salt content.

The dangerous parts, however, is a mix of three potent drugs. Shaonti Redshot, a herbal tea capable of increasing ones adrenaline to heart-bursting stress levels to induce a berserk rage for short periods of time, Aetherium, a popular recreational, but extremely addictive mist-like drug used by the mages of the academe for recreational use to give the pleasurable effects and hallucinations, and to likely give it its blue coloring. And lastly, and the most gruesome discovery... extremely rotted human bile and pus. Though an extremely small amount, it was apparently intended as part of the mixture, but has no apparent effect.

After being in the room so long, you feel your eyes burning from the chemicals brewing - you did not wear any goggles and you find them extremely sensitive as you turn away from your project.

OOC: You gain a -4 penalty to sight based perception checks for three hours.

[North_Ranger]

"Hells below", Silviu gasped when the thought hit him. His eyes itching and watering, he had to check twice more just to make sure his senses weren't failing him. Yet there it was, discolored and oozing with the other ingredients, sitting at the bottom of the distillation cup. Pus. Bile. Already decomposing. In his mind Silviu muttered a brief thank you to Desna that the Redshot had masked the smell, because the idea of imbibing or injecting such bodily effluvia...

"Beggin' your pardon, ma'am, but I can't tarry now" , he said to Sophia, blinking his eyes to keep them from watering even more. "My company must needs hear o' this swift-like. Perhaps we may discuss some other time? Mayhaps when I'm not squintin' like a bedazzled piglet?"

Silviu didn't stop for a moment as he spoke, still managing a small smile as he cleaned up his station. There were flames to be put out, distilled ingredients to be safely disposed of, cups and vials and bottles to be cleaned up. "'Cause t' be honest... you's got a wonderful set-up 'ere, ma'am Sophia. I'd... uh, careful, tha's still hot... I'd love t' just spen' a day or two jus' learnin' th' ropes. All th' more reason t' get through with th' initiation th' sooner."

[Jane_Smith]

"So I am guessing you found that particular little trait as well?" She snorts. "I retested myself when I first sampled it. But that aside you did amazing work, if you ever need training after your trial come back and see me. And here, take this." She rummages over by her experiment and pulls out three vials in a small potion pouch, the corks of each one marked with a wax seal for easy identification. "Anti-poisons, general use, so they are not as potent as anything that can be created to combat a single type, but in case you or your own gets a dose of the foul stuff, it should help them settle down. Oh, and mayhap's you's can come back just to visit?" She winks as she lets her own accent slip out.

OOC: You acquire a potion pouch, allowing you to draw a vial or flask as a swift action. It takes a move action to place a flask or vial within it. It can hold up to 10 vials, a flask takes up 3 vial slots. Insider this cured leather pouch is three vials of clear liquid, stated by Sophia to be anti-poison.

[North_Ranger]

Silviu couldn't help but grin when he heard the woman letting her high and mighty mask slip and show that little twang of the tongue that marked her own speech as well. "Hey, I'm a sewer rat, ain't I?" he chuckled as he slipped the potion pouch on his belt. "I always come back t' places where I'm welcome. Seein' how you wish me not to get poisoned before that", he continued with a wink and gently pat the pouch on his belt. "If I do, I'll try an' nab you a sample. Y'know, if it's some other foul stuff tha' we could experiment on, us academics."

With that, Silviu offered Sophia a broad smile as he picked up his gear again, the sword and the dagger at his hips, the bow and the quiver on his back. "Until tha' time, ma'am", he said with a smile and a bow before stepping out of the laboratory and making his way back into the tavern.

Gods, I need t' remember th' goggles next time, he mused to himself as he looked around. Tha' stuff is makin' me see things. Like Crex havin' hooves and furry legs. Of course, he did not say that as he nodded to his partners and walked up to the bartender. "I'm guessin' you'll be wantin' this back", he said with a smile as he slipped the amulet off and handed it back. "Much obliged, an' I'll try an' not blow anythin' up in th' future, neither."

[Zealumieo]

As Laudine finished the last of her tea, she spoke up in order to get this table moving, "Since we're one man down with Silviu in the labs, why don't we go to the temple then? Its much safer then asking on the street. And I don't want to ruin his chance to meet an important contact like Tin Tim." She glanced at the direction he'd left before turning her eyes back on the group, "Just simple things, symptoms... leads if they're willing to give it. We can at least approach on vague terms in case we want to try a specific plan later." She set her cup aside so that the waitress could easily pick it up, "I'm completely fine with heading the front for that. Though the temple of Abadar generally doesn't buy into stereotypes unless they're related to trustworthiness or money... Tends to turn away perfectly good clientele that way."

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix gives a slight nod at Laudine. Hmm. On one hand I believe we need to stay together as a group as much as possible. In these troubling times, the more the merrier. But I'm also a firm believer of completing a task well before its deadline. He seems to ponder it, staring at the ceiling, before coming about again, grinning. Should we leave a note for Silviu? The bard whipped out a piece of fine parchment and an inkpen almost immediately, as if expecting this to happen. When Silviu returns, he puts them away, looking slightly crestfallen.

[lemeres]

Damn, she though, that excuse fell through. "Ah, I was just mention it in case we go to a less understanding temple. We can't exactly be too picky about where we get out information, and I wanted to make sure I was not going to be a liability. As you said, Abadar keeps on good terms with just about everyone. So a cleric of his temple would be helpful in this venture. And with Tin Tim, I of course did not mean that we should do this immediately. Maybe a couple days from now, depending on how our investigation goes."

As Silviu enters the door, she perks up. Sarka was getting antsy with having to talk to the cleric so much. "So you're back, huh? We were just about to decide where to go. Was there anything in the tears we should be on the look out for?"

[North_Ranger]

Hearing his name called out, Silviu turned to look at his three compatriots. He muttered as he rubbed his eyes, blinking and itching as they were.

"Well... you could say tha'. Some o' th' ingredients wuz pretty commonplace. Certain chemicals, green tea leaf extract, minerals from th' river water, tha' sorta stuff", Silviu said as he tried to focus gaze onto Sarka. "But tha's not wha' concerns me... Basically, I foun' three diff'rent substances tha' give me th' willies."

"First, there's Shoanti Redshot, this herbal stuff tha'll either make you go crazy like a ragin' tribesman if it don't blow out your heart... Then there's Aetherium, what I hear them students o' th' Acadamae like t' breathe in t' get high. Nasty stuff, gets ya hooked in no time fast... But what made me almost need a change o' smallclothes wuz..."

At this point, Silviu visibly gets the chills. "Pus an' bile", he blurts out. "Human. Rottin'. Badly. Th' stuff's got human pus an' bile innit."

OOC: Ready to leave now.

[Zealumieo]

"Mmmph." Laudine held up a hand over her mouth to muffle a retching noise, "I have no clue where the shaoti herb could be trafficked, the Aetherium is pretty self explanatory, but the ... last one how far gone did you judge it? Would it have to have been from someone recently dead, alive, or have been purifying for awhile." She took a moment to jot that down, vile as it was to put into print. Laudine was glad to see that he was relatively fast though, "Oh good that you're here now. We were about to leave a note with Crex and go. But now we can just go together... Maybe talk about your discoveries as we walk?" She stood up, straightening her clothes and motioning to tie up her hair as she moved.

Ooc: Yeah I'm good to go out.

[lemeres]

Sarka pinched the bridged of her nose as she sighed and whispered under her breath "Damn wizards...." With ingredients like that, it could only be casters involved. She hoped no one overheard that though.

"Well... at least it won't be hard to recognize the place once we find it. Just got to follow your nose. Well, we can work with that later. We need to get some more leads before we can actually use the info. Anyway, Silviu, we thought about heading out to look for tear users seeking treatment. If you are good to go, we might as well leave."

OOC: You requested a this tag, right? Well, if there are no objections...

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix nods, grinning in anticipation of future adventure....even if it was investigating something a bit more sobering than looting a tomb.

OOC: Ready!

[Jane_Smith]

You all left the bar together and began to go to the temple of abador as your first pit stop. Luckily you did not have to go far, considering the largest of his temples in the city was within the market district. There was also a few in the poorer districts, but you would have to pass this temple anyway.

The temple itself is grandiose and gaudy as it can be, with a large and masterfully crafted wall covered in bizarre activity, merchants, trading ships, and more motif's on every inch of its surface. The gates are kept open during the day, gold and silver trimmed bars that look like they were decorated by the finest elven craftsmen money could afford within the city, shining almost a bit to brightly for just mere gold and silver. Outside the front of the temple is a large park with carefully tended flower gardens and massive trees that appear to be oak, but with a darker colored bark and a thicker trunk. Several seating areas are sprawled out threw out the park and gardens, each one filled with merchants or church goers discussing sensitive matters in there respective enclave. Most likely each one is guarded by a silence bubble, as there is easily a hundred people here today, but not a single word is heard expect from those who walk the main path going in or out of the church.

At the gates, and patrolling there the gardens and the main path are the silver knights. Holy warriors dedicated to protecting abador's investments and protecting legal transactions, who act as judge, jury, and executioner against would be con artists, thieves, anarchists and heretics. However, none of them bar your way or ask any questions, as the church is open to any and all at this time of day, though you get the feeling causing trouble here would likely not lead you behind bars.

As you approach the temple itself you realize just how grand the building is, the path is misleading and is much longer then it first appeared, and you find yourself passing two large structures that appear to be guard towers that overlook the path to the temple, and the temple continues to loom before you as you approach. Its needless to say, completely overwhelmingly awe inspiring, and it boggles your mind at just how much money went into its creation considering it is more elaborate then the royal palace.


http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs40/i/2009/030/a/0/Phedailin_Palace_by_treijim.jpg

You finally arrive at the grand entrance leading within its (mostly) holy halls and are greeted by a young priest and about ten silver knights who watch over any who enter and leave. The priest is joyful and a bit rounded, but has a great deal of energy as he greets you all. "Welcome, welcome! A fine day is it not? Can I help you with anything? Perhaps you are here for the grand auction, or maybe just faithful wishing to see the sermon?" He shakes each of your hands vigorously and smiles, though in doing so he touch's sarkas gloved hand and blinks as he squeezes it and looks over her. "Hm, Roxington's earlier model. Fine craftsmanship for more delicate and graceful matters, a fine choice." He flashes a toothy grin, "It just so happens we have an entire set on auction today, one of his latest models if your interested."

[lemeres]

Sarka cringed. She hated when this happened. The tiefling always tried to keep it at the back of her mind. Not that she minded prosthetics, but the prosthetic itself. Sarka hates that she had to use magic in order be up to par, but it was unavoidable. People bring it up was unavoidable too, she guessed.

With a feigned smile, she cheerily replied, "Ah, sorry, as you said, this fulfill my needs quiet well. Anyway, we are here business rather than pleasure. Another time maybe?" She rubbed where her arm met the prosthetic. A change in subject was sorely needed. "Today, we are looking for some information. Laudine, could you get him up to speed?"

[North_Ranger]

Silviu did his best to keep his calm as he walked with the rest of the group towards Abadar's temple. In earlier times, he would not be caught dead here, and he was pretty sure that his unmistakeably Varisian appearance drew suspicious glances from these high-and-mighty vault guards. Still, he kept his cool and allowed others to do the talking - for now.

The young priest's grasp on Sarka's arm, however... that aroused his curiosity. Roxington... where had he heard that name before? And what was so special about the devil-spawn's arm?

[Zealumieo]

"Excuse us," Laudine stepped forward and slightly nudged the eager priest away, ""Though an interesting subject, we aren't here to collect models. Just introducing a handful of friends to some in the patient ward. Don't worry, I'll keep them with me. Just an errand to keep in touch." She smiled calmly, "Just because I left doesn't mean I'm staying away."

[Noble Pigeon]

Desaix tried not to appear like he sincerely wished to look at the prosthetic limbs and head off to the grand auction in general. Focus, focus, focus. We are here on a mission of utmost importance.

The bard returned the handshake with a similar level of enthusiasm. A pleasure, Mr. Priest! Were I here on any other day I would have loved to have spent all of my time here! His eyes glint.

[Jane_Smith]

He laughs jovially and pats Desiax on the shoulder. "If only others were so curious about the faith!" He grins and then looks over at Laudine, looking her over. "Ah, a sister? Forgive me for badgering your flock. You know the way yes? Go down the grand hall and take a left and go down the first set of stairs you see, and turn left immediately. However I must ask that you inform one of the knights below about your visit and for an escort, some of our patients this week are... unpredictable. One of our sisters had her hand bitten when she was showing mercy to one of those undesirables. Needless to say once he is recovered he has a great deal of debt to pay off, and not just to the church." He frowns at the subject and steps aside so you all may enter.

You finally get a view of the inside of the church, right past the main door is a room dividing wall with a massive picture of the fields of korvosa with a beautifully decorated gold frame. It seems there are several silver knights inside as well, or armor statues, you cannot tell to easily as they stand in perfect formation along the doors and walls. Along the ceiling, covered in art, a few glimmering crystals radiating white magical light can be seen in place of torchs. Every room is clearly lit, and several hundred feet down the main hall appears to be an in door garden and a large fountain with sunlight from above filtering down atop it. The coins within bounce the light above against the ceiling, and the rippling water makes them dance. You look down and notice the walkway is solid marble tiles, smoothed and polished with care, and apparently undamaged from years of foot traffic. The doors are made of the finest oak, some reinforced with large locks in a design of abadors symbol.

Overall, the place feels like one over glorified bank with unlimited resources. There is even a room you pass with tellers, and several acolytes appear to be discussing fiances with nobles and merchants of the city.

[Zealumieo]

"Its completely understandable if you want to come back once we have money. " On a typical day of work, it was the golden rule that... if you felt someone or something was worth investing in- you'd either bring such a thing to your betters if you were inexperienced or unsure of your own abilities... or actually have a spine and build it up yourself. 'damn... once you leave the system. The system doesn't leave you.' the thought passed, but honestly it had only been a week and you always try to go back to old habits when stressed. She lowered her voice into a whisper and gave her personal opinion, "But yes, time is rolling on and as nice as it is to be around fixtures that could feed a mouth for several lifetimes I can honestly tell you it leaves you with a stale feeling... Sometimes I wonder if Abadar in His wisdom likes to have his temples this way to make his followers eternally uncomfortable with being satisfied with what they have."

As they made there way to the healing ward, Laudine had hoped the obvious presence of lighting, hints of traps, and eyes of watchmen were enough to dissuade any of the people with her from doing anything irrational. But again, what they would do was a mystery to you and again... part of the gamble you were going to have to live with.

[North_Ranger]

Laudine wasn't the only one feeling the tugs of past affiliations; in Silviu's case, he had trouble not seeing the place with the eyes of a Sczarni. He had pulled up the hood of his cape to hide his prominently Varisian features and tugged his cape snugly around him to hide the many-coloured trousers and scarfs he wore - all tell-tale signs of his ethnicity. Many Korvosans did have a touch of Varisian in their blood, but still most of his ilk were considered second-class citizens. Silviu despised that.

Yet, old habits die hard, and the big-nosed ranger found himself glancing furtively about, trying to 'read' this palatial temple as a possible mark. Every armor had an opening, every woman a price... and every Temple of His Golden Snootiness had a way in and a way out. One just had to be smart about finding it.

It was all just a mental exercise, though... They hardly had the time to plan the heist of the century. At least for now.

[lemeres]

"So everyone feels this uncomfortable in here? I apologize if that is not entirely reassuring." If it wasn't for the job, Sarka would have preferred to leave this very instant. Her awkwardness in this temple was just growing by the moment. Besides a suspicion of a dirty look or two behind her back, this place was probably crawling with casters. An acute awareness of her arm also made her feel particularly exposed. But it was important to keep civil to make new opportunities. While she disliked being in temples, Abadar's clergy appreciated how much influence they had and knew how to throw their weight around. They knew how to play the game, and if you wanted to win, you had to learn how to play them too. Today, however, would go best if it went as quickly as possible.

Sarka was intrigued by the tone of voice from their guide. She spoke softly to her companions, hoping the clergyman would not overhear. "At least we do not have to do much searching to find our lead. If it comes down to it, I don't think the priest will mind if we get creative with our questions as long as we don't get blood stains on the good linens."

[Zealumieo]

"Its fine as long as you don't go overboard. I dislike it when people overstep the fine line between being morally dubious to criminalesq. These recovering addicts are probably suffering enough as is. So please, save the maiming for if they deserve it." Laudine quietly put down what she was comfortable with point blank, if there was one priest Sarka should be mindful about it was her. She took a deep breath and sighed after looking at the state of the group, "C'mon... You're giving the Silver's a run for the money in the stiffness department. They don't bite." Laudine made a small joke then facepalmed... rubbing her temples, "Please... Don't make me start humor for your sakes... It really isn't that great. "

[lemeres]

A smirk came across Sarka's face. "Well it is good to know your boundaries." She liked to know where people stood. Not a surprising position for most priests, but one must always check."I understand that we should not get drastic with our interrogation. But this at least means we can get dramatic. If we could go that far, we can easily do a lot less distasteful methods as long as we do not cause a ruckus."

She paused for a small beat and began to offhandedly add, "Violence is usually a poor choice anyway. People will tell you anything to get you to stop, and lies serve as both distraction and revenge."

[North_Ranger]

"Who said anything about violence?" Silviu chuckled. "Fear is a decent enough incentive. I once held a knife against a man's privates when... ah, asking him about something. Desna's tits, the man sang like a canary."

[loser0ll]

While he didn't bother to explain why, Thrum had obviously become nervous when the Silver Knights became near. Something about them seems to leave the young mage... Intimidated? No, not quite - but there is clearly some sort of emotion directed from Thrum to the Silver Knights that doesn't quite match the normal emotions.

Still, with the constant conversation going back and forth about what should be done to try and sway the decisions of those dealt with, he does seem to be pulled into the conversation after a while. He finally speaks, although his voice seems to be distracted from the talk somewhat. "I'll agree that being able to bully an opponent - or even a friend on occasion - is necessary, but I would prefer to try a method or two first. I have a bit of talent with intimidating others, but I have just as much skill in trying to deceive them, or even simply convince them to be my friend. I even have a spell that could be used - but it would be much less likely to work if we had already tried to direct their decisions. We shouldn't try to boss them around until we had already tried everything else - they are not our friends, but there is no benefit to drilling that into their heads from the beginning."

[North_Ranger]

"By all means, then, mage. G'on an' twiddle yer fingers if tha' makes these pinheads spill th' proverbial means. Makes th' job tha' much easier for th' rest of us", Silviu offered with a toothy grin.