Aleris Chronicles: Kainan's Wager {IC}

[NeverSleep]

The familiar bitter taste of the sea salt ran across Kainan's lips. One fortnight on this ship so far and only a bit more than half the way to Aleris... A storm on the horizon to make the future even more sunny.

This ship has been nothing but unnecessary trouble Kainan had thought to himself. Loading, unloading, packing, move here, sleep there, eat now, piss overboard, repeat.

All of that meloncholy was doubled by the fact that no proper thieving could be had here. There was no escape from the 10 man crew, 3 other ride alongs and all of their eyes. Everybody knew everybody else just enough to not trust them.

Kainan unfolded the heavy parchement that put him on the ThistleBloom. He had it's contents commited to memory, but somehow holding it brought him comfort.

I, we - know of your skills. The rewards for someone of your ilk will be much greater, and the work more plentiful if you'll come and work with us.

Ara'il would like the pleasure of your company.

Take the ThistleBloom, it leaves tomorrow. We've already informed Lt. Sturmdrang of your departure. You'll be in Aleris in three short weeks.

Once you get here, go to the First Five district and locate the Tilted Tankard. They will have a room for you. We will send someone for you within a week.

I recommend breakfast at the Opal Oak just north of there.

How had they known his Wing Valletta contact? Why would Ara'il send for me herself? What would await in Aleris?

The answer to those questions got Kainan on this ship, but what happens next is anybody's wager.

Feel free to ask questions about the surroundings, or go ahead and start taking actions!

[Erasmas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Erasmas/Misc%20Games/Kainan-Shadowslayer_zps450549ca.jpg~original
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Erasmas/Misc%20Games/Kainan-ShadowslayerPortrait_zps7654db5e.jpg~original



Stat
Die Value
Explanation


Talent
(d12+4)
Many years as a petty thief has sharpened Kainan's skills. Now an accomplished burglar, among other things.


Spirit
(d10+3)
Sometimes, the only thing that keeps you going on the streets is your gumption.


Combat
(d8+2)
When you can't escape trouble, the next best thing stick a blade or an arrow in it.


Station
(d6+1)
His standing among society isn't so good. But he's quickly climbing the ranks of the thieves' guild.


Influence
(d6+1)
He has a quick tongue, but sometimes it gets him into worse trouble than being silent.


Arcane
(d4)
His knowledge of magic is limited by his assessment for how much something is worth.







Guile
(d12+4)
He once sold a shopkeep back his own stock, just to see if he could.


Perception
(d10+3)
When you live on the streets, you grow eyes in the back of your head.


Willpower
(d8+2)
Stubbornness is only one of the tools a thief carries in his kit.


Mind
(d6+1)
Sometimes, it takes wit to avoid troublesome entanglements.


Strength
(d6+1)
People often leave windows unlocked on their upper stories...


Body
(d4)
Years of living life on the streets and starving often takes its toll.



HP = 20 {Comprised of Spirit + Strength}
Heart score = 4 (Currently at: 2)
SP = 29 {Comprised of Talent + Perception}
Soul score = 7
MP = 23 {Comprised of Station + Guile}
Mind score = 5

Age: 26
Skill Groups:
Profession - Burglar [Adept - (d6+1)]
Locks and Mechanisms [Novice - (d4)]
Small Arms Combat [Novice - (d4)]
Negotiation [Novice - (d4)]

Skill:
Burglar: Blend into the Shadows [Adept - (d6+1)]
Burglar: Acrobatic Athlete [Novice - (d4)]
Archer
Keen Eyes
Pick Pocket [Basic - (+1)]
Climb [Basic - (+1)]
Open Locks [Basic - (+1)]
Sneak Attack [Basic - (+1)]
Silver-tongued [Basic - (+1)]
Etiquette [Basic - (+1)]


Inventory:
Traveler's clothes (Black)
Studded leather armor (Black)
Hooded cloak (Black)
Twin shortswords (Black) {+1 from Combat Kit}
Four daggers (Black) {+1 from Combat Kit}
Shortbow (Black) {+1 from Combat Kit}
Arrows (Black)
Backpack and various belt pouches (Black)
Thieves' tools (Black) {+1 from Thieves' Kit}
Rope and grapnel hook (Black)
Caltrops (Black)
(1) Azure Mask Guild Token
13 gold pieces
6 silver pieces
[b]Thief's Pocket (Medium) {3d6+3 to "hide"; 1 charge/week needed}
[b]Bottle of Dark Dust (9 uses) {Skill: Disappear! (1d6+1); 1 Charge held; 1 minute/use}


Physical Description
Medium brown hair of a decent length remains pulled back and tied in place with a bit of black cord. Pale green eyes and a noticeable scar upon his narrow chin. Right ear has been pierced twice; both hold meaning to him and are tied to specific events in his life. Dresses in all black, though it is obvious that they are typical garments and gear and that have been dyed/coated in soot - even the blades of his twin short swords and his shortbow. He even makes the fletchings of his arrows from the feathers of crows. Almost always travels with his hood up.

Backstory
Born into a world where he was guilty just for being alive, Kainan seemed to be destined for a life of misery. He was naïve of the workings of the society to which he had been brought into, as are all children. But when his mother was caught stealing food and the powers that be decided to execute both her and Kainan’s father, he thought that he was left with nothing.

However, the world didn’t stop there. Oh no, much more was taken from young Kainan, orphaned and estranged. Forced into the life of a street urchin, he lost his dignity as he ate rotten food tossed into the alleys behind taverns and slept in the sewers to avoid the harassment of the city guards. He lost his faith when he was accused of crimes that he did not commit. And he finally lost his trust in the law and became the man that he had always been seen as.

It started off as simply a way to eat, stealing food or enough coin to get by for a few days. Then it became a way of living; the excitement and the thrill of nearly getting caught intoxicating his every choice. And then nothing was sacred. Kainan’s soul had reached the place where he dwelled as a child – the dark recesses that run beneath the rest of the people; the bottom of the world. Murder for hire, kidnapping, extortion, blackmail, turning kneecaps, debt collection, trafficking of drugs or even slaves… anything that earned another gold piece and allowed him to bite his thumb at the law.

And then he met someone who changed him more than he ever would have allowed, had he the choice. A woman, whose name he still refuses to speak out loud, shifted his intoxication from the darkness and brought it into the light. Through love, Kainan found compassion for life again and realized that not all are out to persecute him. Eventually, she was given to another man… more befitting her station.

Now, a man whose heart was once as black as the gear that he carries wanders from place to place, looking for somewhere to fit in. He has arrived in Aleris in an attempt to leave behind his past, once and for all.


~~~~~o~~~~~

Job History
One of his most successful runs was a bounty that he chased down, following a woman by the name of Ara'il to a small city. The money was meager, but Kainan needed the work, so he had taken up the job. He found Ara'il in a gaming house, running up a large tab that she had no intention of paying. Although the job was on the line, he found himself somewhat taken with her. And when she fled from the establishment, pursued by the henchmen of the place, he followed at a close distance. They cornered her in an alleyway and looked as though the intention was to kill her... after they had gotten what they felt was due in exchange for her fleecing their boss. Even outnumbered, cornered and unarmed, she had even spirit to stand against the four men whose minds were already filled with all manner of unpleasant thoughts at her expense. In that moment, Kainan saw a small amount of himself in her position. Before he fully knew what he was doing, he had jumped into the fray and began fighting. Tossing her one of his own blades, the two of them fought and killed the men. Later on, when he divulged his true purpose behind having found her, she spun a sob story to him about how the man that was trying to find him wanted to force her into marrying him and becoming little more than his slave. It was all made-up and Kainan knew it... as the bounty had been issued by a woman... but he played along because he didn't have the heart to take her in. They laid together that night, amid talks of the sweet future they might have together. Kainan was glad to have the reminder of what love was like, but knew none of what was said was true - he even decided to tell her his real name. Luckily, his instincts proved their worth, for he had left a decent enough portion of his coin left in only a slightly more obvious place than the remaining bulk... and both the smaller portion and the woman were gone in the morning. He heard not long after that Ara'il had made a good name for herself with a Thieves' Guild in Aleris.

The second best job he ever pulled began with him simply nicking a purse off of a mark one day in the marketplace. He had been low on coin and decided that the overly large man needed whatever he was planning on buying less than Kainan needed food. He cut the strings and was eating at the bakery down the street before the man even noticed that he had been robbed. Of course, not long after, the town guard showed up and he wound up in a cell... again. But while he was in there, he overheard a conversation between another prisoner and his rather influential brother - a conversation that the brother wanted to remain rather confidential. The brothers were to travel to another distant city in order to meet with their ailing father, and there was no small amount of secrecy and urgency behind this journey. And so, it was arranged that Kainan would accompany them and remain silent on what he had heard in exchange for his freedom and, more importantly, a considerable amount of coin. After nearly a month in the wilds, he settled down in this new city, now with a new scar that on the left side of his chin. He wouldn't say much about what occurred on that job, or how he got the scar - only saying that it was "from an angry housewife, armed with a carving knife". However, the money that he made from that job allowed him to outfit himself in the manner that he is now.

The least successful job he ever tried to pull was in his darker days as a hired thug. There was a merchant who had skipped out on a repayment for the local racketeer that had a lean on his shop. Kainan and another man, a brutish lump of muscle named Haiggad, were sent to "talk" to the man and come back with the coin. And if he didn't have it, they were supposed to trash his place and retrieve anything of value that they could to offset the debt. They waited until late at night and broke into the merchant's living quarters in the upper floor of his shop. However, he had hired some muscle of his own and Kainan and Haiggad were attacked. In the ensuing brawl that occurred, a burning log was knocked from the hearth and rolled into a wicker basket of straw brooms. Within seconds, the entire building was ablaze. Everyone inside - the merchant, his three sellswords, his wife and children, and even Haiggad - was burned alive... everyone except for Kainan, that is. He managed to jump out of a second story window and had a canopy break his fall. He limped away from that job (and everything else in that city) that very night and never looked back.

The second worst was a filching job in which Kainan was meant to steal a small trinket from a wealthy statesman's manorhouse... supposedly while the residents were away on diplomatic affairs of some sort. The targeted object was a ring beset with an emerald; worth a handsome wage but nothing compared to what the person was offering for him to lift it. And so, he waited until the town guard made their last change for the night before he moved onto the ground of the manor. Scaling the wall of the house was easy enough, he had done so with similar structures hundreds of times before. And even though the upper window that he had chosen was locked, it only took Kainan mere minutes to gain entrance. Inside, the house was indeed abandoned and quiet. It took him some time, but he finally located the ring, located in a locked box behind a locked down on the second floor of the home. However... what no one had prepared him for was that the statesman was also an aspiring wizard, and he had warded the ring against somebody in exactly in Kainan's position. It also became rapidly apparent that this budding arcanist was not without a sense of humor - as the thief suddenly found himself teleported (without the ring) to the peak of a nearby mountain range in the dead of night and on the onset of winter. It took Kainan nearly a week to trek down out of the mountains and find his way back to civilization.



Kainan's smile, as he read Ara'il's name, faded as he neared the end of the letter once more. It still struck him as slightly off-putting that the missive had not been signed in any fashion - not even a seal or an initial. It obviously wasn't Ara'il, since it mentioned her in the third-person; but it must be someone who worked with her... or for her. He folded the parchment up and stuffed it back beneath his armor between its breastplate and his chest. He pulled his hood up a little further to ward off the harsh ocean wind and pressed his back against the barrel he was sitting in front of, trying to stay out of the way of the sailor that just stepped past him. 'Birds travel in the sky, fish swim in the sea, rats live in the city, Kainan. Remember that.', came Monelle's voice inside his head again. It had been just after they had seen a wizard flying overhead, another comment born out of mistrust than anything else, but poignant all the same... as Monelle often had been. The old thief's words definitely rung true now, and the man known to most of the world only as Shadowslayer found himself thinking about how this new job had better be worth it.

The remainder of the voyage, his plan was just to lay as low as possible and ride it out. Once they were in Aleris... he planned on checking into this Tilted Tankard place and getting rip-roaring drunk.

[NeverSleep]

The travel being merely another step in a long journey, Kainan did his best to stay out of any trouble. Passing time tried his patience, but at least he was well fed here.

This strategy was successful for a great while. The storm passed overhead, then took a turn for the worse.

The crew began frantically running around as though given an order to do so.

Kainen had been on deck when the sudden chaos happened. The source of the crew's frantic nature could not immediatly be seen by him.

Then suddenly, all time stopped. The crew froze in position all looking to the east.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7LiTCi1VbY/URXZ8ZlVsLI/AAAAAAAABaY/Bs4HvgHlNM8/s1600/Gale+Force+winds+batter+Seaham+harbor-1.jpeg

A single gigantic wave was headed right for the ship. It could easily be seen to not be congruent with the pattern of other waves. It is around 60-70 feet tall, equally as wide and heading directly for the ThistleBloom.

You might guess about a minute until impact. You could head towards the captain on the deck, or into the ship to perhaps ride it out with the 3 ride alongs who were last seen together in a common area. What will Kainan do?

[Erasmas]

"Is that... is that... a problem?", Kainan asked as he got to his feet, pointing at the wave. After he asked several fairly non-responsive crewmen, on his way to the hatch that lead below decks, he gave up. Pushing past the last several ones that were in his path, the thief made his way down the wooden steps and began hurriedly gathering his belongings.

"Of course. Why would I have ever thought that I might arrive at my destination dry and comfortable...", he complained quietly to himself as he worked. Once he had everything together, he braced himself as best he could.

[NeverSleep]

As you are gathering your things:

One of the three other people riding along seems to be in meditation, while the other two are freaking out and yelling at each other.

Kainan braced himself for the expected impact, but none came.

He heard two voices from outside, one seemed otherworldly - the other he recognized as the aged and rugged first mate.

[Erasmas]

Not being much of a seaman of any sort, Kainan waited and waited and waited. Finally, when it was perfectly clear to him that somehow the rogue wave had missed them, and he heard the two voices speaking, he emerged. Making his way back on deck, he looked about, trying to ascertain who had been speaking with the first mate.

[NeverSleep]

As Kainan made his way to the top of the stairs leading to the deck, he saw a massacre by any standards.

The first mate was yelling at a being who seemed suspended within the wave. A trident shaped beam of light and energy emerged from the wave, embedded itself in the first mate, then exploded. Only gore remained of the formerly cantakerous old man.

At this point the Captain stepped up to speak, and the being said:

I'll only speak with Mergantinsk.

[Erasmas]

Kainan slunk backwards at the scene unfolding on the deck... Nope, not Mergantinsk... no need to involve myself in what's going on there... the rogue said internally. Then, with a thought, he made his way back down the stairs and over to the meditating passenger. When he neared the man, he tapped him upon the shoulder.

"S'cuse me... 'Mergantinsk', I presume?", he questioned to man once he got his attention.

[NeverSleep]

As Kainan approached who he assumed to be Mergantrisk, she arose from her seated position.

A cascade of blue/grean hair falls from under a hood that was previously drawn, she stands up taller than you would have expected. Maybe around 6'4" with bright green eyes.

Her clothes were those of a traveler, but you spot a flash of gold from a curious medalion partially hidden by her faded dark blue cloak.

She stood gracefully, as though gravity had momentarily reversed, and spoke:

I am Mergantrisk. I'll deal with that fool in a moment.

She looked Kainan up and down for a moment, and a sly smile creeped across her face.

If you know how to use those, you may make a fast friend today.

With that she whisked past him and turned around at the bottom of the stairs:

Ships in pieces harness no wind.

The mischievous smile again crossed her lips, then as she turned to face the scene above it left as rapidly as it had come.

[Erasmas]

Kainan found himself somewhat taken aback as the mediating form revealed itself as a female... he had made an assumption and it had been decidedly incorrect. And then the woman's features, if that indeed is what she was, threw him for another loop. He stared blankly as she glided across the space and past him. He didn't even have the wherewithal to respond until she was gone.

"Yeah, right.", was all that he managed to utter, though she was already above decks at that point. Shaking himself to, he made to follow... back up the stairs he went.

[NeverSleep]

As you're going up the stairs:

React to extreeme boat rocking. Need a column A stat plus a column B stat. Whatever would make sense for your character to do.

Ex: - precognate - Scout - Might use "talent"(I'm a scout, and I know and see things that others don't) to sense that the danger was approaching with "Perception" to say "I saw it coming and already had a hand on the banister."

If you can convince me, it just may work!

[Erasmas]

As the boat rocked greatly and suddenly, Kainan's cat-like reflexes kicked in as almost second nature. He went up onto the balls of his feet and moved with the motion of the vessel instead of trying to stabilize himself against it. With this fluidity, the thief pressed on and ascended the wooden steps.

[NeverSleep]

Three smaller waves violently hit the boat, and once Kainan reached the deck again he realized that the waves had deposited three human figured beings from the sea.

They stood around 5 feet tall and were obiously not made of flesh, but of water it seemed.

From the looks of it, several more smaller waves were about to deposit these monstrosities onto the deck.

After taking a look around the deck, Kainan also noticed that Mergantrisk was currently out to sea - in the midst of a wave as the first intruder had been. They were around 120 feet away from the ship already, and were fiercly battling with trident and sword(Mergantrisk). Who had the upper hand was not clear.

What was clear to Kainan was that the water beings were attacking the crew on deck(who were only lightly armed) and also sabataging the ship itself by plunging implements between the boads.

One of the beings seemed to be making his way directly toward the only way belowdeck that Kainan knew - the staircase which he had just ascended.

[Erasmas]

"What a way to ruin a vacation...", Kainan said as he drew his shortbow and fired at the watery entity that was making its way towards the stern of the boat. Nocking one of his blackened arrows, the thief looks for anything resembling a vital area. With the bloody things being made of water, he wasn't sure where an arrow would do the most damage, but since they had taken the shape of men... perhaps their were other similarities.

He pointed the tip of his arrow at the target's right knee, exhaled slow and steady, and loosed his string.


Combat - Well, he certainly isn't going to try talking to this things!
Perception - Aiming with his bow and trying to find a weakspot

Combat[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [11]

[NeverSleep]

Kainan rasied his bow, took aim, and unleashed.

The arrow was placed more or less where he had intended, but as he had predicted - the construct of this thing made any weak point unclear.

Fortunatly though, upon striking the target the water being dispursed, leaving a significant slosh of aqua which quickly but harmlessly whetted his black boots.

Kainan could easily turn his attention to the 4 similar monstrosities currently on deck, or the three waves incoming.

[Erasmas]

Kainan sighed a small exhale of relief; it would appear that the situation was not quite as dire as he had feared. Still... there was that thing that Mergantinsk was fighting off to the side... while standing on the surface of the water. The thief forced himself to focus and fluidly replaced the spent arrow with another, while drawing back upon his bowstring and finding another target. Assessing the situation on deck, he located the crewman that looked to be in the most trouble. Stepping a bit to the side, around the mast, in order to get a clearer shot, he found the watery abomination that was about to strike the poor sod and loosed once again.


Combat - Still better than diplomacy at this point.
Perception - Still seems like the situation is best served by keen senses.

Combat[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [15]

[NeverSleep]

Kainan moved with practiced steps and put arrows through three more aqua beings. The crew members who were freed by his actions retreated below deck in the amok.

At that moment Mergantrisk and the agressor had come much closer to the ship, causing it to tilt dramatically starboard.

Kainan managed to have the support of the mast he had used for cover for the upheaval, and had an arrow knocked.

The wave caught the captain off-guard, he tumbled and began to slide toward the sea. Out of the corner of your eye, an aquaman who seems about to take advantage of that situation.

At the same moment, you see a beautiful opening developing between the two open-sea sparring beings.

[Erasmas]

She seems decently competent and has been holding her own thus far... and she doesn't seem to be in dire straights right now. However... a vessel needs a captain, most especially if I am to reach dry land again... the decision played out quickly in his head. He dropped to a knee, spun about, and leaned his hip against the tilting mast to stabilize himself. Aiming at the bizarre creature born of the sea that was threatening the flailing captain, he shot yet another arrow.


Combat - Kicking ass to save lives.
Perception - Making sure that I'm kicking the correct asses.

Combat[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [9]

[NeverSleep]

A roll in the boat pushed Kainan's aim far off course.

The aquaman jumped towards the captain, and seems to be attempting to push him into the sea.

Kainan likely has one more chance to free up the captain.

You can also see that a waterbeing is now barreling down at you again, and worse - it seems that Mergantrisk has become fatigued. Her body language indicates that the opponent is gaining ground quickly.

[Erasmas]

Kainan cursed under his breath and nocked another of his blackened missiles. Pulling the string up against his right cheek, he loosed once more in the direction of the one assailing the captain of the ship. Without paying much attention to whether or not that shot had done the trick, he secured his bow about his torso and drew his twin shortswords in preparation of the approaching creature.


Combat - More kicking.
Perception - Hopefully, now with better accuracy!

Combat[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [17]

[NeverSleep]

Kainan's missile left his hand just as he was struck by the aquaman's watery palm.

-1 heart

Kainan could not tell the result of his archery effort as he was quickly discombobulated while attempting to draw his swords. The ship had rocked heavily back towards port, and both he and the aqua being rolled perilously towards the opposite end of the deck.

React to very potentially falling overboard!

[Erasmas]

The thief winced from the cut incurred from the aquatic being. But before had time to reconcile how a creature made of water could even hurt him so, he found his footing floundering yet again. Desperately, he looked about in order to gain enough purchase to keep from spilling overboard.


Talent - All nimbly-bimbly, with the fancy legwork.
Strength - Makes more sense than anything else.

Talent[roll0] + Strength[roll1] = [15]

[NeverSleep]

Kainan's efforts were fruitfull, while the water being's were not. It was thrust into the railing so hard that it dispursed.

Kainan's superior effort left him standing up, viewing what might have been the final moments of Mergantrisk's life - she was under the trident, locked in a battle of strength against the obviously overwhelming efforts of the aggressor from before.

[Erasmas]

"Oy! Over here, you overgrown puddle-hopper! Yeah, that's right... your mother was the sweat off of a fat man's bottom and your father was a fish burp!"

Kainan yelled out at the top of his lungs, in hopes that it would even cause a small moment of lapse in the trident-wielder's attentions. Meanwhile, he re-equipped his shortbow and nocked yet another arrow; it was a long shot, but he had to at least try. He strained the body of the weapon and the sinew string, the rear barb of the arrowhead digging into his finger as he pulled it back as far as it would go. He then took a deep breath and slowly let it out, loosing the shot.


Combat - Shooting the BBEG.
Perception - Right between the "eyes", with any luck... if that's even a thing?

Combat[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [15]

[NeverSleep]

Merely a raised eyebrow at the taunt, but your arrow spoke true.

Not between the eyes, no, but a shot that stuck right between the shoulderblades.

This caused the loss of focus on the battle of strength for just a moment. Mergantrisk used that moment to pull the trident out of the hands of the being - it fell into the water below.

With that the being made a quick decision to abandon whatever the plan was and began to make an escape.

Mergantrisk made no movement, merely lain upon the wave of her own creation, seemingly barely concious.

[Erasmas]

Satisfied with the outcome for the time being, he re-affixed his bow and then quickly began uncoiling his blackened rope, tying it to the mast. Looking about, Kainan tried to find the captain. At this point, almost any able-bodied crewman might even do.

"That woman over there just saved all of our lives!", he bellowed, indicating Mergantrisk as he tied the other end of his rope about his own waist. "Get the ship as close to her as you can! I'm going to go in after her. Get somebody to haul us in."

[NeverSleep]

Amidst the cacophony you hear the captain begin to shout orders as crewmen re-appeared on deck.

One of them slips on the gore that was once a senior member of the crew.

The captain's orders seem foreign to you until you are addressed:

"You there! Take that rope and pull until the sail is at the top. Then be ready to take her in!"

He went back to barking the language of sailing to the others, not once checking back with you to confirm your ability or willingness to comply with these instructions.

[Erasmas]

Kainan did as he was bid by the captain, without word. He pulled and pulled, until the sail had reached the top, and then he tied off the rope's slack. The thief then hurriedly made his way back to the side of the boat where he had last seen Mergantrisk.

[NeverSleep]

With the sail hoisted easily enough, the skiff made a quick change of direction. Kainan quickly made his way to the edge of the boat nearet Mergantrisk. Within a moment another young sailer joined him.

"Take this"

It was a net, obviously to large for just one person to manipulate. The sailor then set about preparing the oversized net.

OOC
Need rolls for manipulating the net, then if you intend to throw/use it, a seperate roll for that as well.

The water is not freezing cold, it is a shocking sort of cold though. Maybe 50-55 degrees "f" or so. There are no major waves around anymore, though the sky is still overcast.

[Erasmas]

Watching the sailor work, Kainan did his best to fall in step with what the man was doing with the net. Once the young man had indicated that they were done and that the net was ready to be cast out, the thief tried to help with that task as well.

He counted out loud as they fell into a similar rhythm, "One... two... three!"


Working the Net:
Talent - Working with his hands, a combination of nimbleness and strength. Should be something he's used to.
Perception - Watching what the sailor is doing and trying to mimic/mirror it enough to do his part.

Talent[roll0] + Perception[roll1] = [18]

Throwing the Net:
Combat - Throwing something, trying to hit a target with it.
Perception - Judging distance, weight of the object thrown, etc.

Combat[roll2] + Perception[roll3] = [23]

[NeverSleep]

"Lift here, toss this to the side. No grab that yellow one."

"One... two... three!"
"One... two... three!"

Though Mergantrisk had dipped slightly underwater by this point, the net was thrown wide enough, and the weighted corners of the net sank around their target.

The sailor hands Kainan yet another rope saying, "Even with me, go!"

The pair pulled the rope with haste, and within 2 minutes, the pair had Mergantrisk hovering just above the water on the starboard side.

It was clear that she was unconscious.

Two other sailors came over at that moment to help pull her onto the deck.

Once it was done, she was there motionless upon the deck. The crew all looked at each other, seemingly briefly unknowing of how to proceed.

[Erasmas]

Unsure of what to do himself, Kainan knelt down beside the prone form of the woman and called her name.

"Mergantrisk! Mergantrisk! Hey, come on now... you're safe! Wake up!"

The thief gently slapped her cheeks, trying to rouse her.

[NeverSleep]

After a moment, Mergantrisk opened her eyes, and looked into yours - but steemed to have trouble breathing.

The captain barreled through:

"Out th'way"

He roughly flipped her onto her side and with a closed fist pounded in measured strength on her back.

Moments later she sputtered as liquid left from her mouth and nose in a most ungraceful way.

"Take her down" the captain grumbled to a sailor.

He noded at another and the pair moved to assist her.

[Erasmas]

The thief, having never really seen someone nearly drowned before, takes what he witnessed and stores away the information. He may have need of it again some day. After a moment of stunned relief at Mergantrisk's recovery, Kainan rises to his feet and gathers his gear before following where the two men took the mysterious woman.

[NeverSleep]

With the memory filed away...
OC:
+1 to medical attention-type rolls involving drowning

...Kainan followed the two men as they assisted Mergantrisk to a room below decks.

They lay her upon a bed in what seemed to be a room full of basic medical supplies. Bandages and other basic tools hanging on the walls.

Once there the two men looked to you:

"You gonna watch 'er then?"

[Erasmas]

After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, simply, "Aye."

Once they were gone, he went to the bedside and crouched down, trying to make eye contact with her. "You alright? Anything I can get for you?"

[NeverSleep]

After a few moments Mergantrisk moved, seemingly in pain.

I'll be fine. I just need some time.

He won't be back. It will take time to find that weapon - his prized possession.

For now, let me sleep. And thanks for the help.

She winked as though you had merely helped her bring in the groceries.

[Erasmas]

"Right.", the thief said, moving towards the door. There were more questions that he wanted to ask, more that he wanted to know about what had just happened... but they could wait for another time. She had been through quite an ordeal, from where Kainan had been standing, and rest would do her some good. He pulled a nearby stool over to the door and sat down, leaning against the wall beside it. And with that, he waited.

[NeverSleep]

With nothing much to observe aside from crewmen occasionally passing by, Kainan sat, and waited. She slept - snoring like a lumberjack the whole time.

At around the 16 hour mark, Mergantrisk called out:

"Kainan?...Kainan!..."

[Erasmas]

The thief jerks awake, having dozed off at some point during the long wait. He nearly falls off of the stool he had been sitting on, but catches himself by planting his foot at an extreme angle and reaching out for the wall with his hand. Rising, he shakes his head a bit to slough off the sleepiness, and goes back to Mergantrisk's bedside.

"I am here. Yes?", he asked as he tried to discern why she had cried out so urgently for him.

[NeverSleep]

Wha.. what?
..
Oh. I was dreaming. Strange. You had been crowned a dark crown. Seems you didn't want it. You were surrounded by shadowy figures dressed in all the shades of blue.

Probably nothing.

Just as she finished that, Kainan heard a call of "land-ho!" from the upper decks.

Mergantrisk rolled back over as if nothing had been said.

[Erasmas]

The thief frowned down at the strange woman, and then shook his head slowly back and forth. 'Careful what you get yourself into, Kainan... you might not be able to find your way back out again.', Monelle had said once... Kainan was beginning to see that the old crook had more wisdom in him than he had first thought.

The call of the sailor spotting land brought him back to the here and now. Thankful that they would finally be making landfall, he rushed above decks to see if he could catch a glimpse of the approaching shoreline for himself.

[NeverSleep]

Upon reaching the upper decks, Kainan could see that they were sailing in the direction that the lookout was indicating.

The mood of the sailors was elevated. Seems they would be happy to have this trip behind them.

Overheard:

"Should be making it to port by starfall. 'Round 5 more hours then."

Any other actions you'd like to take before reaching port?

[NeverSleep]

The remaining hours passed peacefully as a ride on the ocean possibly can.

Once the land became apparent, the scope of Aleris was on full display. Buildings and ports as far as the eye could see. Poor areas, obviously filthy stinkin' rich sectors.

Landscape beyond was varied as well. Mountains, forests, rivers, and plains could all be seen interwoven among settled areas.

Once the port was reached, Mergantrisk passed by and mentioned that should would be staying at the Gilded Standard "if you wanted to write…"

On your way off of the ship, the Captain stood with his hat in his hands and an obviously sullen look about him.

"Where ya headed?"

He asked softly.

[Erasmas]

"I'm supposed to be meeting an old friend in the First Five district. Headed to a place by the name of the Tilted Tankard.", Kainan answered. He waited for whatever it was that the captain wanted to say; but he wasn't the kind to prompt a man into getting something off of his chest.

[NeverSleep]

"It's just a...."

The captain trailed off for a moment.

"The cargo we haul'd - I'm not so sure I want to deliver it now. Apparently a contenshus thing ya know?

I already lost a good friend today, I'm not sure iffen' I can go on about it. I've already built a small fortune - I think I'm going to call it quits - no more pushin' me luck for another big score.

Woudja mind takin' this to the alaerum mine they're startin' up north? They're gonna call it "Chrimea's Shadow". They're gonna give ya a payment there. A deed, and 5,000 gold.

Ya can keep them both.

That's iff'in ya walk out alive I s'pose."

[Erasmas]

Kainan thought about this proposition for a long moment. He was new to this land, and he didn't really cherish the idea of running afoul of the law in such a big way so soon - if this package was, in fact, as 'contentious' as the captain said. 'The fiddle don't always know when it's being played, Kainan. Remember that.'

"What would I be delivering? Five thousand gold and a deed to... what exactly? Seems an awfully big payment to give so indiscriminately."

[NeverSleep]

"Well, they actually paid to ship it long haul, and wanted a bigenuf boat for this tiny piece of cargo - some kinda key they say.. Something about insurance from the storm swallowing a smaller boat. The deed is to a smal house in town here, nothing special I hear. Haven't taken a care to look at it yet, jus' wuz gona sell t'anyway.

It's supposed to be important for one of them alaerum mines. Those guys got so much cash I didn't think much of them throwing off big money for something apparently important like this.

So waddaya say? It's just 2 days ride from about where we are now. Plenty of Alerus in between. I'd say watch 'yer purse in the last leg an donna tell nobody about what yer holdin' and ya should be ok."

[Erasmas]

"A key?", Kainan echoed in mild surprise. He then asked to see the thing. Once he was certain that it was something that he could easily hide on his person, he agreed. Taking the item from the captain, the thief said his farewells... such as they were... and departed the docks in favor of a warm, dry, stable bed at this Tilted Tankard place.

[NeverSleep]

The captain pulls from his pocket...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alexander_Egg.jpg

Looks like it would about weigh 2 pounds or so. In actuality it probably weighed around 10. Turning it over in your hands you can feel that the center has some sort of energy - and it rolls around as you move the "key".

"That there's Alerum in the middle. You familiar eh?"

What you know of Alerum:
Alerum is about one of the hardest elements to give an actual description too. It can be solid, liquid, or gas. Hot or cold in any form.

What is most important about it to you, is that it is valuable. People find tons of uses for this stuff. It can be used in construction or as a magical component. Even as a weapon or for healing.

Most people can control a certain amount of Alerum. You've not tried at this point. Alerum is kind of for well-off people.

Likely the Alerum is what is making this unusually heavy for it's size and material make-up.

"Thanks for taking it for me, and good luck."

[NeverSleep]

You are currently on the Lamfia Coastline. Piers and ships for days. They stopped running any sort of customs here on people, goods only have a landing tax.

You can see the Ynaverip Point easily from here. The 40 mile long pier extends into the water. It is larger than you had expected, as is everything else in Aleris so far.

In the air are several private Alearum run airships. A novelty at best where you used to be, and seemingly practically a comodity here.

"Needing a lift?" - Several four passenger crafts were nearby this particular dock waiting for fairs. They occasionally call to passersby offering rides. "Anywhere on Lamfia coast and neighboring districts!" First Five district was included.

With 12 silver in his pocket Kainan could easily afford a lift for a copper large(5c), and still have a few weeks worth of money to live and eat off of. And if this score were to come through, easy street was right around the corner anyways...

[Erasmas]

Kainan took the "key" from the captain and bid him farewell. He wasn't familiar with Alerum on a personal basis, but he had heard enough about it to know how careful to be with what he now possessed. The thief tucked it away within his tunic, close to his body so that no one would be able to take it from him without him knowing.

"Aye.", Kainan finally said to one of the small airships. He climbed on board and stowed away his gear before telling the pilot, "First Five's where I'm headed."

He handed the man a copper large and settled in for the next leg of his journey. As they went, he took in the scenery passing by... trying to get a little bit of an understanding of the lay of the land.

[NeverSleep]

Kainan's driver was particularily talkative...

Hey buddy! Thanks for riding with me. You been to Aleris before? Probably, most people have. Where you headed to? Doing anything interesting for the festival? Where you staying? Do you hear about that accident in the weird alerum graveyard? I'm not rich enough to stay in the First Five district. You must be though... What do you do for a living?

A mark if you ever saw one. You could definetly pump this guy for info and he'd leak like a sive.

[NeverSleep]

The taxis seemed to stay low, but you can see larger ships using higher paths. There are bouys in the air of many different colors, but you can seem to make out how they operate other than to assume that they denote flight paths or borders somehow.

With the ground and buildings a bit closer than you're comfortable with, you can look over a few different neighborhoods easily, as well as being able to see the varied landscape in the distance. You can see plains, forests, and mountains. The driver tells you that this is all Aleris - the Megatropolis. People who live here don't leave often. There's so much variety within Aleris. It covers the size of land that most people would consider a small continent.

[Erasmas]

Kainan makes sure to probe the pilot a little, trying to see what he could find out about this situation that he was getting himself into. The thief made sure to mention the Tilted Tankard, the First Five district, the festival that the man had brought up, Ara'il, the Opal Oak, and the Chrimea's Shadow mine. He deftly steered the conversation away from the question of his occupation. Instead, he filled his time in the transport just listening to the man ramble on, sorting out the specific details that he found useful or informative. And in the meantime, Kainan watched the city fly by beneath them.

[NeverSleep]

Tilted Tankard:

That's just a run-o-the-mill tavern with a couple of rooms. Bartender is always pretty well dressed for a forgettable place like that.

First Five District:

One of the closest to the sea. Rich folks. They even have an area dedicated to large estates. Seems like everybody there is well-connected both in and out of that district. They don't put up with beggars there, and suspicious folks get stopped by wandering guards occasionally. The guards there are very well-paid and effecient - unfortunatly for some!

Festival:
This year's Aleris festival celebrates Aleris herself. It's been 300 years since Aleris was founded on her shoulders. You know the story about how she found/discovered the Alaerum here right?

It's a big festival every year, but this being the tri-centennial is extra special. All kinds of stuff is going on around the city!

Ara'il:

I don't know anybody who goes by that name.

Opal Oak:

Now there's a nice place. Only a few long blocks from that other one - that Tilted Tankard. This one is for people who want to be seen, even among the First Five District! They have good entertainment there every night - rotating bards, acrobats, contortionists, actors, orators. Out of my price range for sure!

Chrimea's Shadow:

That's that new alaerum mine everybody is obsessing over. Apparently could be one of the most prosperous ones, but ownership has been contentious. Rumor has it that some farmer didn't even know he owned the 95% of the thing - been in his family for years. So there's been a bidding/bribing war over this guy.

Also, apparently the initial excavations and mappings have been troublesome. Just rumors about why though. Inhabited by aerumbeasts, a demonic presence, giant pits, squatters, rogue monsters, a tarresque, etc... Who knows what's really going on in there!

[Erasmas]

Kainan thanked the talkative man and paid him the agreed wage, plus a small tip. The thief then departed from the airship once it came to a stop and looked around, trying to see if he could get his bearings. First on his list of places to go was the Tilted Tankard so that he could procure a room for the night before they filled up. He offloaded all of his gear and secured it on his person before setting off.

[NeverSleep]

You slow over a square. Other mini-airships are scattered around with now rationality that you can surmise. When the pilot puts down the vessel, it's a pretty rough landing. The guy seems like an expert at driving it, just part of the experience you guess.

He seems sincerely greatfull for the tip(mentioning that you must be from the west) and helps you unpack your things. You are informed that the NW corner of the square is where the tavern is, and points it out to you. He parked you pretty close, only a 3 minute walk or so, and offers to walk you and your bags over there.

[Erasmas]

With most of everything that he currently owned being able to be easily carried, Kainan declined the man's offer to walk him to the tavern. Then thief made his way across the square, his eyes on his destination. There would be time for looking around later, though he was still sure to get a general lay of the land as far as major locations around the square were concerned.

[NeverSleep]

In this square there is a tarp surrounding a large portion of the center of the square. The tarp itself seems to be floating right where it is, rather than being supported or hung.

There are pop-up shops and eateries here, though most don't seem to be open yet - under temporary construction. Likely for the festival you thought to yourself.

As you approach the Tilted Kilt, you can see that there is construction being done in the lower level of building. There are men and women there and when you take a few steps off of the main route towards the place, one of the dwarven women gives you a long stare.

After opening the door, you see an empty bar. A elvish woman is seated behind the bar looks up from her book she obviously uses to pass time.

[Erasmas]

Kainan ignores the stare of the dwarven woman and moves straight inside. When he spots the elf behind the bar, he moves in that direction.

Pulling back the hood of his black cloak, he states, "I was told that you would have a room for me here. My name is Kainan."

[NeverSleep]

Ah, Kainan. You're early.

She had pulled out a book, seemingly of reservations and flipped open to a page near the back.

No matter, you room has been reserved since last week, and you're covered here for another two weeks.

Just umm... - hold on - sign in here, then I'll show you upstairs.

She had pulled out a second book. It seemed new - no names were in it yet.

[Erasmas]

Kainan signed his name, as he asked the elven woman, "Can you tell me anything about who made the reservation?"

As he finished signing the book, he closed it for her... having slipped a bribery of coin between the pages so that it just barely stuck out enough for her to see them. He then slid the book back over the bar towards her, looking her straight in the eyes.

"I'll also need a bath before I bed down for the night. Can that be arranged?"

[NeverSleep]

I didn't do the booking, so I wouldn't know.

Free bathing services with a stay are available. Let me write down the info for you.

She discreetly wrote on two pieces of paper:

Information for the bathouse, just across the square, and to mention Lucilla's name there for free access.

"They will always be closer than you think."

[NeverSleep]

Just tell her I sent you and they'll take care of you.

She turned with a practiced grace and began up the stairs to the second floor.

Follow me.

[Erasmas]

The thief tucked the second note away, close to where he had stashed the key. He wasn't exactly sure who her note had been referencing, or if them being near was good or bad, but he had never been one for taking too many chances. Kainan swept the room with his eyes as he moved to follow the elven woman up the stairs. His hand drifted close to the pommel of one of his shortswords... just in case.

[NeverSleep]

There's really not much to look at here. Empty chairs at empty tables.

Clean though.

Right this way.

She shows you into a room that is bigger than you're used to for sure. A footlocker with a key lock at the end of a double-wide bed, an armoir with drawers and a place to hang a few items, a mirror, and a coat rack.

There is a window overlooking the square here with a small(3 ft. deep) balcony. There are a few plants hanging out there. You are almost directly above the construction folks.

Anything else I can help you with?

[Erasmas]

"No.", Kainan said simply. And then, just before the elven woman left, he added, "But thank you. For your kindness."

Once she had gone, he set about stowing away a few things. He didn't entirely trust this arrangement, however, and kept his most valuable items on his person. His bow and arrows went into the armoire, though he stowed one arrow beneath the pillow that he would not be using. He stowed another above the inside of the door frame, with the fletchings sticking just off to the side so as not to cause it to fall. He removed his rope and grapnel and then locked the rest of his traveling gear away in the footlocker and then plucked a single hair from his own head. The thief locked the chest and then wound the hair around two of the rivets in the iron banding near the back on the left side... one on the trunk's bottom, the other on the lid. He then removed his armor and carefully put it all inside the armoire as well. Then, taking the rope and grapnel, he tucked them into an out of the way spot on the balcony.

Keeping his two shortswords, his daggers, and his tools of the trade on him, along with the note and key, he made his way back downstairs, making sure to lock the room behind himself. His next destination was to buy a new set of clothes and to get a bath.

[NeverSleep]

After locking your door, and feeling a great physical weight literally off of your shoulders, you head out into the world.

There seems to be plenty to do right in this square. You could probably take care of both of these things without leaving site of the Tilted Tankard.

"Where to first?" Kainan thought... The directions to the bathhouse were clear, several clothiers were within sight, and it might be nice to have a fresh change of clothes after being pampered a bit.

[Erasmas]

He was going to need clothes of a less conspicuous nature; something a bit more fashionable and not as travel-worn. His boots could likely use replacing as well, his old ones at least needing to be resoled. With all of this in mind, Kainan ducked into the first stall that seemed like it cobbled boots first... as it would be best to start with those.

[NeverSleep]

You head into a shop that seems to specialize in shoes.

"4 copper for a re-sole, but only 9 for a new pair!"

This is obviously inflated, either due to being in the First Five District, or due to the festival. Probably both. Where you're from a copper small would get the work done on your boots, and it would be about 4 for some new nice boots like the ones on offer here.

These were much more fashionable for the region though, without being gaudy or over the top. No-one could recognize you by the shoes you were wearing if you went with these..

[Erasmas]

Kainan thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I could give you as much as six copper for the new pair, if they come in black. I've got a lot of purchases to make today, friend."


Rolling for haggling!

Spirit [roll0] + Guile [roll1] = [16]

[NeverSleep]

"A bargainer eh? Alright, you've got it. But you have to promise me you'll tell everyone about Stew's Shoes!"

Within a minute you're packed up and back out on the street. Seems they're looking to do volume business there, because as soon as you two had settled on a price the clerk was beginning another transaction.

A bit further down the way, you spot two clothing shops, one that is a bit of a hole in the wall, another that takes up the larger part of a big building.

[Erasmas]

The thief paid the man and gathered up his new boots, then leaving the shop. He would put them on later, like the rest of the clothes he intended on buying, after his bath. He could still feel the salt on his skin and the stink of fish seemed to refuse to leave his nostrils.

Without much of a second thought, he entered the smaller of the two clothiers. A hole in the wall place was just fine by him... perhaps even better.

[NeverSleep]

"What, I thought i locked that..."

You heard mumbled as you sauntered in.

"We're closed, try next door."

The man didn't look particularily well dressed, and the stock here seems a bit dated from what you've seen around so far, and sparse. Perhaps this isn't the best place to find cloths that will help you fit in.

[Erasmas]

Kainan's interest was immediately piqued, though he didn't want to start trouble this early on. He tried to see enough to perhaps get a feeling for what was going on in here, but he tried to play if off.

"Oh, please forgive me. I'm new to Aleris and am just trying to find my way around still. You never know when you might need a quiet place to unwind when the burdens of others are weighing you down. Good day to you.", the thief said with one last glance around the place where the man was on his way out the door. He Kainan laid out the usual thieves' cant exchange for telling the man that he understood him to be a fence. He then began to make his way towards the door.

[NeverSleep]

"You must be from the West..."

He clears his throught and thinks for a moment.

Yes, you must be Kainan. Arrived early eh?

[Erasmas]

Kainan stopped near the door and turned, puzzling aloud, "So you too were told of my arrival. May I ask by whom?"

[NeverSleep]

Come back here for a moment.

The man brought you towards the counter so he didn't have to shout across the store, but before he did so he locked the front door.

Might as well be out about it. Ari'il sent for ya, I know it. Does that name sound familiar?

The Cobalt Mask will have a new leader soon, so there's been a recruiting effort like none we've seen before. The three people in position to take-over are all trying to prove their value through competition. Influence peddling, contests of skill, net gains, and contributions of a "unique nature" are all being considered. You're one of the few recruits thats a bit of a wildcard. Almost all the rest come from 'round here.

Now let me ask you this, as an objective third party of course... how good are ya?

He slapped his hands down on the table revealing, from the corner of your eye, that he is missing exactly 5 fingertips from his right hand, and 2 from his left.

[Erasmas]

"Not sure...", the thief dodges the question about Ara'il's name. The Cobalt Mask, that was something he would have to remember. When the man asked his next question and slapped his hands down onto his table, Kainan looked down at the man's mangled hands.

"I can't say that I catch your meaning. But whatever you're asking about, let's hope that I'm better at it than you were.", he said, indicating the missing fingertips.

[NeverSleep]

Playin' coy ain't gonna get to far with me. I've been around longer than I'd even like to admit. If you are who you I think you are, we'll be meeting again soon enough.

When you see Ari'Il, tell her she owes me one.

Until then, -Mauthulian Drenamnen-

Then he walked back over and opened the lock and door, presumably a kinder way of telling you to leave than another option.

[Erasmas]

Kainan took the hint, moving to the door.

"It isn't about being coy. It's about trust; it's hard enough to come by in this trade... much less when you move into a new territory. If it turns out that you and I are walking the same webs, then aye... we'll meet again. And if I see this person you mentioned, I'll deliver your message."

The thief then left, with only one more glance back at the little rickety shop, before heading on towards the other clothier.

[NeverSleep]

And with that Kainan left the fence location, and almost immediatly next door was a giant clothier.

Plain as day, and bright inside. You could do all your shopping yourself or ask an associate to help you.

Inside:

Women's clothing
Men's clothing
M/W jewelry(fairly cheap quality to your eye)
Outfits for special occasions
A section with a few books about fashion
Small eatery that is fairly busy at this time
Super high ceilings
Single person Alerumcrafts with what you'd assume to be security riding in them
More than a few sales associates who are pushy with the "Can I help you find anything?" attitudes?
A small chapel/quiet area
A section for children's wares
Employee off-limits area
Some kitchen wares, though obviously not the focus of this store
A tailor's area

Also, there is an overhead room that you can constantly see that is above the employee's space. You can presume that management resides there.

[Erasmas]

Kainan spent some time there, trying to find something that seemed appropriate with what other denizens in the town were wearing, though he made sure to keep it in dark colors... black, where available. Once he was done here, he paid and began to make his way towards the bath house.

[NeverSleep]

Spending around an hour or so, you've got a new set of cloths picked out in the black to dark-black family.

Total comes out to 19 copper. High quality clothes, but not yet "Fancy".

When you arrive at the bathouse you are met with a front counter by an overly friendly face of a man in his late 20's.

"Hello, can I help you? Would you be needing special attention today?"

[Erasmas]

"Aye. Not sure what you mean by 'special attention', but I was told to see Lucilla.", Kainan said, open-endedly.

[NeverSleep]

Lucilla is actually the name of the person from the Tilted Tankard, not who you're supposed to see. I'm responding as if Kainan said it like that.

"Oh, Lucilla sent you huh?

Come right this way"

With that he escorted you back to a private room. Once there, you see a bathing tub and a massage table. By your estimation, "extra services" here are likely of a nature for a consenting adults.

"The bath water will be brought in shortly. Would you prefer the company of a male or female? A human or an elf?"

[Erasmas]

Kainan thought about companionship for a moment; it had been a long time at sea.

"A female elf will do just fine.", he said at last. He moved over to a spare chair in the room and draped his new clothing over the back of it, dropping his new boots beside it as well. Removing his sword belt, he hung it from the back as well. Taking one of his daggers, Kainan placed it into the folds of a towel placed it on the edge of the tub, as if for a headrest. He then sat down in the same chair and began taking off his old boots.

[NeverSleep]

"I think you're going to be pleased with your selection."

A few moments later two large shirtless men came in, insert a stopper and sloshed stingingly hot water into the basin. They also put two large towels near the massage table, and left a case on a table nearby.

They left without saying anything.

You must be Kainan. Ari'Il told me you'd be here soon. I'm glad I was in when you arrived. Lay down here for me would you? My name is Traia.

Traia is an elf who is actually a bit on the mature side, even for an elf. Strings of elegant grey hair fall in interwoven braids down the side of her face and barely reach the tip of her emerald green corset which is inlaide with gold trim.

Her arms are toned, and bare at the moment. She wears a short dress, mid-thigh, with gold and silver stockings underneath.

She is tastefully made-up, and seems impeccably prepared for her duties.

[Erasmas]

Kainan nodded curtly, removed his shirt and climbed onto the table. Eyeing the case left by the two men, his eyes then made their way to the elven woman when she entered. He now began wondering what he had gotten himself into.

"You're older than I would have thought.", the thief said. He then thought that may have come out wrong, and tried to make the situation better, "Not that that is a bad thing. Just not what I expected."

[NeverSleep]

Ari'Il said your tounge might get you into trouble. No worries, sometime a bit of trouble can be fun.

I presume you don't have anywhere pressing to be for a few hours? Ari'Il insists that you get the best I can offer, and it takes time to get somebody fully relaxed, and refreshed.

The way she spoke would make even a young man blush, not by the words themselves - but the confidence and assuredness combined with a raw sense of urgent sensuality. It's been some time since someone spoke to you like this.

She begins to open up the case that was left for her, from your best guess they look like apothacary instruments and ingredients. No labels for you to be nosey about though.

[Erasmas]

"No.", Kainan answered the question about his plans for the next few hours somewhat stupidly. He was usually a man of few words, but in this situation, he was almost reduced to a blunt instrument when it came to meaningful dialogue. The thief watched her moved about, preparing for whatever her 'best' was going to entail. He was struck by her grace and confidence, almost as much as he was by her brash tone and forward nature. A long time indeed... he thought to himself as he allowed a small smile to tweak the corner of his mouth. Perhaps he would have to show her how troublesome his tongue could be.

[NeverSleep]

There, face down. The towel won't be necessary.

As you laid there face down, she spayed a mist around the room. A pleasant aroma. Then she went about the work of an oil massage - starting with your road-worn feet. moving up the legs, only a few moments spent around the buttocks. She rubbed your back and shoulders, pressing more and more of her own body against yours as she worked, and shedding her cumbersome layers as she did.

The oils and lotions used combined into a delicious cocktail of relaxation. You couldn't imagine being more comfortable and weightless as your body was pampered. Then you realized that the intesity of sexual contact was significantly heightened. The mere experience of a hand across your thigh harkened back to the days of your youth - the first time you shared with another - that same yearning.

Finishing once, you again reached another higher plateau of pleasure. The experience continued. Seemingly timeless - you drifted in and out of sleep, or something like it, more than once - each time awakening to the same hands and body in different arrangements. On top, bottom, giving, recieving... It happened in and out of order simultaneously - your mind began to wonder away from the ties of this world...

[NeverSleep]

Listen Kainan. came Monelle's voice, familiar, friendly. Gravitas abounded from his wisdom.

Birds travel in the sky, fish swim in the sea, rats live in the city - but not every creature deserves the life given, or taken.

In the forefront of your memory - a house on fire. Haiggad, sellswords, merchant and family. Each in turn you could see. A thug who's days of makey money off of the pain of others, coin for murder, a family man who used the sweat and blood of his children and others to turn profit into more sin for himself, a wife who was merely a birthing pod with a hole for ale to fall into and a second for children to come from.

The children, each not merely discontent but burdened with the weight of a lifetime's worth of servitutude and solitude. Chastised for not "producing" enough in a given day, and the only earthly pleasure was when the 16 hour workday was done. Dreams can't be taken away.

Don't blam yourself Kainan - you were only a child. You've become much more than your lot allows for...

The indignity of eating street food, the scorning look of passersby. They mean nothing now. Merely priviledged expecting priveledge without willingness to provide for those less fortunate. You've meet better people on your travels than any of those who would look down upon someone less fortunate.

Kainan. Remember that. came Monelle's voice.

----------------------~~~~-----------------------

More time had passed, you went through several more phases - experiencing all of Traia - then true sleep came.

You awoke. The room looked as it had in the beginning - clean, fresh towels, empty basin. There were candles lit, and darkness came from the windows, not light as before. The dagger was still wrapped in your towel at the head of the massage table.

Looking inward, you realized that you have been impeccably bathed. Nails timmed and cleaned. Hair free of the noxious smell of the sea and trimmed, along with your facial hair. Your mind is refreshed - you feel as though you've had a year of great rest on the most luxurious of beds.

Looking toward the door, you can see that it is barred from the inside. Then you notice a form on a smaller bed that you hadn't noticed before. Traia - asleep.

[Erasmas]

Kainan awoke with somewhat of a start, reaching for his dagger more out of instinctual fear brought on by confusion, more than anything else. Realizing where he was, he kept his hand on the hilt of the small blade as he pieced together what little he could from the events that had preceded this moment. Though the feeling was euphoric and he now felt better than he had in a decade or more, the thief still was not sure that he was comfortable with having been taken out of his own self like that - the loss of control was unsettling. However, it was not so much so as to take away the pleasures of the day. He rose and dried himself with the provided towels, quietly moving about the room so as not to wake the sleeping form of his... 'lover'? 'Server'? 'Friend'? Honestly, he wasn't sure what to refer to her as now; his feelings and emotions surrounding the elven woman were all a swirl.

He dressed in his new garments and drew on his boots. Then, replacing his daggers and cinching his swordbelt about his waist once more, he moved to stand over the sleeping Traia. There, he looked down at her and smiled, reaching out and softly caressing the small of her back and tracing the curved lines of her body with just his fingertips. At last, he bent and kissed her cheek and then Kainan went to the door and lifted the bar. With one last look, and a promise to himself to return here one day, he departed.

[NeverSleep]

Mmmmhmmm... Good night - Shadowslayer. Thanks...

Said with an incredibly playful tone, she let you leave with your kind gesture. Herself seemingly exhausted out of pleasure -she remained on the bed without turning.

You walk back out into the night. By your measure the time is... well... your time is pretty messed up... but, no drunks on the street, all bar lights are out. Must be "early" rather than "late".

[Erasmas]

With his old clothes and boots folded up and tucked beneath one arm, the thief turned and headed back towards the Tilted Tankard. If it had been that long, chances were that his stomach would be realizing it soon. Hopefully there was still someone up at the inn and he wouldn't have to make too much of a ruckus when he entered.

[NeverSleep]

Shadowslayer arrived again to see Lucilla at the Tilted Tankard, this time though she had a yawn across her face and seemed to be doing some cleaning.

She looked up to you and said "You've got that glow about you. How was she?

She continued on picking up a few things here and there, wiping down tables.

Something to eat? No doubt you've worked up an appetite. Go drop your stuff off then have some eggs and hash with me.

[Erasmas]

"A gentleman doesn't discuss such things.", Shadowslayer gave her a stern look. He then allowed it to fade somewhat into a smile and added, "Or so I'm told. I'll tell you everything you want to know when I come back down."

The thief managed a small laugh at his own jest and made his way back upstairs. He found a spot in the armoire for his old clothes and then hung his swordbelt on the inside door handle. After checking the status of the various things he had planted about the room, he exited and locked the door behind him. He still had his daggers and the key upon him, and that was unlikely to change any time soon... unless he went back to see Traia again, that is. He made his way slowly down the stairs and lowered himself into a chair near the bar where Lucilla was working.

"Well... you weren't wrong about that being the place to go.", Kainan opened the conversation. He accepted the plate of eggs and hash with a curt nod, asking for a sweet wine to accompany it.

[NeverSleep]

The door was lock when you arrived, and everything untouched - including the strands of hair that you booby trapped the area with.

Here, try this one.

She sat down across from you at a smaller 4 seater table, and had brought a small decanter of wine, a caraffe of water, 2 plates of eggs, hash, and a few mixed fruits and vegetables.

Your first sip of the wine was divine. Elvish - a culture you've begun to appreciate more and more lately it seems - and a subtle sweet and savory flavor, flavors like honey. Perfectly matched for your breakfast it seems. The hash was perfectly done with just the right amount of butter and seasonings. Eggs done over easy, and broke perfectly to enjoy when mixed through the hash.

Actually, everything seems really awesome right now. Your senses definetly still heightened, but any other day you might be less impressed with everything here.

So? How was it?

After listening to a bit of your story she changed the subject a bit:

Ara'il said she'd be coming down to see you today. Likely she'll be here around traditional breakfast time. Any questions I might be able to help you with?

[Erasmas]

Kainan had complimented her on the meal, along with the wine, and had helped himself to a second glass of the stuff. When Lucilla gave the news that Ara'il would be in to see him today, he nodded in approval. Inside, however, his emotions ran the gamut. It have been years since he had even spoken to her, and... techincally speaking... she had robbed him the last time she saw him. Then again, she had sent word to him specifically about whatever opportunities there were here in Aleris. He supposed that he was just have to wait and find out what those were.

After a moment, Kainan realized that he had left poor Lucilla without an answer to her question. Jerking himself back to the present, he shook his head negatively, "Uhh, no... thank you for the breakfast again, though."

The thief then returned to his room and re-outfitted himself in his armor and full compliments of weapons. He wasn't sure what Ara'il was bringing with her, so he wanted to be prepared. And then, he waited for her arrival.

[NeverSleep]

After a good long chat, you and the elf Lucilla had gone over almost every detail of your encounter. She seemed interested in all the details, and related to you how she has had the same treatment before.

So you were there for like... 15 hours? So long! How did ummm.... "you" fair? Because it is different as a woman so...
When you started the dream, what did you see? Didn't you feel much better afterwords?
Do you feel the after effects? Mine were pretty great. My business success went way up! They say it makes you better at whatever your heart knows its supposed to be good at.
When you "woke-up" midway, was there ever a time when she was like" ... " - Wasn't that great?
How hot is Traia for someone who's as aged as she is? I want to know her secrets!

She also confirmed that what the fence had said was all true, that this was a front business for Cobalt Mask operations - of which you are presumed to be joining the ranks of soon, and that the official contest for succession of the guild leader would coincide with the celebration of Aleris' tri-centennial planned for next week.

After your long talk, the sun started to rise, and Lucilla cleared the dishes. You headed off to your room, not buzzed on energy nor sleepy, but with a measurable amount of inner focus and fire. So ready to take on the day.

After taking a fair amount of time to fully gear up, you realize that you still have around 5-6 hours until Ara'il should be arriving.

[Erasmas]

Kainan obliged the curious woman's questions, neither boasting nor exaggerating any of the details.

"It was an experience that I look forward to partaking again sometime in the future.", the thief finished the conversation. Once he had made himself ready for Ara'il's arrival, he then realized how much time remained until she was likely to show up. He shook his head; the event of the day before had really messed with his sense of time... among other things. It was almost like he was intoxicated. Looking to his bed, he thought about getting some sleep. However, he wasn't the least bit tired and felt far too rested and energetic to try and force himself to sleep. So, instead, he headed back out of the Tilted Tankard and to look for a bit of sport.

[NeverSleep]

In the hour before dawn, you make it out into the street. You take a stroll about the area keeping your eyes out for anything intrigueging.

Early risers are out. A gaggle of joggers of all races run past. The late-late bars are currently closing which has left a man seemingly lost, but well-dressed, wandering about the square, no alaerum taxis seem to be interested in his fare. You notice several second story windows to modest homes have been left unlocked but shut. There is a fine home that takes up a whole city block nearby - sleepy guards at several gated stations, and about 100 feet from gate to structure. The construction of the building (next/under?) the Tilted Tankard has several employees groggily arriving. You notice a bill-board that has several job openings on it. Many of them say "Must Live in Aleris to Apply" - including the one that is the recruiting information for the town guard local to the First Five District.

You pass by one location that stikes some interest. Several folks are outside, some exchanging heated words, others exchanging coin - an apparent arbitor nearby. Nobody really looks your way, except one oversized brute whom you can only assume is some sort of bouncer. The people outside look to be less than reputable, and a place like this in the First Five District seems out of place. A sign hanging overhead is tilted to the right and hasn't been painted in years: "Dino's Chaos".


Then on a smaller sign above that... "Flower Shop"

[Erasmas]

Kainan is interested in the wealthy man who seems to have lost his way, and tails him for a couple of blocks before coming across Dino's Chaos. The fact that the bouncer eyed him was enough to cause the thief to abandon his mark... it was no good if someone could later identify him. And it was much too early to go pressing his luck in this city. Besides, taking something from the man would have been a piece of cake. This place, on the other hand, looked like it could be a lot more fun. Gathering his things about him, Kainan pulled the hood of his dark cloak further forward still and slipped in through the door.

[NeverSleep]

"Woah Woah... You buyin' flowers?" The big man asked, blocking your entry with his body while simultaneously allowing two men to drag out a third who was bleeding from his ears and mouth and couldn't seem to keep his feet under him.

"Go see 'the nose' if you want in." He gestured to a man who had been overseeing some sort of transaction.

[Erasmas]

He looked at the large man, and then to the one he had indicated. He exhaled sharply, and then made his way towards this "Nose" character. He waited for only a moment for the transaction to complete, but he spoke up.

"You the one called 'The Nose'?", Kainan asked.

[NeverSleep]

"Yeah"

He looks you up and down, his comically broken nose and high upper brow a likely reason for the moniker.

"You're not from here eh? Nice clothes though, your weapons aren't new though, and seen a rough patch or two. You must be coming up."

You catch him take a wiff of the air here.

"Ya smell good, but under that is the sea. You come from beyond the deep sea then?"

After waiting for your response...

"So maybe you'd fit in here, maybe not. Depends on if you've got coin to wager, or some aggression to get out of ya. So which is it?"

[Erasmas]

"That's a lot to get from a glance and a sniff.", Kainan commented, neither really here nor there in its meaning. He would let the man make his observances, his assumptions based on them. Right or wrong, Kainan had no reason to really care what this man thought of him.

When the question was put to him, the thief gave a small smile, "I'm not looking to lose any coin tonight, being new in town and all. What sort of means do you offer for 'getting the aggression out', as you put it?"

[NeverSleep]

"Well, if you know how to use that... or that one - or that one..." he said indicating your weapons, including hidden ones... "than you might be sport enough for the others to gamble on. You heard of the Chaos ring? If it is activated, you won't die in the ring - the only thing it leaves on ya is scars. An awful feeling for sure being dead for a time and all though..."

He shouts for all outside to hear, "Whattya say boys? Anybody think this guy

Aside to you... "your name?"

[Erasmas]

"I've never heard of it, but I think I get the gist.", Kainan had answered. And then, whenever the man asked for his name, the thief said, "Everyone calls me Shadowslayer."

[NeverSleep]

"AHA! He's even got a great name... SHADOWSLAYER!!!"

With that the few people outside did a bit of cheering, some laughed, others with measured straight faced neutrality.

The Nose says: "We're closing up shop in an hour or so, but if you want in - people love newcomers. Its 2 silver to fight protected by the ring, free if you want to die, and you get 10% of house's take if you win. ONLY if you win. Go inside and talk to one of the pit bosses and they'll get you set up. Take this"

He hands you a small coin with his likeness on it.

"You'll be able to get into a few establishments which otherwise ban outsiders, guards, nobles, or otherwise unsavory individuals."

[Erasmas]

Kainan took the proffered coin and pocketed it on his way back to the bouncer.

"Many thanks, friend.", with which he parted company with the Nose. He then flashed the coin, if the brutish bouncer made it necessary, and then moved inside. Kainan got a quick scan of the interior before moving to find one of these pit bosses. He discreetly got two silver from his belt pouch long before he made it across the room, so as to not drawn attention to where the purse was kept. Ready to hand it over once the topic came up, he gave it to the pit boss he had found before the man had even finished with the question.

"I'll take the ring."

[NeverSleep]

"Alright."

He took the coin, wrote down your name, and said he didn't care about how much you know how to fight - everybody starts at the bottom rung.

"Ya been here before?"

He explains that the terrain of the combat can be altered by the alerum properties here, and that as long as the chaos ring is lit, both combatants would be alive at the end.

Then he sends you in to processing, where you can choose a main weapon and a single back-up weapon to have on your person. At this rank, nobody gets more than that, and no armor unless you include a shield as your back-up weapon. Your other equipment is held in a temporary personal locker.

"Are you ready for combat?" The pit boss says...

[Erasmas]

Kainan chose a shortsword for his main weapon, and a second shortsword as his back-up weapon... if they would allow that. If not, then he choose a shortbow and a single shortsword instead. Reluctantly, he removed his armor and weapons and placed them into the locker for safe keeping.

When asked if he was ready, he said simply, "Aye."

[NeverSleep]

A few minutes passed, then you were told to step onto a platform. Upon stepping up you could see across from you a man of slight build, shirtless, with no visible weapons. He seemed timid, and could hardly look at you. Scars were more prominant than normal skin by far.

The Chaos Ring lit up for both of you.

"Announcing a newcomer everyone! -SHADOWSLAYER- he calls himself! Just walked in a few minutes ago, and is entering the ring for the first time."

"And over here, like every other night, Nojas Gibs - Wish him luck"

"Betting will conclude in 10... 9...

1... 0...

"Let the Chaos begin!"

With that, your vision changed. The crowd and their noise was gone. You were in a shipyard sparsely filled with random crates 8'x8'. You could see around 50 feet in front of you Nojas. He darted to take cover behind the nearest crate. It would be relatively easy to track him, as there was nothing else especially nearby and it was brighter here than Dino's Chaos had been.

Nearby you is a crate, and there are a few scattered between you and him but off to the sides.

[Erasmas]

"Are you serious???", Kainan asked when he spotted his 'opponent'. And then, when the man hid as soon as the bout had begun, the thief shook his head and slowly began walking across the illusionary room.

"Nojas, is it? Look here... this isn't what I'm about. If you don't want to fight, then just surrender. And if you're being forced to fight, then shame on you.", Kainan called to the now-silent spectators, indicating them. "I assume that you can hear me."

Kainan kept his wits about him, and the twin borrowed shortswords at the ready. Not all men who shrank from combat were actually cowards. Old Gones back in Keldenburrow used to feign like this Nojas fellow did if he ever got into a scrape. But the truth of it was that he just waited until whoever was pressing on him dropped their guard. And then Gones would stick 'em in the back or in the side of the neck with that tiny poisoned dagger he kept in his trousers.

[NeverSleep]

As Shadowslayer approached the man peaked out from behind the barrel, and threw a shuriken.

[NeverSleep]

It flew wide, very wide. Looks like this guy didn't even know how to throw it.

Still advancing at a steady pace would get him to the box the man was behind shortly.

[Erasmas]

Kainan smirked, glad that he had not bought into the ruse completely. He'd have to thank Old Gones if he ever got the chance. The thief called the Shadowslayer ducked into the boxes himself after the missile missed it's mark. He then began to slink forward, getting closer to his target while staying hidden and as silent as possible. 'Let the shadows be your friends, Kainan. Treat the light as if it were a city guard's gaze. Remember that.'

[NeverSleep]

You slip behind the box, just as the he steps out to throw another shuriken. You can see it in his hand, but he stops for a moment trying to locate his target. He takes another step forward.

[Erasmas]

The thief waits, his twin shortswords mere inches from brushing against the black cloth of his breeches. He slightly adjusted his hands upon their familiar black leather grips, reminding his muscles of where the blades' center of gravity lay. Playing out the next few moments in his head, taking calculated guesses about his opponent's ability versus his own... the position of the objects around them... and other things. Kainan pressed his back gently against the crate he was hiding behind, keeping his ears tuned to the sound of the approaching Nojas.

And Kainan waited some more.

[NeverSleep]

He took another step forward, then suddenly crouched next to the crate and started taking small steps in your direction...

[Erasmas]

Kainan looked to the other side of himself to see if there was a way around the crates he was hiding behind. If there was, he would begin moving that way, in order to work his way around behind his opponent.

[NeverSleep]

Being as the box was farily small, a quick few shuffles and Kainan found himself behind the target. Nojas's attention seemed to be following your trail, but at a snail's pace. You could easily get the jump on him from here.

[Erasmas]

Kainan crept forward, out of the minimal shadows that were available in the brightly-lit false arena. He stalked up behind Nojas, and with nothing more than a whisper of, "Boo.", he drove both of his blackened blades towards the man.


Combat [roll0] + Guile [roll1] + Small Arms Combat [roll2] +1 (from Combat Kit) - [21]

[NeverSleep]

He turns towards you at the last moment, knowing his defeat. You can see a sincere sadness in his eyes.

[NeverSleep]

Upon reaching the floor, his closed eyes and limp body made a familiar, sickening, thud sound. You could tell there was still a whisp of life in him, but the rest of the room is silent as ever.

The illusionary room gave no sign of dispelling.

[Erasmas]

Kainan turned and looked at what he knew to be the false walls and ceiling of this space, standing over his fallen opponent.

"Now what? He is beaten; the first trial is over. What are you waiting for?"

[NeverSleep]

*thip*

You feel cold iron entering your back, near your left shoulder blade. The shuriken had not landed well enough to stick, and fell to the ground.

Looking over your shoulder, Nojas smiled and did not pick himself up from the floor. Seemingly exhausted by the action, but not as 'dead' as you might have thought.

[Erasmas]

Kainan walked over to the prone form of Nojas and ran both blades through the man once more.

"Smile now, gutter trash."

[NeverSleep]

And with that, the room faded back to normalcy. You were standing where you had begun, and in the middle of the arena was Nojas lying on the ground... sputtering up what appeared to be blood.

There was a great cheer, but the congratulations seemed to be going toward Nojas. From what you could gather, there had been bets placed on how many shurikens would hit their mark.

You could also see the crowd had shrunk from when you had first walked in, and most were on their way out now. Only a few looked you up and down on the way out. They all seemed to be either decidedly drunk, tired, or both.

When you went to collect your coin and gear there was no problem. The key was still with your possesions, and your payout was a modest copper large. Seemingly Nojas took more purse based on the side betting.

After picking up your things, there was an announcement:

"LAST FIGHT!! GET YOUR ACTION NOW!"

There was only modest commotion at this mention, and few people trickled back in. Then excitement began to build again. Another new competitor was here! The crowd was whipped up again. People walked outside and shouted "NEW GUY".

You could see that there was a figure in the ring, as you had been moments ago. They wore a simple cloak, and brandished a single dagger with an emerald green stone in the hilt.

Nojas again was there to be the house competitor. People began taking bets for 0,1, or 2. Again, seemingly, the new competitor had no idea about the side wagering.

[Erasmas]

Kainan, noticing the green stone addition to the dagger, placed the copper large that he had just won on zero. He then made his way closer to the arena so as to watch the fight unfold.

[NeverSleep]

This time the setting was a ship. Nojas started on the bow, and newcomer's name was called, "Vega".

She appeared in the crow's nest. Once she spotted Nojas on the bow, she immediatly jumped head first out towards the bow. Her hands outstretched beneath her and moments before she landed - a burst of energy righted her body and she landed lightly on her feet.

Then she sprinted toward Nojas, who threw a shuriken. Something unusual happened then - She extended her hand and shuriken changed course. She continued running at Nojas.

Part of the crowd cheered, some booed.

Then Nojas ducked behind some equipment, and peaked out to throw the second. Again she altered the direction of the shuriken somehow mid-flight.

She moved to tuck the dagger into Nojas' chest as he went to punch her - the dagger caught skin and Nojas landed a light blow while both of them went tumbling. Eventually Vega wound up on top and it became a contest of strength to push the dagger into Nojas' throat.

If you hadn't been in this type of situation before, you likely wouldn't have noticed, but the sudden burst of the knife was very unnatural. Likely whatever Vega was doing earlier played in here as well.

Your copper large returned a yield of 6 copper. People began to leave again. Another announcement was made jovialy to "pay-out, pay-up, and GET OUT!".

It is now around 8am.

[Erasmas]

Kainan took his winnings, meager as they were, and left the establishment. As he went, he tried to catch a better glimpse of this 'Vega' woman. Once outside of the place, the thief then turned back towards the Tilted Tankard and began the returning trek.

[NeverSleep]

It just so happens that Vega was quick to get out of there after her bout, which put her at the door nearly at the same time as you.

Hail - nice fight. New guy eh?

She continued through the door, you could see her face from under the cloak from this close. Staggeringly beautiful face, blond and blue hair in a braided pony-tail style, slight of build but has a confident walk.

[Erasmas]

"Thanks. You as well.", Kainan replied with a smile. "Though, you got out of there without so much as being touched by Nojas. Looks like I've still got a bit of learning to do."

[NeverSleep]

Well, you can't win them all... Say, what are you doing now? You don't seem as worn-out as those hardballs in there. Breakast?

I'm kind of new here, and could use a bit of help around the city. What are you doing for the festival?

[Erasmas]

"I didn't say that I didn't win.", Kainan jested. "As for what I'm doing now... I'm actually supposed to be meeting someone soon. I'm new here too, and this person is an old friend who might be able to get me in good with the locals. You're welcome to come with me; I'm staying at the Tilted Tankard. Lucilla, the keep there, makes a pretty mean eggs and hash. If my friend shows, I'll just take my leave and I'll give you a rain check on that breakfast. Sound like a plan"


Translated to Cant as "make introductions into the guild".

[NeverSleep]

Sure, that sounds good. Never want to pass up a golden opportunity . Let's go.Trasnlates loosely to "work possibility", in this context likely she's looking for the work.

[Erasmas]

"Good to hear. Maybe breakfast will bear fruit for us both, then.", Kainan said with another smile. He then began the walk back towards the inn.

[NeverSleep]

Upon arriving at the Tilted Tankard Lucilla greets you at the door, and seeing that you're with somebody simply escorts you to a table like a normal customer.

There are a few other customers here, none seem terribly out of place for you - no one is bearing obvious steel, save what appears to be a town guard because of the insignia of the First Five on his well-worn cloak. He has laid his standard issue helmet on the table next to a shoddy shortsword. He is slightly rotund and wears spectacles. A fine pocket watch chain heaves with each of his breaths.

Lucilla comes back with a parchment menu. You must be very hungry. She implied about you...

[Erasmas]

"Oh, none for me. I'm not eating again, Lucilla. My new friend was wanting breakfast... so I told her about the best place in town I know of. I'll just take some fresh water, if you have it.", Kainan said. He sat down where he could watch the town guard, but remained calm and relaxed. After all, he hadn't done anything illegal... yet.

[NeverSleep]

Haven't done anything illegal... lately!

Here's the water. Thanks for the recommendation, uh...

She trailed off, obviously not wanting to call you by "Nightslayer" - but fairly gracefully covered it up by tending to her duties.

Excellent choice, I'll bring those right out.

Vega had taken your suggestion on the food, and now seemed to be following your cues on protocol here. She did ask a few questions which prodded at the potential work possibilies here - in doublespeak of course.

[Erasmas]

Likewise answered in Cant, Kainan revealed that he wasn't entirely sure yet of what kind of work there was to be had here. And that that was precisely what his morning meeting was pertaining to.

He really hoped that Ara'il wasn't going to stand him up. Now it wasn't only himself that was somewhat counting on this.

[NeverSleep]

A casual paced meal passed the time, the guard got up and left. At one point somebody peaked their head in for only a moment, then left.

As the plates were being cleared, you looked up and recognized Ara'il. She had been siting only a few tables away with her back to you. She sat accompanied by two larger men, but at this moment had been facing you apparently listening.

When she was "caught", she smiled and made no movement to come over, but continued to look in your direction unabashedly.

[Erasmas]

Kainan smiled back. It had been a long, long time.

"She's here.", he mutters, more to himself than to Vega. Kainan stands and excuses himself, walking over to where Ara'il sat with the two other men. When he was close enough to her table to be able to speak without raising his voice, he says, "Hello. This is a nice town, you've got here."

[NeverSleep]

So, we meet again. Thanks for coming all this way.

Leave us.

She said that to the two men who stood up and took a walk to the next table..

Listen Kainan, I need your help. I know you're good, and I've got good coin for you. And maybe a place in leadership if everything goes according to plan.

The next few weeks is very important to the Azure Mask. Have you heard about what is happening here? Perhaps you already know what I'll be asking you to do?

[Erasmas]

When the two other men stood up and went a short distance away, Kainan took the chair nearest Ara'il. As she talked, he simply nodded along in agreement until she got to her questions.

"You mean about the vie for power among the Azure Mask? From what I gathered, there are three of you that wish to fill the vacancy left at the top. But where do I play in?"

[NeverSleep]

Sure.

You agree to become a part of the Azure Mask, and become one of my operatives. I pay you an unusually high share for a footpad. You help me succeed in my goals here. My success becomes your success within the guild. Everybody wins.

Seems simple to me.

[Erasmas]

"What's the catch?", Kainan looked to the woman for the level on the situation, "The last time I saw you, I ended up a bit light on coin; alone in that hay loft. Why me?"

[NeverSleep]

There's really not a catch. Right now it is a feeding freenzy for new recruits here. The worst I have to consider is that somebody else might be willing to pay more. I'm not willing to let that happen.

She said that with a genuine smile.

Also, we have somewhat of a "past". I hear you've already visited Traia, so being left alone in the loft has been repaid I can assume.

As for the coin from before, here's way more than enough to cover that, and a signing bonus for starting to work with me.

She laid a bag on the table.

Its 100 gold. Feel free to count it.

You see, I've found my calling here. I'm very good, and I need to know that I'm working with the best.

So what do you say?

[Erasmas]

Kainan took up the purse and hefted it in his hand, nodding in approval before tucking it away. The thief then smiled back at Ara'il before replying, "Between this and the trip to visit Traia, I would say that we're almost even. And I'll be happy to work for you. But I would ask one more small favor."

Kainan motioned for Vega to join them, explaining to Ara'il as she made her way to them, "I saw this woman fight tonight at the flower shop. She's good with her daggers. I would like it if you were consider her for employment as well."

[NeverSleep]

Look at you... recruiting already. She smiled.

Vega came over when beckoned and sat down, looking Ara'il up and down, then said,

Is she the one with the big house you were telling me about?

Wide influence

Tell me about yourself...

Vega.

Right, what do you know about the house here? Do you own any property?

I had some, but it burnt down. I moved here after that. I hear the title of this house is in dispute, I can help.

Whats's your 4?

I'm a 3.

You're not familiar with this lingo

[Erasmas]

The thief nodded to Vega, letting her know that this was the woman he had told her about. Once they started talking above his head, Kainan cleared his throat quietly, but loud enough that the two women should have been able to hear him. When they looked to him, he gestured to them both that he wasn't understanding.

[NeverSleep]

He was always alone. laughs...

You explain that to him, this is a safe enough area. Just keep your voice down.

A typical 4-out job generally needs one of each: Body, Hands, Feet, Face. 1, 2, 3, 4. The body is the muscle, Hands are for locks and pockets, Feet are the second story types, and faces deal with the public or guards when needed.

You're a two she laughed... I would know.

The two looked at each other, and burst out laughing at the innuendo.

[Erasmas]

Kainan smiles as they poke fun, "Well, I wasn't always alone. But most of the time, it ended up working that way. So yeah, I guess I'm a Two... or maybe a Three at times."

[NeverSleep]

You three share a laugh, and after a bit more prodding it seems that Ara'il and Vega have taken to each other nicely enough.

So that's it then. You both are officially members of the Azure Mask. Let's make this official.

She calls back over the two guys.

Shadowslayer is joining the Azure Mask as my recruit, right?

Vega is joining the Azure Mask, as a recruit and partner of Shadowslayer, right?

Both men scribed down the results, on seperate parchments. A strange custom it seemed.

What are they doing? Vega asked quizzically.

Azure Mask is keeping score of all efforts of each leader. I have a scribe with each of the other two as well. It's how we keep everything straight during this time.

Here's how it works:

Steal only - no mugging, murder, or harm to the subjects. Bring 20% back to me. We will tally your number of targets and total pilfered as part of my bid to become the Mask. Your partner will need to verify the totals.

Recruit - Suitable candidates only. Anybody who can't hang doesn't count. Anybody jailed counts negative.

I'll let you know when the skill contests are happening. Details are still unclear at the moment.

Anything special you can bring to the guild will weigh-in based on its short or long term value. Examples might be unique weapons or magic/alerum items. But really anything is on the table.

Any questions?

[Erasmas]

Kainan nodded when asked to confirm the assignment. And his eyes never left Ara'il while she gave the low down for how things were going to be. The terms weren't ideal, but they were certainly acceptable. When it came time for questions, the thief had but one.

"Where do we send these potential recruits; to meet with you? For that matter, how do we get in touch with you?"

[NeverSleep]

And there's the important part - great question Kain... er... Shadowslayer. We have a guild hall that doubles as a storefront in this very square. I believe you've already been there Shadowslayer.

She smiled, seemingly delighted with her ear's efficiency.


Information sources.

It looks like a clothing store out front, but extends downwards. There you will be able to lay low safely, temporary board when needed, buy goods that only thieves may be interested in and are hard to find in other places, guild fences for all types of stolen goods, information "brokers", general services for types like us, and there's even have a tavern in there.

Aside from access to guild services, we also keep money on hand for bail and legal fees for all members. To many uses of those, though, and your ability to contribut to the guild may be in question.

If you need to get a hold of me, that's a good place to start. During this time however, I'm quite active in the field and have meetings in several different locations all day. In fact, I'll be at the harbor tomorrow morning, and all the way up by the Deep Depths and alerum fields by the end of the day. Luckily, we've got a few alerum crafts accesable to the guild, so I've been able to make good time everywhere.

You'll need to report every few days, or whenever you deem necessary. Anything you two do that further's our goals and holdings may count - so keep track of it all!

There is an orientation in two days that you'll need to be at. Meet in the guild hall at sunrise. I'll be there.

Until then, use your best judgement. Sounds like Vega has been a part of an operation like this before, so she might have some insight to use in the next few days.

If there's nothing else...

Her body language is telling you that she needs to be leaving.

[Erasmas]

Kainan nodded once more, indicating that he knew the place. And when it was apparent that his new employer needed to go, he only said one thing in parting.

"It was good to see you again, Ara'il."

Once she was gone, he turned to Vega and asked, "Are you ready to get started? I think today we should scout some places out... get a feel for a few potential targets, maybe put together a plan for a job tonight, if things look right. What do you say?"

[NeverSleep]

By the way, prior to the orientation, there's a phrase that will get you into places you might need to go.

"Everyone wears a mask"

You don't need to advertise who you work for though, as there's a few who may try to sabatoge your efforts in desparation. Just keep your wits up.

Farewell, and nice to see you again Kainan.

She took her leave, 1 scribes on her tails.

Vega turned to you after she had left:

That sounds like a great plan, though maybe we could eliminate some of the hustle by heading to the in house ears. Often times they'll have leads on good, unguarded eggs.

Actually, I'd really like to pass by just to see the place. This is so exciting!

When she said that, she had curled her fists together. You felt a puff of air across your face which lifted some of your jet-black hair.

[Erasmas]

"That's a good idea. Are you finished eating?", Kainan asked. If Vega was, then he led the way out of the Tilted Tankard and back to the 'tailor'.

[NeverSleep]

Vega took one last gulp of the wine, and settled up with Lucilla, and the two of you were off.

Once you arrived at the clothing store, you confronted with a locked door.

An old man can be seen sitting inside reading a newspaper.

[Erasmas]

Wherever it was that Kainan was able to spot the old man, the thief rapped gently upon it, be it window or door. When the man looked, Kainan motioned to the front door, which was now locked.

[NeverSleep]

Oh, you again.

He let's you in.

Got anything to say for yourself? And who's this?

[Erasmas]

"Yes... everyone wears a mask; including the two of us.", Kainan said quietly, so that only the three of them might be able to hear it.

With that, he looked over his shoulder at Vega and winked.

[NeverSleep]

Mauthulian Drenamnen Shadowslayer. I knew you'd be back.

And who's this then?

She responded: I'm Vega, same story, new scene. 3.

You don't know this lingo, but likely a reference to already being a thief somewhere else.

Ok then. For now, both of 'ya are footpads. The lowest rank we got, not even through initiation. Don't walk around with your head up until you've at least proven yourself useful, huh?

Might want to take some work with the ear's as lookouts. That's where most people start. Then again, if you're feeling brave, might go on road patrol. Pickin' pockets is mostly for hands, and its the best way to wind up caught too if you ask me. If you're feeling adventurous and want something a bit more challenging, you could buy some info from the ears, assemble your four, and do a 4-out. Any more than that and ya raise suspicion just walking down the same street.

Anyway, that's my standard advice for newcomers, besides don't do nothin' stupid. We got our own form of guards here, and you don't want to be on their wrong side.

Any questions?

As he finished his terse statement, there was a knock on the door. It seemed urgent.

[Erasmas]

"Other than where to find the ears, no... not really.", Kainan said just before the knock. He spun about and reached for the hilts of his blades. The man known as Shadowslayer then moved to a dark corner near to the door and looked to the old man to see if he should be so worried.

[NeverSleep]

He nodded at you, but put his hand up in a "stay" sort of gesture.

You managed to get behind a clothing rack that was nearby the door. Anybody not looking for you would certainly never notice you after taking a few steps in the door.

Vega merely stood where she had been and turned to face the door. You saw her draw her dagger, but kept it out of the line of sight of any intruders as she stood behind a display table.

We're closed.

That apparently wasn't what the people on the other side of the door wanted to hear. The knocking continued. Now anybody outside would see that they were making a scene. He moved to open the door, and as he did so took a step away from Kainan - drawing their focus that way.

Whaddaya want?

The door opened. Two #1's stood in the doorway, one of them oversized. The other said, "You know what we're here for. Where's Andril?"


I'm afraid I don't know. He hasn't been back here since I told him you were looking for him. A shame really. I know he wanted to speak with you.

At this point Vega made a motion, pointing to her ear in a subtle fashion. Putting two and two together, you looked back at the two in the doorway. The big man had ear plugs in his ears.

The man spake softly:

"You know I think he probably... Well. Sure. Why woulnd't he want to talk to us? Just because we're supposed to kill him doesn't mean we can't just talk it out.

He Brun, let's go."

[Erasmas]

Kainan stayed where he was, remaining as motionless as possible during the course of the exchange. He had been ready to pounce out of the darkness should the need arise... but he was glad that it did not. Stirring up trouble this early on, and here no less, was not likely to have ended well.

Once the men had indeed gone, and the old man had shut and re-locked the door, the thief finally stepped from the shadows.

"And who do they work for?"

[NeverSleep]

Just wait, they're coming back, they must'a figured it out. The big one had plugs. Capture them if we can - ransom would be best.

And almost on cue, the door was kicked in. Both of the men came bashing through after the bigger one had bust through it.

"Nice try old man, won't work twice!"

This time the first one was covering his ears when the old man spoke.

You don't really need to do this. There's no reason to fight over a man who isn't even here.

And with that, the two men lunged at the old man.

Declare first action!

[Erasmas]

Kainan had slunk backwards when the old man announced that the two men were returning. He waited until they were both fully inside before leaping out from the shadows and driving the pommels of both of his shortswords at the back of the larger man's skull. If the old man wanted them alive, then he was going to do his best to bring them down without lethality.


Sneak Attack!
Combat [roll0] + Guile [roll1] + Small Arms Combat [roll2] = [19]

[NeverSleep]

+1 Combat kit!

As your pommel easily finds its mark, Vega had a different tactic - she used force pressure to take out the big man's legs. Those two things happening simultaneously brought him down hard, and he didn't move a muscle after his face slammed hard against the floor. Vega moved toward the door.

Shadowslayer was only about a step behind the smaller man who had reached out to grapple with the old man who was suddenly brandishing a sap. He used it to thwack the face of his assailant.

The grapple took sloppy hold, and the man was obviosly reeling from the blow.

Declare second action!

[Erasmas]

Shadowslayer quickly sheathed both of his short blades and came up behind the remaining assailant. Once there, he threw his arm around the man's throat and locked him into a sleeping hold... squeezing the man's windpipe with his forearm.


Oops... forgot about the +1! Thanks!

Combat [roll0] + Strength [roll1] = [9]

[NeverSleep]

Shadowslayer's choke hold was only moderatly successfully applied, however the job was done after the old man landed a solid chin punch in the mean-time.

As Shadowslayer held the man, he felt him twist in pain. Looking up, it appeared that Vega had been focused on the interaction between you three, and had her arm outstretched in a striking posture, a closed fist.

With that, the man slowly lost consiousness, but was obviously still breathing, while the big man on the ground was out cold.

Vega moved to close the door calmly after taking a quick peek outside. Obviously satisfied with the results of her survey, she closed and locked the door.

[Erasmas]

Kainan allowed the man to drop from his grasp, gentleness not a concern. He righted himself and looked to the other two.

"You both alright?", he asked. Once they answered, he readdressed the issue he had brought up before.

"Again, who do these two sorry excuses work for? And what did they want coming here?"

[NeverSleep]

Needn't mind about those guys. I'll straighten it out. Just help me tie 'em up quick.

Vega assists as requested, after the old man pulled out some rope from the desk.

These guys work for a guy who came out on the bad end of a deal with one of our members. The guy himself is nothing to worry about, but I'm going to have to send these two down.

Here, take these.

He handed you each a small token.

This is how we track favors in the guild. If you assist someone from the guild, without compensation, in a pinch - it's likely they'll give you one or a few of these. If someone assists you, it is only right that you give them one of these in return. Some people buy and sell them if they need the manpower, so they do have some value in cash, but none of us will turn down a mask in need.

[Erasmas]

Kainan took the token and nodded that he understood its meaning, "Thank you. We actually came here to scout out the guildhouse. Ara'il told us that we could do so from here. Would you point us the way?"

[NeverSleep]

Sure thing, just take that elevator there.

Just let me...

You stepped behind the counter, and then he pulled a few levers. Out of a batch of 5 or so, he pulled levers 4 times, and pulled one of them twice. The elevator door quickly opened, surprising with it's speed.

I'll send you down now.

And with that he reached in and pushed a button for you, then stepped back out - the doors shutting behind him.

And down you went, much more than a single floor, but not enough to indicate much deeper than perhaps sewer level.

When the doors opened, there was suddendly a constant hum of voices. Boisterous, angry, then joyful, all combined into one sonorous cacophany. Even the extra tall ceilings here didn't help evaporate the sound.

In front of you was a familiar sort of sight, a market - seemingly the centerpiece of this area - the wares proudly on display however were not the kind you would see in an out-of-doors market. There were skulls and various body parts, forgery materials, lockpics, jewels(likely of dubious lineage), alearum flasks and tools, dangerous looking unique weapons, tattoo artists, wigs, make-up counters, tailors, etc...

In this giant room were also some other locations you could easily spot - two taverns being obvious in purpose, but there were other structures as well who's usefullness was not as easily assertained.

[Erasmas]

Kainan stepped off of the elevator and tried to take all of this marvelous place in. He smiled despite himself, as he and Vega strolled past the stalls of nefarious goods. He then started perusing those same goods, trying to see if he could spot any particularly interesting items that might be magical in nature. He had once heard of a black cloth circle that, when thrown upon a flat surface, would form a decently deep hole into an extra-dimensional space... which would then allow you to fill it with whatever your heart desired without ever increasing the weight or bulk. Rings, medallions, potions... all of these things could prove useful in the coming weeks.

[NeverSleep]

There are hundreds of people, maybe even a thousand or more if you count the people working behind the scenes. Every one of them clamoring about something. Haggling over a price, or insisting their information is accurate, brokering a deal on a job to be done, or recounting one that failed or succeeded.

Over all this you started to get a sense of comradarie that you've not felt often before. Here were people who were proud of their craft, who had a place to share experiences with others...

Snapping back to your goal, you begin perusing some stands, and locate a stand that interests you. A man dressed obviousy like a wizard with a prominent crystal ball on display. He has several wares that seem simple, but mundane at first glance. His booth has very little interest in it, so you are able to approach him immediatly.

"Hail good, erm... hail! Looking for anything in... fck... right... oh yeah... Welcome to Tizzy's Bizzy Boutique! Looking for anything in particular?"

[Erasmas]

Kainan looked about, to see if anything caught his eye in this man's wares. As he talked, he continued to look about, "Yes. Things that aid in remaining unseen; receptacles that could release non-lethal gases that could put people to sleep; containers to store things in that would keep them hidden beyond rudimentary inspection; items that could provide for a quick getaway... things of this nature."

[NeverSleep]

"Well, let's see here... yes."

He pulls some things out for you:

Alaerum Minor Charges:
This is a commodity item. Use these to re-charge items or equipment that need alearum to run properly

10g/unit

Alaerum Major Charges:

For specialty items, scrolls, or other spellcasting use. DANGEROUS IF NOT TRAINED.

100g/unit

Shadow Cloak:

Skill: Disappear!
1d8+2
2 Charges held
1 minute/charge
Comes fully charged!
75g for Mask members!


Bottle of Dark Dust:

Skill: Disappear!
1d6+1
1 Charge held
10 max uses
1 minute/use


Thieve's Pocket(small):

Permenantly enchanted item enhancement.
Effect: magically obscure an item within an obscured pocket on at item.
3d6+3 "hide"
Requires 1 charge per week to maintain.
Small is dagger/standard flask size.
75g for Mask members!

A tiny pocket(poisen tincture sized)
4d6+3 "hide"
1 charge/week needed
50g for Mask members!

A medium pocket
3d6+3 "hide"
1 charge/week needed
75g for Mask members!


He offers a few more items, but many are far out of your price range at the moment...

[Erasmas]

After looking over the things, Kainan picks out the ones that he wants, "I'll take a medium-sized Thief's Pocket and a bottle of Dark Dust. I'm sorry... how much was the Dark Dust again?"

As the merchant answered, the thief counted out the appropriate number of golden coins and stacked them up on a table for the man. As he accepted his new items, and stowed them away, Kainan then turned to Vega.

"See anything you'd like?"

[NeverSleep]

"I didn't say did I! It is only 15g for you. Thanks for the business! Now let me get to making the pocket... Where would you like it? This should only take about 15 minutes by the way! So happy to help!"

I needed to pick up a few charges, so I'll grab those now. I aslo have my eye peeled for useful scrolls. Do you have any scrolls Bizzy?

"Oh, I'm not Bizzy -I just help him out here. I've never met him really. I'm new! Take a look at these here:

At this point Shadowslayer is not really sure what he's looking at or hearing anymore... Some names thrown out there about the scrolls - Havver Hand, Mend wounds, Yeti's Revenge, Drops of Fire, Blast Wave, Veil of Thorns, etc...


I 'll take two of these, and one of those, and this one. I'm practicing to be a force mage, and these should come in handy if my specialty fails me. Thanks!

She has picked up Mend Wounds x2 Yeti's Revenge(the most expensive), and one called Ghost's Whisper. When Vega went to pay you could see that she still had a significant amount of money in her purse. It included a flash of platinum coins(100g apiece) as well...

Shall we carry on? Anything else you're looking for today?

[Erasmas]

Kainan instructed the wizard on where he wanted the pocket installed - inside of his armored jerkin on the left side. After thanking the man and having settled up, the thief turned back to Vega when she asked her question.

"Aye, let's head on. There isn't any more that I am looking to purchase today; that was most of my coin for now. However, once we are done here... there is another place that I wish to visit before day's end. There is an alaerum mine that I want to stop by. Though you needn't be with me when I do that, if you would prefer."

[NeverSleep]

I've really got nothing pressing to do. Where the wind takes me as they say. I can accompany you.

It's not even noon right now. If you want to go up to there, we could probably be to the fields by around 4:00 if we take an alerum taxi that is.

Are you ready?

[Erasmas]

"Very well. Just keep in mind that whatever goes on up there is actually not guild business. I'd like to keep it that way, if at all possible. You okay with that?"

When he got the feeling that it wasn't going to be an issue, he started back towards the elevator that would take them back up to the old man's shop.

[NeverSleep]

Out of the shop stepped Shadowslayer after a simple "Sounds exciting" from Vega.

Sure enough, there were plenty of alerum vessels willing to take you out that way.

I presume you're brining the "key" with you? Any other info given to Vega on the way?

[Erasmas]

Flagging down one of the small airships, Kainan allowed Vega to climb aboard first. After he had settled himself into the seat, he told the pilot, "North please. To the Chrimea's Shadow mine."

The situation that surrounded this whole situation put Kainan a little on-edge; something just seemed out of place with the whole thing. But, without knowing more, he had little reason to avoid it.


Yes, definitely bringing the key... which has been subtly moved to my new Thief's Pocket! But no, not going to divulge anything further to Vega en route, just to prevent the driver (or anyone else) from overhearing anything.

[NeverSleep]

The ride is simple enough to commission, though the driver says he's not taken anybody out there in some time.

"Ain't nobody been going out here like they used to the past week or so. Odd really. You guys minors then? Is the work starting back up?"

[Erasmas]

"Something like that.", Kainan said at first. He thought it over for a second and then added, "I'm supposed to be meeting somebody out here for business."

[NeverSleep]

"Well, best of luck then. Heard this place was becoming a let-down fast. No work."

As you move with some speed, around 100 feet over the landscape at most times, you passed by a wide variety of landscapes in the mere 3 hours it took to arrive near the mine. You could see the Deep Depths which had been described to you earlier at the Tilted Tankard - a stacked graveyard. Thousands of feet up, and thousands of feet down.

Dradon's mire - a wide waste of muck-land that held within it a community of folks who seemed to think that Dradon would be back - The driver told you about this one. His path avoided going over that area as he described it.

And finally you arrived near the mine. There were some no-fly bouys that prevented you from doing a fly-over at Vega's request, so the taxi guy dropped you nearby where he's dropped off workers before.

A chained gate stood in front of you. New iron it seems. Old lock though. There were a few large tents (50 people +) on the other side of the gate, and a few fire pits were being tended to. The scent of boar hung in the air.

Also in front of you as you de-borded the vessel - two guard types in front of the locked gate. Neither of which seemed to take much interest in you as you touched down.

"Hey guy - you got a taxi coin? I got some for sale. 1 silver. If you're gonna be out in places this far, I'd reccomend one. Also, 5 silver for the ride."

[Erasmas]

Kainan's nose went into overdrive, and his stomach responded when it sniffed the roasted boar. The trip had taken a little longer than he had thought and he now found himself hungry. So distracted was he, that he didn't hear the pilot's talk of coins. Once Vega nudged him back to attention, he said, "Sorry? Oh, yes. I've got no silver; I'll need four back then. Yeh?" He hands the man a gold coin and then asks how he is supposed to redeem this 'taxi coin'. Once he has his answer, he waves at the pilot and turns towards the gate.

He took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, then striding up to the guards stationed outside.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. Is this the entrance to the Chrimea's Shadow mine? I need to speak with the man in charge."

[NeverSleep]

"Alright, here's your change. The coin is to hail a cab. If you've got a habit of going to far out places, nobody's gonna know you need a ride back uness you activate this little guy. Once you do somebody will be coming out to pick you up. You activate it by just drawing a circle around the outside of the coin three times. You can use it as many times as you need.

This is one of the places where you might need to call for one if you're leaving at odd hours. There'a a surcharge for calling with the coin, depends on how far out you are. So do you want it?"

Shadowslayer approached the guards making his intent to speak to someone in charge known. As he approached:

"No work here. Try the King's Alley location."

After making his statement the other guard said:

"What business have you to speak with anybody like that?"

[Erasmas]

"Aye. That's why I paid you a silver for it.", Kainan had replied, taking the taxi coin from the pilot.

When the guards tried to brush him off, he sighed, "I'm not looking for work. I was given a shipment to deliver here. So, like I said, I need to speak to the man in charge. Or whoever it is that receives shipments on behalf of that man."

[NeverSleep]

"I'll take it." Said the first guard.

The second - "What've ya got? I don't see anything on ya."

[Erasmas]

"Like hell you will.", Kainan snapped back at the first guard. "There's payment waiting for me to deliver this. Besides that, I gave a man my word that I would do so; and discretely no less. And what I have is incredibly precious... not to mention sensitive. I've got it hidden on my person; and it isn't to be flaunted about lightly. Now, if you refuse to take me to whom I need to see, then fetch him to the gate!"


Spirit [roll0] + Guile [roll1] = [20]

[NeverSleep]

"Get 'em."

With that the first guard unlocked the gate, and left it unlocked behind him as he shut the gate. The second moved into a position as if to say "not gettin' in here buddy".

In a few moments a man came running towards the gate, shouting the whole way "It's here, it's here!!" A few people from the camp perked up and looked towards

He was not wearing armor, nor priests clothes, nor wizards robes. No, this was a nobleman's garb, and fine it was - though his scene betrayed the title.

He arrived at the gate and flung it open, throwing himself onto his knees in front of you.

"Is it you? Do you have the key?" He exclaimed in obvious despair.

[Erasmas]

Kainan cast his eyes about at the scene that this man was causing, embarrassed beyond a measure of a doubt. He scooped the man up from the ground and said, between clenched teeth, "Get off of your knees! And yeah, I've got your key. Maybe we could go somewhere a little more private to conduct our business?"

[NeverSleep]

Now listen here -

He said after pulling you two close and while walking back towards the tent.

There are two men in there that are mine. One is left handed, and the other is the one with the Pegasis on his hilt. If you don't play along they are going to kill me!

Ok, so you have the key, you have it right...? And tell them you have money. Lots of money. And... umm... you're financing the rest of the dig, ok? We'll work out the rest lat...

"Tomey, we don't have all day, this better be good or we're taking over here. You're not gonna like that at all. In fact you might not see tomorrow."

The man had stepped outside the tent, obviously out of frusteration and ready to make good on his threat - a hand on his hilt.

"This your bank?"

[Erasmas]

He was getting deeper and deeper into this situation than he really wanted to be, and he was starting to smell what he had stepped in. Clicking his tongue in distaste, Kainan realized that any retort that he had for the man would obviously have to wait. He bristled a bit when the man exited the tent with his hand on his sword, the thief having to suppress the urge to match in kind. Instead, he forced a smile and said, "And what are you supposed to be, the mouth? Yes, I'm the bank for this endeavor. And I'd like to think that my assets are secure... that my time, as well as my money is being well spent. But, if the man in charge is being threatened, then so is my investment. Should I be taking my money elsewhere then? Or can you manage to muzzle yourself long enough for us to conclude our business like gentlemen?"

[NeverSleep]

"Hey, just let 'em back in" came a husky voice from inside the tent.

Once you three arrived back into the tent Tomey spoke to the 8 people who were inside.

See? Didn't I tell you that the key would be here soon? And look here, the expidition leader. She's come to check out the area beyond the statues.

Aye, that I am.

She said playing along.

When I'm done with my initial observation we'll get a team out here to go in a bit further. I've heard there's been a stall recently - we're going to see if we can't take care of that.

A dwarven man with a large tree on his shield spoke up, the same voice from before:

"But but that doesn't take into account that you're 3 months behind on your security payment, and that you're in it for tens of thousands to the Lyps. Maybe we should just end ya now, and hope the next noble that thinks he can run this place has more money on him before we get nasty with him too."

Looking around the room, you spotted the lefty, his sword on the opposite side as usual, and the man with a pegasusis on his hilt became clear when he spoke up:

"Hey OakStone, we're gonna get payed alright? Garbutt will wait another week for the big money. I doubt this bank has it on him now. No use chopping them down, no good for anybody."

OakStone stood up and moved towards Tomey, and his blood started boiling - you could see it on his face.

"We need the promissary note. Can you make it tonight? If not, we're taking a finger."

He eyed Tomey, then Shadowslayer and Vega in turn...

[Erasmas]

Kainan stepped between the dwarf and Tomey, his back to the shorter of the two individuals. He addressed the man that had met him outside of the gates.

"Shall I produce the key then? Or will this quibbling continue on all day?"

[NeverSleep]

Best be on with it then, these two have no good blood between them it seems.

Yes, I'd love to see it. I've waited so long. Perhaps then these fools would see that there really is value in the expidition past the entry of the old mine.

"And what if we need more security?"

If we can come to an arrangement where I can still sign my contracts, I'll still have need for security.

"We want double - and you've gotta pay us the back pay now, or I'll take a knuckle for each day its late."

[Erasmas]

Kainan looked back over his shoulder at the dwarf, "Are you finished?"

Once the situation had simmered down a little and the threats had stopped flying about the room, the thief reached into his hidden Thief's Pocket and produced the key he had been given by the captain of the ship. With his back still to the others, he made sure that Tomey made eye contact as he silently mouthed 'I will have my payment for this.' With a bit of a flourish, he held it up so that everyone in the room could see it before handing it over to Tomey.

"There you have it! See... no cause for concern."

[NeverSleep]

"Fine - ya got your key finally. So more miners can work. Doesn't solve your security back pay. You're into us for 200 gold, and unless you can get us even right now, I'm going to take that right out of your hands... eh boys?"

A few of the men seemed really into that idea, including one of Tomey's - who was feigning interest obviously to you.

Perhaps I can help. I'll need some security as we begin to open up the rest of the mine. I'll pay the back pay now, and I'll take say... those three with me on an expidition starting in the morning. I'll pay double the daily rate.

Vega had indicated one of Tomey's men amongst the three that hadn't looked intimidating - the lefty. She looked your way:

What say you? Care to take a look in the morning? Nothing like putting your own eyes on a property to see if you're investment will pay back.

That sounds great. I just want to clarify though - if he umm... goes along tomorrow, than we can't get the promissary note made up... and I really want Garbutt to know that I'll be good for the money that's owed so he can bring in the Lyps to work again.

[Erasmas]

"Mmm... tomorrow morning is no good for us, darling. Remember, we are scheduled to meet with that mask maker the moment she was willing to open the shop. You have to get fitted for that mask to go with your blue dress for the upcoming gala. Perhaps we could go now?", Kainan said, looking at Tomey questioningly.

[NeverSleep]

Oh you're right. I had totally forgotten about that. Your memory is always better than mine.

She said that with a big wink your way.

I suppose now is as good a time as any if you all are up for it? And here's the 200 in good faith.

She pulled her purse out, and began counting near the table. You could see that she wasn't running dry even after this fairly large payout.

I'll take an IOU for now, since I know it's likely we'll be funding this project.

"Now that's more like it. You're lucky your friends got deep pockets Tomey. I'll be back in two days for the promissary note."

Ok then. See you soon. Can't wait.

Sarcasm dripped from his tongue like syrup.

[Erasmas]

Kainan waited with a false smile plastered upon his face until the last of the thuggish retinue had left the tent. He then turned towards Vega and told her, with lowered voice, "Thank you. I will pay back the sum presently."

As he uttered this last word, he turned his face, now smile-less, towards Tomey, "Now, I was promised a sum of five thousand gold in addition to a deed to a house here in Aleris. But, seeing as how you were desperate enough to have me and my friend stretch out our necks for you to the tune of two hundred... something tells me that you've got another web to spin for us, eh, little spider?"

[NeverSleep]

I'll be with you three in a minute, just wait outside - we'll be out for some boar in just a bit. It smells so good!

She said this with the comfort and ease of someone who was comfortable with this sort of situation. She certainly took the edge off of the men she had selected with both her confidence and charm.

Once they were outside, she peeked out, and assuring herself that they were out of earshot before coming back in.

Now that they're gone you better talk, and it better be worth it.

Shadowslayer's words bit deep, and you could see the continued stress and new terror flood through the nobleman.

So, right... Thanks, and I'll explain everything.

He sat down, and offered you seats near an impressive table which served as the centerpiece of the tent. On top of it were many documents, a few of which at first glance were architechtural in nature, and more which appeared to be ledgers.

He then moved to offer you a glass of wine. You both would be aware that a nobleman offering to serve wine himself(rather than a servant) was either a sign of great respect, or one of disparity.

So, my name is Tomey. I've inherited the job of running this mine through my family. Unfortunately I've gone and spent nearly everything I have at my dipsonsal to get it up and running, including going into debt with several folks. Once this thing is going though, it will be a money machine.

And who might I ask are you two? I don't mean to pry, but we haven't been formally introduced - and I thought you were going to be a seaman. You don't look like a bank representative, but if you'd have been a captain you couldn't have pulled off what you just did.

[Erasmas]

Kainan took the wine, but waited for the man to drink from his own before actually imbibing any. "My name is unimportant. But, those that insist upon such things simply call me 'Shadowslayer'. Needless to say, my expertise lies in arenas that most people care not to think about. I was aboard the ship that your sea captain helmed and we ran into a bit of misfortune... and I lent aid. The captain saw fit to give me that key and asked me to deliver it. He told me what I would get in return for its safe transportation into your hands - five thousand gold pieces and a deed to a house. But I get the feeling that I'm not seeing either one of those returns, am I?"

[NeverSleep]

I'll have no more of your friendly interigations. You may call me Vega or your personal savior. Now talk.

The house, you can have. I've already sold all the furniture out of it since I've been living here at the mine for the past 8 months since I have been forced into running this. I never even visited there! It belonged to the family, in fact, but I do owe you that much, and I can pay today. I'll sign the deed over to you tonight.

The 5,000 on the other hand will be harder for me to get to you. If this place opened up for even a month, I could get it to you easily, and will have not problem doubling it. The real problem is that door that we've not been able to get through. But now we have the key! We could potentially re-start operations by tomorrow! I might be out of the thick of it soon, and I have you two to thank.

I do thank you so much... though I have one more favor to ask you...

Since I can get this place up and running tomorrow, I need the Lyps to come and work here. I already owe them a large sum, and I can't get them to return unless I can have back pay, or a bank promising to pay the back pay, and bankroll the future work. That is what Garbutt is expecting.

Do you happen to know anybody who could either pay 50,000 gold to get this going, or somebody who could get us a promissary note for that in the next two days? I could negotiate the terms of the loan to be favorable for that person, but I know we will be profitable after getting through this door.

So, what do you think - Shadowslayer? Vega?

[Erasmas]

Kainan thought for a long moment, his jaw visibly tensing repeatedly.

"I might know someone who could provide that kind of coin. I am already meeting them tomorrow morning, and I can ask them then. However, it'll cost you more than doubling the initial payment. The organization that would be loaning the money should get twenty-five percent of the total takings from this mine.", Kainan said, beginning the negotiations.

[NeverSleep]

A thought occured to Kainan:
If this guy merely needs the promissary note, I could get one forged, which would eliminate the needs for any real backing at all. That is of course if the mine can produce right away... which I have no way of confirming at this moment.

Vega had a similar idea that she whispered in your ear, coming close enough while speaking to make your neck quiver with pleasure - maybe keeping up the illusion of being a couple? You couldn't tell.

Let's keep this to ourselves maybe? A good bank note forgery might only run us about 50 gold and a day's time. We could help run this place through intimidation.

Well, 25% is awefully high considering the output that a mine like this could potentially have over years and years of production. Even just the first month by itself could easily yield 50k of revenue, likely about half of that profit after expenses. But then you have to consider....

Tomey rambled on about the economics of the mine, which was an obvious ploy to through you off the trail of your number - to make it seem completely unreasonable.

Stil though, Shadowslayer knew that 25% would be a massive amount of money for the nobleman to give up for this miniature investment. But the tables were still in the Shadow's favor for reasons other than cash...

[Erasmas]

He returned the close whisper, "True. But that still puts me out the five thousand that he owes me. Truth be told, I'm not interested in running this place... just a nice steady stream of income. And if I can get the Azure Mask bought into it, with a tidy profit that comes along with Ara'il - it would go a long way to swaying the decision of leadership in her favor. But, if she says no... then we forge the note and we keep it ourselves."

Kainan then turned his attention back to Tomey and let him ramble for just a moment longer, before interrupting him at a lull, "You stand to make an enormous mountain of coin in this venture, many times over the sum which you are asking us to track down for you. However, fifty thousand gold pieces is not a debt easily forgotten. And every return you are promising is hinged on an 'if' or a 'maybe'. That's an awfully weak platform from which to be asking for that kind of coin... especially in light of how much you already owe. And those that you owe debt to already will likely be repaid first; especially since they are threatening your health and the loss of fingers. If twenty-five percent is too much, then perhaps twenty is more agreeable?"

The thief fully intended to drive a hard bargain with this man, and so far... he wasn't even hearing any counter offers.

[NeverSleep]

Hmmm... I should take that into consideration I suppose. I think you're right that I've got to many bills and not enough income at the moment. And I do like all of my fingers.

Let me think.

How about this - if you can bring 100k gold in hand, I'll allow your bank a silent partner role for 15%. They can inspect the books anytime, and have a representative around at any time.

But what does this matter? If you're not able to give the answer now, perhaps you should send for someone? How do I even know that you or they have access to this kind of money? Am I wasting my own time here?

Either way, for now let's go and see if this key works.

[Erasmas]

"I don't know that they would be interested in backing the prospect at all... that's why I'd have to take the offer to my superior. I truly think that they'd be better enticed to loan the coin if the offer was more in-line with fifty thousand with a promise of fifteen percent or a hundred thousand and the promise of twenty percent of the profits. Regardless of the terms set by my superior, which I am simply tentatively negotiating, I would assume, since they would be a partner in your endeavor, that them being able to check the books periodically would be an obvious necessity. As for representatives... I am sure that any provided would be for the protection of our combined assets and nothing more.", Kainan said with a smile.

He rose with Tomey, and indicated that he was ready to head into the mines and see if the key that he brought would open this nefarious door. The thief, since he had received no payment whatsoever for the key's delivery, insisted on carrying it himself. When the man could not see the action, he tucked it away back into his Thief's Pocket. Moving to the exit of the tent, he held back the flap for both Vega and Tomey.

"As for sending for someone, that could be a good idea. Do you have a runner that can be trusted to deliver a candid message?"

[NeverSleep]

I think we could deliver the message ourselves tomorrow right Shadowslayer? We do after all need to take care of that fitting.

She said your name with a bite that was obviously meant to remind Tomey of what kind of people he was dealing with.

With the key concealed the three left the tent and made their way towards the opening of the mine. Along the way the smell of grease and alerum hung in the air. Personi left obvious fragments everywhere - the magic itself could be felt and seen easily here.

The ground had been cleared of excess trees, and the camp was tidy. Obviously a side-effect of having a workforce hired with no work to give them.

You passed by two gigantic pedastals which had the beginning of a statue on them. Two "armored" feet. The boots had obvious plating, but you couldn't tell who was going to be represented here by footware choices alone.

Once you had reached the entrance to the subsurface, which was inbetween the two feet(the scale of the statue would be huge based on the location of the bases), the three men from earlier made their presense known.

Aye, which among ye is the best bowman?

Two guards looked at the third, who had a longbow and quiver in addition to the standard issue sword and wooden shield rations it seemed. "I suppose I am m'lady".

None of this m'lady crap - you can call me...

She hesitated for a moment longer than she should of, Kainan could tell...

Vega the BlackRose

She looked over he shoulder at you with an uncharacteristically wide smile, which faded back into a hard face as she turned back and started barking orders.

You two are gonna be up front, keep your eyes open - and make sure you draw early. You're no use with your still in your hilt. And you with the bow, you'll be taking the rear guard, make sure this fool doesn't try to escape on us. He owes both you and I a lot of money at the moment.

Let's move out!

After literally exploring one underground area, you could see a magnificent door. It was much unlike the room before, which had 10' high ceilings that were held up with planks of wood throughout. This was a finely crafted masterwork. The details seemed to match your key as far as overall aesthetic.

The ceiling opened up here, and there was suddently a 25 foot tall, 15 foot wide door that was decorated with a statue holding a scale. On one side it appeared, a hammer. The scale was near the top of the door, and below that was a figure - presumably religious of some sort who held the scale and looked quizzicaly at the empty side of the scale.

[Erasmas]

Kainan's agreed with Vega's assessment of waiting to bring Ara'il the news themselves, "Yes, dearest."

The thief's stomach growled as they grew closer to where the boar was being roasted. He took a small detour to grab himself some of the meat, with a thanks to the one who had done the cooking and the carving. He likewise got Vega a piece and handed it to her. As they walked on, he tore chunks of it away with his teeth and chewed slowly... enjoying the succulent flavors abating his appetite.

Once they had reached the statue's feet, he finished off the piece he had and licked his fingers clean. Now in the relative safety of the cave's interior, he pulled out the key and handed it back to Tomey. When it looked as though they were ready to enter and might be expecting trouble, Kainan drew both his bow as well and pulled three arrows. Two went in his bow-holding hand, parallel to the weapon and ready to be loaded in the briefest of flashes. The third went in his draw hand and got nocked against the string, though not drawn just yet.

[NeverSleep]

Vega ate of the boar, which was delicious. Again, such a good job was done a person could tell this wasn't a miner who was doing double duty as a cook. They had perfected this recipe - A maple-like glaze sweetening every bite. Vega let out a small moan during the first bite, and Tomey bragged with is mouth half open - So good huh?

Once the statue came into view, and Tomey held the key in his hands and seemed to look around not knowing what to do with it.

So... must go in here somewhere...

He fumbled around for a few minutes with the key. First trying to open it. Then holding it up to certain places on the door.

He looked back at the group and smiled nervously - it was obvious that he had no idea how this thing was supposed to work.

[Erasmas]

Kainan sighed audibly, before lowering his weapon and stepping forward.

"Why don't I take a look at it?", the thief said extending his open hand. Once he god the key back from Tomey, he set about trying to find how it might effect the door. He would start by trying to see if he could get it to somehow fit onto the empty side of the scale, depicted in the relief of the massive door.

[NeverSleep]

I think you've got the right idea there.

Shadowslayer had climbed up the statue in order to place the egg-shaped key into the scale.

I know this figure. It's Morgaia the creator of death. She had a choice to create this earth, and along with it bring death - but if she were to have not created, there would be no life. An old god for sure, mostly for children's stories. Have you heard of her before?

Shadowslayer's concentration was hardly necessary, as this was an easy ascent for him. Once when his balance leaned a bit to far towards falling, he felt a reassuring force-push from Vega which easily put him back on track.

Within only a minute or so, Vega had found his way up to the scale with key in hand. He paused before placing it on the scale.

[Erasmas]

"No... doesn't ring any bells with me. I wasn't exactly told a lot of stories as a child; at least not ordinary ones.", Kainan said, shaking his head as he checked out the face of the figure on the door. He then fit the key into the scale and readied himself to jump down if need be.

"Here goes nothing."

[NeverSleep]

Kainan, with steady hand, placed the egg-like key into the scale while maintaining a readied posture.

Once it was there, Kainan didn't observe that anything had changed, but Vega called out:

Did you feel that? Something in here has changed. The personi in this room is different.

"Yes, I felt it too" offered one of the guards. "There is more space here."

Check that door again.

The guard did as Vega had instructed, and as he put his hand on the door it went straight through as if it were thin air.

[Erasmas]

"I... I'm not sure...", Kainan answered tentatively. He quickly climbed back down the door frame, dropping the last several feet onto the ground. Readying his bow once again, the thief watched in amazement as the guard passed his hand through the illusionary portal.

"Careful...", he warned, "I've seen men lose more for doing things less careless..."

Kainan then stalked forward and begin looking about for any obvious sign of a trap.


Talent [roll0] + Perception [roll1] = [22]

[NeverSleep]

Shadowslayer began checking the portal to if anything seemed to be amiss. He put his hand through tentatively, but realized that there was indeed a simplie illusionary representation of the door here now. Doing a very thurough job he had confidence that there would be no problems moving through the doorway.

Kainan, with some help from Vega's description could tell that the faint feeling he felt when he put the egg down was a pretty massive magical shift.

I felt it. That's why you couldn't just dig around this huh? Everything going this direction had a magical barrier. It's gone now.

"Aye, so we moving on then?" With that the guard stepped through the door fully, you could hear his voice from the other side.

[Erasmas]

"I suppose so.", Kainan said flatly. The thief then readied his weapon and slowly walked through the illusory door.

[NeverSleep]

Once the party had stpped through everyone could see that looking back through the door yieded no illusion about the room you had just left.

On the uneven ground here you could both feel and see dense alearum. It was kind of like a fog, but more palpable. As you stepped through it you could feel some pressure against your movement, and the alearum would make way for you. It was up to your hips here.

Wow, nobody use anything magic here. We don't know how stable or powerful this alearum is. You've all heard the story about the first guy who discovered alearum right? Let's not be that guy.

Testing the water a little bit, the guards had spread out, and were peering down some corridors that seemed to be endless. They were rough hewn in some places, and another one looked as though it had been carved by a body of water. It woulnd't be terribly strange for alaerum to carve it's own paths over much time, but a river underground here was kind of unusual.

"Well, have we seen enough for tonight then? No way we can explore this whole place tonight, and I don't think we'll want to do it with such a small number."

Right, and even if we did want to go further, this unstable gaseous form of alearum is dangerous to work around. We should get crews in here asap.

Well sir... have you seen enough?

She looked back at Shadowslayer with kind of a "let's get out of here, but play it cool" sort of expression on her face. It was subtle, but you could see some anxiousness about this place.

Yes, you can see that there is plenty to harvest here. The gas in this room alone tells you that the value of this location is immense. Certainly enough for you to fund the expidition for a short amount of time. Satisfied?

[Erasmas]

Kainan nodded, "Yes. Yes I am."

And with that, the thief turned about and waded back through the misty alearum, passing through the magical door once again. On the other side, he looked up at the key.

"We shouldn't leave this open.", he muttered before climbing back up and retrieving the key once the last person had emerged from the door. He deftly tucked the egg-shaped device back into his Thief's Pocket and hopped back down to the ground.

[NeverSleep]

You heard 'em. Move out, we'll need to explore further at a later date.

Upon removing the egg:

Huh... I would have guessed that would put the lock back in place. I didn't feel a change when you took it out. Huh.

So there you have it, Chrimea's Shadow is go for extraction! I'll send for the worker's this very evening!

Once the guards seemed satisfied, the group dispersed but Tomey requested you two join him in the planning tent. You three were finally alone.

Well now, now that all that has been addressed, might I ask whom I have the pleasure of being in company with? And whom do I owe my first born daughter to?

He was obviously trying to lighten the mood a bit. Vega held a straight face, seemingly waiting for your lead.

[Erasmas]

Kainan took a seat and exhaled, chewing on another piece of that boar he had snagged on their way back here to the tent. It was simply to delicious to pass up without partaking.

"Like I said, Tomey, people call me the Shadowslayer... and that will have to suffice. My associate and I are both members of the Azure Mask; that's who may or may not be backing your little operation. But, that is business still not yet transpired. The business that has transpired is that which involves the key, the deed to my new house, and the sum of what is now to be ten thousand gold pieces. You have gotten what you sought in this arrangement thus far. And I have no doubt that, should you agree to the percentage of revenue that we discussed earlier, that my organization will have no issue with supplying you the capital it is that you need. So, I know that I will be seeing the promised coin in the very near future, my dear friend Tomey. But I'll be taking that deed with me when I leave here tonight."

[NeverSleep]

Ah yes. Certainly. Although I do hate giving up a property in the city. This key is definetly a life-saver in more ways than one! I wonder why they would have removed it in the first place and why it was found all the way across the relm. No matter really - what matters now is that we can start harvesting, and it is all because of you. And I appreciate that. So what I'm saying is, thank you. And uh...

He continued to mumble a bit as he located a document from amongst his things. Then a signet ring was taken from a locked drawer. Then an offical looking stamp from another shelf which also held scribe's tools, including an extravagent quill whith several pheasant feathers making up it's body.

I've never given something away so freely... I guess I'm just happy to have my life and fingers. The 10,000g I'll have sent there once we've recieved deposits on our contracts which I've already lined up. Likely I'll be able to send the first have to your new home by the end of this week, and the later half in another week. That should work for you right?

He then stamped a document and handed it over for you so sign.

How will you sign this officail document... "Shadowslayer"?

:-D

[Erasmas]

"'Freely'... right.", Kainan agreed sarcastically. He signed the document, making sure that his signature was in cursive and illegible, as it usually was. He nodded when asked about the arrangement of payment, telling Tomey, "Yes, yes. That's fine. And I am sure that our organization will be sending word to you tomorrow or soon after about out involvement."

"So, are we done here?", the thief asked, tucked the deed away after giving it a brief once-over. He the produced the key and held it out for Tomey to take.

[NeverSleep]

Yes I suppose we are. Thanks again for the help. Please send someone from the Mask out to discuss the matter of funding as soon as you can.

With that the Vega "Blackrose" and Kainan "Shadowslayer" left the mine, headed back towards the First Five District.

Well, that was unexpected. Could have warned me!

Vega playfully punched your shoulder as you got out the taxi coin, and drew three circles around the exterior. It began to subtly vibrate.

Once the cab had arrived you directed it towards the First Five disctict.

Anything else you'd like to do here? What is the plan for the rest of the evening? Should be around midnight or so once you arrive in the area, and you have orientation tomorrow early so...?

[Erasmas]

Kainan rubbed his shoulder, playing as though it had hurt more than it really had. He smiled at her and explained, "I honestly had no idea that any of that came attached to that little key. I should've known better than it being as simple as showing up and getting what I was promised for its delivery."

Once they were on their way back to the city proper, the thief asked, "So, I don't know what you have planned, but we have an early start in the morning. I'm gonna go and check out this house when we first get back. And then, we should get a nice bottle of wine to celebrate what should be a most lucrative deal for Ara'il."

[NeverSleep]

I think that's a great idea.

The taxi dropps you two off near the address of Shadowslayer's new abode.

On the trip you had a chance to look through more of the accompanying items that Tomey had given you. A handwritten note about where to go to get the deed/title paperwork made official. Where registration was to pay taxes on the property, and who and where to find your Earl - JaronK Feeblehammer, but it's more likely that you'd ever be dealing with your Duke - Boykin Moran. Moran's office address was actually fairly close to yours. Same street name in fact - Hewnstown Alley.

Once the taxi silently landed in a nearby square the driver directed you, "two blocks down that'a'way you'll find Hewnstone. Should be just a coupl'a blocks north ah' there. That'll be 7 silver."

[Erasmas]

Kainan handed the pilot a gold piece and waited for his three silver, tipping the driver back one silver coin. He then turned and began making his way towards Hewnstone, turning northward once they got there. It was too late to call upon the Duke at this hour, so that would have to wait until tomorrow. Paying the taxes too would have to wait until later... hopefully Kainan could stave it off until Tomey sent his first payment.

Checking the address once again, he looked about for which house was now to be his new place of residence.

[NeverSleep]

"I thank you for your kindness, sir."

That last bit seemed strange to you as you left the craft. When you mentioned your home on Hewnstone Alley, now that you think about it, the driver's demeanor had changed some.

As you made your way towards the street you could see that you were entering a nicer part of Aleris. People had yards here, and gates. Some places might even be properly called manors. Single buildings which belonged to only one family(presumably) towered 4 or 5 stories above the oil-lamped and well lit streets.

There was no one "make" of house here. This one seemed to fit a dwarves' taste, and that one was certainly more elvish in design - trees dominating the landscaping and more than one room appeared supported by natural tree growth. There were a few that were closer together that had brightly clashing colors. Those ones seemed a bit out of place, but for the most part this was a rich neighborhood.

Finally finding the address after "two blocks" - a misnomer certainly, you had been walking for some time on this winding road before coming to the address: 179 N. Hewnstone Alley.

A stout stone fence lined the front yard here, which was modest compared to some around you. Three and a half feet tall, topped by another two feet of iron decorative spikes. They seemed in decent repair for your experience, but compared to the impeccable keeping of the buildings around you the occasionally warped metal was an eyesore.

The lawn was a form of natural landscaping which luckily didn't seem to overgrown due to the fact that seemed to be intentionally low-maintenance creepy shrubbery. Some of it was about shoulder height, but some of the trees were willows which stood at around 15-20 feet and cast a wide shadow under their tangled boughs.

You could see from the street that it was about three stories high, and share no nearby neighbors. There was a turret with a red(formerly bright red?) top that stood out on the southern side of the building.

Perhaps azure might make a better color now you thought to yourself.

Nice diggs. Shall we go inside?

[Erasmas]

Kainan took in the surroundings, making mental notes about things that would have to be addressed at a later time. When Vega spoke up, he shook these things from his mind for the moment.

"Hmm? Oh, yes. Sorry. Let's take a look.", he said. And with that, Kainan looked for the front gate and pushed it open. Once inside the yard, he made his way up to the home's door.

[NeverSleep]

While fetching the key out of his pocket, Shadowslayer heard a call from the street, then heavy bootfalls coming up the area between the fence and door. Though it was only around 60 feet or so, they had made very quick time. No weapons were yet drawn.

Vega turned quickly, and feigned surprise and shock: Oh dear!

"Halt, go no further! What business do you have here?"

The hail was from a guardsmen, whom had apparently gathered several others before stopping you. There was now a contigent of 8 guards who had moved just beyond the gate and were beginning to take up positions in a semi-circle surrounding you two. Each held a torch in their off hands, their other hands near hilts.

[Erasmas]

"A little excessive, don't you think, officer?", Kainan said as he slowly drew the deed from his inner pocket and presented it, "Especially since you are addressing the new owner of this property. It can't be made official until in the morning, you understand."

He handed the paper to the guardsman whom had spoken, while being certain to keep his hands far from his weapons.

[NeverSleep]

He stepped forward, and sheathed his three-pronged torch, then opened the document glancing around to the others as he did so. After a few moments his face changed into something a bit more satisfied. He made a small gesture with his hand towards the stiffened guards, and they relaxed from their alerted postures.

"You understand I'm sure. This place hasn't seen a regular occupent since I've been here, and it's been a decade or more. It is our duty to keep this location free of any trouble, so I apologize for the rude introduction.

So you umm... inherited this property then? Mr. ... ?"

He obviously asking for your name, likely the cause of your chicken scratch on the document. It strikes you that the places around here are likely known by the family names that own them.

Tomey had mentioned at one point that his family name was "Simplestone".

[Erasmas]

"Sadly, I was denied a surname at birth. I have become a man of means by my own hand and back, applied to hard work, such as yourselves, I'm sure. You might say that I have been adopted, in a manner of speaking, by the Simplestone family. This estate was given to me as a token of their gratitude.", Kainan said before holding out his hand for the returning of his deed. He smiled at the guards before continuing, "And of course I understand. I am grateful for you gentlemen keeping a watchful eye on the grounds. Will that be all then this evening?"

[NeverSleep]

"OK then, we'll leave you to it then, and I'll personally follow up on the paperwork later this week.

Just one last thing, if you've not a family name, will you be taking one? Or, what shall this estate be named? Shall we continue to call it Simplestone Manor?"

Once the guard had an answer, he excused himself and the retinue. You could see a few lingering three-pronged torches just beyond the wall as they dispersed.

Always some excitement with you huh!?

Upon entering the door, the air that hit your nostrils was a bit on the foul side. Obviously hasn't been cleaned in a while - but likely no rotting carcuses anywhere. There were a few covered pieces of furniture here; likely a couch, a grand table with several chairs, a chest of drawers perhaps?

You'd have time to sort this out later, but one unique feature here was that beyond the entrance the floors were made of common stone, rather than wood or nicely hewn stone as a dwarf would prefer. The stone was kind of mashed together in a way to create an even-ish floor out of many different sized stones - some of which were cut in half, but not particularily well.

There was also a large coat-of-arms hanging crooked and uncovered in the entrance. It was matted with dust and debris.

From the entrance you could see that there was a path right, left, and center. To the right was a decently sized room that likely served as a kitchen, based on the fact that there was a storage door leading downward there.

The left door led to a fairly empty room with another thing on the wall here. Different from the coat of arms in the entrance, but still just as covered with rubble. This room also opened to the right, the same room that the center door from the foyer lead to.

Through there you could easily see what would commonly be reffered to as a Grand Hall.

[Erasmas]

Kainan looked at Vega for a long moment before replying to the guard, "You may call it 'Blackrose Manor'... at least for the time being. Good evening."

The thief allowed the men time to leave before continuing on towards the front doors of the estate, answering his counterpart with only a smile. As they opened the place up and took a look around, Kainan's smile had certainly faded.

"Well... it will take no small amount of work to get it into proper shape. Hopefully Tomey makes good on his promise, because fixing this place up is going to cost quite a bit of coin. Not to mention having to hire a staff to man it."

[NeverSleep]

As they began to explore, a small cat boldly showed its face for a few moments. The cat conitnued to follow the new tenants as they meandered through.

Kainan and Vega wondered through the newly dubbed "Blackrose Manor", and as they did, they encountered several unique rooms and features.

The main floor was filled with larger sized rooms, seems this building was used for hosting large parties by the looks of it. A grand table was still in the largest of the rooms. The table has been split in one area - Vega noted that the table could hold alerum, though she couldn't tell what recharging the table might result in.

Several different coats of arms and insignias throughout. Armor with several different makes and origens remained largely in dissrepair. You can see a few locations where others might have once stood, but have been removed.

The second story had 4 grand bedrooms, and a servant's quarters. The servant's rooms were quaint, but generous in size. Simplestone beds remained in all of the servants quarters, and long-forgotten bedding remained in a few places.

One of the grand bedrooms(the grandest) has been recently furnished. An oversized wooden bed with a canopy. Fresh sheets, a new wooden armoir for clothing(which was empty, except for a few socks). There were several various pieces of high quality wooden furniture here, including a couch, a few chairs, and an 8' table.

A desk with quil also contained a few pieces of uninteresting correspondance. You did note that the recipient was Tomey though.

[Erasmas]

Kainan made more mental notes as they passed through the various rooms. He thought about having Tomey send him some alerum at some point in the future... to see what was special about this table. When they found the master bedroom, the thief finally smiled.

"Now this is a bit more like it. This is definitely my room.", he said. Kainan moved over and rifled through the papers on the desk, making sure that there wasn't anything of interest to be found. He then called over to Vega, "Have you found a room for yourself yet?"

[NeverSleep]

What me? A lady of a manor!? Can't say I haven't wanted it - but it's all so soon... Sir Shadowslayer.

She said that with an extra dose of sarcasm, as she fed the cat a nible of some jerky she had on her.

But really, who is going to be the public figure at this house? I can't imagine this place in a ritzy area getting rehabilitated and nobody asking about who lives there now.

I also don't see you as much for the public light - apparently this property comes with some kind of title, even if it is minor.

Before you had taken the main stairs up to the third floor, the cat had meowed in a strange way - not in hunger or interest as before, but in a way that seemed almost hostile. There was a main stair and a service stairway for every floor. The service stairway was often either out of the way, or hidden.

The walk around gave a nice view of the area surrounding. There were certainly taller homes here, but they were all so spread out that the view was great from anywhere. You could also see the many different types of house that were in this area.

You two had been wondering while talking, and Kainan's senses perked up now. The third floor contained a walk-around path protected by simplestone. There was a door which lead into the tower/turret that was above. There was a subtle pressure plate in front of the door, which had an oversized lock on it, which was fully intact.